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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Caucasian Legends, by A. Goulbat
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Caucasian Legends
+
+Author: A. Goulbat
+
+Translator: Sergei de Wesselitsky-Bojidarovitch
+
+Release Date: March 14, 2011 [EBook #35577]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAUCASIAN LEGENDS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net for Project
+Gutenberg (This file was produced from images generously
+made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                           CAUCASIAN LEGENDS
+
+
+                     Translated from the Russian of
+                               A. GOULBAT
+
+                                   By
+                  Sergei de Wesselitsky-Bojidarovitch
+
+
+
+                        Hinds, Noble & Eldredge
+             31, 33, 35 West Fifteenth St.   New York City
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+                                             Page
+           I. The Rain                          9
+          II. Bakarr I., Tsar of Georgia       15
+         III. The Incombustible Tulip          18
+          IV. Saint Nina                       37
+           V. The Diamond                      82
+          VI. Happiness Is Within Us           95
+         VII. The Tribute of Roses            109
+        VIII. The Lot of the Holy Virgin      118
+          IX. The Comet                       128
+           X. The Jewel Necklace              139
+          XI. St. Mourvanoss                  146
+         XII. Zesva                           153
+        XIII. The Tale of Mikhian             156
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE OF THE TRANSLATOR
+
+
+Last year the Georgian people celebrated the one hundredth anniversary
+of the annexation of its country to the dominion of the Great White
+Tsar. These past one hundred years have been an era of uninterrupted
+and prosperous development of this nation of chivalry and heroism as
+well as loyalty and devotion to a great and good cause. In the third
+century A. D., the Georgians were converted to Christianity by Saint
+Nina. Ever since they have been a mighty fortress of christendom
+amidst wild and fanatic Mahometan tribes. Many a time their loyalty
+to their faith was sorely tried by the unparalleled cruelty of the
+Turks and Persians. Their capital was destroyed again and again,
+their churches ransacked and they commanded to tread upon the holy
+images which they venerated from childhood upwards. But even in such
+a terrible moment the Georgians showed themselves worthy of their all
+glorious traditions and thousands found their death in the River Koura
+at Tiflis, their chosen capital. For centuries this little nation
+of heroes battled with the Infidels and great was their distress,
+almost overcome by the gigantic forces of savage enemies, when a
+protector appeared in the north and re-established law and order,
+confidence and happiness. Seeing that it was essential to assure a
+permanent security, the ruler of Georgia asked in the name of his
+people to be annexed to the Motherhood of Orthodox Nations.
+
+I here reproduce a translation from the Russian of the reply of
+Alexander I. Parlovitch, Emperor of all the Russias (1801):
+
+"Not to increase our forces, not for the gain and extension of ours,
+the mightiest empire in the world, do we take upon ourselves the
+burden of the administration of the Georgian kingdom. Worthiness,
+honor, and humanity alone place on us the holy duty to establish in
+Georgia a government which may found righteousness, safety, and give
+every one protection of the law."
+
+Those are the noble terms of one of Russia's noblest rulers, and
+upon them is based the policy of the administration in regard to the
+Georgians. The Georgians, being of the same faith as the Russians,
+sympathize with the latter and are nowadays both a bulwark of the
+orthodox church and of the true Russian conservative governmental
+spirit. In the wars of 1853-56 and 1877-78 they fully proved their
+perfect fidelity and chivalrous readiness to assist their great
+deliverers against the Turks. The men of Georgia are renowned for their
+heroism, while the women of that country are the most beautiful in the
+world. The chief occupations of the Georgians are: pasturing, farming,
+jewelry work, silk-manufacturing, and wine-growing. The Georgians,
+taken as a whole, receive a considerable amount of education, and
+their newspapers, several of which are published at Tiflis, are very
+good. The leading paper is the "Iveria" (i. e., Georgia). Tiflis,
+the traditional capital of Georgia, is a city of 180,000 inhabitants,
+among whom are 33,000 Georgians proper. A number of other tribes or
+nationalities such as the Imeretians, Gourians, Mingrelians, Wanetes,
+Khevsoures, etc., also belong to what is called the Georgian family
+of nations. The greatest poet of Georgia is Prince Kazbek. Among the
+grand old families we find the Orbelians, who trace their ancestry
+back to an emperor of China, the Chavchavadzes, the Growzinskys,
+Bgaration-Moukranskys, Amilakvaris, Tsitsianovs, and many others,
+all of whom have rendered their native land incomparable services and
+deserve the highest praise. The author of the legends which I have
+attempted to translate, is a native Georgian, Mr. A. Goulbat, now
+living in Central Russia and leading a literary life. He is filled
+with enthusiasm for his native land and its valiant inhabitants. I
+have tried as well as I knew how to translate the legends in the same
+spirit as the author wrote them in the original, which was Russian.
+
+
+                                    Sergei de Wesselitsky-Bojidarovitch.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CAUCASIAN LEGENDS
+
+
+I. THE RAIN
+
+A LEGEND OF THE 11TH CENTURY
+
+
+At the time of Tsar George I (the rulers of Georgia were called
+Tsars = kings), in the 11th century, there lived the famous general,
+Kaiours, belonging to the glorious Orbeliani family. It is known
+that these princes trace their ancestry from an emperor of China and
+more than once intermarried with our rulers, in consequence of which
+their position at the court of Georgia was an exceptionally pleasant
+one. It is necessary to add to this that the submission and zeal of the
+princes Orbeliani fully repaid this distinction. They occupied from
+generation to generation the post of Sparapet, that is, of general
+in chief of all the Georgian forces, and astonished the world with
+their bravery. When George went to war with the Greeks, Kaiours was
+taken prisoner, and as this took place during the battle of Shirimna,
+where a great many Georgian leaders, among them the generals Ratt
+and Zovatt, brothers of Kaiours, were lost, the Tsar for a long time
+thought that Kaiours had died together with them. It was only when
+the negotiations for peace began, that Emperor Vassilii the Second
+proposed to the Tsar to exchange Kaiours for fourteen fortresses,
+viz., for one in Tao, one in Baisiana, one in Artana, one in Kola,
+one in Djavaheta, in Shavhetta, and so on; and besides he demanded as
+hostage George's three-year-old son, the Tsarevitch-successor Bagrat.
+
+"I am so much indebted to the princely family of the Orbelianis that
+I would consent to give half my kingdom for them," answered the Tsar.
+
+At the end of the negotiations it was decided that the
+Tsarevitch-successor should remain as hostage at Constantinople
+until the Greeks had succeeded in introducing their administration
+in the above mentioned fortresses and in no case longer than three
+years. There were those who criticised the Tsar for giving away
+fourteen of the best fortresses in exchange for one man, but the people
+almost killed them. The general confidence in the warlike capacities
+of the princes Orbeliani was so boundless that many openly said:
+"Let only Kaiours come back and by him we shall not only regain
+possession of all our fortresses, but with the help of God we shall
+obtain the foreign ones!" There was no end to joy when he returned
+home. More than all rejoiced his twelve-year-old daughter Tamara. The
+captivity of the father was a great grief to her, as in his absence
+her mother and brother died. Seeing Tamara riding forth by herself to
+meet him, accompanied by an old gamdela (nurse) and several bitchos
+(young boys, servants), the hero Kaiours, the very glance of whom
+turned whole regiments to flight, cried like a child. Father and
+daughter tenderly embraced and for a long time could not speak.
+
+The cries of joy among the people ceased, all remembered the good
+princess and the pretty boy, who had accompanied her everywhere, and
+sadness darkened the general joyousness. Kaiours was the first one
+to recover. He addressed those who had come to meet him and invited
+them to his house, to feast with him. "Tamara tries by her courtesy
+to take the place of my princess," he said, "the Lord is not without
+mercy; during my captivity he gave me a son in exchange for the one
+whom he took away. Plinii," Kaiours says, turning to a handsome
+youth, standing behind him, "help thy sister and me to serve the
+guests." All looks were now fixed on Plinii; tall, well-built, with
+fine, regular features, he bore an unmistakable stamp of aristocratic
+descent. Feeling himself the object of general interest, he blushed
+and drooped his eyes, like our bashful young ladies, and this modesty
+at once disposed everybody in his favor.
+
+The old nobleman Alexander, whom for his bravery and warlike successes
+they all called "the Macedonian," sat down by Kaiours and began to
+speak thus: "Friend, thou hast rightly said that the Lord compensated
+thee for the loss of thy son by a fine youth, whose attachment and
+filial respect to you we all see and which dispose us in his favor,
+but we should also like to know who he is and why thou didst adopt
+him?" "During my captivity," answered Kaiours, "the Lord sent me a
+friend. He was a well-known dignitary, a favorite of the Emperor and
+did not need the friendship of the prisoner, nevertheless not a day
+went by that he did not visit me. We related to each other our war
+reminiscences and soon began to love each other like brothers. When I
+received news of the death of my wife and son, his friendly sympathy
+was my sole consolation. He told me about his life and thus I found
+out that he had lost his loving companion on the day of Plinii's
+birth. The boy is now eighteen years old and healthy, but not strong,
+and must be carefully looked after. Before my departure my friend
+fell ill and called me to him. 'I am dying,' he said, 'and thank God
+that this happens before thy departure, because I am going to hand
+over to your care my greatest treasure. Adopt Plinii instead of that
+son whom God took away from thee. The doctors think that his health
+needs a much warmer climate than ours.' I swore to love and treat
+him like my son and hope that the Lord will help me to fulfill my
+vow!" continued Kaiours.
+
+"Thou didst satisfy my curiosity on one point," said Alexander--"now I
+want to find out something else, but for this we must repair to some
+other place. My heart also grieves about the son, who by the will of
+the monarch is among the young men accompanying the Tsarevitch-heir
+to Greece. Although our separation will not exceed three years,
+yet it does seem an eternity to me." At these words the old men
+retired, and when they returned they were carrying bowls of horn,
+filled with wine. With a gay countenance they addressed the feasting
+crowd. "Friends," said Alexander, "congratulate me and help me to
+thank Kaiours, who gives me the very best he possesses: I asked
+the gift of the hand of his daughter for my boy." Numberless people
+offered their congratulations and the feasting continued far into the
+night. Kaiours and Alexander saw each other often, the latter always
+hastened to communicate any news about the son. In the meantime it
+was discovered that the young men who accompanied Bagrat were learning
+all European languages and sciences.
+
+Kaiours thought thus: "I gave my daughter an entirely Georgian
+education, she knows neither European languages nor those arts by
+which the women over there so attract young men; would she not appear
+strange to your son?"
+
+Quite unexpectedly was heard Plinii's sweet voice. "Allow me to say
+a word." The old men stared at him; he stood before them all red with
+emotion. "Speak!" was their unanimous answer.
+
+"My late father did not mind spending any sum for my instruction, they
+taught me everything that is to be learned in our country. I easily
+learned the sciences, and if you permit me I shall be only too glad
+to educate my sister, who herself has a great passion for learning."
+
+Permission was given, and from then on the young people were
+inseparable. Under Plinii's direction Tamara soon acquired great
+perfection in Greek. They studied together the poets, committing
+the finest parts to memory. Tamara's wonderful voice grew still
+grander when she learned from Plinii how to accustom it to the rules
+of music. A harp was obtained, and for whole hours at a time they
+rejoiced in song. To the young people days, weeks, and months went by
+with extraordinary rapidity, they were perfectly happy and for a long
+time could not imagine how they had become so dear to each other. Being
+confident in Kaiours's affection, they fearlessly announced to him
+their discovery. But as Kaiours had once given his word to Alexander,
+he did not consider it right to break it. The lessons were stopped and
+Plinii forbidden to visit Tamara except in the presence of her father.
+
+The young people's happiness suddenly turned to deep grief, which
+Kaiours, who loved them sincerely, secretly shared. After a few days
+of such torture, Plinii could not restrain his feelings and found
+occasion to have a secret interview with Tamara. With tears in his
+eyes he implored her to run away with him to Greece and there be
+married, but neither prayers nor tears could persuade her to become
+disobedient to her father.
+
+"As thy wife should be so superior to all others as thou art the most
+beautiful man in the world," said Tamara, "how canst thou wish to marry
+a runaway girl? No, Plinii, let us wait! God is omnipotent! He knows,
+sees and esteems everything in due measure. He knows very well whether
+we find it easy not to be able to see each other, and I am sure that
+if we do nothing to provoke him, he himself will find means to stop
+our separation; only this I pray thee, do not forget me and don't
+try to find an occasion to see me secretly."
+
+Morning and evening, day and night, Tamara prayed to God to make an
+end to their separation, and the Lord answered her prayer. Once upon
+a time, accompanied by an old nurse and a bitcho (young boy servant),
+she started on a pilgrimage to some distant monastery where there lived
+an old man of ascetic life. To him Tamara revealed her grief and the
+old man led her into his garden. There in the presence of all he began
+to pray for her, and suddenly a terrible cloud appeared, lightning
+was seen and fearful strokes of thunder were heard. Those who were
+present fell to the ground from fright. At last the storm was over.
+
+"Arise!" said the prior, "the Lord has heard us sinners and comforted
+Tamara!"
+
+"But where is she?" they asked.
+
+"There," answered the old man, pointing to a magnificent fragrant
+lily, which had suddenly appeared in the midst of his garden. "The
+Lord turned her into a flower," he continued.
+
+The people would not believe it. The nurse spread a rumor that the
+crafty abbot had hidden Tamara. Forgetting godly fear and fearing
+Kaiours's wrath, she insulted and cursed him. The boy servants, among
+whom there were many Mahometans, searched the whole monastery, all
+the surrounding woods and bushes, and not finding Tamara anywhere,
+they killed the holy old man and burned down the monastery. The
+ancient building stood in flames, also the stone enclosure, many a
+hundred year old tree, the huge library, in fact all the scanty good
+of the images. Alone the church and the lily into which Tamara had
+been transformed were spared.
+
+Upon hearing of what had occurred, Kaiours and Plinii hastened to the
+spot. In the church there was nobody, everything else represented
+a field of coal and ashes. Tamara was nowhere to be found. Only in
+the midst of all these ashes there grew a splendid, fresh, fragrant
+white lily.
