The knight in the panther's skin, 1979
1041. The merchants examined the vessel loaded with measureless booty Amazed at the riches plundered and amassed by the murderous pirates By Avtandil"s order the vessel was emptied of all its treasures, Then it was smashed into pieces. Burned and thrown to the water.
1042. Usam conveyed to Avtandil a message sent by the merchants: All we possess is now yours, the riches you took from the pirates. You have relieved our sorrow, restored us our lives and our treasures. Therefore we beg you take them; suffice whatever you give us”.
1043. Avtandil answered: “O brothers, only now you heard me tell you: God perceiving your tears has taken compassion upon you. He, not I, is your saviour. Why should you thank me, I wonder! My stallion, my sword and myself are all I need for my journey.
1044. I am grateful, indeed, for your kindness, but I do not want your riches, I possess inexhaustible wealth, silk fabrics and gold beyond measure. What use to me Is this booty? I have served you as one would a comrade. I have a long journey before me and a dangerous task to fulfil.
1045. Keep for yourselves the treasures I found on the ship of the pirates. I shall not claim or desire it, so take it and share it among you. But I entreat you grant me only one favour, my brothers, Which for my sake I implore to keep as a secret between us.
1046. “Forget I am lord of a kingdom, let others believe me a merchant. Call me your chief and master, not lord or an eminent title. I will dress myself as a merchant, remain as the head of the caravan; But for the sake of our friendship keep it a secret among you
1047. The merchants rejoiced at these tidings. They came and saluted him, saying: “This is our hearts' desire, the wish we asked you to grant us. Allow us. O lord. to attend you, accept our devotion and service. To serve one who shines like the sun Is to us the greatest of honours.
1048. Losing no time they departed and soon were pursuing their journey. Attended by favouring breezes the vessel flew over the waters. The merchants gazed on Avtandil and loudly sang his praises. His teeth were more exquisite by far than the radiant pearl they gave him.
STORY OF AVTANDIL'S ARRIVAL IN GULANSHARO
1049. Once, after crossing the ocean. they arrived at a prosperous city. Which was surrounded by orchards and a thicket of spacious gardens Full of beautiful flowers fragrant and dazzling in colour. No, I have not the words to describe that remarkable city.
1050. Avtandil. Wishing to land. Commanded the ship to be anchored. Dressed in the clothes of a tradesman, he seated himself near the garden. Where he at once hired porters to help in unload Ing the vessel. Soon he was ready to trade disguisad as a prosperous merchant.
1051. While he was resting he saw the gardener standing before him Gazing with joy on his face that flashed like lightning in darkness. Avtandll greeted the man and spoke In courteous phrases: : Whose men are you'll he asked. “Who rules this beautiful city'.
1052. Tell me in detail, I pray., Avtandil said to the gardener. Is there good trading here? What goods are dear, wh at cheaper?:. O strangen. Answered the man. “You are truly a glorious sun; All you desire to know I shall gladly and willingly tell youy.
1053. “This is the Realm of the Sea; in extent a ten months' journey. Gulanshahro is the capital, the city of beautiful flowers. Ships come here in fleets loaded with choicest of merchandise. Melik Surkhav is king, a noble and powerful ruler.
1054. “Even the aged grow young, the weak grow strong in this country, Where there is endless rejoicing, unceasing drinking and feasting. Here, both in summer and winter bloom beautiful, many-hued flowers. The strongest and cruellest of foes turn pale and sicken with envy.
1055. Nowhere throughout the whole world can one find such markets as ours. Goods are both bought and sold, and the profits and loss are enormous. Goods are brought here from all quarters; a man can get rich in a month. Many a penniless man has money laid by in a year.
1056. My lord. I am gardener to Usen. He is the chief of the merchants. There are some rules which our master demands from the merchants who trade here. This is his garden. My lord. Where you have unloaded your merchandise. First you must show him the best of your goods before you sell them
1057. Rich and prosperous merchants bring him valuable presents. Then they unpack and exhibit all of their goods before him. The choicest and best are at once set aside and accordingly paid for. After which he allows them to go and trade their goods at their leisure.
1058. Usen's rule is to greet and receive such merchants as you. He orders a sumptuous banquet and gives the best of receptions. Now he is absent from town else he would have surely received you, Welcomed you gladly and warmly and bestowed rich presents upon you.
1059. Patman Khatun is his wife, a fair and hospitable lady. She is gay and amiable. A cordial and generous hostess. I shall tell her about you; she will welcome you gladly. She will send a man to meet you and conduct you, my lord. To her mansiom
