The knight in the panther's skin, 1979

1097. Avtandil, courageous and proud, was now kindled to action. Taking a ponderous whip, he rose, an impregnable tower “Only a coward”, he said, “would fly and leave you defenceless! Think not to find a mortal braver or fairer than he was!

1098. “Give me a gUide to show me the way”, he said to Patman. I need no other assistance; I will engage him alone. That youth is no warrior, Patman, nor do I think him my equal. Strengthen and comfort your heart; you have nothing to fear, my lady.

1099. Patman then gave him a trustworthy slave to gUide and attend him. Her fear was appeased, and the fires that had blazed to distraction were slackened. “Since you will kill him, she said, “and rid the world of a blackguard, Bring me the ring he wears, my present to him, I entreat you

1100. Avtandil stealthily passed through the city to Chachnagir's palace. A building of red and green stone which stood on the seashore before them. In the lower part of the palace, hanging one over the other They saw terrace upon terrace. Beautiful. Numerous, vast.

1101. There was the sun-faced, lion-like Avtandil led by his guide Who said in a whisper to him: “This. My lord. Is the palace: He showed it to him. And added: “Do you see that terraced roof' There on that terrace he rests or perhaps he now sleeps In his chamber

1102. Avtandil saw two men sleeping before the chamber. Losing no time he advanced and stealthily entered the building. When he approached the man, with one sweep of his hands he seized them, Struck head against head until brain, hair and blood were mingled.

1103. Angry at heart the youth lay alone on his bed in his chamber. Before he . had time to rise or to see who had fallen upon him With an impetuous charge the blood-stained Avtandil seized him. Dashed him to the ground, with one fierce stroke slew him.

1104. He the resplendent sun. was the terror of all who opposed him. He forgot not the ring but hastily cut off the finger. Then be lifted the corpse and hurled it into the sea. Where there would be no tomb nor man to dig him a grave

1105. Thus was the slaughter committed without any sound or scandal. Sweet was the rose that went forth content at heart and untroubled. It is a marvel to me -why be was so embittered. Thus by the road he had come he returned triumphant and happy

1106. When the lion, the sun, the sweet-tongued entered Patman's house He said to Patman: “He is dead. He will see the sun no longer. That I have slain that youth the Lord and this slave are witness. Here is his finger and ring and behold my blood-stained dagger.

1107. “Why was that youth incensed' Tell me the cause of your terror. I am eager to know how he was able to threaten you!. Patman fell down on her knees. Prostrated herself before him. “The wound in my heart is healed and the fires that consumed it extinguished.

1108. “Now am I born anew and my husband and children revived. Tongue cannot utter praises worthy of you. O lion! Since he is dead and I am delivered of him who distressed me, Hear me, for now I will give you a detailed account of the story:..

PATMAN TELLS AVTANDIL THE STORY OF NESTAN-DAREJAN

1109. “New Year's Day is a joyous and festive time in this country. There Is no trading that day but only diversions and feasting. AU are decked out in holiday clothes and beautiful jewels. A sumptuous banquet is held in the royal court of the sovereign.

1110. “We, the head merchants. are wont to take valuable gifts to our ruler Who In return bestows magnificent presents upon us. Thus for ten days is heard the sound of dairas and cymbals; And in the public squares there is singing, sporting, amusement.

1111. Usen, my husband is head and leader of all the great merchants; I lead their wives to court to pay our sovereign homage. When we arrive at the palace we place our presents before him. Then we are asked to remain and indulge in the pleasures of feasting.

1112. One New Year's Day, as usual, we went with our gifts to the sovereign Who also showed us great honour and bestowed rich presents-upon us. After a while we departed joyous and gay to my castle. Where we again sat down and continued gaily carousing.

1113. When it was evening I went with my guests to the garden below, Where we amused ourselves by exchanging our veils and braids. I entertained them as hostess in a splendid and sumptuous manner. Minstrels sang sweetly in choirs as we danced and played like chUdren.

1114. “In the garden overlooking the sea Was a lofty and tower-like building Which was surrounded on every side by a beautiful terrace. There I conveyed my guests, the wives and daughters of merchants. Here once again we feasted and pleasantly talked and were happy

1115. “All were enjoying themselves and I, as their hostess, was happy. Suddenly while I was drinking a shadow fell over my spirit. When the fair ladies perceived this they rose and quickly departed. I was now left to myself weighed down by some strange sadness.