+
+Plinii was the first to approach her and began to cry. Kaiours followed
+him and was very much startled. He noticed that when Plinii's tears
+fell on the coal surrounding the lily, her tender leaves grew quite
+yellow from jealousy; on the other hand when they dripped into the
+lily she grew red from joy.
+
+"Tamara, is it thou we see?" asked the father.
+
+Just at that moment there came up a little breeze and Kaiours and
+Plinii heard distinctly as though the leaves spoke:
+
+"It is I, father!"
+
+The inconsolable father could not stand the loss of his daughter and
+immediately died from grief, but poor Plinii cried so much and so long
+and so fervently prayed to God that he might be united with Tamara,
+that in the end the Lord transformed him to rain. I have heard that
+in bygone times whenever a dryness set in the inhabitants of the
+surrounding villages hastened to the abandoned church, around which
+lilies always grew in abundance, and picked whole baskets of them. They
+scattered the fragrant harvest in the fields and gardens and the young
+maidens sang Tamara's song. The lovely melodious composition was as
+fragrant and clean as the dear flower which they glorified. This song,
+indeed, is Tamara's very prayer, showing all her childish faith in
+God's almightiness. It ends with an invocation of Plinii, who, they
+say, always appears in the form of a warm, beneficial rain. I heard
+even that these lilies preserved a rare capacity, viz., sometimes
+to grow red, sometimes yellow, and our maidens thus concluded that
+these flowers could tell one's fortune. Each maiden notices one
+flower and after the rain goes to look for it. Is the lily yellow,
+the young girl entertains great fears as to the fidelity of her
+lover; is it red, she never doubts his attachment to her. Whether
+this quaint custom still prevails I don't know. I am always sorry
+when some such tradition becomes forgotten! In our ancient legends
+there was so much of the truthful, honorable and elevated that these
+circumstances alone rendered them most instructive.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+II. BAKARR THE FIRST, TSAR OF GEORGIA
+
+A STORY
+
+
+Bakarr the First ascended the throne after the death
+of his well-beloved and much-esteemed father, Mirian the
+Converter. Remembering the counsels of his dear, dear father, he
+turned all his glorious efforts towards converting and instructing
+those mountain inhabitants who had not submitted themselves to the
+peremptory orders of Mirian and had thus not appeared to be baptized
+with the rest of the grand old nation. Highly honorable in every way,
+simple in his manners, the ever-patient Bakarr finally succeeded in
+obtaining the long desired baptism of the wild unbelievers, without
+applying any forcible and dangerous measures. Having heard of his
+peacefulness of character, the Armenian Tsar thought it opportune to
+take the throne away from him and hand it over to Irdat, the son of
+the deceased Tsarevitch Revv and the Armenian Tsarevna Salomee. But
+Bakarr united all the qualities of a brave and excellent general
+with the greatest virtues of an earnest, peaceful Tsar. He therefore
+arranged an alliance with his dear nephew, the Persian King Kossrovve
+the Second, and jointly with him, in a fearful and hard-fought battle
+in the province of Djavakheta, completely defeated and destroyed
+the wretched Armenian army and turned it to disgraceful flight. The
+amply terrified Tsarevna Salomee begged the Emperor of Greece to be
+kind enough to explain to Bakarr that the Armenian Tsar had not acted
+upon her advice or desire.
+
+Willing to let each one of his loving subjects approach and debate
+with him, Bakarr on the other hand did not consider it in accordance
+with his sublime merit to have the neighboring sovereigns mix in and
+begin to reason about his own family affairs, and therefore he briefly
+replied to the great Greek Emperor thus: "Until in the family of the
+Georgian Tsar Bakarr the First there proveth to be one who is unable
+and too weak to properly reign, the throne will belong to it, and the
+children of Revv ought not to bring forth the slightest pretensions."
+To his ally, however, to Kossrovve the Second, he announced that the
+attack of the Armenian Tsar forced him to seriously look after the
+safety and education of the children of his brother and sister,
+whom Mirian willingly permitted to be married to Pkerose. Actually
+at the end of the war, the first active deed of Bakarr was the exact
+arrangement about the domains of Pkerose.
+
+Instead of Rana from Bardave on, given to Pkerose by Mirian, he begged
+Bakarr to give him Sammshvillde, to which the Tsar fully consented,
+constructing a direct line as far as the entrance of the Christavstvo
+(province) of Abbots. Deeply moved by the great-heartedness of the
+Tsar, Pkerose accepted Christianity and was baptized with his whole
+nation, but Bakarr occupied himself with thoroughly settling the
+widow and children of his brother Revv.
+
+He led them to Kouketka, and having made his way into Roustava, he
+handed over this country to the administration of his nephews Irdat and
+Bakourious with the title of kristaves, and under them their mother
+Salomee quietly lived in their company. This sovereign sacrificed
+his whole life to the betterment and thorough reforming of his great
+monarchy and distinguished himself by passionate uprightness. He
+considerably increased the churches and the church servants. By him
+was also founded the perfectly magnificent cathedral of Tsillkanny.
+
+He died in the year three hundred and sixty-four and was buried by the
+side of his father Mirian. Before dying he also, just like Mirian,
+hung his royal crown on the marvellous cross of Saint Nina, touched
+his son and successor Mirdat the Second with it, and afterwards
+placed the crown on the head of his son and openly proclaimed him
+his rightful heir. This solemn custom was strictly observed by all
+Georgian Tsars. Although Bakarr made absolutely no new acquisitions,
+yet his short but most wise administration had firmly united together
+all decaying, poorer, and mutually inimical parts of his government,
+and finally confirmed the actual preponderance of Christianity over
+all other religions, and therefore his reign was considered one of
+the very best and most blissful.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+III. THE INCOMBUSTIBLE TULIP
+
+
+In the second century B. C., Armenia was governed by Valarsass,
+the brother of the Persian Shah Arsass the Great. At that period
+the countries to the north of the Arabs were called Chaldea and
+Pontus. In the latter lived a young hero, Morphiliziy, who at the
+head of his followers could not only repel all attacks of Valarsass,
+but even in a decisive battle completely defeated him; thereupon he
+annexed also the Georgian frontier counties, among others Kaeounan,
+and was proclaimed Tsar (King) by his grateful subjects.
+
+It happened that just then Kaeounan was governed by John, a native
+of the city of Damascus, whom they therefore called Damassk, i.e.,
+the Damascian. He was a widower and possessed but one daughter,
+a perfect beauty, by the name of Nina. During the battle, Damassk,
+through his personal bravery, attracted Morphiliziy's attention,
+who challenged him to a duel. For a long time the old warrior's
+experience counterbalanced the hero's strength of the Pontitian, but
+in the end his old strength began to give way, his movements slackened
+their usual rapidity and he could not escape from Morphiliziy's horse,
+which transpierced him. Dripping with blood, he fell from the faithful
+steed. At that moment Morphiliziy jumped off his horse and tried to
+revive him with all his strength. The dying man opened his eyes.
+
+"Ask whatever favor thou wishest, old hero!" the conqueror
+exclaimed. "In thee I found the first man whose military adroitness
+excelled mine!"
+
+"Don't abandon my daughter," murmured John, and thereupon died.
+
+Entering Kaeounan, Morphiliziy first of all rushed to John's house
+and was astounded by Nina's beauty. "She shall be my wife!" he loudly
+broke out, and immediately appointed a day for the wedding.
+
+With fright the unhappy orphan heard of this decision. How could she,
+who so dearly loved her father, become the wife of his murderer.
+
+"Not for anything in the world," she repeated a thousand times in
+one hour, and upon pronouncing that sentence, her magnificent eyes,
+which were usually a very ocean of goodness and mildness, were filled
+with some terrible fire.
+
+We must notice that in those times it was customary among our noblemen
+to choose gamdelis among the Jewesses, for their daughters. John
+had of course followed the general custom, and little Nina, who in
+early childhood had lost her mother, loved her gamdela (nurse) with
+all the enthusiasm of her daring soul. All of the gamdela's tastes
+were Nina's. Her faith, her God were the same faith and the same God
+as her pupil's. Thus the nurse was the first person to come to hear
+of Nina's decision and was asked for advice. The old woman silently
+listened to her and long did not say a word, only the features of
+her face took a painful expression.
+
+"Why art thou so silent?" impatiently remarked Nina.
+
+"I am reflecting whether I shall tell thee still another cause for
+thy refusing Morphiliziy or whether it is better to say no more
+about it." At last with a sad smile she broke out and at the same
+time her piercing glance was fixed on Nina, who flew into a passion
+and turned away.
+
+"And so my supposition is true, thou dost love the aznaoure of Cicero!"
+
+Nina threw herself on the floor and hid her grieved face between the
+knees of the gamdela. The old woman caressingly touched her long hair
+with her wrinkled hands and began to think; at last she decided to
+reveal the result of her reflections.
+
+"Thou art so young that I am afraid to advise thee seriously. Could
+not a time well come when thou mayest be sorry to have made him thy
+master, who might be thy slave? Remember that Morphiliziy is a king,
+but Cicero does not even belong to the aristocracy. He is a simple,
+poor nobleman of such as thy father had many; were he alive such
+a marriage would hardly suit him. Besides thou art accustomed to
+luxury, while Cicero has absolutely nothing, also whatever thou hast
+thou canst never give away. The only means to unite you is for you
+to run immediately into the country of his forefathers and there be
+married. I tell thee openly: What disposes me in favor of Cicero is
+his constant, endless and boundless submission to thee. I noticed it
+long ago and have been watching him, but notwithstanding my experience
+and closest attention, I did not find a single instance in which he
+might be blamed."
+
+The hidden face of the young lady lit up with some roguish
+smile. Perhaps she thought that the nurse esteemed her sagacity
+too highly. Whatever may have been her feelings, the moment she
+raised her head from the knees of the old woman, all traces of her
+smiles vanished. She sat upon the floor at the nurse's feet and for
+a long time they silently glanced at each other; each one had her
+idea. Suddenly Nina quite unexpectedly threw her white hands around the
+neck of the old woman, hid her face on her shoulder and loudly cried.
+
+"Gamdela," she passionately said, "arrange it as thou didst just now
+propose, arrange it all if thou lovest me and dost not wish that
+I should die! I don't want, I cannot--no, I will not live without
+Cicero! For him I will give up with joy and distinction my riches
+or even the royal crown! What is all that to me if I am not to have
+him? Dost thou understand, dear nurse, that I love him more than I
+ever loved thee, or my father; that I love him more than whosoever in
+the world; that I love him as fishes do water. And thou sayest that
+he could be my slave--well, do I want such a thing? I myself desire
+to be his slave and do all he commands! I love him just because he
+is poor, unknown and a stranger to every one here!" and Nina again
+became hysterical.
+
+The poor gamdela did her best to quiet the young girl with caressing
+movements of her aged hands, she herself trembled from emotion, quietly
+cried and innerly prayed. In the end she succeeded in putting Nina
+to bed and herself called for Cicero, and with her first glance at
+the young man persuaded herself that she was not mistaken as to his
+boundless devotion to Nina. Yesterday still all fell in love with
+the handsome youth, in the best of health, but now he stood before
+her with a rawboned pale face and castdown eyes, even the lips grew
+white and their edges nervously jerked.
+
+The old woman with precaution informed him how matters stood, and
+immediately tried with all her might to restrain his boundless joy.
+
+When he had reflected a little, she ordered to prepare two riding
+horses for the hour of midnight and advised Cicero to wait at the
+Western Gates, whither she promised to bring Nina, dressed in men's
+clothes.
+
+Upon this occasion he was also given a belt, richly sewn with
+gold. Having done there everything that was necessary, the gamdela
+went to Nina and prepared her for the hasty departure. Midnight
+came. With silent steps two shades moved through the whole house and
+across the court. At the Western Gates the impatient cavalier was
+already waiting with an extra horse.
+
+Nina quickly mounted it, with a happy smile motioned to the dear old
+woman, and soon they disappeared in the darkness.
+
+However much the gamdela wished to remain at the gates, as long as
+the trampling of the galloping hoofs could be heard of those horses
+which took away with them, perhaps forever, all that was dearest
+to her in the whole world, common sense did not permit this and the
+nurse returned home and passed the remainder of the night in tears
+and prayer. At sunrise the house was filled with her lamentations.
+
+The frightened servants instantly answered her call and found her in
+the garden on the bank of the river. By her side lay Nina's dress and
+linen. Seeing people run, she motioned to them, and wringing her hands
+she explained to them that Nina was drowned. Old and young rushed to
+the river, not only the people of the household, but the whole town
+joined those seeking; nevertheless all efforts proved to be in vain.
+
+Morphiliziy's warriors upon hearing of what had taken place immediately
+informed their lord, and were all without exception ordered to go to
+search for Nina. Morphiliziy himself rushed to the garden and began
+to question the grief-stricken old woman.
+
+From her explanations, constantly interrupted by moaning, he understood
+that Nina long ago asked to go bathing, that the gamdela, fearing the
+swiftness of the river, had not given her permission, and that this
+day at sunrise the impatient girl had quietly slipped out into the
+garden while the nurse was sleeping and got what she desired. Awaking
+and beholding the empty bed, the gamdela immediately ran to the banks
+of the river, but found nothing but Nina's dress.
+
+Morphiliziy himself went into the water, turned over every bush and
+stone, swam beyond the town, but found nothing at all. Everywhere he
+met people who were on the same errand; the warriors searched, the men
+of Damask, the citizens, yes, all who could swim, were out working,
+but in vain. The grieved sovereign came up on the bank and declared
+that he would grant any reward to him who found Nina living or dead
+and brought her to him. A day went by--no news. And a second day went
+by; many of those on the lookout returned home with the discouraging
+news that they had not found the girl. The town again took its usual
+look. Morphiliziy alone did not sleep and thoughtfully sat on the roof
+of his house. The night was warm, with bright moonlight, and acted
+quietingly upon the unhappy Tsar. About midnight he beheld a shade
+approaching his house and began to look at it with anxiety. Soon he
+discovered that it was his favorite negro.
+
+"Noy!" he cried out.
+
+"It is I, sire," replied the negro. "Let me immediately report."
+
+"Come up quickly!" and Morphiliziy's heart was suddenly bent and
+frosted and beat so hard that it caused pain. The hero put his hand
+on his breast in the hope of quieting its movements, but it went on
+most painfully and his momentary joy turned to fearful worry.
