The knight in the panther's skin, 1979

827. You whom the sages. O sun. whom philosophers addressed as God, Help me for I am a captive fastened by fetters of iron. The seeker of cristal and ruby. I have lost a jet and enamel Before, her nearness consumed me, now her absence torments me-.

828. Thus he lamented and wept; like a burning candle on fire he melted, Lest he be late he impatiently spurred his steed to the utmost. When it grew dark he found joy in the stars that illumined the heavens, For he compared them to her and conversed with them as he journeyed.

829. Seeing the moon he said: dn the name of your God, I adjure you! You instil the madness of love in the hearts of all who are lovers, You have the balm of patience to make them bear and endure it; Hear me, unite me with her who is likened to you, I pray you

830. Day was so painful to him that he eagerly waited for sunset. Thus passed the hours till at length he came to a fast-flowing stream, Where he dismounted and wept uniting his tears with the waters. Then once again he mounted his steed and hastily rode onward

831. At one time the aloe-formed youth rode through a desolate country. Here he killed a wild goat and roasted it over a fire. After eating he mounted and set out again on his journey. "See how wretched I am", he said, "without the roses".

832. I lack words to describe all thdt Avtandil suffered, How he discoursed with the stars pleading with eloquent language, How he tore his cheeks and beard, how the hoar on the rose grew crimson. Till at length he beheld with delight the gloomy cavern before him.

833. Asmat perceiving the youth ran out of the cavern to meet him. The joy that pervaded her being rendered her pale and breathless. AvtandW quickly alighted, embraced and lovingly kissed her. Glad is the eye to behold the arrival of him who was absent

834. “Where and how is your lord? Avtandil asked of the maiden. “When you left us”she said, “he wandered alone in the forest. Woehl cried the maiden and wept. Her tears flowed downwards in torrents. “Now I know nothing about him, either by sight or by tidings”.

835. Avtandil felt a sharp pain pierce his heart like a dagger. He said to her: "O sister, this befits not a man of honour". How could he break the vow he has given? Have I deceived him? Why did he lie if unable to be true to the promise he gave me

836. “For him I have left behind me, my king, my realm and my loved one. How could he cast me away and forget me as soon as I left! Why has he trampled so soon on the vow we plighted together' Yet fate has condemned me to suffer so why should I marvel at evil?

837. Ali that you say is true. In good reason you sorrow., she answered, But when you hear the truth you will not misjudge or blame him. Can he whose heart Is astray fulfil a vow or a promise? Deprived of his heart and his sun, he awaits but the coming of death.

838. Is not the heart needed. My lord, to fulfil a vow that is given' When the heart departs. The mind and the soul also pursue it. A man deprived of his heart is also deprived of his reason. You have not seen nor know what fires and anguish consume him!

839. You are verily vexed and offended at Tarlel's departure. No words can express, my Avtandil, the utter despair he suffered. Tongue will dry up and wither and the heart be tom by his anguish. All what I say is the truth for my ill-fated eyes are witness

840. No mortal has heard of the sorrow such as that knight is enduring. Not only hearts but rocks would crumble beneath such tortures. The tears that flow from his eyes are sufficient to fill up the Tigris. All that you say is true; one is wise in another man's battle.

841. It irked him to be in the cavern so when he went I asked him: What shall I say to that youth when he comes and finds you departed" Let him, he said, come and seek me. I shall not leave the forest. Tell him that though I am maddened the promise I gave him is binding.

842. l will be true to my vow, to the sacred profession of friendship.' Though I am prey to despair yet I am eager to see him. If I be dead when he comes tell him to bury and mourn roe. Let him not think, my Asmat, I shall break my vow or deceive him.'

843. “Since he went, alas, are sun and mountain-top sundered. Left in the darkness I weep and my tears have watered the valleys. I am tortured by the groans that are rending my body to pieces. I am fated to suffer. For even death is denied me.

844. Wise was the sage who inscribed on a stone the following saying: 'He is his own foe who seeks not a friend when afflicted.' He who was likened to roses and violets has now become saffron. So if your wish is to find him then go, my friend, and seek him”

845. Your words are wise:t, said Avtandil, “why should I murmur against him' But you must remember what I, also a lover am doing: I fled from my home like a stag seeking the fountain of life. I think only of him as I wander from field to field

846. I have left her for his sake, her whom I love to distraction. The crystal, pearl shells that guard the ruby-hued pearl and adorn it. I have incurred by my fHght the wrath of the queen and the sovereign, Troubled their hearts and occasioned them grief in return for their favours