The knight in the panther's skin, 1979
539. “'The counsel she gave me was pleasing and willing was I to fulfil it. I swear to strike down the foe with the might of my arm', I boasted. But when I rose to depart she begged me to sit down beside her, But J remained not for fear I would ardently kiss and embrace her.
540. “Therefore I quickly departed, unable to curb my emotions. Asmat walked slowly before me While I inwardly groaned and lamented. The anguish of heart now increased and I sank in utter dejection. Thus distressed and weighed down by sorrow I returned once more to my palace,
KHVARAZMSHA'S SON COMES TO WED NESTAN-DAREJAN AND IS SLAIN BY TARIEL
541. Soon a messenger came. 'The bridegroom is comingl' he told us. O miserable, iII-fated man! He knew not what would befall him The sovereign was pleased at the tidings, grateful to God for this blessing. Inclining his head and smiling, he made me sit down beside him.
542. "For me and my kingdom'. He said, 'this is a day of rejoicing. Make preparation at once for a sumptuous wedding'. Be or deted. ' Let us have treasures brought here from all the parts of the country To enrichen our guests with presents, for avarice befits not man
543. Straightway I sent men abroad carryilg gifts beyond number. The prince who had Come from afar was already approaching the city. As he entered its gates our armies went. Forward to meet him. So great were both our armies that even the fields could not hold them.
544. Set up the tents on the roads and on all public squares,' said Parsadan So that the bridegroom may rest after the fatigue of the journey. The armies can go without you to meet and pay him homage. But you remain here with me. We will meet him together, my Tariel'.
545. I raised on the public squares magnificent tents of red satin. The bridegroom arrived, dismounted, and' entered a tent with his DobIes. Only for me was that day a day oigrief and of sadness! The Khvarazmian warriors assembled and stood in their ranks and squadrons.
546. l was exhausted as one who bad done a most onerous duty. Wishing to be alone I turned my chatger homeward. But on the way I encountered A&mat's slavfI witb a Jetter. She, the cypress-formed maiden, is waitfng for you", wrote Asmat
547. “Quickly I made for the palace. Asmat was waiting to meet me Seeing the tears in her eyes I asked her: 'Why are you weeping” Can I restrain my tears when my lot is always to defend you, Endlessly pleading your cause, justifying you', she answered.
548. “We went in together. She sat on the couch with a frown on her face The brightest of suns could not shed more radiant light than she did. 'The day of battle has come', she said, 'Why were you leaving Were you forswearing your vow and playing me false once again?'
549. “Though I was angered and hurt I said not a word but left her, Only called back: 'You shall soon have the proof of my love and my prowess. Have I become such a coward that a woman must urge me to battle” Saying this I rode home where I plahned the death of the bridegroom.
550. d summoned a hundred warriors. 'Prepare for battle!' I ordered. We mounted our horses and stealthily rode past the gates of the city. When we arrived at the tent of the prince I alighted and entered. I cut the tangled edge of the tent, then tore it to pieces
551. “And with the might of my arm I struck his head on the tent-pole. Without shedding blood I killed him, though, alas, blood should have flowed. At once a great cry went up, the sound of clamorous wailing. Flinging myself on my courser I hurried away to my castle.
552. An alarm was then spread against me and a thundering cry to seize me. I was pursued by his'soldiers whom I kiIled when they tried to approach me. I rode at a furious pace till at last I arrived at my fortress, A strongly-built, fortified castle, a safeguard against all assailants.
553. “Courtiers were sent all over the country to summon my armies, 'Let all who are faithful to me come at once to assist me!' I ordered. Countless beyond any reckoning appeared my armies of warriors, Coming In endless myriads eager to render me service.
554. It was daybreak when I awoke. I rose and dressed myself quickly. Three of King Parsadan's lords were waiting for me with a message, God knows I have fostered and loved you as one would a son, wrote Parsajan. 'Why have you, turned all my joy to heavy affictlon and sorrow?
555. “You have shed Innocent blood. Thus bringing dishonour upon usl Why did you hide in your heart your desire to marry my daughter' You have embittered my life and invoked God's curses upon me. And for the, deed you have done you are, lost to your sovereign for ever"
556. I sent a message In answer: 'O King, I am stronger than iron. This only hinders me, King, from being destroyed by fire. But, as youkriow, it befits a king to be just and forbearing. I swear by your sun and your life I am far from desiring your daughter,
557. “'You, o great King of kings, are lord and ruler of India, Undisputed monarch of many a throne and many a kingdom. The beirs to these kingdoms are dead; and to you remains their heritage. I am the only helr left, and by right the only successor.
