The knight in the panther's skin, 1979
614. While we were hunting one day we climbed a cape by the seaside. When on the summit I saw that it jutted out in the sea. 'Once we were having good sport just on this cape,' said Pridon, "And from this spot we beheld a strange and wonderful vision.'
615. begged him to tell me about it and Pridon related this story: 'One day I desired to go hunting so made ready and mounted my courser. It seemed like a duck in the sea or a falcon freed from its jesses, Till I arrived to this hill where I sported and made good hunting.
616. I was watching the flight of a falcon when I suddenly perceived at a distanee A tiny black spot on the waters swiftly approaching the seashore. Though it came near I could scarcely make out what it was, my Tarlel. It was indeed a marvelous sight. So swift was its movement.
617. 'Is it a bird or a beast? What else can it be?' I wondered. As it drew nearer I saw a barge which was heavily curtained. In it was sitting a maiden, a beautiful moon in her glory, So splendid was she that her home should have been the seventh heaven.
618. “'Two ebony slaves crept out and put that maiden ashore. I saw her luxuriant tresses. To what can I liken their colour' To what can I liken the brigh tness that flashed from that maiden like lightning'“ It illumined the heavens so brightly that the sun seemed a shadow beside it.
619. “'Such overwhelming delight filled my soul that the pain made me stagger. My heart bowed in rapture and awe before such ravishing beauty. I thought to myself: 'I shall hasten and go forward at once and engage them, What creature on earth can fly the impetuous speed of my charger'
620. 'Quickly I spurred on my horse and descended the hill like a whirlwind. But when I reached the seashore the maiden was there no longerl' Far out on the sea I beheld the last ray of a sun that was setting. Then it grew suddenly dark and my heart took fire and consumed me.'
621. Hearing this was to light up the flames that consumed me to blazes'? And in my frenzy I fell and abandoned myself to wailing. I anointed myself with blood that flowed from my face as I tore Wee l that the eyes of a stranger and not mine should have seen that cypress!
622. Pridon was awed and astonished at my strange behaviour and frenzy. Yet he was deeply moved and by pleadln,gs strove to appease me. Like an affectionate brother he soothed my unbearable anguish. Pearls were the tears he shed and they mingled with mine as we wept.
623. 'What have I said in my raving to have maddened you thus?'asked Pridon. 'Grieve not for thatl' I said, 'though your words have lashed up my anguish. She you have seen on the shore was the moon for whom I am burning. Since you desire my friendship, then I shall tell you my story.'
624. Then I related to Pridon all that had happened to me. 'Forgive me a madman,' he said,'in speaking to you thus freely. Why have you come before me, o mighty kiDg of the Indians' You should be sitting now on a throne of gold in a palace.
625. “'God, who has given to you the beautiful form of a cypress, Will surely withdraw from your heart the fire-tipped lance that has pierced it. God will grant us His mercy. thunder it down from Heaven. He will turn your grief into joy; no more will we grieve and suffer.'
626. “Then we returned to the palace; we sat down and lamented together. I said to him: 'Except for you I have no one on earth to confide in. Never, o peerless knight, has mortal set eyes on your rival. Since I behold you. My brother, what more can I want or hope for?'
627. You had no friend to confide in until the tilne when you met me. Therefore I beg you to use your tongue and mind to assist me. I need your counsel, my friend. Tell me how can I help her' Alas, if I can do nothing, I sha1I not survive a moment.
628. “'What better fate,' he said, 'could I have from God than this' You, the sovereign of India. Have come to me as a friend. Can I, possessing such joy. Want greater joy than this' I stand before you a slave. Willing to serve and obey you.
629. 'Ships from all parts of the world come here to trade.' said Pridon; 'This city of mine Is also an emporium of foreign tidings. Here perhaps we will find the balm to assuage your fire. God grant the woes you endure pass away from you forever.
630. 'Let us then send out at once. Courageous and well-seasoned sailors To seek and find that. Moon for whose sake we are burdened with sorrow. Till they return be patient, let not your grief overwhelm you. Grief cannot last for ever. Joy shall surely replace, it.
631. “Men were dispatched on horses, on mules. On foot and In vessels. 'Leave no stone unturned. Go seek and find her.' he ordered. Waiting afforded me comfort. My pains seemed to quell and grow lighter. I am ashamed of the joy I felt that day without her.
632. “Men were dispatched on horses, on mules. On foot and In vessels. 'Leave no stone unturned. Go seek and find her.' he ordered. Waiting afforded me comfort. My pains seemed to quell and grow lighter. I am ashamed of the joy I felt that day without her.
633. “Pridon set up a throne and made me sit on it as sovereign. "Forgive me, o king, for being so bold with your highness,' he begged me, 'How can we please or surprise you, yo\! the great king of the Indians' Who is the man in this world who would not be your worshipping subject?"
