302 THE KING'S MIRROR 



arrayed like a bridegroom and glad like a mighty giant 

 rejoicing in the race.* But mortal idols envied me, found 

 me guilty, and condemned me to die. In wrath I de- 

 scended to the lowest valleys and overturned the strong- 

 holds of the mighty ones in mine anger. With violence 

 I shattered the metal gates of the strong castles and 

 broke the firm iron pillars and the thick bars of iron. 

 J" [l took gold and gems and jewels, the plunder of warfare J 



and then journeyed gladly to the higher abodes with 

 *^s priceless booty .[I traveled through farms and villages 

 /**< and parishes offering the poor a share in my wealthjl 

 offered the husbandman fruitful corn and partnership 

 with me. I comfort the sorrowing; I give rest to the 

 weary, drink to the thirsty, and food to the hungry. 

 Happy is he who drinks from my cup, for my beverage 

 has an unfailing sweetness. I journey through castles 

 and cities and marts; I run over houses, markets, and 

 streets; I call with a clear and friendly voice, offering 

 food, entertainment, and harmless amusement. Happy 

 is he who goes to my table, for my meat has a more 

 pleasing savour than the sweetest perfume; my drink is 

 sweeter than honey and clearer than any wine; tune- 

 ful music is heard at my table in sweet and beautiful 

 melody; there are songs and poems such as rarely are 

 heard, merriment and gladness, and pure joy unmixed 

 % with grief. Happy is he who shall live in my house, for 

 in my house are seven great pillars which join together 

 the entire vault under a good roof; they stand upon a 

 floor placed on immovable foundations and they fortify 

 all the walls with great strength. In each of these pillars 



* An echo of Psdms, xix, 5. 



