Page:Man in the Panther's Skin.djvu/250

 1400. They greeted Tariel too, that tree like an aloe sapling, they wished him joy of the victory, they asked news of one another; it irked them not, they regretted not, for their armour had not failed them ; they themselves had quit themselves as lions, those that fought against them had been as hinds and goats.

1401. Out of the three hundred men, a hundred and sixty came in with them; it grieves P'hridon for his troops, but on the other hand he rejoiced; they sought out and suffered not to live whatever adversaries were left. What treasures they found, now how can their number be told!

1402. They collected mules, camels, whatever they could find that was swift, they loaded three thousand with pearls and gems, every gem cut, jacinths and rubies; they placed that sun in a palanquin, precautions are taken by them.

1403. They appointed sixty men to guard the castle of Kadjet'hi. They led away that sun—hard would it be to ravish her from them—they set out for the City of the Seas, though long is the way thither. They said: "We must see P'hatman; we owe her a due recompense."  

1404. To the presence of the King of the Seas he sent a messenger (of good tidings); he bade him announce: "I, Tariel, come, vanquisher of foes, their destroyer and slayer; from Kadjet'hi I bring my sun, piercer of me with arrows; I desire to see thee with honour, as father and parent. 