The knight in the panther's skin, 1979
1078. “What has the raven to do with the rose' What have they in cQmmon7 Even the nightingale has not as yet sung sweetly upon it. . Every unfitting and unmanly deed is disgraceful and short-lived. What a letter to sendl What nonsense that woman writes!”.
1079. But he debated and thought. and after a moment's reflection He said: “But for you, lady. I have no one to assist me. Since I am fated to wander in search of her I am seeking I must do all, whatever it be, to fulfil my mission.
1080. “Patman receives many people as wife of the merchant Usen. Merchants and travellers come here to trade from all parts of the world. If I consent she will surely tell all that she knows and has heard of. Then I will be her debtor, and bound to requite her.
1081. A woman., he said, ewho gIves her heart to a man in passion Is so accursed and blind that she shrinks not from shame or dishonour, And will reveal to him whom she loves all of her secrets. Therefore it is better to yield. A word said by chance may assist me.
1082. lf fate does not wish Ib, he thought, cthen all our endeavours are futile. That which I want I have not and that which I have I want not. Truly this world of ours Is wrapt in a mantle of darkness. Nothing flows out of a jar except that already inside lb.
AVTANDIL'S LETTER IN ANSWER TO PATMAN'S
1083. Avtandil wrote In answer: cI have read your letter, my lady. Know that fires of passion stronger than yours consume me. I also desire to be ever with you and find joy in your presence. Let us then meet and unite, since our feelings and wishes are mutual”.
1084. Words cannot tell the joy that she felt on reading his letter. She wrote: o will weep no more and shed tears as I did in your absence. Here you shall find me alone, waiting for you, my beloved. Come when the evening falls. Hasten to me, I awate you”
1085. Avtandil wrote In answer: cI have read your letter, my lady. Know that fires of passion stronger than yours consume me. I also desire to be ever with you and find joy in your presence. Let us then meet and unite, since our feelings and wishes are mutual”.
1086. Though angered he hastened and stopped not till he arrived at her dwelling. Patman was sitting alone and seemed troubled on seeing him enter. But he perceived at one glance that the woman was vexed and excited. He wondered yet hid his annoyance. And thought it best to caress her.
1087. Then he sat down beside her, embraced and ardently kissed her. But unawares a youth with a slave appeared in the doorway. And on beholding Avtandil he started and stopped in amazement. “It looks”, he said to himself, “as if the road is rocky”.
1088. Fear took possession of Patman and she shook in terror and trembled. But the strange youth looked down upon them in scorn and derision. “I shall nob, he said to Patman, “hinder your amourous triflings. But when it dawns, false woman, I shall make you repent this evening
1089. You have not only shamed me, but made me the object of hatred. I will take vengeance tomorrow; tomorrow, you dissolute wanton, With your own teeth, you will tear at and eat the flesh of your children. But if I fail to fulfil this then spit on my beard and slay me!,.
1090. Touching his beard with his hand, he turned and quickly departed. Patman beat her head and tore at her cheeks in anguish. Loudly she wept and her tears fell about her in showers. “You who would stone me approach and stone me to death, she wailed.
1091. “Woe unto mel she wailed, “I have slain my husband and childrenl I have lost my own kindredl Woe unto you, my loved onesl All my possessions, my peerless cut gems I have looted and squandered. Thus have I ruined my children and my house with my tongue and my folly
1092. Avtandil listened to her astonished and greatly bewildered. What is your trouble'? he asked her, “Why all these tears and this wailing' What have you done or said that he threatens to ruin and slay you? Be calm and tell me who was that youth and what was his errand?,
1093. The woman replied: O Iionl I am maddened and frantic with weeping. Ask me no more to speak for my tongue lacks strength to relate it. Why do I weep and lament'P With my own hands I have slaughtered my children. Woe! In my passion for you I have slain myself and my dear onesl
1094. “Justice thus punishes him who cannot conceal a secret, Cannot be silent but chatters in witless and half-maddened phrases. You who now witness my sorrow, help me with your lamentations. There is no cure for him who devours the flesh of his loved ones
1095. Avtandil, you must take one of the only two ways before you: Go if you can in the dead of the night, and secretly kill him. Thus you will rescue my house and me from death and dishonour. When you return to me I shall tell you the cause of my troubles.
1096. “If not, go away at once. Take away your wares on asses. Gather your goods and while there is time escape from this country, Lest all my sins overwhelm and fill you with untold sorrows. For if he comes at dawn he will make me devour my children.
