The knight in the panther's skin, 1979
117. Wisely indeed, said the king, “has my daughter, Tinatin, spoken. This was an unclean spirit, sent to destroy my repose, Sent from above to try me, to test my firmness of soul. Then will I cease my repining, my peace is again restored”.
118. Thus spoke the king. Now sporting and games increased with rejoicing. Acrobats, minstrels, and dancers were summoned for mirth and amusement. Gifts were lavishly showered and all were asked to the throneroom . God has created no king so benevolent, gracious, and bounteous.
TINATIN SENDS AVTANDIL TO FIND THE KNIGHT
119. Avtandil sa t in his chamber, singing and idly plucking The quivering strings of a harp, when Tinatin's slave came before him, Saying, “The slender cypress, my mistress desires your presence. She of the moonbright face bids me to lead you before her”.
120. Avtandil rejoiced at the tidings, he put on his richest apparel; Never till now had he been alone with the rose he worshipped. His heart beat hard at the thought of seeing his loved one alone. It is pleasant to gaze on beauty and be near the maiden you worship.
121. Proudly and boldly Avtandil hastened to meet his beloved, She for whom he had shed torrents of tears in vain. And there she sat in her splendour, mournful, yet radiant in sorrow. The rays that shot from her visage eclipsed the light of the moon.
122. Tinatin's elegant figure was clad in a mantle of ermine. Priceless, ethereal veils loosely enveloped her form. But dark, luminous eyes, long, heart-piercing lashes, Thick raven-black tresses -these were her true adornments.
123. Pensive behind her veil, she greeted the youth serenely, Bidding him seat himself and be at ease in her presence. Now he was face o face with her whom his spirit worshipped, Modest, respectful as ever, he gazed on her beauty with rapture.
124. Tinatin spoke: d fain would stifle: my fears and my anguish. Yet has my downcast face, my wandering mind betrayed me. Surely you have not failed to read the signs of my trouble, Therefore I called you before me for I would spo::ak with you freely .
125. AvtandiI said: .speak on. I am struck dumb in your presence. The moon is eclipsed by the sun, dimmed by its radiance and lustre. So are my senses consumed and my thoughts overpowered and weakened. Tell me why you are sad, and what could relieve your sorrow”.
126. Choosing her words with care, the maiden expounded her meaning: You have held ever aloof, too modest to venture nearer. Therefore you know not the torment, the great illness which afflicts me. Poisoning the air that I breathe, stealing the rest from my pillow.
127. “You have not forgotten the stranger who wept on the bank of the stream, Wept and refused to speak, refused to come to my father, Then mounted his steed and vanished, so that no man can find him. Search out that knight, I beseech you, to the uttermost ends of the earth.
128. “We have never conversed, yet I have felt your devotion. Well do I know the tears despair has wrung from your eyelids. Love had made you his captive, your heart is delivered to bondage. Therefore I call upon you, knowing your will to serve me.
129. “There are two reasons, my dear, befitting you for my service: First-among all our knights, you are peerless in skill and devotion; Next-your love for me is a truth that admits no denial. Therefore I trust you alone, that you will fulfil my request.
130. “Thus, by freeing my soul from its burden of gloom and dejection, You will plant in my heart fresh blossoms -violets and roses of hope. Then like a lion return, and I like the sun in heaven Will render you love for love, will crown your endurance with gladness
131. “Go then, delay not. And if need be, seek three long years for that stranger. Find him and come back in triumph, tell of your deeds and your prowess. But if your efforts are fruitless, then must the knight be a phantom. Still shall the rosebud await you, dewy and fresh as the morning.
132. “Listen to me! I swear if I wed any husband but you, Should even the sun appear in the form of a man before me, May I lose my hope of Heaven, may I sink to the depths of Hen, For the love of you would destroy me, piercing my heart like a daggen.
133. Avtandil murmured: “0 sunl Who dazzles the eyes with your splendour, How can I measure your goodness, how can I answer such mercy? I awaited nothing but death; you have restored me to life. Now will I live in your service. Command me, for I will obey you.
134. “0 bright onel Since God has created in your being a sun which is brighter Than the sun that reigns in the heavens, that even the stars, do your bidding, The words you speak overwhelm me, I am filled with the grace of your presence. The rose of my life shan not wither in the luminous beams of your radiance”.
135. Then they exchanged avowals, swearing eternal fidelity, Over and over again, in words that were never exhausted. And the pains they had borne were softened, and their heavy grief was assuaged. Their teeth illumined their features flashing forth white lightning.
