His happiness the world flooded with light, His name was called the Harbinger of Spring. Well was the Spring acquainted with this shah, Who was direct descendant of his line. And as King Spring these tidings spread abroad, The Harbinger of Spring the message took, And went to meet the Spring on his approach, Giving him honor high in every way. The monarch who ’mid gentle breezes moved, Gave many honors to the prince of Spring, And as he came, unto the throne drew near, He took him by his side upon the throne. And for one day was feast and welcome held In honor and in glad festivity. And lo! among the guests the question rose What is the true condition of affairs? Then spake the monarch, asking of the Spring, Why he had fled away from Gulistan. “How art thou come,” he said, “and whither bound? What has directed your affection here, To leave the garden’s blest tranquillity, And o’er the routes of travel toil thy way?” So monarch Spring narrated to him all That had befallen the town of rose garden, And how that king who man had August named With violence had overrun the land, How he had wasted it with furious flame, And all the bowers of roses turned to ash; How Autumn had the spot to ruin brought, And how black Winter devastated it. And all that happened in the rose garden He told in detail to the mighty shah. And when the king the dismal tidings learnt, His soul within him was to fury turned, And soon as monarch Spring had related all The Harbinger of Summer cried aloud: “Lord of the world, let naught confuse thy soul, Away with sorrow from thy anxious breast; No longer shall thy patient mind be tried, For there is hope again for Gulistan. And if the Lord of heaven good fortune give, Thou shalt again unto thy realm return, And throned in power once more in rose garden Shall trample every foeman in the dust.” And when the monarch Spring this comfort heard He seconded the promise with a wish, And said: “O king, thou art a constant friend, And never may misfortune cross thy path. Mayst thou live long in honor and renown, And thy felicity be girt with power, Soon as I heard that lofty word of thine Into my soul tranquillity returned. Though the campaign has devastated all, It has not taken from me all my hopes.” The Harbinger of Spring, when this he heard, In silence placed his hand upon his brow, And hurriedly his preparations made For a campaign toward the garden bower. So that the shah elected to this place Might in the bower of roses pitch his tent. XLVIII THE HARBINGER OF SPRING GAINS POSSESSION OF THE CITY OF ROSE GARDEN, VANQUISHES KING WINTER, AND MAKES THE MONARCH OF THE SPRING TRIUMPHANT