The knight in the panther's skin, 1979
1060. Do as you think besb. Avtandil answered the gardener. The gardener greatly rejoiced and ran with the news to his lady. With sweat pouring down to his breast he told the tidings to Patman: My lady, a youth that is bright as the sun has arrived in our city.
1061. He is a merchant, the chief of a great and prosperous caravan. [Bright like a seven-day moon and slender and fair like a cypress. He is richly attired: his coat and his coral-hued turban become him. He wished me to tell him about the tariff and rules of the city
1062. Patman Khatun rejoiced and sent ten of her slaves to fetch him. A caravan-seral was prepared and his wares were all stored within it. When the crystal and ruby, the jet and enamel entered the building Those who beheld him compared his arms and feet to a lion's.
1063. The hosts of the town all assembled coming from every direction. They hailed him with plaudits and praises as they thronged the place to see him. Some sank half-fainting with longing. others were reft of their senses; Wives grew tired of their husbands as they gazed on Avtandil"s beauty.
1064. Patman Khatun was waiting for him in front of the entrance. She was pleased to behold him and saluted and greeted him warmly. When they had entered the hall she obliged him to sit beside her. She was charmed and bewitched as she gazed on Avtandil"s features.
1065. Although no longer young, Patman was a well-favoured woman, Sue was dark of complexion with a lovely round face and figure, A lover of wine and of feasting, of gaiety. Music and singing. She had abundance of garments, rich veils. Mantles and jewels.
1066. She entertained him that night in a lavish and sumptuous manner. Avtandil gave her presents that dazzled and awed the beholder. His generosity, mien and beauty filled her with longing. When they had eaten and drunk Avtandil rose and retired.
1067. He had his wares unpacked and showed them to Patman next morning. Selecting the best for the king she at once paid the money required. Take all these goods away”Avtandil said to the merchants. “sell as you wish, but. Remember. Reveal not my nama. He warned them.
1068. Avtandil still wore the dress of a great and prosperous merchant. They were often together, The youth and the wife of the merchant. Passing the time together in pleasant and light conversation. As Ramin's absence was to Vis so was Avtandil’s to Patman.
PATMAN BECOMES ENAMOURED OF AVTANDIL
1069. Woe to the man who trusts and puts faith in the smiles of a woman, For with her flattering smiles she invades his heart and wins it, Pierces it through and then, in a trice. the tempter betrays him. Therefore, confide not to her your counsels, nor tell her your secret.
1070. Patman was now overwhelmed with a burden of violent emotions. Love had invaded her heart and had kindled fierce fires within it. Though she essayed to conceal it all her endeavours were useless. “How can I curb my desires? Day and night she lamented.
1071. lf I unburden my heart. alas. he may shun me in anger; But if I keep it concealed the fires that now burn will: consume me. Happen what may I will tell him the truth though I die in the telling. Can a physician cure him who tells not what hurts or afflicts hlm
LETTER OF LOVE WRITTEN BY PATMAN TO AVTANDIL
1072. Therefore she sat down and wrote a letter of love to Avtandil. Here she revealed the pain in her head and the anguish she suffered. Truly her piteous letter would have melted all heads tei compassion, A letter to keep and to cherish in the depths of a pitying heart.
1073. Since, O bright sun, it pleased the Lord to create you a sun, Joy to those parted from you is likened to heart-rending sorrow. But, O burner of hearts, you burn and consume all who approach you. Even the planets are kindled with light on beholding your luster.
1074. “They that behold you but once are smitten by love and grow languid. You are a rose and I marvel why nightingales perch not upon you. Your beauty withers the flowers; I too fade from your fires. Pour your rays over me lest this fire of passion consumes me.
1075. “God is my witness. O sun, that I tremble in writing this letter. Woe is mel for I am maddened by a ravaging fever. How can the heart endure the piercing of jet-black lashes I cannot subdue my emotions. Help me, I humbly request you
1076. Until I receive an answer, o sun, to this piteous letter. Until you have doomed me to death or willed me new life by your answer, I shall endure and patiently bear the fires of my passion. Oh, but to know what fate your judgment will pass upon me”.
1077. Patman thus wrote her letter and sent it at once to Avtandil. He read it as one would a letter that had come from a friend or a sister. He said: “She knows not my heart nor her for whom it is burning. How can I liken my love or compare her beauty to this one.
