Page:Man in the Panther's Skin.djvu/181

 of song. Avt'handil is fair to beholders in his ethereal loveliness; he covers the inky lakes (of his eyes) with the jet ceiling (of his lashes).

989. They entered the city, there they found the palace adorned in perfection, with all the officers of state mustered, the slaves delicately apparelled were in faultless order; they were enraptured and ravished in heart with Avt'handil.

990. They entered and held a great court, not a privy council ; on this side and on that side ten times ten magnates were ranged; apart sat the two together; who can tell forth their praise? Here glass, there jet, adorned the crystal and ruby (of their faces).

991. They sat, they banqueted, they multiplied the best liquor ; they entertained Avt'handil as kinsman (treats) kinsman ; they brought beautiful vessels, all quite new. But the heart of those who looked on that youth, alas! was given to flame.

992. That day they drank, they ate, there was a banquet for the tribe of drinkers. Day dawned; they bathed Avt'handil; there lies abundance of satin; they clad him in raiment worth many thousands of dracanis ; they girded him with a girdle of inestimable worth.

993. The knight tarried some days, though he could not brook delay; he went out hunting with P'hridon and sported, he slew alike from far and near whatever offered itself to his hand; his archery put every bowman to shame.

994. The knight said to P'hridon: "Hear what I have now to tell thee. Parting from you seems to me like death, and thereby shall I harm myself; but I,