The knight in the panther's skin, 1979

1002. Though he was anxious to leave, he yet remained some days. Hunted with Pridon and sported, slaying what came within bowshot. Many a beast perished, pierced by shafts from his quiver, No other archer could rival Avtandil's skill as a marksman.

1003. When he could stay no longer, Avtandil said to Pridon: “Parting from you will be grievous, yet I must leave you, my brother. Another fire consumes me, an urgent task is before me. Long is the road I must travel, short the time for achievement.

1004. “Who shall rebuke'me for weeping on leaving my friend of friends? But the moment has come; today I must start on my journey. One who has vows to fulfil and a quest to achieve may not tarry. I only ask to be led to the shore where you saw that maidell”.

1005. "I will say or do nothing", said Pridon, "to hinder you going Avtandil. I know the lance that has pierced you. I will not delay your departure. May God in Heaven direct you, may your enemies all be confounded I But "Who will teach me to bear the anguish of long separation?

1006. “Why should you travel alone without anyone to attend you' Let four of my bravest warriors accompany you on your journey. I will provide you with all you will need on your arduous journey, For the road you must travel, my friend, is long and beset with dangers

1007. He sent for the four brave soldiers. each of them fully accoutred With helmet and buckler and arm piece,, greaves and sabre and lances. He added to all his bounty a purse full of gold and of silver. And brought a peerless stallion. For Avtandil's use On the journey.

1008. A strong-limbed mule was loaded with bedding and food for the way. Nuradin went with his friend for the space of a one day's journey. He bitterly groaned in spirit at the thought of parting from AvtandiI. "No winter could freeze us, He wept, "beneath the warm beams of the sun:

1009. The people were stricken with grief by the rumour of Avtandil's going; The traders gathered together, the sellers of silk and of fruit; The voice of their mourning resounded like the rumbUng of distant thunder. Our sun is departing” they moaned, “and the light of our eyes is extinguished.

1010. They left the city behind them and rode till they came to the sea, Where Pridon had seen the sun-maid. a captive of two fierce negroes. The two reined up their horses and mingled their tears with the waters. And Pridon repeated the story of the shining captive's affliction.

1011. “Two huge negroes were rowing a boat to the edge of the seashore, A sunbright maiden sat in it. lovely of face and of figure. I spurred my horse to meet them. They saw me and fled to avoid me. The boat flew over the waYfS as an eagle flies from the archer.

1012. Embracing and weeping, they parted; the flames in their hearts burned more fiercely Brothers more close than two friends. Friends more dear than two brothers. Pridon remained behind. Avtandil resumed his journey; The beauty that slew the beholder at last disappeared from man's vision.

AVTANDIL'S DEPARTURE FROM PRIDON TO SEEK NESTAN-DAREJAN AND HIS MEETING THE CARAVAN

1013. Like the majestic moon. Avtandil goes on his way. The thought of seeing his sun gladdens his weary heart. He says: I am far from you. Alasl the falseness of fatel You. Only you. My sun. have healing balm for my wound.

1014. Why does the frenzy of grief for my brothers continually burn me? Why has my heart become a heart of hard rock -a cliff Even the lances of parting have left no bruise upon me. You are the reason why my world is so bitter and vile”.

1015. Avtandil rode on alone, with only four soldiers behind him, And wherever he went he sought solace for the sorrows of Tariel' fiis tears gushed forth as he rode like torrents incessantly flowing, for him. The world was a straw, less than a straw in the balance

1016. Avtandil stopped and questioned all whom he met on his journey, Asking for tidings of Nestan. till be had travelled a hundred days When once he saw from a hill camels all loaded with baggage, And merchants who stood on the shore like men distressed and bewildered.

1017. He saw on the shore before him caravans countless in number; The merchants were sorely distressed. stricken with fear or disaster. Avtandil greeted them warmly. they answered and halled him with praises. When he inquired who they were they willingly told him their story.

1018. Usam was chief of the caravan, the oldest and wisest among them. He gave Avtandil his blessing, praised him with eloquent phrases. Go glorious sun! he exclaimed, “You have come as our life's redeemer. I entreat you, dismount, your lordship hear now the cause of our troubles»

1019. When he dismounted they praised him: A sunl may you live forever! We are merchants from Bagdad, upholders of the faith of Muhammed. From far away lands we have journeyed to trade with the King of the Seas. Our camels are heavily laden with priceless treasures and fabrics.

1020. “Here on the strand we discovered a youth lying unconscious. When he recovered his senses we asked him to tell us his story. ' What has befallen you, stranger? What brings you to this country' Do not embark', he said, 'Pirates are roving the waters