The knight in the panther's skin, 1979
292. There is no horse on earth that can vie with its marvellous swiftness. Before one blink of an eye, if I wish I can escape the unpleasant. As to those Turks, they approached with evil design against me. But they were brought to their senses by the blow I inflicted upon them.
293. Now you have come as a comrade, therefore I welcome you gladly. Bright as the sun is your face and your body a beautiful cypress. . True, you have borne afflictions. Were subject to troubles and sorrows, Yet You can find no mortal who, like me, is abandoned by Heaven).
294. “You. who are worthy of only the praises of sageR, said Avtandil, “Praise me so highly I marvel. What ani' eto deserve your praises' 'You are the light of the world. The sun both of earth and of heaven. Even the,tears Y'lU have shed coufd not darken tlie glow of ,eur lustre.
295. “This day has made me forget the irriage other who enslaved,me. Thou!(h she possessed my heart, for you I rettounce her service. True, a jacinth is beffer, still I desire enamel. My only desire is to help you. To be bound to your heart in friendship”.
296. Tariel answered: “The fever consuming your heart has warmed me. What have I done, o lion. To deserve such endearing "devotion' There is a saying that hearts of ail lovers are kin to each other. How can I recompense the anguish of parting from her you adore?
297. “You have come out in your loved one's service to seek and find me. God has helped you to' find me and you have endeavoured bravely How shall I tell you, alas, why I roam the forests thus maddened? If I relate it hot fires will reduce me to smoke and to asheR.
298. “Tears cannot quench”, said the maiden, the flames of your love, o lion. Listen to me, take caunsel, though my,wordsmay incite your resentment., This youth is willing to hazard his love and his life in your service. Tell him all that you suffer; his counsel may bring you some comfort.
299. Oh, how he begged me., she said, eto teUhim the whole' of your story. ' But has 'fhe tongue of ' mortal exprE!Ssion: suffident to tell it, Pray that the Lordglvtryou strength, to a:nburden the load of your soul. God is our hope and redeemer, the Olver of goml and of mercyl”
300. Tariel sat thoughtful anil silent”yet burning flames consumed him. My sister", said he to Asmat, cyoU,lire witness to all I have suffered. Well, too well do you krloW that the wound I endure is cureless. Still I pity this youth. His tears have redoubled my sorrows.
301. A man who is pledged to another infdendship and love", said Tariel. Must for his sake be ready to' die and withstand every peril. How could the Lord save the one if He cause not the other to perish1 Listen and I shall relate. Happen what may in the telling).
302. Tariel said to Asmah cSting wafer and'sit by my side. Sprinkle my brow if Ifaint and bathe my breast to restore me. But if you see me dead then weep over my corpse and lament me. Dig me a grave and bury me. Here let the grave be my cradle".
303. Then he unbuttoned himSelf, and laid bare his breast and his shoulders. Like the bright sun that Is hidden in clouds he sat shrouded in darkness. Sat with his lips tightly clenched overcome by conflicting emotions. At length he drew in his breath and a flood of tears was unfettered.
304. Loudly he sobbed: cO beloved, lost to me now and forever! You are my soul and my heart, the hope and breath of my being! Who cut you down, I know not, o cypress pJanted in Eden? You must, o heart, be consumed, o heart a hundred times kindled.
TARIEL TELLS HIS TALE TO AVTANDIL
305. Come, give heed to the telling of things surpassing all wonder, Of deeds that have fettered my tongue that I scarce can give them expressIon. Though I am maddened by love and completely prostrated by anguish, Yet do I weep in vain and am doomed to agonized sorrow.
306. “You know, as every man knows. Of the seven great kings of India. Parsadan. King of six kingdoms. Was a powerful. Generous monarch. Known for his wisdom and might, a sun-faced. Lion-formed hero. Ruler of kings and of armies, himself an invincible warrior.
307. “Lord of the seventh great realm was my father, the powerful Saridan. There was no foe to be found who had courage to face or attack him. For he had overcome aU who had ever invaded the country. Therefore, careless of fate, he spent all his time in diversion.
308. But he was prey when alone to conflicting and gloomy reflections. He thought: 'By conquest I have enlarged and strengthened the armies. Now I am seated in power in the midst of pomp and enjoyment. Hence I will go and pay homage to Parsadan, King of the Indians'.
309. “Thereat he sent to Parsadan an envoy bearing a message. He wrote: 'O King over kings, great ruler and lord of all India, Let me exhibit before you the strength of my heart and my prowess. May my devotion to yoo - deserve your favour, great sovereign,'
310. “Parsadan hearing these tidings, ordered a great jubilation. He sent a message to Saridan: '1 am grateful to God for His goodness. You, who are also a king submit yourself to my service. Come, I shall pay you due honour, like a dear parent or brother'.