+
+In a moment Noy appeared before him. "Hast thou found her alive or
+dead?" he quickly asked.
+
+"Living," began Noy, "but...."
+
+"Well, where is she then?... a horse, let me have a horse this very
+moment!" shouted Morphiliziy, but the disappointed, almost terrified
+looks of Noy caused him to think the matter over.
+
+"Why art thou thus silent?" he impatiently asked the slave.
+
+"Sire ... she is not ... alone! She lives with ... a young man!"
+
+Morphiliziy turned his back upon the negro in order to hide the
+impression which these words had produced on him. He sat down on a
+stool and pointing to the carpet lying at his feet ordered Noy to
+relate everything in detail and without hurrying.
+
+"Sire," said the negro--"I wished to deceive thee! I wanted to escape
+bondage and return to the land of my forefathers. I thought of taking
+advantage of the general disorder, went into the stable, saddled thy
+horse, explaining that I was starting for the search, and while all the
+people were looking for Nina along the banks of the river, I started
+in the opposite direction--straight to the sea, where I dreamt of
+finding a ship and sailing away. At first I was unusually delighted,
+but little by little I began to be overpowered by the fear of being
+pursued. My horse flew like the wind and I induced it to go faster
+and faster. In the meantime my fear grew stronger at every step. It
+changed to terror--into some kind of despair; I no longer let the horse
+catch breath, but chased him like a crazy man. In the end his speed
+grew smaller. I became furious, tore the cloth and beat him without
+mercy. He still went on a little farther and beyond his strength,
+and then rolled into the dust. This was in a forest. I unsaddled and
+unbridled him, but he did not raise himself and so I continued my
+way on foot. Suddenly I overheard human voices; I stopped and began
+to listen. Evidently these were two persons in love with each other,
+and I had nothing to fear. I cautiously approached, continuing to
+hide myself in thick bushes and trying to look at those conversing.
+
+"To my surprise I beheld two young boys; they sat together and were
+eating. 'Must we ride still farther?' asked the younger one.
+
+"'I am very tired!'
+
+"'It is no wonder you are tired, my little soul,' replied the older
+boy, 'why, see! we did not leave our horses for about twenty-four
+hours; I do think it would be more sensible if we remained the night
+here; I shall light a fire as a guard against wild beasts, put under
+thee my bourka [a long black cape without sleeves commonly used all
+over the Caucasus], and watch while thou art asleep!'
+
+"'Ah! but if we made for the village thou too couldst rest?'
+
+"'No, my joy, I am more afraid for thee of Morphiliziy and his
+followers than of all the wild animals of this slumbering thicket. From
+the latter I can always save my bride, but from Morphiliziy it is
+only a wonder if we escape alive!'
+
+"I understood all, and impulsively retired. Why should I then run away,
+knowing that thou wouldst give me my freedom in any case. Returning
+to that spot whence I had descended to overhear their conversation,
+I suddenly came upon a little stream and sat down on its bank. My
+crazy race had quite exhausted my strength. I drew some bread from my
+pocket, picked off some wild figs and began to eat, reflecting how I
+should come home the quickest. Seeing where I was, there was no use
+of trying to return home on foot, but where should I find a horse.
+
+"Having finished my meal, I arose and went to that place where a few
+hours before I had abandoned your horse; to my greatest pleasure he
+was munching grass. I led him to the stream, let him drink, saddled
+him and put on the bridle. To ride him would have had no sense. After
+walking an hour he grew more lively, and I began to hope that he was
+recovering, especially as he suddenly joyfully raised his head and
+neighed. I imagined that in the distance some other horse answered
+likewise. I hurried in that direction; after a little while the horses
+again exchanged compliments, and guiding myself by their voices,
+I soon met a young cavalier on a fine Persian horse.
+
+"By his fashionable costume it was easy to distinguish him as one
+of the local aristocrats. I reverently bowed; he answered my salute
+and his eyes were fixed upon thy horse, which he fell in love with,
+like a connoisseur.
+
+"'Whither art thou, traveller?' he asked.
+
+"'I am from afar, sir, sent by my ruler upon a hasty and important
+affair and must walk the rest of the way for I am incapable of managing
+this horse.'
+
+"'It is the very best thoroughbred Arabian steed that I have ever seen;
+thou didst excessively tire it and thou wilt certainly ruin this jewel
+for good if you do not give him rest. I don't know thy master and don't
+wish to know his name, but even on his own land I cannot allow such a
+treasure to be ruined. Mount then my horse, gallop away to thy lord
+and tell him that thou didst leave his half-dead horse at the tavad
+of Bidandara's. If he wishes to sell him I shall pay any price he may
+demand; if he does not want to part with him, why then let him send
+back my horse and take back his own; at Bidandara's everybody finds
+hospitality--even animals,' and he got off his horse, took hold of
+and led away mine without listening to my exclamations of gratitude.
+
+"I gave him time to go a long way and then chased his horse still more
+mercilessly than thine. I knew that thou wilt give him the centuple,
+and therefore thought only how I could reach thee the soonest. Upon
+entering the town he fell and I ran the rest of the way on foot. What
+doest thou command me to do now?"
+
+"This moment thou wilt choose two of the best horses and lead them
+hither. We shall immediately start in pursuit; tell my lifeguards
+secretly to catch up with us. Let them have pity upon the horses
+and take plenty of wine and provisions with them, for thou must be
+quite hungry!"
+
+In a few minutes the two cavaliers rode out of town and later on they
+were followed by a whole detachment of warriors, trying to catch up
+with them. Morphiliziy was not riding very fast, but thinking. He
+remembered that still a short time before, when but a simple army
+commander, he had no other wishes besides military glory; all his plans
+seemed to have been successfully carried out when he was proclaimed
+King and his name passed from mouth to mouth, surrounded with all
+the glitter of the recent victory.
+
+The triumph over Damask, the most glorious warrior of his century,
+appeared to him as the height of blissfulness. He remembered also that
+unusual, up to this time new to him, feeling which suddenly arose in
+him upon beholding Nina.
+
+The very glance at this young girl, hardly out of her teens, drove out
+of his heart and imagination everything in which he up to this moment
+had prided himself--military glory and victories over Valarsass and
+the accession to the throne--all vanished somewhere in the distance,
+occupied some remote spot and was no longer of any interest to him. And
+to think that this child had made fun of him! This child had managed
+her nurse and servants and warriors and even him, Morphiliziy, the
+terrible, powerful and invincible conqueror! This little girl feared
+not his anger, was not frightened by his forces, did not tremble before
+his might. His warrior's renown, his monarchy, his personal charms
+had not won her. She was not at all excited or especially delighted
+over the impression she had produced upon the hero, and in just the
+same way she treated a little boy, whom he could knock down with one
+blow like some piece of paper!
+
+He resolved that Nina should be his wife however difficult it might
+be to obtain her hand. She did not wish his love--she did not see the
+need of his caresses--"then," thought he, "let her feel my strength,
+my might, my power--yes, my wrath!"
+
+These reflections were interrupted by the approaching
+warriors. Morphiliziy turned around; the moon lit up his pale face
+and sparkling eyes. The soldiers were frightened, never yet had they
+seen him look thus.
+
+"Give Noy wine and bread--he will eat on the way, but to you, my
+comrades in battle, I shall now unfold the secret of my soul. You know
+my whole life, you know very well that there is not a man who could
+boast of having conquered me; you know too that my very glance can
+put regiments to flight, that my name was sufficient to make kings
+and nations tremble, and now, when I reached the height of glory and
+power, I wanted to divide them with an orphan, I wanted to place her
+upon that throne for which I am indebted to your love and submission
+to me, I wished to proclaim her Tsaritsa and share with her my glory,
+my happiness, and my power! But she refused all these things, and me
+too, and ran off with a boy. Now...."
+
+Morphiliziy's speech was interrupted, he sighed deeply and continued:
+
+"We are out to pursue them. Think up some punishment worthy of their
+crime. What shall be done with her?"
+
+"Kill them both!" was the unanimous reply.
+
+"That is insufficient!" answered the Tsar.
+
+"Drown them in the river, where they betrayed their deception!"
+
+"Not enough!"
+
+"Have them burned alive!"
+
+"Still too good for them!"
+
+"Let them be torn to pieces by wild beasts!"
+
+"All this is very little!" replied Morphiliziy. "All this is quickly
+over and does not appease my desire for revenge. They must be captured
+alive and locked up one opposite the other, so that through the open
+windows of their dungeons they may see each other, and then I shall
+prepare my rival a spectacle that will wound him worse than fire,
+but afterwards I shall hand over to you Nina, and then there will be
+time to cut off their proud heads and throw them away to be eaten by
+the dogs!"
+
+The Tsar grew silent, his face became still paler, his eyes stared
+out worse than before; he was so terrible to look at, that even the
+fearless warriors could not glance at him and hardly approached his
+horse and Noy's, which they were hurrying on at full speed. The sun
+rose--they continued their ride, a whole day went by, the journey
+went on as before, and night overtook them again when they entered
+a forest. Noy announced that it was the same forest in which he had
+left the fugitives. The moon shone poorly from behind the eternal
+trees, it became necessary to get off the horses, which were left to
+the care of several warriors, but the others went on and soon found
+that little field of wild copse on which Cicero and Nina had rested,
+they even found the place where they had been sitting.
+
+The grass was trodden down, it bore the traces of spilt wine and crumbs
+of bread--one large shrub was cut down--but there were no branches.
+
+"They probably burned them in a wood-pile," remarked Noy.
+
+"Well, where then are the traces of the wood-pile?" replied
+Morphiliziy. Upon noticing that from the place where they stood onward
+the grass was trodden down and seemed to form a kind of road, all
+followed upon this track. By sunrise they left the forest and spread
+themselves out over a splendid meadow, which ended in a field. The
+track went on across the meadow to the very field, which was beginning
+to be worked by laborers.
+
+Morphiliziy dispatched one of his warriors to ask to whom this
+field belonged and whether they had not seen two boys on horseback
+yesterday. The soldier returned with a peasant.
+
+"This is the field of the tavad Bidandari, we are his men and did
+not work here yesterday, but we heard that our master had brought
+home some two youths, one of whom is ill, and to-day by the orders
+of the proprietor, my brother went for the znabar (a kind of doctor)
+on the seacoast."
+
+"Why, is it far to the sea?" asked Morphiliziy.
+
+"Six or seven agatches" (an agatche is a little more than six and
+less than seven versts).
+
+"What! is there no doctor nearer than that?" again asked Morphiliziy.
+
+"Why should there not be one? We have a doctor in the village who is
+immediately at the side of the patient when required, but the other
+one is cleverer because he takes advantage of the sea tide in order
+to collect plants, shells, insects, and little fishes, which our own
+doctors do not get a chance to use for their medicine."
+
+"Tell thy master that the owner of the Arab horse came to thank him
+for his favor, to pay his debt, and asks permission to come in."
+
+The peasant went off, but Morphiliziy ordered his warriors to return
+to the forest, and taking Noy with him, followed from afar the running
+laborer. He was very particular in explaining to Noy why he did not
+wish his name to be disclosed before the right time.
+
+Bidandari came out to meet his guest and led him to some gorgeous
+apartments where a number of fashionably attired servants surrounded
+the newcomer, offering elegant clothes, aromatic soaps, and every
+kind of luxury customary in those times. Having washed and dressed,
+Morphiliziy came into an adjoining room where a dinner was set. The
+host met him at the door with two large horns filled with old wine,
+which, joining hands, they drank at the same time, as a sign of
+friendship. Notwithstanding that Morphiliziy had eaten almost
+nothing for more than two days, the rare and numerous dishes did
+not dazzle him. He had to make an effort in order to pretend that
+he was eating. At the end of the dinner the host offered him to take
+a rest, but Morphiliziy said that before that he would like to talk
+with him alone: then Bidandari, who had not even looked as though he
+had recognized his sovereign, respectfully fell down on one knee and
+kissed the edge of the royal coat.
+
+"You recognized me, tavad?" said the surprised King.
+
+"Yes, your Majesty, but I did not dare to say this before the rest,
+because I did not know the reason you had for not speaking openly."
+
+"I came hither to carry out my revenge and I cannot do it without
+your help."
+
+"Pray tell, what is it you order?"
+
+"But this is against the laws of hospitality, in which your house
+has always glorified itself."
+
+"If it be impossible to receive satisfaction for being insulted
+otherwise--then give orders to kill me--in such a way at least I
+fulfil my duty as to you, like a faithful subject, obliged to defend
+the honor of his sovereign even to death and shall not be responsible
+for what occurs in my house after my death."
+
+"But, tavad, you forget that in such a case I fulfil my duty neither
+like a Tsar, nor like a guest, but of this let us speak later. The
+point of the affair is that in your own house my bride is hiding,
+disguised as a boy, and I want to take her immediately with me. It
+seems to me that by handing her over to me you do nothing offensive to
+the rules of hospitality; as to her companion, he has insulted my royal
+honor, and it is only natural that every true subject should himself
+chase him out of his house as soon as he learns about his crime."
+
+Bidandari sighed and his face took a sad expression.
+
+"I ask a favor of you, sire; sooner order that I be killed than that
+my guest receiveth the merited punishment and let me now tell you all
+that weighs on me. Before death one is permitted to put aside every
+etiquette and to speak with one's sovereign without the customary
+court formalities, thereupon I take the liberty of treating you like
+a brilliant warrior."
+
+"You forget, tavad, that I am very much obliged to you, and that you
+therefore have the right to demand anything you like of me except to
+pardon my rival. You yourself are a young and unmarried man, is it
+possible you do not understand my thoughts?"
+
+"Forgive me, sire, but I must again speak none but the bare truth! My
+meeting with your negro you already know about. Wishing to come home by
+the very most direct way, I went on a trail which by chance brought me
+up to two boys. The younger of them was shaking from malaria, he was
+pale and lay upon a bourka, but the older one sat by him in despair
+and wrung his hands. On this same little meadow two saddled and tired
+horses were feeding; by their exhausted look it was perfectly clear
+that the travellers came a long way. I came up from behind, and when I
+greeted them, the elder brother quickly jumped up and seized a kinjall
+(Caucasian knife or rather dagger), while the younger boy simply sighed
+and looked at me in a terrified way; he was evidently either too ill or
+too exhausted to make any kind of a movement. 'Fear nothing,' I said,
+'I came to offer you my hospitality, which you hardly have a right
+to refuse as you are on my lands.'
