The countryman did what he asked. The king was soon amazed
to see gold trees and leaves and fruit whichever way he gazed.
“All very well,” the king exclaimed, “but there are further rules.
He must line the palace walls and grounds with many precious jewels.”
The snake advised the countryman to gather all the shards
of broken pots and pitchers where they lay in people’s yards.
“Then take them to the palace. Place them on each wall you see.”
The walls began to glitter. Said the king, “How can this be?
I must have further evidence that he’s a worthy heir.
If he turns the palace into gold I’ll call the marriage fair.”
The serpent told his father, “I can make the palace shine.
Go gather greens and oil the whole foundation with their wine.”
The palace turned to gold. The king said, “Well, then, I accede.”
He called his daughter to him. “Dear Grannonia, I’ve agreed
to have you married to a snake whose prowess is so great
he accomplished tasks impossible to do. So, that’s your fate.”
“Don’t worry, father. If you wish it then I know it’s right.”
The serpent was invited to be wed that very night.
He drove up in a carriage drawn by four great pachyderms.
The courtiers were so frightened that they hid themselves like worms.
