The knight in the panther's skin, 1979
444. “Panic was sown in the ranks of the foe by the sight of my armies. Stricken with terror they turned and fled from .the army advancJng. Ramaz the King was unhorsed with a single thrust of my sabre, Nor was resistance made and all were routed and captured.
445. Those who thought to escape were pursued and brought back by their captors. Thus were the schemes of King Ramaz brought to nothing and shattered. All our exhaustion and grief was forgotten in victory. While the enemy's wounded and dying lay groaning in pain and dejection.
446. My troops dismounted. Straightway. Loosed their chargers. And rested. The wound I received was sore. But I did not think of my suffering. My armies filed. Past my tent. Proclaiming my feats to the echo. Seeking in vain for words to express their profound admiration.
447. The praises they showered upon me were more than the share of a mortal. The nearest rushed up to embrace me. The farthest shouted their blessings. The veteran nobles who trained me exulted in laughter and weeping. All combined to acclaim the heroic feats of my prowess.
448. The praises they showered upon me were more than the share of a mortal. The nearest rushed up to embrace me. The farthest shouted their blessings. The veteran nobles who trained me exulted in laughter and weeping. All combined to acclaim the heroic feats of my prowess.
449. Then I said to King Ramaz:'I know of your base intentions. You are cunning. Perfidious. Be warned now, hear my injunctions; Think not to strengthen the marches, or fortify cities and strongholds; You are no longer the master. See you provoke not my anger"
450. Ramaz replied: 'I acknowledge your right and submit to your power. You are now lord of this land. With all its treasures and bounty. Let me, I pray you. Dispatch a noble to visit my cities. Bidding the guards to surrender the keys of castles and strongholds'.
451. “So. With my leave. A noble attended by knights and retainers. Sallied forth to the strongholds. And brought before me their rulers, Delivering up the keys in token of deep submission. Never had mortal eye beheld such abundance of treasuresl
452. Then we went forth to travel and Inspect the land of the Khatavians. Publicly they gave me the keys of the treasury houses and castles. I calmed the fear-strlcken people who were beating their breasts in terror. I will not destroy or kill you. The sun shall not burn you to ashesl'
453. We sawall the treasure-houses, examined the riches within them: No words can suffice to describe the abundant wealth of the kingdom. But even more did we marvel at a magnificent robe and mantle; If you had but seen it. I know. You would not know what to call it.
454. I could not learn what fabric it was. Nor of what it was made. Whoever saw it marvelled and said it was a miracle; It was neither made of tissue like that of brocade. Nor of carpet; Though soft it was strong as iron. As if it was tempered in fire.
455. I put it aside as a present for her who enlightened the world. All who beheld it marvelled and said it was surely a miracle. Then I sent heralds to Parsadan bearing the news of our triumph, And a thousand mules and strong-footed camels loaded with riches.
LETTER OF TARIEL TO THE KING OF THE INDIANS WHEN HE TRIUMPHED OVER THE KHATAVIANS
456. “'O monarch', I wrote to the king, 'undisputed ruler of India! Ramaz, the king of the Khatavians has plotted treason against us, And in revenge we have smitten him down and have made him surrender. We come richly laden with booty and with Ramaz the King as our captive'.
457. “We put all in order and then set out on our journey to India. We carried away precious stuffs, rich raiment, magnificent jewels. There were not camels enough to load the wealth we had captured, So bullocks were loaded with burdens, so great was the treasure we carried
458. “After a leisurely journey we reached the marches of India. Great was the joy of the king; sweet the fatherly welcome. Can I repeat what he said or the praises he showered upon me? Gently he unbandaged my arm and bound it with balm and soft bandage.
459. “Many fair tents were pitched up in the public squares of the city, To satisfy those whose desire was to speak with or gaze upon me. That day he rested with me as we sat at a sumptuous banquet. And sitting beside me Parsadan gazed and fondly caressed me.
460. “We pleasantly spent that night in carefree feasting and drinking. At dawn of the morrow we rose and entered the gates of the city. 'Assemble the soldiers before me!' Parsadan gave the order. .. 'Lead in the prisoners of war and Ramaz the arrogant ruler'.
461. “Ramaz, the royal captive, was instantly brought before him. Parsadan gazed on the captive as one would a son he had cradled. Though Ramaz was false and unworthy. yet I commended and praised him. Not only sheer valour but nobility of mind should distinguish a hero.
462. Parsadan ordered a feast to be served for the king and his nobles. He conversed and treated him kindly in a manner befitting a sovere ign. After the feast on the following day I was summoned to Parsadan. 'Shall I forgive King Ramaz,f the sovereign smilingly asked me.
