A literary history of Persia

LEGEND OF HAFTAN-BdKHT 149When the Worm's warders thus heard the tale he toldForthwith the fortress-gates wide they flung open.Then, when his loads were laid safe in the fortress,Thus did the King prepare his task to finish.Swiftly before them spread he the wares he brought,Graciously gave to each what he most craved.Then for the warders spread he a rich repast,And like a servitor stood there to serve them,Cast loose the locks and clasps of chest and coffer,Brought forth a beaker brimming with date-wine.But from the brimming bowl those who were chargedWith the Worm's feeding turned their faces.Since milk and rice for its meal must they carryFeared they that wine might their footsteps unsteady.Then to his feet leaped Ardashir lightly,Crying, 'With me I bear much milk and fine rice.Let me, I pray you, for days and nights three,Gladden my spirit with the Worm's service.Thus in the world fair fame shall I win me,And from the Worm's luck borrow new blessing.Blithely three days and nights quaff ye the wine-cup,And on the fourth day, when the world-kindlerRises, a booth right royal I'll build me,Which shall o'ertop the towers of the Palace.I am a chapman, eager for custom,And by the W T orm much fame shall I win me.'He by these cunning words his aim accomplished:'Feed thou the Worm,' they cried, ' so an it please thee.'Thus did the ass-herd win by his wiles his aim,While unto wine and song wended the warders.When these had drunk deep wine overcame them ;Thus to wine-worship turned they from watching.And when their souls were deep steeped in the wine-cupForth fared the Prince with his hosts of the hamlet,Brought with him copper and brazen cauldron,Kindled a flaming fire in the white daylight.So to the Worm at its meal-time was measuredIn place of milk and rice much molten metal.Unto its trench he brought that liquid copper ;Soft from the trench its head the Worm upraised.Then they beheld its tongue, like brazen cymbal,Thrust forth to take its food as was its custom.