The knight in the panther's skin, 1979
1176. “'Let her apartment', commanded the king, 'be magnificently furnished.' They also set up for her a throne of Occident gold. The king, that great sovereign, rose and went to the maid with his nobles; Taking her hand he placed the sun of heavens on the throne.
1177. Nine black slaves were commanded to stand at the door of her chamber. Melik-Surkhavi returned to his guests and continued the feasting. Grateful to Usen he gave him In return immeasurable presents. Louder and louder resounded the sounds of the drums and the trumpets.
1178. “Hour after hour passed In mirth with the richest of wines flowing freely. Meanwhile the malden lamented: 'By fate I am doomed and forsaken. Where have I come and whither'!' For whom, o woe. am I destined? Father of Mercy, sustain me; help me, I pray, in my trials
1179. “She said to herself: 'Why should I wither the rose of its beauty Why should a reasonable man destroy himself beforehand? Then when in trouble he needs more wits and courage to face it. God will sustain me, I hope, and give me endurance to struggle'.
1180. Calling the slaves, she said: 'Listen to me with attention. Know that Melik, your king is neither my king or my master. Your king is in error if he believes I will marry his son. In vain do the trumpets sound, in vain all this noise and rejoicing.
1181. It is not seemly that I be your queen, for my path is elsewhere. God keep me far from your prince though he bea sun and a cypress. I am not destined for him. for my heart is pledged to another. Better to part with my life than become the queen of this kingdom.
1182. I would sooner plunge a knife in my bosom than live here as sovereign. Then your lord. in his fury. will reap his vengeance upon you. Be well advised and listen. I shall give you a girdle of jewels. While there is time. Let me go; let me steal away. I entreat you-.
1183. Then she undid the girdle full of rare pearls and jewels. She doffed the transparent crown which was made of a single bright ruby. She said to them: 'With a burning heart I implore you, take them. Your duty to God will be done if you help me escape from this palace'.
1184. “Gazing with wonder-struck eyes on the sparking jewels before them All was forgotten, even the fear of the king. their master. So they resolved to help her escape for the sake of the jewels. See what the love of gold can do -that root of all evill
1185. God gives no joy to the greedy who cherish and hoard up their riches. The greater his wealtli becomes, the greedier he grows. . Greed. till the day of their death, makes them gnash their teeth. Gold binds the soul to earth and hinders its flight to Heaven.
1186. “So, for the saklt of the jewels the slaves helped the maid to escape. They hastily made her put on the dress of one of the servants. Then by a secret door they stole from the palace together. The serpent eclipsed not the moon. Now full and waning no longer
1187. “When they had passed through the city the slaves and the maiden parted. Reaching my house she knocked on the door and requested to see me. O, the amazement and gladness I felt as I kissed and embraced her. But she refused to enter, fearing the arrival of Usen.
1188. “Swiftly I entered the stables and selected the best of my horses. Nestan looked pleased and she happily smiled as I helped her to mount it. She was resplendent and bright like the sun that mounts the lion. Woe. All my labour was lost: I reaped not the crop I had sown
1189. “Swiftly I entered the stables and selected the best of my horses. Nestan looked pleased and she happily smiled as I helped her to mount it. She was resplendent and bright like the sun that mounts the lion. Woe. All my labour was lost: I reaped not the crop I had sown
1190. “Before it was evening the report of her flight had spread through the city. Soldiers were sent in pursuit by the king in every direction. When I was questioned, I said: 'If you find her within my palace May I be cursed. may I drink the hot blood of my king and my sovereign".
1191. Long did they seek the maiden but in vain were all their endeavours. Finding no trace of the maid. they returned crestfallen and humbled. Hence are the king and all who beheld her attired in deep mourning. Sunk in the blackest of gloom. They bitterly wail and lament her.
1192. “Now I shall tell you where and to whom the moon has departed. But first I will tell of him who came and threatened to slay me. We were like two forest animals, a doe and buck to each other. A man is defiled by cowardice, and a woman by shamelessly whoring.
1193. “Usen, my husband, is hateful, lean, ill-favoured and selfish, The Chachnagir, he whom I loved, was a noble, handsome and gallant. No mourning weeds shall I wear for him though we loved one another. And I would eagerly drink, glut on his blood with pleasure.
1194. “Like the weak woman and fool that I was I told him about her. How I had secretly helped her escape from the king and the city. He ceaselessly threatened and swore to tell the monarch my secret. Now that I know he is dead new life has revived within me
1195. After the slightest quarrel he would always threaten disclosure. Thinking him gone from home, I asked you to come to my chamber. While I was Waiting for you I learnt of his sudden arrival. Nevertheless you came though I sent a servant to warn you.