+
+"'Excuse me,' suspiciously answered the older one--'before I accept
+your kind offer, I should like to ask you where you took this horse
+from, which yesterday was still the property of the monarch?'
+
+"I explained it. The boy reflected. 'What dost thou think of, young
+man, accept quickly my offer, and together we shall carry the sick
+brother into a warm room, in which his illness will be over by morning,
+while here he may die from taking cold.'
+
+"The boy got frightened.
+
+"'Promise me not to hand us out to Morphiliziy alive or dead, and
+I will readily accept your invitation with gratitude; otherwise we
+should both prefer to die.'
+
+"I glanced at the sick boy, he evidently made an effort to smile and
+thus confirm his brother's words, but this smile lit up his face
+with such an inexpressible magnificence that I began to be very
+much puzzled--after all was it not a woman? I accorded the desired
+promise. We made litters of the branches of a soft coppice. I told
+them that I would send horses for their conveyance, but thy horse
+tied itself to the girdle and we safely brought our litter to the
+house. During the night the patient began to groan and constantly
+repeated:
+
+"'Darling Cicero, if they discover us--kill me, I wish to be neither
+a Tsaritsa nor anything else except thy wife!'
+
+"There was not the least doubt left by this time; this was a woman who
+had run away from some detested man together with her lover. Seeing
+that it was no longer possible to hide anything, Cicero related
+the whole story to me. They already loved each other, sire, when
+thou didst first see her. Perhaps thou wilt say that Cicero might
+perfectly well have conquered his attachment; taking into account
+that Nina was the object of this attachment--such a change was very
+improbable indeed. I say further that I myself was overtaken by such
+an extraordinary feeling of delight before this utmost perfection
+of beauty that I felt as though it was not worth living on earth if
+one could not possess Nina; and in consequence of all this, sire,
+thou dost partly fulfil my proper wish if thou dost order me to be
+executed as one bending down before thy will. To hand them out to
+you after my promise is beyond my powers."
+
+Morphiliziy walked up and down the room with huge steps and nervously
+twitching with his mouth.
+
+"I wish to see her!" he said.
+
+"Oh, monarch, be gracious! Before thy arrival here, a doctor had
+just attended upon her. She has a fever from terror, she frequently
+cries, saying:
+
+"'I am so tired that I cannot ride any farther! They pursue us--yes,
+they pursue us!' If she should see thee now, death would surely
+set in. As a satisfaction to thy offended pride, take away my life,
+which has become so painful to me. I am more guilty before thee than
+Cicero, because I dared to fall in love with thy bride, while he just
+worshipped a free girl and was fervently loved by her before thou
+didst enter the town and becamest our ruler. Thou didst permit me to
+request rewards for ordinary services; don't let Nina perish! Don't
+deprive her of that happiness of which she deprived thee, and even
+me!" Bidandari wished to bend a knee, but the Tsar did not allow him
+to take such a step.
+
+"We shall converse like young men of equal rank," said he. "Leave me
+alone; in a few minutes I shall call thee."
+
+Bidandari went out, but Morphiliziy again paced the floor. Within
+him a terrible combat was going on. On one side his deceived love and
+wounded pride demanded cruel revenge, on the other hand the elevated
+thoughts of his soul, his well-known love of mercy and chivalrous
+nobility of soul inclined him to follow Bidandari's advice. After
+walking a whole hour his bad intentions went away, and completely
+worn out from physical exhaustion as well as spiritual disturbance,
+he threw himself down upon the sofa and went to sleep with the firm
+resolution to pardon Nina.
+
+But alas! Ibliss (the devil) is always angered by any noble intention,
+be it of a Christian, be it of a heathen, and always exerts himself
+in finding ways of preventing their being carried out. And thus
+it happened also this time. He appeared to Morphiliziy in a dream
+under the form of Nina; she was sitting at the feet of Bidandari
+and gaily joked and laughed. Morphiliziy did his best to overhear
+their conversation and understood that they were laughing at his
+confidence. Bidandari boasted about his cleverness, but Nina laughed
+aloud.
+
+"I assured him that thou lovest Cicero--that once I came upon you by
+chance; and he believed it all like a stupid child. He allows Cicero
+to marry and lets you go to Rome, whither I shall soon follow you, and
+then only will he find out the true state of affairs. Thou must admit,
+my Nina, that I cleverly thought up all and am worthy of a reward!"
+
+Instead of answering, Nina threw herself on his neck and Morphiliziy
+saw and heard how the mouths joined together in kissing. He awoke
+trembling from furor. "Noy," he cried. The negro appeared.
+
+"Tell the warriors to bring me immediately, all chained, Bidandari,
+Cicero, and her! I shall instantly ride home alone! If I stay here but
+a minute longer I shall choke them all, and this is little! A horse,
+I say, a horse!"
+
+In a moment he was already riding off home, but at sunrise on the
+following day they brought to his house the three guilty ones. He came
+out on the roof, all wicked, dark, terrible! All his former noble
+feelings had disappeared for good, he gave himself up to the work
+of pitiless revenge. Silently he pointed to Nina and his house. The
+warriors understood and led her there. Cicero made a desperate
+effort to run after her, but the heavy chains and powerful arms of
+the soldiers held him fast. Then the Tsar pointed to Cicero and to
+the house situated opposite him. Cicero was led off there. Before
+him there remained but Bidandari.
+
+"Cut off his sly head!" shouted Morphiliziy, with such anger that a
+flame came out of his mouth at these words. The warriors fell upon
+Bidandari, but hardly had his head been divided from his body, when a
+wonder occurred. The day was bright and clear, without a single cloud
+in the sky, but at this moment an immense black cloud descended unto
+the corpse and hid him from the eyes of those standing about. All
+stared with the greatest attention. Little by little the cloud went
+off, but on the spot where Bidandari stood a magnificent white tulip
+grew up.
+
+"He is a witch!" cried Morphiliziy, and again the flame was seen
+coming out of his mouth and nostrils.
+
+"Bring the messenger of charms, the old gamdela, and knock her down
+before this cursed tulip!"
+
+When they cut off her head and the blood was spattered unto the tulip,
+its centre grew strikingly red with pale rosy stripes on the leaves,
+which rendered it still more beautiful.
+
+"Now," said Morphiliziy angrily, "drag Cicero to the window, stand
+by his side and don't let him turn his head. I should like him to
+see everything that is going to occur opposite!"
+
+And he roared like a madman, and the flame again came out of his
+mouth, nostrils and ears. "Away with the remaining people from here,"
+he shouted in conclusion. The square was instantly cleared.
+
+"Hand me Nina over here!" was Morphiliziy's last command as he
+entered the house and took a place at a window opposite the one to
+which Cicero was lashed. They brought up Nina, half dead from fear.
+
+"God of Israel! save me!" she cried out.
+
+"Nobody will save thee from me!" wickedly answered Morphiliziy,
+and seizing Nina and embracing her he brought her to the open
+window. Opposite, Cicero was making astounding but futile efforts to
+free himself from his chains.
+
+"Call to my God--Cicero! He is stronger than that man!" cried
+Nina. In this moment she glanced at her feet and fainted from
+terror. Morphiliziy was also astounded. He saw that her feet grew
+together and formed one black mass. He rashly tore her clothes off her
+body, but the transformation took place still faster; her whole body
+burned and grew black, and in a few minutes from her hands there jumped
+out a splendid butterfly and joyfully flew across the square to meet
+another one who had come out of Cicero's dungeon. Both of them hurried
+to the gamdela's body and to the white tulip and circled around them.
+
+How could one describe Morphiliziy's wrath? To express his anger he
+could no longer find any human words. Some horrible, fearful sounds
+came out of his mouth together with flames. With terror his warriors
+looked on as he threw himself about on the square and as his eyes
+flashed. Little by little he turned completely into a flame. Fiery
+tongues began to climb out of the window, slipped down to the
+square and everywhere rose into the air, hoping to burn the poor
+butterflies. In vain did they fly all over the place, everywhere the
+flame chased them, at last they hid themselves in the tulip, which
+hastened to shelter them with its leaves. The whole fury of the fire
+was now fixed upon the unhappy little flower. Just then the body of
+the gamdela was transformed into a shower. As much as Morphiliziy
+harassed his enemy, the faithful gamdela fought against him; thus,
+notwithstanding all the badness of Morphiliziy, he did not succeed in
+burning the tulip, but the white leaves only ornamented themselves with
+all the colors of the flame. In the end the nurse finally conquered
+her enemy. He went down into the ground and shows himself only when
+the Lord wishes to punish sinners.
+
+Oh, how dreadful he can then be! He shakes the whole earth,
+he tears to pieces its interior and forms deep precipices where
+formerly flourishing cities stood, lets whole villages fall to ruins,
+destroys hundred-year-old edifices, rips up gardens, fields, meadows,
+forests. In a word, Morphiliziy became a perfect subterranean fire
+and hourly curses new generations, while the good, faithful gamdela
+daily renders thanks to Him who turned her into a beneficent shower,
+without which men and beasts and plants and everything that is good
+on earth would perish.
+
+When danger had vanished the leaves of the tulip opened themselves,
+the butterflies hopped out and hastened to Damassek's house. There
+they took again their former aspect. They were married, sold off
+all of John's wares, and with incalculable riches went away to
+Rome. Before their departure they dug out the tulip and took it
+along with them. Cicero's country is also favored by heaven just like
+ours. There they purchased an elegant house, a magnificent garden,
+and the very best spot of this garden was reserved for the tulip. With
+their own hands they planted and took care of it, and soon the whole
+town delighted in the splendid flower, which, refreshed by frequent
+showers, grew in size. In a few years the whole garden became one
+field of tulips.
+
+Cicero's and Nina's numerous children played around them, while a
+shower refreshed them morning and evening. Nina and Cicero always
+went into the garden at that time, and with gratefulness kissed the
+bright leaves, remembering their dear gamdela whom people now bless
+the world over, as a reward for her faithfulness and love.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+IV. SAINT NINA
+
+A TALE
+
+
+The fourteenth of January is a day of great solemnity throughout
+Georgia. This is the fête of Saint Nina, who converted us to
+Christianity. Nina's father, Zavonlon, was, according to tradition,
+a relation of the great and holy martyr, George, who married Sossanna,
+the sister of Yovenalii, patriarch of Jerusalem, whose family came from
+Koloss. He and his sister became orphans in early childhood and went
+to Jerusalem, where Yovenalii accepted an appointment as secretary,
+while Sossanna entered the service of Sarah, a woman of Vifleem. In
+the meantime Zavonlon travelled from Kappadokia to Rome to be presented
+to the Emperor, and reached there just at the time when the Brandjis,
+who had revolted, appeared in the valley of Patalania. Zavonlon did
+not let them reach Rome, but turned them to flight, captured the Tsar
+and leaders, and handed them over to the Emperor. When, however,
+the monarch condemned them to death, they began to cry and implore
+Zavonlon to convert them to Christianity.
+
+"Lead us to the temple of thy God," they said, "before having us
+killed. Thou didst capture us and having sacrificed us to God thou
+wilt not be responsible for our death, magnanimous hero!"
+
+Then Zavonlon went to the patriarch and informed him of all that had
+taken place. Without saying a word to the Emperor, the patriarch,
+with the help of Zavonlon, baptized them, let them partake of the
+Holy Communion, and taught them the Christian faith. At sunrise on the
+following day the Brandjis rose, attired themselves in funeral robes
+and started for the place of execution. They prayed, thanked God,
+who had saved them by baptism, and said:
+
+"We are immortal even after death, because the Lord hath glorified
+us by giving us permission to partake of the Holy Communion. Yes,
+let His name now be glorified! now, henceforth, and evermore! Woe to
+our fathers, who died in ignorance and remained in the dark, we shall
+not taste the sorrowful, but the joyful fruit. Approach, executioner,
+and cut off our heads!"
+
+At these words they willingly stretched their necks under the
+sword. But Zavonlon, who could no longer stand this spectacle, rushed
+to the Emperor in order to implore his pardon for them.
+
+"I give them to thee; do with them whatever thou wilt!" said the
+sovereign. Zavonlon lost no time in returning to the spot of execution
+and succeeded in saving those sentenced.
+
+Thereupon they began to beg him to lead them home to their native land
+in order to preach there about the Faith of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
+and convert those desirous of leaving paganism. Zavonlon went to
+the patriarch, got some priests, and with the Emperor's permission
+departed, accompanied by the Brandjis. When they had but one more day
+of travelling before them, a rumor spread in their country that the
+Tsar was alive and meant to return with his courtiers. The sections
+of Kkhozamo, Kkhosa, Goakchladja or Gardadja, Kkhonebag, Kkhjirag or
+Kindtjag, Zadja, Zaza, Zarda, Zamra and Tkmoka hurried to meet them,
+and were reached on the banks of a great and deep river; the water
+was blessed and they entered it and came out at one special spot
+where a priest laid his hand on them.
+
+Zavonlon stayed with them till they were baptized and converted,
+put everything in perfect order, left the priests and went away,
+overwhelmed with gorgeous presents.
+
+"I shall take these treasures for the decoration of the tomb of the
+Lord," thought Zavonlon, and started for Jerusalem, where he gave
+everything to the poor. At that time Yovenalii (in monkhood he had
+taken the name of Zadass) was patriarch of Jerusalem, and made friends
+with Zavonlon, while Sarah of Vavilon recognized him and learned to
+cherish his capacities. Besides, she said to the patriarch: "Zavonlon
+is the father of the Brandjis (original inhabitants of Barcelona)
+whom he converted, and to whom he gave the Holy Baptism; he carried
+out the commands of God, and thinking the matter over, I counsel thee
+to let him marry thy sister Sossanna" (probably Susanna). Sarah's
+counsel was carried out and the young couple left for Colossus,
+Zavonlon's fatherland.
