The knight in the panther's skin, 1979
59. Avtandil, matchless of form, Sograt, wisest of viziers, Filling their goblets with wine, drew near to the sovereign, smiling. They bowed in obeisance before him, than cast thamsalves on their knees. Than spoke the aged Sograt, in gentle and eloquent phrases.
60. “Gone are your smiles. O, King. Are you troubled or offended? it because the princess, your majesty's radiant doughter, Has scattered your wealth too freely, and recklessly squandered your treasures? Why, then, make her a queen and trouble to trouble?"
61. Amazed at the boldness of Sograt, Rostevan pondered in silence. Slowly he lifted his eyelids, smiling replied to his vizier: "Shall I upbride her for pouring her bounty like dewdrops from heaven? He who believes me a niggard knows not the heart in my bosom.
62. “I care not for riches and treasures; this is no cause for my sadness. But age draws near, O Sograt, and youth has departed for ever, And no man in my realm has learned the arts I excel in, Knightly arts in the lists, skill with words and crossbow.
63. “Truly I have a daughter, tenderly nurtured and gracious; Yet I am sad in my heart, that I have no son to succeed me, None to exel me in contest, none to rival my prowess; Avtandil, taught by my precepts, nearest approaches my greatness".
64. The youth, with his head bent low, listened to Rostevan's words. Smiled as he listened to Rostevan boast of his prowess and cunning; His teeth flashed white, like sunbeams illumining a plain. ' 'what have I said", cried the monarch,”to bring that smile to your face?”
65. “What have I said”, he repeated, “to merit your smiles and derision?” But Avtandil humbly implored the king to pardon his boldness. "hear me, and though what I say may offend the ears of my sovereign, Yet withhold your judgment, O King, turn not from me in anger”
66. Than the king said:” Fear nothing!Nothing you will say offend me” And swored to be true to his word on the life of his sunlike daughter. 'Than I will speak my mind”, the youth replied to his sovereign; 'You boast of your skill, your highness. Now prove your words with deeds.
67. “I am as dust that you tread on, yet the arrow files far from my bowstrings; Take up my challenge, O King, let others compare our prowess! You said in the hearing of all that no archer exels you. Let than your people give praise to him who shoots straightest and farthest!”
68. King Rostevan answered:” I accept the challenge you fling before me. Your words are bold, my Avtandil. Let as than draw our bowstrings. Let all my nobbles be summoned to witness our prowess in contest! Here in the fild shall be provenwhich is more worthy of praise”.
69. Thus did rostevan speak. They all bowef in reverance before him. Then they merrily laughed and sported like boistereous children. Wagers were laid and a forfeit was gaily imposed on the loser: In the sight of all he must go three days with his head uncovered.
KING ROSTEVAN AND AVTANDIL GO HUNTING
70. Than he said to his huntsmen:” Go, score the plain the forest, Beat in beasts to be shot at, than summoned my soldiers and people To witness the contest between us, and see which surprasses the other”. Thus was ended that day of feasting and high jubilation.
71. Avtandil rode forth at daybreak, mounted on a white stallion. In his huntsman's apparel, he was a fair as a lili in bloom. Fhis face shown like crystal and ruby, outshining his golden veil. Modest of mien, as ever, he summonhed the king to the contest.
72. Fully equipped for the chase Rostevan made his appearance. Warriors came swarming in myriads, eager to witness the contest. Townsfolk surrounded the field with noisy clatter and bustle. They drew their bows for thir wager and shot and strove together.
73. Rostevan gave the command that twelve chosen archers approach him. "Eollow as closely”he said,”and supplu as with arrows when needed. See where the arrow sticks and whose arrow 's course was the truer”. Soon in large numbers the beasts began to come in from all quarters.
74. Droves in astonishing number flocked onto the plain before them. Herds of wild asses and goats, stags, and the high -leaping chamois. The king and his vassal pursued them. Surely no sight could be fairer! Behold the untiring arm, the lightning flight of arrow.
75. The face of the sun was veiled by the dust from the hooves of their horses. Each time a sheft went home, more beasts were brought up for the slaughter. Till the field was soaked in their blood, as they fell ,transfixed by arrows, And not one wounded beast could struggle again to its feet.
76. Spurring their steeds, the rivals drove the victims before them. The plain run red with gore, till God in his heaven was angred At the sight, of his creature's blood. But Avtandil's name was uttered By all who looked at the contest:”A cypress planted in Eden"
77. Pursued and pursuers raced on till they come to the bank of a stream. The beasts took refuge in thickets:neither horse nor hunter could follow. The rivals sank to the ground to rest awhile frome their labours, And laughing, each sought to prove that he had emerged victorious.
