The knight in the panther's skin, 1979
577. Then I was as a madman, seized with fever and tremblirlg; 'Wherefore die?' I exclaimed. 'Idle repining is useless! Better to go forth and seek her'. I turned my face upon Asmat: 'Now is the moment', I told her. 'should you desire to join me',
578. “Accoutred and dad for the journey, I sallied forth on my charger. A hundred-and-slxty warriors. tried in my service and proven, Followed in battle array, till we came to the shores of the ocean; There I embarked on a vessel about to set forth on its voyage.
579. cruised over the waste of the waters, watching for sails in the distance, . Hailing each vessel that passed us, questioning closely its sailors, But none had tidings of Nestan, none could help me to find her. I cried to God in the Heavens: 'Have You wholly forsaken me"
580. “A year dragged heavily by, twelve months which were like twenty. Never, not even In dreams, did I come upon one who had seen her. All those who had come and attended me were dead and had perished. I thought: 'I cannot defy the Lord. I wilI do His will".
581. Weary of tossing on seas, I resolved to come ashore. My heart had become like a beast's; I listened to no man's counsel. All those who were fated to share my misfortunes had been taken from me. But God does not forsake a man forsaken by Fortune.
582. Only this maiden and two black slaves remained with me. They were my oniy attendants, my only consolers and comfort. I learned no tidings of Nestan, not even a dram's weight. Weeping to me seemed as joy. Tears flowed in streams from myeyesll.
STORY OF NURADIN PRIDON WHEN TARIEL MET HIM
583. We landed by night. When we came ashore we saw gardens before us. And at a distance there rose steep rocks and a city below it. Branded by fires, the thought of the sight of people annoyed me, Yet we were weary and sought for a place to rest until daybreak
584. While the two slaves were eating I lay down and dropped into slumber. When I awoke it was day but my sorrow dimmed the sunlight. Hope and all joy seemed dead, every endeavour unavailing - Tears overflowed my eyes and moistened the fields and the meadows.
585. Suddenly I heard a loud shout. I lookt'd round and beheld a horseman. Though he waS bleeding from wounds he rode proudly along the seashore, Holding an upraised sword which was broken and streaming with blood. He threatened, cursed and complained; clearly some foe had enraged him.
586. He rode a raven-black courser, the same which I now possess, Sweeping along like a whirlwind incensed and wrathful at someone. Wishing to know who he was, I at once sent a slave to ask him. I bade him stop the horseman and ask him the cause of his anger.
587. But when the slave approached him he paid no heed but rode onward. So I remounted my stallion and, urging it on, overtook him. I cried to the horseman: 'Stopl Tell me what has befallen you!. Turning his head he perceived me; I pleased him, no doubt, for he halted.
588. He looked me over and said:'Only God could create such beauty! He said to me: 'If you wish I will tell you all that has happened. The foe whom I thought to be goats have proved to be treacherous lions. They fell like cowards upon me before I could put on my armour'.
589. Let us dismount and converse at the foot of these trees. 'I told him. "A knight who is truly a knight withdraws not even when wounded". Then as a father an affectionate son I led him with me. So irresistibly fair and so manly was he that I marvelled.
590. One of my slaves was a leech, so he carefully drew out the arrow, Bound up the wound and soothed it. And aUayed the pain with some ointment. Only then I asked the stranger: 'Who are you, by whom were you wounded? After bewailing himself he began to narrate his story
591. He said: 'Who you are I know not. To none on earth can I liken you. Why have you sickened and languished, like the waning moon of the heavens? Why has the glow of your rose and your jet grown pallid and saUow? Why has the Lord extinguished the light that He kindled within you?
592. l am Nuradin Pridon and live not far from this region In the city of Mulghazanzar where I dwell and am absolute ruler. Here, where we stand, are the bounds of the realm wherein I am master. My kingdom is small, it Is true, but my people are happy and prosperous.
593. “'My grandsire divided the kingdom between my father and uncle. He said my share was an island of which he made me the owner. But it was seized by that uncle whose sons have faUen upon me As I refused to give up the place which was given to me.
594. Early this morning I went and hunted along the seashore; But Wishing to hunt on the island I took but a few of my beaters. 'Wait for me here while I hunt', I commanded my army of soldiers, And left them behind me taking along but five of my falconers
595. Wewent by boat up a creek that flowed to the sea from the Island. Having no fear I landed, sure that my kin would not harm me. Why should I fear I thought. Am I not the lord of the island? So as no one appeared I gaily halloed and shouted.