+
+Soon the bride gave birth to a daughter, Nina. When she was twelve
+years old her parents sold their whole property and settled in
+Jerusalem. Here Zavonlon was made a monk by the Patriarch German
+(because Sossanna's brother had already died), and became divorced
+from his wife. Pressing his daughter to his breast and covering her
+face with tears, he said:
+
+"My dear and only child, I leave thee an orphan, and recommend thee
+to our Heavenly Father, God, who nourishes all live beings, because
+He is the father of orphans and the Judge of widows. Fear nothing,
+my daughter, but try to imitate Mary Magdalen and the sisters of
+Lazarus in their love to God. If thou lovest Him as much as they did,
+He will also refuse nothing to thee." Having embraced her once more,
+he crossed the Jordan and started to preach the teachings of God among
+wild nations, where the only God, creator of all beings, knew that the
+time was ripe. Sossanna, on the other hand, by order of the patriarch,
+looked after the poor women, but was put in the service of Niapkhora,
+an Armenian woman from Doroim.
+
+She stayed two years at her house, learning the laws of God, because
+at that time there was nobody in all Jerusalem so well acquainted with
+the Old and New Confession and who had such a broad and enlightened
+mind. Niapkhora was honorable and truthful and imitated Abraham in
+hospitality. Her house was always open to all pilgrims coming to
+pray at the Tomb of the Lord. More than once she happened to receive
+Christians who had been Jews and had inhabited Georgia. From them
+Nina heard a story how, at the time of the Babylonian captivity,
+some Jews had settled down at Mtzkhet and how they yearly sent some
+of their people to the Easter celebrations at Jerusalem. They also
+told her that in the second year of Aderka's reign in Georgia, they
+found out about the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ through these very
+messengers. Within thirty years at Mtzkhet delegates arrived from
+the preosviashtchennik (clerical title) Anna with the following news:
+
+"He to whom the wise men brought presents is now grown up and teaches
+us a new faith; thereupon we are sending word to the Jews in order to
+find among them teachers of the law and to tell them: 'Come ye all,
+who uphold the law of Moses and clear up our perplexity! Let all those
+acquainted with law immediately leave the foreign lands and hasten
+with all possible speed to the fatherland, in order to confirm and
+guard the faith of our forefathers, carry out the laws of Moses,
+save the common folk from being dazzled by the new teaching, and
+furthermore, put the guilty one to death.' Elios, a man who was no
+longer young, of the tribe of the Levites, decided to go to Jerusalem,
+leaving his mother, a descendant of the high priest Ilia, to the care
+of his sister Sidonia, because the old woman herself said:
+
+"'Go, my beloved son, whither the Lord and his holy law call thee,
+but mind my remarks: thou as a man well instructed in law shouldst
+not allow them to have a godless intention. I beg thee--do not have
+a hand in spilling the blood of this man. Thou knowest that this is
+the carrying out of the ancient prophecies, believe this one with
+all thy heart as I believe in him!'"
+
+Together with Elios went a young Hebrew, Longinos, a warrior from
+Karssan, and they reached Jerusalem just at the time of the crucifixion
+of our Lord, as they arrived on a Friday.
+
+When they drew lots, a Greek tunic fell to the share of Elios, but
+Longinos received the garment of the Lord, which he carried back to
+Kontais (this garment used to hang in the centre of the church in
+a crystal vessel up to the time of Shah Abass, who sent it away to
+Russia). When they began to crucify our Lord, by chance the sound of
+the hammer and nails came to the mother of Elios, and she exclaimed:
+
+"Good-bye, kingdom of Israel! Unhappy ones--you are lost
+forevermore! By your craziness you kill your Vladyka and the
+Saviour of the world, and thus you become the wilful murderers of
+your Creator! Woe ye unhappy ones! There is no lamentation equal to
+your distress! Woe to me, because my ears have heard these mournful
+sounds!" and with these words she gave up her soul to God. When,
+however, Elios returned to Mtzkhet bringing the robe, Sidonia came
+out to meet him, and crying and weeping threw herself in his arms
+to tell him of her mother's death; and lo! she came to glance at the
+robe. She recognized it as having belonged to the Lord Jesus Christ,
+and the thought that her brother had helped along his death filled
+her heart with indescribable sorrow. Having placed on her breast the
+invaluable holy relic, she died.
+
+The news of her death spread all over Mtzkhet and reached the Tsar,
+who wished to see the dead woman. Coming to her body he was struck by
+the beauty of the robe, giving out a heavenly glow, and he wanted to
+put it on, but no power under the sun could tear the relic out of the
+arms of the deceased. Elios buried his sister together with the robe,
+and thus saved it from further attempts of the unbelieving.
+
+These tales made a strong impression on Nina's soul, she often and
+long reflected how she might seek out the place where the robe was,
+and tried to obtain information from her governess. "My child," said
+Niapkhora, "I see that by thy strength thou are equal to a lioness,
+whose roar hushes up the growling of all quadrupeds. Thy capacity
+for penetration puts thee on a footing with the female eagle, who by
+her flying exceeds the male eagles and with her little eyes sees all
+creation; having beheld the booty she inspects it with her piercing
+glances, just as the fire experiments with the gold, and makes for it
+with spread-out wings. Such will be thy life. Thy voice will be heard
+all over the world and thy booty is to enrich God. Now I will explain
+it all to thee. Thou knowest that the immortal God had compassion for
+the mortal inhabitants of this world and came to earth in order to
+assemble around him the nations and save the whole world. His first
+good deeds were applied to the Hebrews, among whom he made the dead
+arise, made the blind see, and healed the sick. Astounded, they sent
+out messengers all over the world in order that the Hebrews might
+most rapidly assemble at a great council.
+
+"'We are perishing,' exclaimed the messengers, 'hurry, gather ye all!'
+
+"Then from all countries there came together people, educated in
+the laws of Moses--they came together to openly oppose themselves to
+the Holy Ghost and, namely, do what was necessary to the world. They
+crucified the Lord Jesus and drew lots to get his robe. The robe was
+handed over without quarreling to the Man of Mtzkhet. Thou knowest
+also that upon the burial of our Lord they placed guards at his
+tomb, but that he arose according to prediction, and in the tomb
+there remained nothing but the shroud, which the Apostle Luke took,
+but no one knows to whom he gave it. As to the vesture of the Lord,
+which was not found in the tomb, many conclude that the Apostle
+Peter took it without telling anything about its further fate. I in
+my turn am more inclined to believe what we heard from the Hebrews
+of Mtzkhet. The crosses are hidden here at Jerusalem, but this place
+is unknown to everybody until the Lord doth open it in times to come
+by his chosen messenger!"
+
+Hearing these words, Nina raised herself and thanked God and asked:
+"Well, where then is that land where the robe was discovered?"
+
+"The town of Mtzkhet is in Georgia. This is a mountainous land, the
+borderland of Armenia, and its inhabitants still continue to practise
+idolatry. The Chaldean magis have a strong influence over the people,"
+replied Niapkhora.
+
+At that time there arrived from Ethesus a woman who had come to visit
+and pay homage to the Holy Sepulchre and who stopped at Niapkhora's.
+
+"Is the Empress Helen still in the shade of unbelief?" asked Niapkhora
+of her.
+
+"I am her servant," answered the newcomer, "and know all her wishes,
+both open and hidden. She would like to become a Christian and be
+baptized."
+
+"Let me go to the sovereign," Nina began to ask of her mistress,
+"perhaps our Lord Jesus Christ!"
+
+"Let us first ask the blessing of our most holy Patriarch German,"
+answered Niapkhora, and went to him.
+
+Soon they called in Nina and placed her on the steps of the ambo;
+thereupon German put his hands upon her shoulders and having
+sighed from the depth of his soul, he said: "Vladyka, Immortal
+God! To Thee I commit this orphan, the daughter of a sister of
+one of Thy servants, and send her to preach Thy faith and announce
+Thy resurrection everywhere where Thou desirest it to be carried
+out! Heavenly Jesus! be Thou her companion during the journey, her
+protector in danger, a refuge, a leader and a teacher as Thou hast
+been from century to century to all those who feared Thy holy name!"
+
+That very night the Virgin appeared to St. Nina in a dream, to whose
+happy lot Iveria fell when she together with the apostles drew lots
+to see who should go to preach the faith of Christ in Georgia. In
+the hands of the Heavenly Queen there was a vineyard cross, which by
+her command was tied with some of Nina's hair. The Most Holy Virgin
+handed the cross to the sleeping girl and ordered her to go in her
+stead to convert the Iverian people. The Saint awoke with the cross
+in her hands and hastened to announce to her mother all that had
+occurred. With happy emotion Sossanna listened to her, kissed her,
+crossed herself, and blessing her, let her start out, commending Nina
+to the care of God.
+
+From her mother Nina went straight to the Ethesian woman, whom
+she began to hurry up to start out, as her heart was burning with
+impatience; and notwithstanding the uncertainty and length of the
+journey, her readiness to do everything to serve God was so great that
+she did not have the least fear; this ardor was not left unrewarded
+by the Leader of Hearts. He Himself appeared to St. Nina, quieted
+and strengthened her for the coming expedition.
+
+Having reached Ethesus, the Saint, in the house of her companion,
+found the Tsarevna Ripsime fleeing from the Diocletian torments
+together with fifty friends. Soon they were joined by three hundred
+maidens and Saint Gaiane, her nurse. Ripsime grew attached to Nina,
+because the Ethesian woman told her the latter's story, and the
+Saint took advantage of the kind feelings of the Tsarevna in order
+to instruct her still more in the faith; and in the course of this
+year she baptized the Queen, Gaiane, and seventy men of her suite.
+
+They passed two years together at the monastery of Poss-Rhoss. Just at
+that time Emperor Maximian sent his eunuchs everywhere to seek out the
+beautiful and good girls and bring them to him--without distinction
+of rank, extraction, or even religious belief.
+
+The messengers arrived at the monastery of Poss-Rhoss, beheld Ripsime,
+and struck by her unusual beauty, they did not yet decide to take her,
+but began to enquire about her family. Having found out that she was
+of royal rank, they considered her worthy of becoming Maximian's wife,
+painted her portrait and went away. Hardly had Maximian glanced at
+her portrait, when his heart flamed up with some strong passion. He
+announced that in the whole world there was no equal perfection of
+beauty, that Ripsime was worthy of becoming his wife, that their
+marriage should be celebrated with unheard of till then solemnity,
+and he immediately sent messengers to all parts of his immense
+monarchy so that each subject might come to take part in the nuptial
+festivities. In the meantime the saints trembled from fear because
+they knew that this Tsar was like a vessel of anger, sly like a
+snake in heaven, also not clean, and idolatrous. They imagined that
+the Tsarevna's portrait would cause them to be very much grieved,
+and having fasted a long time, they prayed to God and decided to
+rely on His holy mercy and secretly run away from this place. And
+thus the seventy sisters set out for Armenia, in the neighborhood
+of Vagkarshapat, and reached a splendid town called New Dovin, where
+the Tsar himself resided.
+
+Here they took up their quarters in poor huts, which surrounded
+the town from the north and west and were used for pressing out the
+grapes. Here with laborious work they earned their own living. Having,
+however, discovered that the Tsarevna Ripsime with her nurse and
+companions had disappeared in some unknown place, Maximian became
+perfectly furious and sent messengers to look everywhere for her.
+
+His ambassadors arrived at the court of Trdat, Tsar of Armenia,
+with the following letter: "The autocratic Emperor to his nearest
+brother, friend and comrade Trdat--I salute thee. Thy friendship
+is our most faithful ally; I inform thee above all that the sinful
+Christian nature is very harmful to us, because it forces the nations
+to disregard our mightiness and not respect our Majesty. Their religion
+consists of the following points: they serve a dead and crucified man,
+adore wood and consider it glorious to die for their Lord. Although
+they fear not the Jews, they nevertheless fear Him, whom the Jews
+killed and crucified. In their blindness they defame monarchs, scorn
+the gods, attribute absolutely nothing to the powerful brightness of
+the sun, moon, and stars--saying that these are the creations of the
+crucified. They anger the whole world to such a degree that fathers and
+mothers separate themselves one from another, not awaiting death. In
+vain do our commands and terrible tortures exterminate them, for
+they appear in still greater numbers! Having by chance seen a young
+Christian maid, I wished to marry her, but she, instead of desiring
+to be united with a Tsar, rebuked me like a dirty being and secretly
+ran off into thy lands. Investigate this affair, my dear brother,
+order a search to be made, and as soon as thou findest her with her
+companions, put to death the latter, but send splendid Ripsime hither,
+or if she pleases thee, take her, for thou wilt not find such a perfect
+beauty in all Greece. I hope that thou art in good health--adieu,
+serve the gods!"
+
+Having read the letter, Trdat began the search, and soon found the
+saints. Ripsime produced on him exactly the same impression as on
+Maximian and he also made up his mind to have her become his wife. But
+the Saint flatly refused him, and so he tortured her together with
+thirteen companions on the fifth of October; and Saint Gaiane and
+two others on the following day. The remaining succeeding in hiding
+themselves; among them was also St. Nina, who by God's instructions hid
+herself in the branches of a prickly rosebush, without flowers. Here
+she beheld a bright star coming down from the clouds; it served
+as a footstool to a deacon, in whose hands there was a censer;
+out of the latter there came such an abundant perfume that the sky
+really darkened. The deacon was accompanied by innumerable heavenly
+beings. This was the instant when the martyrs breathed their last
+breath, united themselves with the heavenly forces sent out after
+their souls, and together with them rose to heaven.
+
+"Lord Jesus!" exclaimed the Saint, "why dost thou abandon me with
+aspics and snakes?"
+
+In answer to this lamentation, a voice was heard from Heaven, saying:
+"Arise and start for the North, where there is a great harvest,
+but few workers!"
+
+And thus the fourteen-year-old child went out to convert a whole
+country. She guided herself by the voice of God and overcame all
+difficulties: the length of the journey and physical exhaustion,
+and the fear of wild animals and wicked people and the cold and
+hunger and want! She went as the apostles went; without a staff, and
+just like them, she conquered kings, converted whole nations, healed
+the sick and glorified the name of that God who had called to her:
+"Arise and go!" Without losing a moment's time she left for the North.
+
+The dear one constantly reminded her of the following words: "There
+is a great harvest but few workers!" and in this she seemed to think
+there was an explanation of the fact that on her fell the godly
+choice. Near Khertviss her strength began to fail. From continuous
+walking she had become quite lame and was forced to stop and go into
+winter quarters--enduring innumerable privations. In time her health
+was so much restored that she started again on her expedition.
