The knight in the panther's skin, 1979

463. “BOWing before him I said: 'Since God forgives the sinner, Be, o great King, as merciful to him who is humbled before you'. Parsadim said to Ramazi 'Go! I send you forgiven. Never forget I forgave you and pardoned your plottings against me'.

464. “He levied tribute and ransoms of ten thousand pieces of gold. Thousands of Khatavians as hostage, and also brocades and rich satin. But he bestowed on the king and his nobles magnificent garments, Sent them away with a pardon and with blessing instead of with anger.

465. “Ramaz, the arrogant king, prostrated himself in submission, He said: 'Benevolent monarch; I repent of my treachery to you. If I sin against you again bring down God's wrath upon me'. Then he departed taking with him his army and courtiers.

466. Early one morning a courtier came from the king with a message. 'Since I have seen you, .three months have expired', he wrote in his letter, 'I, who delight in the chase have not eaten of game killed by arrow. Come, for by now you have surely recovered your 'strength and have rested'.

467. I set out at once for the palace aUired in hunting apparel, Went in the hall of audience which was full of falcons and harriers. Parsadan clad for the hunt was himself like a glorious sun. He was delighted to see me recovered in health and in beauty.

468. He turned to his consort, the queen who was sitting beside him and whispered: Battle has tempered his beauty, made him mJre lovely to look at. He lightens the hearts of all who behold the rays of his brightness. Now what I tell you to do, fulfil it at once, I pray you.

469. “Now I shall tell you, my queen, of a plan I have thought of without you. We have one child, a daughter who will be the queen of the country, Let her appear before us that the cypress from Eden may see her. When we return from the chase let her also come forth to meet us',

470. “Many wild beasts were slaughtered that day as we merrily hunted Over vast plains and mountains now swarmed with our hounds and falcons. After the chase we stopped not to sport and play in the square, But at a furious pace rode hastily back to the palace.

471. “Crowds now flocked in to see me, streets poured in their thousands. Murmurs arose as I passed attired in becoming garments. I was, they said, as fair as a rose beneath the dewdrops. I swear it is true, not false, that all who beheld me fainted.

472. I wore the strangely-wrought mantle I had brought from the battle with Ramaz Gazing upon me they marvelled and hearts were ravished and maddened. When we arrived at the gate we dismounted and entered the palace. The sun-like flash of her face dazzled my eyes and I trembled.

473. “The form of that sun was arrayed in magnificent, gold-coloured raiment. Her slaves and ladies of honour stood behind her at respectful distance. The radiance pouring from her filled house and street and quarter. Between two gardens of roses shone two rows of pearls.

474. “Seeing my arm in a sling the queen rose and hastened to meet me. She embraced me as one would a son, pressing me close to her bosom. Making much of my wound she smiled and said as she kissed me: "Henceforth no foe will dare to attack or to face you in battle!'

475. “Holding me fast by the hand the queen made me sit down beside her. Facing me sat the sun for whom I was secretly dying. Unable to utter a word we stealthily gazed at each other . Life was made hateful to me when I thought of living without her.

476. “Tnere was gay feasting and drinking on a scale befitting their power. Eyes had never beheld such a sumptuous and luxurious banquet. The gem-studded plates were of gold and the bowls of turquoise and ruby. The king gave command that all who were drunk be tended and cared for.

477. “Since I was there I gave myself up to the transports of pleasure. We could nol take our eyes from each other though fires consumed us. I could scarce keep my maddened heart quiet, so elated was I and impassioned. It is pleasant indeed to be near and gaze on the face of a loved onel

478. “At last the feasting ended. The minstrels and singers were silent. Parsadan said: 'Son Tariel, no words can describe our delightI Joy such as ours is bliss; hence the enemy's anguish. No one can weary of gazing at you or duly commend you.

479. “Though it is fitting we clothe you in garments of glory, o lion, Can there be robes as splendid and rich as those that adorn you' Man has never beheld raiment more splendid or wondrous, Nor is there person more faultlessly fair or more richly apparelled.'

480. Parsadan gave me the keys to a hundred coffers of treasures, And for the honour he did me I knelt in homage before him. Thereat the king and the queen blessed and fondly embraced me. I cannot describe the presents showered upon the soldiers.

481. “Parsadan sat down again and the feasting and drinking continued. The plucking of harp and of lyre, the sounds of singing resounded. : . The queen retired when the sun descended and met the twilight. Mirth and good cheer increased as bowl upon bowl was emptied

482. “The revelry came to an end and each man retired to his home. Strengthless I sank on my bed like one who is dazed and bewildered. I strove in vain to extinguish the fires that were raging within me. But on recalling her smile I rejoiced once again and was happy