The knight in the panther's skin, 1979
752. The wretched old vizier left. He dared not utter a word; Slunk away from the hall crestfallen, cowed by the wrath of his master. Proud had been his arrival but his tongue had degraded and shamed him. Man does more harm to himself than the cruellest of foes to his foe.
753. “Worse affliction than mine the Lord could not heap upon mel Why was my mind filled with darkness! Why was I blind!” thought Sograt. Whoever has boldness to go and announce such news to his sovereign Evil like mine will befall him. He too. Must endure dishonourl”
754. Mortified. sunk in deep gloom, with remorse eating his soul. Sograt at once went to Avtandil and said: “What thanks can I give you! Behold to what state the great vizier, the wisest of viziers has fallen! I am to blame, not you for the evil fallen upon mel”
755. Sograt in jest said to Avtandil: “Give me the money you promised. How can he jest, I marvel when weeping and groaning in spirit! “Why quarrel with viziers”, he joked. “by breaking the promise you gave him' For it is said that even in hell a bribe settles matters.
756. If only you could have heard his abuses and vile imprecations. Cutting and taunting In tone, insulting, maddening, degrading. Am I a man after this. thus deprived of all manly virtues? I marvel I am still alive. The Lord must have given him patience.
757. I knew well what would happen. Think not that you have misled me. I knew that the king would be wroth, yet I yielded to you and your pleading. None can avoid the doom decreed by the Heavenly powers. Still, for your sake even death is a joy and my afflictions-as nothing”
758. Yet I must go, said the youth overwhelmed by painful emotions. “The nightingale weakens and dies when the rose droops low and withers. He, if need be, must search lor her sake a dewdrop of water, But it his search is in vain how can his heart be consoled
759. “No rest do I know, and my life is a cumbersome burden without him. Rather to live like a beast in the forests than live here without him. How can I serve the king or the realm thus distracted and maddened? Better no man by your side than one who is bereft of reason.
760. “However enraged he may be I shall go at once and tell him. He 'Viii perhaps judge better when he sees the fires that consume me. Though he may bid me remain, yet I will go, my Sograt. But if I die let the world and all I possess go to ruin'.
761. Then the discourse was followed by a grand and magnificent banquet. Sograt as host gave his guest a reception befitting an emperor. Rich were the gifts and countless he bestowed on all who were present. After a day of revelry. Sograt and Avtandil parted.
762. Avtandil took from his treasury the bag of gold he had promised. Silks and brocades of gold and many magnificent presents, More than sixty rare rubies of inexpressible size and of beauty, And with the following message he sent alI these riches to Sograt.
763. Sograt, o vizier of viziers, Avtandil wrote in his message, cHow can I ever bestow upon you that which befit$ you? What return can I think of, with what can I ever repay you' I shal1 repay love for love if I live through the ordeals before me!”
764. He is a hero of heroes and is worthy of homage and honours. 'How can I tell of his valour, praise his invincible prowess. How for the sake of a friend he put all he had in adventure. When a man is deep in trouble. he needs a friend and brother -
AVTANDIL'S DISCOURSE WITH SHERMADIN
765. Shermadin hastened to Avtandil, the sun-faced dispenser of brightness. “This day betokens joy and balm to my hearb, said Avtandil. “Now you will demonstrate the strength of your love and your fealty”. All who behold will acclaim the unparalleled deeds of these heroes.
766. Avtandil said: “The king did not grant me leave to depart. If he but knew what afflicts me and the pledge of friendship that binds me. Without him in truth I live not, neither abroad nor at home. Was there an unrighteous deed that God has ever forgiven'!
767. “Though I resolved, my Shermadin, never to leave or forsake him God is profaned and insulted by lies of traitors and liars- Absence from him makes my heart bleed as it weeps and deplores him. Shunning all joys it cries”Woe is me! and trembles in anguish.
768. “There are three ways to prove to a friend the strength of one's friendship: First, the desire to be near him and suffer when forced from his presence. Second, to stand by his side and ungrudgingly serve and attend him, The third to be ready to sacrifice all, even one's life in his service.
769. Why do I lengthen my discourse? My time is short. Yet I Iingeri I am eager to leave and assuage the flames that consume me. Shermadin. Hear me with patience for I sorely need your assistance. Hear and give heed to every word and do all as I tell you.
770. “First. be ready to serve and devote your life to the sovereigns. Be unexampled in valour; shun nought for the weal of the kingdom. Show your valour in battle and in all state affairs your integrity. Take care of my household as well. uphold its pride and its honour.