+
+Having reached the frontier of Djavakhetta she stopped on the bank of
+Lake Pkaravno, known also under the designations: Pkdrnav, Paraban,
+Pkanavar, and Tanaravan; from this lake flows out a river called
+the Mtkouar of Djavakhetta, from which are to be seen high mountains
+covered with snow even during the summer months. They are the cause
+of much cold weather in all the neighboring towns and villages. Fear
+seized Saint Nina.
+
+"O Lord!" she cried out, trembling, "accept my soul!" and she fell
+to the ground. For two whole days she could not master her fright
+nor continue her journey. At last hunger forced her to ask for food
+of some poor fishermen trading on the lake and of the shepherds who
+guarded their herds on the banks of the lake.
+
+The latter often used to invoke their gods at night. These were called
+Armaz and Zaden, and the heathen inhabitants of the lake districts
+promised them rich sacrifices if they only guarded the herds from any
+possible evil. Hearing that their prayers were spoken in Armenian,
+to which Saint Nina was somewhat accustomed as she had served at
+Niapkhora's, she dared to ask them whither they had come.
+
+"I am an Akovanian from Elrbienik on the banks of the Lopatsh-Tskan"
+(this is the left arm of the Alasana, Plinii calls the inhabitants of
+this region Loubienis), said one of them.
+
+"We are Kakhetines from Sapourtzle and Kindsar near Mouknar," murmured
+two others.
+
+"But I am a Touissian from Rabatt," added a third one.
+
+"Here is one from the great city of Mtzkhet, where there lives a Tsar
+and where we have temples of our gods; in summer we all drive our
+herds to the banks of the Pkarnav, thus saving ourselves from the
+unbearable heat of our countries. The reason that the lake has so
+many names is that each of us pronounces its name according to his
+own language. In the autumn we disperse to our many homes to escape
+the cold of this district."
+
+"Where is Mtzkhet?" asked Nina with a fainting heart.
+
+"This river unites itself with another one which comes from Kola,
+changes its name to Mtkonar and flows to Mtzkhet."
+
+She looked at the sides of the river: it was an endless plain. She
+became frightened upon beholding its boundless limits. Having sighed
+over the great length of the coming journey, she put her head on a
+stone near the source of the river and fell asleep.
+
+In a dream there appeared to her a man of middle height with flying
+hair, and handed her a written roll, which ran as follows: "Carry this
+in all haste to the idolatrous Tsar of Mtzkhet!" Saint Nina cried
+bitterly and began to implore and pray: "O Lord! I am a woman, an
+adventurer, uneducated, I am unable to say much; now how in the world
+am I to go into a strange land to heathen nations--to a mighty Tsar?"
+
+Then the shining man unfolded the roll in which were written ten
+commandments as on the tablets of Moses, and gave them to St. Nina
+to read. She awoke with the roll in her hands. The following were
+the contents of the roll:
+
+I: Amen--I say unto ye, go on then, for this testament will be
+proclaimed all over the world, will go from mouth to mouth, and hardly
+will it be known when documents will appear to commemorate the event.
+
+II: Make no difference between men or women. III: As thou goest,
+instruct all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the
+Son and the Holy Ghost. IV: The world is the language of enlightenment
+and thy glory, O Israel! V: This good deed of heaven will be practised
+the world over. VI: He who accepts you, accepts Me and he who accepts
+Me accepts Him who glorified Me. VII: Mary loved the Lord exceedingly,
+for she always obeyed his commandments. VIII: Not cutting off the
+bodies of the murderers, the souls of those who are powerful shall
+not linger. IX: The speech of Jesus to Mary Magdalen: "Go, O woman,
+and announce my fraternity!" X: "Teach them to promptly and rigidly
+observe all these commandments and then I shall be with you, in all
+times and to the end of the world--Amen!"
+
+Having read the roll, Saint Nina became convinced that this apparition
+came directly from the Lord. She ardently prayed that the Lord might
+soothe her, and committing herself to his will, she immediately
+followed the course of the river. At first it flowed towards the West
+through wild and sterile countries. The journey became still more
+terrible through the number of wild animals filling these deserts
+with their fearful roaring, but not one of them attempted to approach
+and touch the protégé of God. Only when the river turned to the East
+did they begin little by little to disappear. Driven on by fear she
+forgot exhaustion and went rapidly ahead, hardly stopping a minute to
+catch breath. Soon after the turn of the river Saint Nina overtook
+some travellers going to Ourbishi or Ouriat-Oubani (which means
+"Street of the Hebrews"), and joyfully followed them, but at Ourbishi
+a disappointment awaited her; instead of believers of the real God she
+found people who bowed down and adored fire, wood, and stone; her heart
+burned with indignation, but the Lord comforted her by instructing
+some Jews to give her a hospitable reception, which she made use of
+for about one month, when the following spectacle aroused her feelings:
+
+She beheld a great crowd of people going towards Mtzkhet, and as
+she heard from her host that there were Hebrews there, she followed
+the people in the distance and thus happened to reach her point
+of destination upon the fête of Armaz. Before reaching the bridge
+near Mogontka this large crowd stopped like one man to bow down to
+the fire, and Saint Nina cried bitterly at the loss of such a large,
+large number of human souls, ransomed by the most precious blood of our
+Lord Jesus Christ. On the sixth of August, 324 A. D., on the day of
+the Transfiguration of the Lord, Saint Nina, according to tradition,
+accomplished her first wonder. Upon that day appointed for the fêting
+of the idol Armaz, it was the duty of the Tsar and Tsaritsa to take
+part in the ceremonies. From early in the morning numberless crowds of
+people, like flowers in the field, filled the streets, shouting and
+hurrying, each one trying to excel his neighbor in ornamenting their
+respective houses with carpets, fine shawls and other such articles,
+all along the road by which the royal cortège was to pass. First there
+arrived the Tsaritsa Nana, surrounded by the wives and daughters of the
+aristocracy. She was followed by the Tsar with a numerous suite. Songs
+of praises and blessings were heard among the crowd of the nation. With
+great pomp the procession ascended the mountain to adore their god,
+who was cast of clean gold, while at his side there stood two inferior
+gods of silver, who wore gold cuirasses and in their aquamarine eyes
+had artificially made rolling emerald pupils. These last idols were of
+human proportions and inside of them a mechanism was hidden, through
+which their hands (in which there were sharp swords) cut down all
+those who dared to approach the chief god without making a sacrifice,
+or all those who adored other and foreign gods instead. On the Roman
+bridge, Saint Nina joined the procession.
+
+"What in the world does all this mean?" she asked of a Jewess.
+
+"This is the god of gods--Armaz, who calls the people to do him
+homage. No other idol can compare with him, because each of us puts
+on his best garment to-day and holds a flag in his hand as a sign
+of joyousness."
+
+In the meantime the procession had reached its destination. The Tsar
+bowed down to the ground, surrounded by whole clouds of incense. The
+sacrificers offered their victims. The Tsaritsa, the nobility,
+innumerable hordes of people followed the example of their ruler to
+the greatest displeasure of the Saint, who with all her heart prayed
+to Him, who had made her glorious and lo! a short-breathed West
+wind came up, at first softly, then always stronger and stronger,
+and finally turned into an oragan.
+
+Losing their breath and feeling choked, the Tsar ran away and the
+sacrificers and the nation too, but the orcano turned into a perfect
+rain of stones--not allowing even half of those fleeing to seek
+shelter. Stones of such a size poured down that not every grown up
+man could raise them with both arms, and they continued to ransack
+the temple and idols, until all had been turned to ashes and dust.
+
+The heathens fled in terror; this mountain, such a short time before
+so crowded with people, had now been totally cleared of men and
+upon it sat only Nina, who was not at all terrified by the fearful
+spectacle. She saw in this a new proof of the all mightiness of her
+own God, and under his powerful protection she quietly lay down and
+peacefully fell asleep on a huge block of stone.
+
+The next day, by the order of the Tsar, one of the noblemen went to
+inspect the scene of the disaster of the preceding day. He beheld
+Saint Nina, concluded by her dress that she was a traveller from
+some distant land, and with customary Georgian hospitality, invited
+her to stop at his home. But his offer was by no means accepted by
+the Saint. She continued her journey along the banks of the river
+and finding on the road an eye of one of the gods, she took it along
+with her. Upon reaching the junction of the Koura and Aragva, where
+formerly there stood a town and a fortress, she resolved to take a
+rest and pass the night at that point of the cape, where till then
+there still remained the ruins of the church of Favora.
+
+At that time beautiful, well-shaped, high birches grew there, with
+magnificent shady branches. They were planted by Tsar Bartom, who
+often rested in their shade; this custom was long observed by the
+nobility and well-known men and almost every sunny day some one from
+the aristocracy passed the day under the branches of the birches. On
+one of these trees Saint Nina painted a cross and lived under it
+in constant prayer till the twelfth of August. On that day came to
+refresh herself with the coolness of the famous trees, the lady of
+the royal court Krokhana with her servant, a Greek woman. The latter
+by the order of her mistress asked the Saint who she was, what she
+was undertaking, and whether she did not need something. The Saint
+said that she was "Tevee," i. e., a prisoner of war (which does not
+mean that she was a servant, as some writers out of pure ignorance
+expressed themselves in describing her life) and did not tell of her
+real extraction. Krokhana immediately invited her to follow her to
+the palace, but the Saint refused even this invitation.
+
+Within three days, i. e., on the day of the Assumption of the
+Holy Virgin, she crossed the Mtkovar and entered the royal fruit
+gardens. Near the place where now stands the church of the Katholikoss
+(Patriarch) and a pillar erected by God, there lived in those times
+a guardian, whose wife Anastasia hastened to come out to meet the
+stranger. She embraced her like an old and dear friend, kissed her,
+washed off her dusty feet, rubbed her exhausted body with strengthening
+fragrant butter and having offered her bread and wine, asked her to
+take a rest and to recover after the long, long journey. Here the
+Saint remained nine months, frequently visiting Ourbishi, where some
+Hebrews lived, in the hope of finding out something more about the
+Lord's robe; and indeed the Lord blessed her attempts. She made the
+acquaintance of Abiatkar, the descendant of Elios, whom she quickly
+converted to Christianity together with all his family. "When she
+arrived," said Abiatkar in his tale, remembered in Georgian History,
+"I received a letter from Jewish priests in Antiochia, in which they
+expressed themselves thus":
+
+"The Lord divided the kingdom of Israel into three parts, which were
+owned by the Romans, Armenians, and Barbarians. There will be no more
+prophets; all that he told us through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost
+was fulfilled, we are scattered all over the world and our fatherland
+is occupied by the Romans. O Jews! let us now weep with our nation,
+for we offended God, the Creator of all beings."
+
+Looking over now the books in which Moses teaches us: "each one who on
+earth calls himself God shall be put to death!" Why is it possible then
+that we sinned in killing Jesus of Nazareth? We actually see that in
+ancient times, when our forefathers sinned before God and forgot Him,
+He lowered them to servitude and made them experience all the horrors
+of captivity; but when they turned again to Him and invoked Him, He
+saved them from need. From the scriptures we know that this happened
+seven times in ancient history. Now, then, when our fathers put their
+hands on the son of a poor woman, God deprived us of his mercifulness
+and support and lo! our government fell to pieces, we were separated
+from our temples and our nationality was forgotten. That was about
+three hundred years ago. The Lord does not hear our prayers and does
+not send us help, from which we conclude that perhaps this man was
+sent by God. Thus did they write me several times and aroused doubts
+in my soul, to explain which, I applied to Saint Nina. I asked her
+who was Jesus and why the Son of God became a simple man.
+
+Then Saint Nina opened her mouth and from it flowed out words of life
+as abundantly as the waves in the depth of the sea. From her very
+mouth I found out everything contained by the Christian books, and
+she explained to me their profound meaning. I felt like a man aroused
+from sleep, like a madman coming back to his senses. She filled my
+heart with pity for our forefathers, made me convince myself in the
+truths of the New Testament, and from her words I indeed recognized
+in him Jesus Christ, the Son of God, crucified, resurrected, and
+having come with glory; nay, I understood that He was the one who
+had been promised to those believing. I saw many other wonders yet,
+accomplished by Saint Nina at Mtzkhet in my time, and together with
+my daughter Sidonia was converted and received the Holy Baptism,
+being cleansed of all wickedness. I received that which the prophet
+David had vainly wished: I heard a choir of voices glorifying the New
+Testament, the object of his sighing; and we were favored with the
+permission to partake of the Holy Communion, of the body and blood
+of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb that perished for the sins of the
+world, the best and most compound of victuals. O Lord, strengthen
+this faith in my heart to my last breath! All that I shall after this
+relate, I myself heard, with my own ears from my mother, my father,
+or read in books, recording the words spoken by our ancestors."
+
+After this follows the story already known to us about the robe. On the
+tomb of Sidonia under a huge cedar grew up a fragrant bush loaded down
+by a numberless quantity of flowers and leaves, and from its branches
+a whole bush was formed, under which Saint Nina let herself down,
+not knowing how near she was to the aim of her desires. All nights
+she passed here in prayer, and lo! in one of these sleepless nights
+of prayer a shining man appeared to her and, pointing to the fragrant
+bush, ordered her to take up some earth under it to use for healing
+the sick. The next morning as usual Anastasia came to her, offering
+her wine, bread, fruits, and cheese. Having noticed that her eyes were
+filled with tears, Nina asked her the cause, and so found out that both
+she and her husband were deeply grieved by the fact that they had no
+children and attributed this misfortune to Anastasia's illness. The
+Saint immediately applied holy earth and Anastasia was cured.
+
+Let us now return to Abiatkar's tale. During that period Saint Nina
+saw one and the same dream three or four times in those few minutes
+in which she used to rest. A horde of blackbirds bathed itself in the
+river, came out of the water whiter than snow, and rushed towards
+a peach tree actually growing near her bush. In the apparition it
+appeared covered with wonderful buds and flowers. With great haste
+the birds gathered and all rivalled one another in bringing them to
+the Saint as to the owner of the garden; afterwards united around
+her in a circle and sang most marvellously.
