Page:Man in the Panther's Skin.djvu/277

 1564. Then P'hridon begged leave of him. "I will go home," quoth he; "my foot will oft tread this court and land if thou wilt command me as an elder to a younger. I shall desire thee as the deer the fountain."

1565. As presents for Rostevan, he (Tariel) made him (Avt'handil) take with him beautiful little mantles, also a vessel (full) of cut gems, not spoons(ful), not ladles(ful). "Take them from me, go," quoth he, "disobey me not!" Avt'handil said: "I know not how I shall survive without thee!"

1566. The lady (Nestan) sent to the lady (T'hinat'hin) a little cloak and a veil ; who save her was worthy of such garments! A jewel—he who carried it off could not say: "I have carried it in vain!"—at night it gives light like the sun; it is visible wherever thou lookest.

1567. Avt'handil mounted, he departed, he said farewell to Taria, the flame of the fire of separation burned them both; all the Indians wept, the tear moistened the mead. Avt'handil said: "The poison of this world slays me!"

1568. P'hridon and Avt'handil journeyed together for a few days; the road separated them, each went his way weeping; the things they had planned had turned out well for them; Avt'handil came to Arabia, he had not seen troubles in vain.

1569. The Arabs came forth to meet him, he beautified the realm; he saw his sun, the affliction of his desires fled; he sat with her on the throne, he rejoiced at the joy of the onlookers. The Most High from above endued his crown with sovereignty.

1570. Those three sovereigns loved one another, they visited one another, their desires were fulfilled, they that disputed their rule were put to the sword, they enlarged