The knight in the panther's skin, 1979
519. 'Have you forgotten your sighs and your. Tears that watered the meadows, The doctors who came from afar to restore your health and your reason' Can there be evil more vile than your feigned and deceiving avowals' Since you have played me false, I, too, will renounce you for ever.
520. 'Listenl Whosoever shall rule and be king of the kingdom of India, Whether by treacherous means or by fair he usurps the title, Know that I also rule, for I am absolute sovereign. You are deceived if you think you wIll ever succeed in your scheming.
521. “'While I am queen, by God, you shalHive in India no longer. Dare to remain and I warn you, I shaH tear your soul from your body I Though you may search the world over. you will never find one who is like mel' These were her words. groaned Tariel. “Alas, my love, he lamented.
522. Hearing the caUSe of her anger. Hope restored me to senses, Gave power to my eyes to see her and gaze on the glow of her radiance. Avtandil, friend, do you marvel that I roam like a beast and am maddened it Woe to this fleeting world that seeks but to drain my life-blood I
523. When I looked up I behold the Koran lying beside her. Taking it up I rose, praised God and then said to the maiden: 'O sun, you have burnt me to ashes. My sun is set and extinguished. Since I still live let me venture to give you. o sun, an answer.
524. “'If I have broken my oath or falsified that which I promised, May God hurl upon me His curses, may all the sun's rays turn against me I I have done no ill. Judge me, if you think me worthy to be judged". She said as she nodded to me: 'Say what you have to say'.
525. “Again I ventured to say; 'O sun, if I have played you false. May Ood show his anger by hurling a thunderbolt down upon mel Who but you have, for me. a face like a sun, a cypress form' How can I stay alive if your lances pierce my heart'
526. I was summoned to court by the king to attend a council of viziers. The king and the queen had agreed upon Khvarazmsha as your husband. Any attempt to oppose them would have been a foolish endeavour. . So I resolved to give my consent while I strengthened my spirit
527. Could I have dared to forbid it, since the sovereign himself desired it His Majesty forgets that the realm has a master and heir to protect it. Who else save I has the right to be king and ruler of India' Whoever that prince Is I care not though he hastens here to wed you.
528. I thought to myself: I shall find some means to hinder this matter. I tried to compose my feelings and waves of fear assailed me. But I was more like a beast ready to rush to the fore ts. Know you are mine, o sunl Why should you marry another?"
529. “Bargaining my soul for my heart I made of the tower a market. The snow that had frozen the rose now dissolved into rain and grew milder. The lustre of pearIs gleamed softly as the coral was gently unfolded. 'If what you now tell me is true then why should I blame you', she said.
530. “'Now I doubt you no longer and believe you devoted and faithful. True to your pledge and promise, a believer in God and His power. Pray to the Lord to grant you myself and the lordship of India. We are the heirs to the throne. Only you and I shall be sovereigns'.
531. “She was composed now and gentler, no longer angered and violent. Either the sun was on earth or the full-faced moon of the heavens. Seated beside me she smiled and, as she conversed, caressed me. Thus she allayed and quelled the torturing fires that consumed me.
532. The wise never hasten', she said, 'but are prudent In word and In action. You will contrive what is best by trusting in God and His wisdom. The king will be angry with you if you hinder that prince from coming; If you quarrel with him the realm will be ravaged and wasted.
533. 'But, woe is me, If he comes, then the king will force me to wed him. We shall be sundered for ever and our happiness turned to sorrow. Theirs will be revel and gladness while ours eternal lamenting. Yet no one shall say that a Persian rules In the court of the Indians'"
534. “'Heaven forbid that you marry that youthl' I fiercely responded, 'Let them but enter the realm and I shall be there to confront them. They will feel the might of my arm and the power of my prowess. I shall wreak havoc amongst them, slay and destroy them comp letely"
535. “'A woman', said Nestan, whould always act as befits a woman, Why should I be the cause of bloodshed and slaughter, o lion? Stealthily slay but the brIdegroom, touch not his armies, I beg you. A tree that Is withered grows green when justice and truth are enacted.
536. “'Do as I tell you, my lion, indisputable hero of heroes, Take not your soldiers with you. Go alone and secretly kill him. Why should you slaughter his armies like so many cattle or asses' Shedding innocent blood is to man an unbearable burdenl
537. “'When you have killed him then go to my father, your lord, and tell him: 'King, I could never let India be food and drink for the Persians, Nor will I yield up my heritage as heir and king of the country. If you oppose me, beware lest I turn the place to a desert
538. Say not a word of our love or of your wish to marry me., Then will the worth of your deed seem more righteous aad greater. Then will my father entreat you in an abject and suppliant manner: I shall be given to you and we shall be rulers of India',
