1. The glow-worm to the firefly said,
“Hearken my tale of fame and dread:

2. I’m useful, helpful, known of old;
The profit in me’s manifold.

3. I’ve lived my life out; well content
That life in doing good was spent.

4. I come to shed my kindly light
Upon your brilliance glowing bright.

5. Say, is there room mid radiance rare
For me, and brotherhood to share?”

6. The firefly answered: “Get you gone,
Vain thing, to boast like this unknown!

7. Tell me, who are you? How dare creep
Near me, in powdered light a-heap!”

8. The firefly only knew its worth.
More beauteous comrade lit the earth,

9. Crying: “Oh Allah, fair my gown
Of grace.” Her voice made bright stars frown

10. She bent her to the worm and said:
“Come now, what doubts are in your head?

11. You’ve seen what I can do, you’ve heard
My praises sung.” The worm averred:

12. “If you are bright, the praise is mine;
The fame’s my fame, O light divine!

13. Where are the stars? Nay, where is moon?
My glittering surpasses noon!”