ABSTRACT
To begin with, a war with the Kurds, at first unsuccessful, was won in the end by a night attack. The king then turned his attention to the south-eastern city of Kujaran, where a chieftain, Haftwad, enjoyed much power and unfailing good fortune. The source of his prosperity was a little worm found in an apple by his daughter. She kept the worm as a pet, and just like our own Lambton Worm, it …
… grow’d and grow’d an awfu’ size
with a great big gob and great big teeth and great big goggly eyes.
but, unlike its Lambton cousin, it was a vegetarian and consistently brought good fortune to Haftwad and his family of seven sons. At length he felt himself powerful enough to get rid of the governor and to take over the city, which he successfully accomplished, and built a stronghold nearby as a residence for the Worm, naming it Kerman (Persian, kerm = a worm). Ardashir marched on Kerman, but was defeated by Haftwad. Meanwhile, during his absence, his palace was sacked by a certain Mihrak. However his chiefs bade him not to despair, and two mysterious youths joined the party, giving him valuable advice on how to deal with the Worm, which they said must be destroyed before he could gain any advantage. But first he overcame Mihrak, and beheaded him with his own hand.