1. A drinking feast rolls ankles,
Lightning flashes in his room,

2. His first denied the path to last drinks,
Not knowing how to lead them on.

3. So he closed up and brought joy
To them that milked his slaughtered cow,

4. Till from sapped veins he sniffed the air
And disembowelled his strength and health.

5. At last when huge debts swallowed all,
Claims on claims came raining in,

6. His tales began to sell themselves
Above the going interest rates,

7. And laughing meadows round him glowed
Until their longed-for light broke through,

8. His breaths like freighted musk were freed
To wander where they would.

9. The owl sings merrily as though
He strings the pearls of melody.