The knight in the panther's skin, 1979

1542. Rostevan played a generous host, entertaining with splendour; With a gold bowl In his hand he drank to the health of his guests. Blessings and praises were uttered aloud at his ungrudging bounty. Nuradln sat near to Avtandil as one accustomed to kingship.

1543. Rostevan did honour to Tariel and to Nestan, the daugnter of India; As to a son and daughter gave them his love and rich presents. One cannot tell a tenth of all he bestowed upon them, To each a garment of purple, a jewel-decked crown and a sceptre,

1544. Gave such presents to each as befitted their rank and dignity; A thousand exqUisite gems that were pure 8adakhshan rubies, Also a thousand pearls. each one the size of a dove's egg, A thousand unparalleled horses. Each the size of a hillock.

1545. To Pridon he gave nine basins full to the brim with pearls, Nine Arabian steeds with gem-studded bridles and saddles. The King of the Indians did homage with Imperious gesture and dignity; Though he had drunk profusely, his bearing inspired admiration.

1546. Why should I lengthen my speech? The whole month passed thus in gaiety. There was no end to diversion. banquets, sporting and revelry, Nor to the giving of rubies and wonderful jewels to Tariel; Like the bright rays of the sun their lustre illumined the chamber.

1547. From Tariel's eyes light snow fell down on the rose in a shower. He therefore entreated Avtandil to go to the King with a message, Asking his majesty leave to depart: cIt is joy to be near you, But the invading foe may have ravaged and seized my kingdom.

1548. “The knowledge and art of the learned destroy the unlearned and heedless. You will. o sovereign, grieve if any disaster befalls me. If I remain some evil may happen to me and my dear ones. God grant that we meet again and I find you happy and gay .

1549. “Why should you be constrained and bashful with me, said Rostevan. “Whatever is best for you and your kingdom, do it, my Tarlel. Avtandil will also accompany you with his hosts to your kingdom: Tear all your foes to pieces and demolish those who are traitors.

1550. AvtandiI said to Tariel: I will go with you, my brothen. Tariel replied: “Enough! Say no more but guard the fair crystal. How can you part. O sun. from the newly united moonl. Whatever you say, said Avtandll, “will not induce me to stay.

1551. “How can you go and leave me with the gnawing thought in your mind: 'Should he for love of his wife have forsaken a friend in trouble ' How can you leave me behind to become an object of pity! Is he man who abandons a friend alone to his fate'.

1552. Tariel's smile was like the mingling and sprinkling of crystal with roses.. “Absent from you makes me weep and bewail myself more tban you. Since you desire it, then come. I see persuasion is useless”. Avtandil gave the command that all his armies be summoned.

1553. Not even a minute was wasted. The Arabian armies assembled. Eighty thousand men were equipped and made ready for battle. Soldiers and horses were clad in dazzling Khvarazmian armour. The thought of parting made Rostevan swallow the gall of bitterness.

1554. Thus were the maidens parted, the sworn and adopted sisters, Sworn with the oath of sisterhood, an oath both binding and sacred. Tears flowed as breast was welded to breast in a tender embrace. Those who beheld them could hardly restrain their hearts from bursting.

1555. The star of dawn shines as bright as the moon when together in heaven, But if they part and withdraw from each other they fade and grow pater. They must alas withdraw from each other if heaven has willed it. One must be as high as a hill or a mountain to see them.

1556. He who created them shall separate them Himself, Though of their own free will they desire not to part from each other. Tears showered down as the roses clung to one another. To those separated from them it were better to die than to live.

1557. Nestan-Darejan said:”Would to God I had never beheld you, For then I would never have known the grievous pain of this parting ! Send me, I beg you, news of yourself through letters and messages. As I am burned up for you so will you burn, my sisten.

1558. Tinatin said: “O sun, the delight of those who behold you! How can I give you up, how can I endure your absence? Instead of praying for life I shall entreat the Lord to slay me. May your days of life be as many as the tears that shall fall from your eyes!

1559. Again they embraced one another. The sun-like maiden departed. She who remained pursued the other with tearful eyes. Nestan also looked back; hot flames blazed up and consumed her. I cannot write down the twentieth part of the anguish they suffered.

1560. At their departure Rostevan grew madder than even a madman; “Woe is me! was all he could say as he groaned and lamented. His tears flowed hot as water boiled in a red-hot cauldron. Tariel's face was haggard; soft snow fell gently upon it.

1561. The king strained the youth to his breast unable to curb his emotions. “Your presence will seem from now on a wonderful dream”, he lamented. “Twenty times more will the pain of my suffering increase when you leave me. You gave us new life; by you shall we also be slain, o sovereign!,