The knight in the panther's skin, 1979

1582. They poured upon aU alike their mercy like snowflakes from heaven, The orphans and widows, the helpless and poor were enriched, made happy. Evil-doers dared not appear but recoiled and vanished. Harmony reigned; like sheep, goat and wolf fed together.

EPILOGUE

1583. The tale of our heroes is ended and has passed away like a dream. They have all gone from this world. Such is the treachery of time. Even for him who thinks it long it flies away in a flash. I, R ustaveli, a Meskhian, have written this tale of adventures.

1584. I have transferred this tale into Georgian verse for the amusement Of David our lord whom the sun of the heavens serves in his course; For him whose invincible might strikes fear from East to West, Who burns and destroys the traitor, helps and enriches the loyal.

1585. Can I find adequate words to sing of David, the peerless, Sing of the wonderful deeds of strange and illustrious monarchs? I chanced upon ancient customs and praiseworthy deeds of those kings, And used all my skills to turn them to eloquent, sweet-sounding;verses.

1586. Trust not the fleeting world; its smiles are delusive and false. It passes away and is gone like a flash before our eyes. Man, your endeavours are all in vain for fate wiII deceive you. Happy is he on whom fate will bestow its smiles.

1587. Amiran. Son of Darejan. Was. Praised by Mose Khoneli; Shavteli. Whose songs are renowned, sang of Abdul-Mesia; And with his untiring tongue. Tmogveli exalted Dilarget; But I, Rustaveli, praise Tariel for whom I shed undrying tears.