The knight in the panther's skin, 1979
1136. “She would not lie on a mattress, nor cover herself with a blanket, But would envelop herself in her beautiful jet-black mantle. Then with her head on her arm she would lie on the floor and sleep. Though I begged with a thousand entreaties she barely ate a morsel
1137. I have beheld magnificent goods of inestimable value, But never the like of the marvellous manUe and veil that adorned her. Whether the stuff was woven or of what It was made, I know not. It was soft and dainty, yet firm and strong as iron.
1138. Day after day passed by since that malden first came to our city. I still kept her concealed for I trusted not even my husband. ' What shall I do'I”I thought, 'He is fickle and not to be trusted. If I confide in the rascal he will go to court and betray me.
1139. Yet how can I help her alone? What can I do without him' I know not what she desires, nor do I know how to help her. If my husband discovers her here, he will go to the king and inform him. How long can I hide her'. I wondered. 'Can I keep her concealed forever"
1140. I thought of how helpless I was, of the danger of keeping her longer. Come, I will trust him for once. Why should. I wrong or offend him? I will make him swear and promise not to reveal my secret. He would not damn his soul; he will not break an oath!
1141. Thereat I went to Usen. I caressed and treated him fondly. Then with a smile I told him: 'I have something to telJ you. But first you must give me your word you will tell it to no human being. 'May I", he swore. 'beat my head on the rocks if I ever betray youl,
1142. I solemnly pledge", he said. 'and give you my word of honour Never to reveal your secret While there is breath within me", Then I told him of the maid. And of how I had found her. 'Come. I will take you to her; I will show :you that sun-like maiden".
1143. Quickly he rose and we went at once to that maiden's retreat. When he beheld her he started and was seized with a terrible trembling. Awed though he Was, he exclaimed: 'What a marvell what a sight you show me! God cast His curses upon me if the maid is an earthly beingl"
1144. I said: 'Such beauty as hers surpasses all mortal conception. Nor have my eyes', Said I 'ever seen such heavenly beauty! All that I know about her is what I have told you. My Usen. Come, let us ask from where she has come. And the cause of her sorrow",
1145. Usen and I approached her and made her a deep salutation, Said we: 'O sun, for your sake a furnace of flames consumes us. Tell us, we pray, what cure can we find for the moon that is waning' Why have your coral and ruby the sickening hue of the saffron'
1146. I do not know if she heard our prayers and our requests; The red roses clinging together did not reveal the pearls, Her ringlets like serpents were spread in disorder over the roses, And the bright sun was eclipsed by the dragon. And night fell upon us.
1147. “Nothing we said, no entreaties. No prayers could induce her to answer. But she sat sullen of countenance, silent, crouched like a panther. Vexed at our words she burst into tears and redoubled her weeping. All she would say was: 'Gol leave me alonel I entreat you'.
1148. Usen and I sat down and wept together with her. We ,regretted speaking to her and questioned her no more. We did all we could to soothe her, trying to calm her fears. We offered her fruit and sweets, but we could not make her eat them.
1149. “'Patman, the sight of that maiden has banished my woes', said Usen. ' Only the sun is her equal. Man is not fit to touch her. Better be blind than increase your anguish by gazing upon her. If I prefer my children to her may the Lord curse and slaytheml
1150. “Long did we bask in her beauty, then with deep sighs we departed. Being with her was delight but the parting, alas, was a torture. When we had leisure from trade we spent the time in her presence. Our hearts were imprisoned and caught in a net she had thrown about us.
1151. “Thus the time passed and once, my husband came and told me: 'Three days have gone and during this time I have not seen our sovereign. Now I shall go and pay my respects and take with me presents'. If that is your Wish', I told him, 'then go. Delay no longer'
1152. Usen then placed on a tray the rarest of pearls and jewels. I said to him: 'At court you will meet the w.ne-flushed nobles, Better destroy me first than disclose that malden's existence! Usen declared: 'May swords strike my head if I ever betray you!"
1153. “When he arrived at court, the monarch was sitting and feasting, But on beholding Usen he bid him sit down beside him. He was pleased with the beautiful jewels Usen had brought him. Now you shall see how a merchant behaves when free with the goblet
1154. “Wine flowed in streams and the monarch and Usen drained many a gotilet. Tankards and bowls were refilled and the hall resounded with laughter. Oaths were forgotten and Korans and Meccas no longer existed. Horns cannot beautify asses nor sweet roses the crow or the raven.
1155. “The great king said to my husband, that witless and Iightminded drunkard: 'Usen, the beautiful jewels you have brought me truly amaze me. Where did you find such huge and magnificant rubies and pearls' No, I can never repay nor return you one tenth for your present