+
+The Saint related all these events to my daughter Sidonia, who
+exclaiming very loud, expressed herself thus: "O Prisoner; thou
+that didst take off our chains! I know that thou art the reason of
+all that hath now taken place, that by thee we are made to discover
+and acknowledge the past spilling of the blood of the Heavenly Man,
+for that deed the Hebrews and their kingdom perished, they were
+deprived of their temples and a strange people took the place of
+their greatness. Jerusalem, O Jerusalem! how thou dost spread thy
+wings in order to protect under them nations from every part of the
+world, thy children only remained without shelter and are scattered
+one by one all over the earth! Now there comes to us here a woman,
+born in a foreign land, who makes over our whole kingdom!"
+
+Then addressing the Saint, she said: "That, which thou sawest,
+clearly predicts to us that this place has been changed by thee into
+religious gardens, in which thy pupils and followers whitened by thee
+like birds will eternally gather heavenly fruits, singing praises
+and glorifying God!"
+
+The Saint openly preached the message of Christ, telling the people
+that up till then they had been entirely misled. She pointed to the
+grape cross which had already accomplished many wonderful cures
+without applying any medicine, simply by holding it to the sick
+people. She was joined in her converting expedition by seven Jewish
+women whom she had baptized. Among them also my daughter Sidonia,
+and I myself helped them with all my strength, trying to deserve the
+glorious name of Paul, which the Saint had bestowed upon me upon my
+baptism. Knowing well the Jewish law, and being instructed by the
+Saint, it was easier for me to convert the unbelieving and some of
+them becoming rebellious, wished to assault me with stones; but Tsar
+Mirian sent out several of his attendants to deliver me from their
+arms, because the news of the glory of the wonders accomplished in
+Greece and Armenia came to him and so he did not prevent Saint Nina
+and her pupils from preaching the truth, which he sympathized with.
+
+But the devil, who had for a long time raged against the true
+believers, won the heart of the Tsaritsa Nana, who kept her husband
+from becoming a Christian. The fasts, vigilance, and prayers of the
+Saint astounded the heathens and they frequently asked her the cause
+of such actions.
+
+Filled with joy, she naturally took advantage of such moments to
+unceasingly preach to them the religion of Christ, and Anastasia
+and her husband zealously assisted her in such a time. Once they
+brought to the Saint a dying infant, whom all physicians considered
+absolutely incurable. The mother of the baby was a fierce adorer
+of idols and did not cease to injure the faith of Christ, and even
+prevented others from accepting the teachings of Saint Nina. Only
+the complete hopelessness forced her to apply to the wonderful girl.
+
+"I am not educated in human science," said the Saint, "but the Lord
+Jesus Christ, whom I serve is strong enough to heal him."
+
+And with these words she placed him on her foliage couch, on which,
+having knelt, she usually pronounced her long prayers and kept
+her almighty vigilance, and having crossed him with the vineyard
+crucifix, she sent him away, healthy and happy. But his mother, who
+now fervently believed in the Christian faith, loudly glorified the
+Lord Jesus Christ. A little later the Tsaritsa fell ill and they sent
+for the marvellous doctor to the palace.
+
+"I cannot go into a heathen house and therefore request the Queen
+to come to me," was the answer of the Saint. Nana submitted. Her
+son Revv and some ladies of the court were obliged to carry her in
+their arms. Numerous crowds of people accompanied the procession
+with visible curiosity and concealed their dissatisfaction; but this
+dissatisfaction turned to excessive joy when she was cured and with
+tremendous attention did the crowds of heathens listen to Sidonia,
+who had educated the Tsaritsa in the true faith; after that she was
+baptized by Abiatkar and returned to her husband, a fervent Christian.
+
+Here it will be opportune to tell why Tsar Mirian once upon a time
+was so much in favor of Christianity. Hardly any other monarch in the
+world could boast of such great success in war as Mirian; he conquered
+much and always had good luck, nowhere and never did he lose a single
+battle, and he justly deserved the term "the invincible." But that
+which seemed to all mere luck, was nothing less than the intention
+of God, leading him this road to learn the truth.
+
+In the year 312 the Persian Tsar Sapor sent a messenger to Mirian with
+a proposal to unite their forces and jointly attack Greece. Mirian
+consented, and soon their army, the number of which the contemporaries
+compare with grass in the fields or the leaves of the trees, fell
+upon the Emperor Constantine, who did not dare to oppose himself,
+and with sorrow saw how they ravaged one Greek province after another.
+
+The clergy encouraged its sovereign, assuring that the Lord would not
+let the unbelievers possess a Christian kingdom. A dream convinced
+Constantine still more in this idea. He hastened to become baptized
+and led his army by a flag on which was represented a cross of stars,
+surrounded, according to the apparition, with the words: "By this
+I conquer!"
+
+Soon the handful of Christians conquered the hordes of heathens at
+Andriansora. Both tsars with the remainder of their troops were
+turned to flight and pursued by Constantine who, following them
+on their heels, invaded their dominions. The Persian Tsar, having
+abandoned his ally, ingloriously fled, but Mirian defended the towns
+and fortresses in Georgia until all his generals had perished; then
+he sent an embassy to Constantine with peace proposals.
+
+Constantine, who feared a second invasion of the Persians, consented
+to peace only with the imperative condition that in case of a war
+with the Persians, Mirian should assist him with an army, but to
+make sure of the observance of this condition, he took Mirian's son
+Bakour as a hostage. Mirian's failure in the war with Constantine,
+the incomprehensible fear which had forced him to turn to flight,
+him, Mirian, whom all considered fearless and invincible and who up
+to this time had known no fear, gave him an exalted opinion of that
+God whom Constantine worshipped, and he frequently thought about His
+incomparable mightiness. The wars in which he was allied with Trdat,
+had led him astray, although, after the war with Constantine and the
+disaster at the fête of Armaz his faith in the religion of the false
+gods was very much shaken, but the furious opposition of the Tsaritsa
+Nana made also this second deep impression vanish.
+
+Now, however, when the newly converted woman wished to bring him to
+the light of truth, she was met with indifferent curiosity and cold
+inquisitiveness, instead of the former hearty interest. Mirian had
+already succeeded in forgetting that impression, which the victory
+of Constantine and complete fall of Armaz had produced upon him, he
+interrupted her fiery, persuasive speeches with the question how he
+came to see her healthy once more. The Tsaritsa spoke the truth. Her
+husband knew very well what a tremendous contrast there was between her
+experience and all then known means of curing, and he would not believe
+at all that the simple appliance of a cross could have as consequence
+a complete restoration to health. The court ladies, witnesses of the
+wonder, were then summoned to appear, and very naturally confirmed
+the words of the Tsaritsa. But the Tsar was not yet convinced.
+
+It was then ordered that any one of the eye-witnesses should be
+called up, and lo! a whole crowd of people came to testify the truth
+of what had taken place. Among others there was also Abiatkar, to
+whose tale we shall now return: "The sovereign noticed me and began
+to inquire about the Christian teachings. He knew much in the Old and
+New Testament, and thus I had to explain rather than merely relate,
+and so it was easier to converse with him than with the uneducated
+heathens. After that time he often sent for me.
+
+Once he told me that in the Book of Nebrotk the following version
+was written: "During the construction of the tower of Kaskinie in the
+city of Khagkan (Babylon), Nebrotk heard a heavenly voice, which said
+to him: 'I am Michael, to whom the Lord confided the administration
+of the East, go thou out of this town, for the Lord does not wish
+that thou shouldst see that which He hid from human eyes. Leave
+the building, for otherwise God will certainly destroy it. In the
+future there will come a Heavenly King, whom thou dost want to see,
+and although He will be hated by the cursed nation, the fear of His
+name will cleanse the earth of all sins, kings will renounce their
+thrones in order to live in poverty. He will look upon thee with
+mercy in disastrous times and will save thee!'"
+
+I did my best to convince the sovereign that this is the confirmation
+of that which we have already read many a time in the Old and New
+Testaments. He agreed with me, but continued to adore the idols and
+the fire, notwithstanding the prayers of the Tsaritsa, who constantly
+persuaded him to be baptized. The devil held him still another year
+in his claws after Nana had been converted. On that account I could
+not convert even a single heathen, while Saint Nina daily converted
+dozens of people, untiringly preaching to the people the truth. She
+continued to pretend that she was a prisoner of war, not telling anyone
+whence she came and whither she intended to go. Much time went by,
+the Tsar interfered with the Saint and remained deaf and dumb to the
+prayers of the Queen; and the visits of Abiatkar did not lead to the
+desired result. He conversed whole hours with him and every time let
+him depart unpersuaded in the truth.
+
+Once there arrived from Khorossan a courier of the Sossanid family,
+with messages from the Shah of Persia who suddenly fell ill. The
+Tsaritsa Nana sent for Saint Nina, who again refused to come to the
+house of the idolatrous Tsar and requested the sick man to repair
+to her house. King Mirian, who was not yet fully convinced of the
+mightiness of the Christian God and had not entirely renounced his
+former religion, wished himself to accompany his dying guest, whom
+they bore in their arms.
+
+"Through what power dost thou effect thy cures?" said the Tsar,
+turning to the Saint. "Art thou not a daughter of Armaz, dost thou
+not belong to the number of the descendants of Zaden, notwithstanding
+that thou callest thyself a stranger? Dost thou not secretly bow down
+before them and seek their moral support? And do they not give thee the
+power of healing, which nourishes thee wherever thou art? I know that
+thou didst convert people to the faith of a foreign God for the sole
+sake of trying their fidelity afterwards. Glory to our gods, who have
+disclosed the truth to me! I shall respect thee as I do the governess
+of my children and cover thee with honors in this mighty city, where
+thou didst hide thyself under the pretense of being a prisoner, but
+display no more before me and do not speak about the Christian faith.
+
+"Our great gods only are the actual healers of the world! The sun
+shines because they illuminate it, they send down rain, give fertility
+to the earth and nourish blessed Georgia. Armaz and Zaden know all
+secrets. Gatz and Gaim, the ancient gods of our forefathers are worthy
+of the confidence of all mortals! If thou wilt cure this mtvar I will
+shower riches upon thee, make thee a citizen of Mtzkhet and a servant
+(mere priest) of Armaz. Although they (the idols) were destroyed by
+an unusual storm and hail of stones, yet the spot where we adored
+them did not perish. Ytkrondjan--the Chaldean God and our Armaz
+are constantly fighting. It is known that our god once directed the
+sea against his enemies and that is the reason why they now revenge
+themselves by letting this disaster occur just as the rulers of the
+earth constantly do. Carry thou out then, my order!"
+
+"O King!" answered Saint Nina, "as the representative of our Lord
+Jesus Christ and the prayers of His All-holy Mother and all saints
+existing, I am sent by God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Father
+of all great and small beings, from man down to the last degrees of
+insects, through His indescribable mercy, like a piece of coal out
+of the stove of His goodness in order that thou shouldst learn to
+believe in and reach heavenly heights, the sunny world, the depths
+of the sea, earthly magnitude! Find out and acknowledge now thou,
+O Tsar, Him who covers the sky with clouds, who fills the air with
+the sound of thunder and shakes all creation, who lights up the sky
+with lightning, makes the tops of mountains slip off or turns them
+into volcanoes! Before His voice the foundations of earth tremble and
+mountains disappear like sea-waves! Know thou all this and admit thou
+the invisible God, living in heaven, who has sent His Son begotten of
+Him, to earth in the form of a mortal man, who having accomplished
+everything His Father wished Him to do, rose to Heaven in sublime
+glory. Dost thou not see that this, the eternal, only and true God
+looks after the needs of the humble and turns His face away from the
+proud? O Tsar! the time is already approaching when even thou shalt
+know and recognize God and verily shalt behold the wonder of light,
+which there is in this town. I am speaking of the Lord's robe; and
+the sheepskin of Illina, and many other treasures indeed, are hidden
+here, which God will point out to thee. I shall cure thy archimage
+just as I healed thy wife in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ and
+by the strength of His honest cross. The Tsaritsa already informed
+thee that she recovered from her illness only after she had sincerely
+renounced the idol-worship. Now her mind has broadened out and with
+ardor she does everything that is ordered in the Christian law--nay,
+that other people may learn from her righteous way of living!"
+
+Then, upon the command of the Saint, they placed the image facing the
+East. The Tsaritsa fell down on her knees and began a prayer under
+the cedar while the Saint raised the hands of the sick man towards
+Heaven and ordered him to loudly repeat thrice:
+
+"Renounce thou Satan! Bow thou down before my Lord Jesus Christ,
+the Son of God!"
+
+But from great weakness the sick man could not speak. Then the Saint
+began to implore God to restore him to health, with tears and great
+lamentations, and her pupils stood by her side.
+
+One day and two nights she continued her prayers, and when at last
+the invalid had repeated the holy words for the third time, the
+badness of his soul suddenly abandoned him, he became a healthy man
+and a Christian, together with his family and servants and glorified
+the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost! Mirian began to fear the
+wrath and revenge of the Persian Tsar and wanted to have the Saint
+immediately executed--alone the desperate lamentations and tearful
+supplications of his beloved wife could cut short his anger, and
+dissatisfied, he decided to seek distraction in hunting. This is how
+Sidonia, daughter to Abiatkar, and pupil to Nina, relates the event:
+
+"On Saturday, July the twentieth, a royal hunt was appointed in the
+direction of Mouknar. The devil disturbed the royal heart, awakening
+in him the old love for idols and fire, and so he firmly resolved
+to exterminate all Christians with the sword. Four of his nearest
+councillors accompanied him upon the hunt, and to them he turned and
+made the following speech:
+
+"'We are worthy to be punished by our gods for forgetting their glory
+and permitting Christian witches to preach their law and teachings
+in our country. Through their witchcraft they accomplish wonders,
+but not at all by the might of their God. I have now made up my mind
+that all those who pay homage to and adore the Crucified shall perish
+by the sword, and furthermore, I insist that an effort shall be made
+to increase the love of serving the gods, the real rulers of Kartla
+(the native word for Georgia). I shall propose to my wife to abandon
+the faith of the Crucified, and if she doth not fulfil my order,
+I shall forget her love for me and have her put to death with the
+rest!'" With joyfulness the heathens listened--it seemed to them as
+though the monarch's speech had come out of their own hearts. They had
+long reflected about such an event, but did not dare to express their
+thoughts, knowing the attachment of the sovereign for his wife. Now
+they strongly supported his views and encouraged him in his actions.
+
+In the meantime they had already passed Moukkvar and Mirian ascended
+the high mountain Tekkhotk (in Armenian Tkakoutk) in order to look
+at Kaspii and Ouplis Tzikke. When, however, he reached the tiptop,
+although this was just at noon, the sun suddenly disappeared before
+his eyes and day turned to night. An impenetrable fog covered all the
+surroundings and the Tsar himself not noticing this, rode a long way
+off from his followers. An unusual thought weighed upon him.
+
+Surprised, he wished to ask whether all the rest were also in
+the fog or whether he alone was dazzled, but nobody answered his
+questions. In vain he rode over the mountains covered with bushes,
+his horse constantly stumbled and fell, the trees scratched his
+face and tore his clothes, the Tsar was involuntarily trembling,
+while his exhausted and tortured horse at last succumbed to fatigue
+and rose no more, thus depriving its reckless rider of any hope of
+saving his life. Then he remembered his former doubts and understood
+Whose hands were pushing him down.
+
+"I called to the gods, but they did not help me!" he exclaimed. "Now I
+shall turn to Him who was crucified on the cross, whom Nina preached
+about and with whose help she succeeds in healing men. Is He not
+strong enough to deliver me from this disaster? I am already fully
+in the darkness of terrible sin and do not know whether this darkness
+has come for all, or whether I alone am punished with blindness.
+
+"If Thou wilt save me, God of Nina, then I pray to Thee, lighten
+up darkness and show me where my palace stands! I will accept the
+religion of Thy name, I will erect and glorify the wooden cross, I
+will build a temple of prayer, following the teachings of Saint Nina,
+and become a true Christian."
+
+With hearty and sincere repentance in his heart, he swore to become
+a Christian, and hardly had he succeeded in closing his lips when
+his eyes opened. The sun shone for him with all its gloriousness,
+he climbed off the fallen horse and stopping at the place where he
+had had the vision, he raised his hands towards the East and exclaimed:
+
+"Thou art the King of kings and the God of gods announced and
+proclaimed by Saint Nina! Let Thy name be glorified by all people in
+Heaven and on earth. Thou didst deliver me from peril and didst open
+my eyes; now I found out that Thou wishest to save, comfort and draw
+me towards Thee, according to the words of Thine arch-angel. Blessed
+be the Lord! On this spot I shall erect a cross, yes, I will glorify
+Thy holy name and let the remembrance of this marvellous event be kept
+upright for centuries and centuries to come." Having taken precise
+notice of the spot he went away, but in the meantime his attendants,
+who had been everywhere vainly looking for him, came together to
+discuss what was to be undertaken next.
+
+"Yes, let all my nation glorify the God of Nina!" suddenly rang out
+the Tsar's voice, "for He is the Eternal God and to Him alone is due
+glory from century to century!"
+
+They gave a fresh horse to the King and he rode home very happy,
+and best of all--both mentally and physically cured!
+
+In the meantime the Tsaritsa had already heard the report that
+Mirian had disappeared and a little later she received news that he
+was already returning. With great haste she rushed out to meet her
+beloved husband and an innumerable crowd of people followed after
+her. They arrived together at Kindsa, which lies in Gkartk.
+
+As to Saint Nina, she was pronouncing her usual prayer in the rose
+bush, and several of us were there with her. Gradually as the Tsar
+approached the whole nation began to be greatly moved and excited,
+because he shouted in a loud voice:
+
+"Where is the stranger, who, from now on, will be my mother, because
+her God saved me from death?"
+
+Having found out already that she was praying, the Tsar branched off
+on a side road and his suite followed him. Before reaching the rose
+bush Mirian left his horse and coming up to the Saint, he humbly
+bowed to her, saying:
+
+"Now make me worthy of invoking thy God, who has indeed been my
+saviour!"
+
+Having taught him a little, Nina on the very spot ordered him to bow
+down towards the East and adore the Lord Jesus Christ.
+
+But the people, who did not understand the point of the whole affair,
+began to be rebellious, seeing the Tsar and Tsaritsa humbly kneeling.
+
+On the next day Mirian dispatched ambassadors to Rome to the Emperor
+Constantine, with a request to speedily send some priests to baptize
+the nation, and with a letter from Saint Nina to the Empress Helena,
+informing her of the wonders which had been performed on Tsar Mirian
+near Mtzkhet, through the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ. The
+day the Tsar was converted the Saint sent to Saint Gregory Nansien
+asking for instructions as to what she should do next. By his advice
+she personally destroyed the new idol Armaz, which they had already
+succeeded in placing on a mountain beyond the Koura, and to which
+the people daily bowed at sunrise, climbing up to the roofs of their
+houses and turning their faces towards the sun. In its place she
+erected a cross on a hill near Mtzkhet, beyond the river Aragva. But
+as this cross was roughly made, the people kept away from it until
+the Lord had glorified it. While expecting the arrival of priests,
+the Saint and her followers preached the word of God day and night,
+untiringly preparing the nation before being baptized, and they went
+from Klardjet to the land of the Alanes and from the Caspian gates
+to the land of the Massajettians, while the remaining pupils of the
+Saint spread all over Georgia.
+
+The Tsar had already become an active and energetic Christian before
+the return of the ambassadors. He said to the Saint: "I am burning
+to construct a house of God, let us now choose the site!"
+
+"Let thy mtavares (provincial governors) solve that question and have
+it arranged so that thou and the nation will draw the utmost profit
+out of it," replied Saint Nina.
+
+"No!" said the King, "I love thy rose bush and wish to sacrifice
+everything in order to erect a temple on that spot. I shall have
+my vineyards, great cedars, fruit trees, and fragrant flowers cut
+down. Dost thou not remember how in thy vision the black birds became
+so white that it was blinding, and having perched themselves on the
+vineyard trees, filled the air with heavenly songs? Now we will turn
+this visible vineyard into an invisible one, giving us eternal life,
+and let us build in it a house of worship and prayer before the
+arrival of the Greek priests!"
+
+Immediately they began to get the materials together. For the church
+seven pillars were necessary. Thereupon a great cedar was cut down
+which furnished six pillars, while the seventh was made out of a
+large pine. When the wooden walls had been erected they fixed the
+six pillars, each one in a place specially prepared for it, while
+the seventh, which was unusually large and was meant for the cupola,
+they could by no means lift from the ground. They hastened to report
+this to the Tsar, who ordered all the people to make for the building,
+and he himself went there too. In this affair all then known means of
+raising weights were used, but neither the numberless arms, nor any
+possible art could succeed in obtaining the desired result. And Tsar
+and people asked each other with the greatest surprise: "What can this
+mean?" And having labored till night they went back to their houses
+in great sorrow. Saint Nina, however, with twelve of her followers,
+remained by the pillar, washing it with her tears and praying and
+groaning. About midnight a terrifying vision began; we saw how the
+mountains of Armaz and Zaden were trembling as though somebody were
+shaking them in order to block up the course of both rivers. Mtkouar
+returned and inundated the town, by reason of which the air was filled
+with cries, lamentations and groaning, while the Aragva flowed towards
+the fortress and its waves dashing against the fortress walls, made
+such a fearful noise that we ran away in terror, but the Saint shouted:
+
+"Do not be afraid, sisters, the mountains still stand in their places
+and the rivers have not altered their course, and the nation quietly
+sleeps. Although that which you beheld did not happen in reality,
+yet this was not a mere dream, for the mountains of unbelief were
+thoroughly shaken up in Georgia, for the rivers of innocent children's
+blood, which flowed in honor of the idols, dried up, for legions of
+demons, chased out of this region by the mightiness of the Cross are
+pitifully combatting, seeing how their waves of wrath cannot carry
+out anything nor harm the fortress of Christ's faith. Come back and
+let us pray!"
+
+Then all these sounds quieted down and everywhere one could distinguish
+silence once more. The Saint stood up with raised hands and prayed that
+what had been begun by the Tsar should not be destroyed. But before
+dawn the vision repeated itself, and this time more terrifying than
+ever: it seemed as though an immense and terrible army had attacked
+the city from three different sides.
+
+Having forced the gates open it completely filled the
+streets. Everywhere a fearful emotion had spread, shrieking and
+murdering took place. Pools of blood flowed at every corner. In some
+places the people threw themselves upon the enemy with arms in their
+hands; some of them from terror and confusion turned against their
+own countrymen. Here one was killing the other--there a second one was
+expiring, a third one's heart was perfectly broken by the lamentations
+of his family. Suddenly a loud, loud voice was heard:
+
+"The Persian Tsar Kkhouara! The king of kings Kkhouaran Kkhouara has
+ordered that the sharpness of the sword should spare the Jews!" Only
+upon hearing this cry did I begin to come back to my senses, but
+just like ten of my companions, I could not exactly remember how
+affairs stood. We were still imagining warriors turning around us
+with swords in their hands, who knocked down and killed everybody
+and everything. And once more a cry was heard: "Tsar Mirian is taken!"
+
+Then the brave worker of Christ's vineyard said: "I know that he
+who is shouting is in great distress. Give thanks unto God, for the
+enemy is overcome and Georgia saved, and this very place too!" She
+cheered us up like an experienced doctor, like a sincere teacher,
+like a great apostle! Afterwards fearlessly throwing herself upon
+this regiment of robbers and destroyers, she angrily asked them:
+
+"Where then is the Persian King Kkhoua and Kkhouaran-Kkhonafa? Only
+yesterday you left the land of Sab and hurried hither with a terrible
+and most numerous army in order to destroy the city and exterminate
+the inhabitants. Ye Northern and Western winds, chase them away into
+the dark mountains and bottomless precipices, for He arrived before
+whom you turn to flight!"
+
+With these words she raised her hand and made the sign of the cross.
+
+Instantly all fell to pieces and were swept off, great silence set in
+and we all began to congratulate her upon the glorious victory and
+thank God for the happy and favorable end of such a terrible vision
+and for His revealing to the Saint through this event the future
+flourishing state of the country. When, however, it began to grow
+light, the other women fell asleep, while I, Sidonia, could see how
+the Saint continued praying, raising her hands to Heaven. Suddenly
+there stood before her a youth, shining with indescribable brightness,
+dressed in a fiery-blazing garment and said three words to her, from
+which the Saint fell down with her face on the ground. The youth
+stretched out his hands towards the pillar, raised it and put it in
+the right place. In my astonishment I approached and asked: "Why,
+mistress, what is this?"
+
+"Bow down thy head!" she replied, and wept from fear. A little later
+she rose, ordered me to get up too, and we left this place together.
+
+In the meantime our sisters had waked up and actually saw that the
+pillar, which had seemed to them enveloped in flames, was coming down
+from Heaven and was approaching its destination. When it was within
+twenty loktays of the ground it stopped. Hardly had daylight appeared
+when the Tsar, tortured with impatience and anxiety, hastened to the
+building which he was burning to see finished. From a distance it
+seemed to him that the strokes of lightning were rising to Heaven. He
+hurried on. In the end, unable to conquer his curiosity, he actually
+ran. His whole suite and innumerable hordes of people rushed after
+him, doing their best to speedily reach and help to put out the fire
+in the burning edifice, and lo! a wonderful spectacle now presented
+itself to the eyes of all present.
+
+The extraordinary illumination was not caused by a fire as supposed:
+it came from the pillar, blazing with light. Softly did it come down
+from Heaven, supported by the arms of two angels, placed itself in the
+right spot, and was firmly fixed without the help of human hands. O,
+how great was the general delight! Happiness and emotion spread all
+over Mtzkhet.
+
+The Tsar, Tsaritsa, dignitaries, and people without distinction of
+rank or class, shed tears of emotion, all glorified God and praised
+Saint Nina, for great wonders were accomplished on that day. In the
+first place a blind-born Hebrew, who approached the pillar, which
+had been placed by God, began to see. Secondly, the sepetsouli (i.e.,
+page) Kha Mazaepouki had been entirely paralyzed for eight years. His
+mother took him in his bed and had it carried to the shining pillar,
+afterwards turning to Saint Nina, she said in an imploring voice:
+"Look, O mistress, at my dying baby, I know that He about whom thou
+dost preach is the God of gods!"
+
+Then the Saint moved up to the pillar and having put her hand on the
+boy, said to him: "Thou dost believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God,
+who hath come to save the world? Be healthy and from this very day
+on glorify God, who hath cured thee!" And the boy got up in perfect
+health, and Tsar and nation were seized with fear. All the sick
+hastened to the spot and were healed, but as many could not stand
+the wonderful light coming out of the pillar, the Tsar ordered to
+have it covered with wood, which, nevertheless, of course did not
+prevent the people from approaching the pillar and getting cured.
+
+The work of completing the church was immediately taken in hand,
+and it was arranged so that the pillar should be left in its above
+mentioned place. In the meantime the ambassadors of Tsar Mirian had
+already related to the Emperor Constantine and the Empress Helen, his
+mother, about the conversion of their sovereign to the faith of the
+true God, and this filled their hearts with joy, for Mirian offered
+them his friendship and help in conquering and destroying the Persians.
+
+They hastened to send Bishop John (upon the advice given by
+the Antiochian patriarch Evstafii) and with him two priests and
+three deacons. Upon this occasion Constantine wrote a letter of
+congratulation to Mirian, filled with blessings and expressions of
+thankfulness to God, and sent him some gorgeous presents, but above
+all an invaluable gift--namely: the image of Rouiz with five hundred
+pieces of holy relics. The Empress Helen also wrote a letter in which
+she highly praised the resolution of Mirian and encouraged him. The
+arrival of the bishop, priests, and deacons at Mtzkhet was a day of
+general feasting, for Tsar as well as people were equally thirsting
+to be baptized.
+
+Immediately a proclamation was sent to all the kristavs, military
+commanders, and dignitaries of the monarchy to gather around the Tsar,
+and all started for Mtzkhet. Thereupon began the general baptizing:
+Saint Nina baptized the Tsar and the priests the Tsaritsa and princes.
+
+Bishop John on the other hand blessed the Mtkouar, and together
+with the deacons having found a place near the bridge Mogoutka,
+opposite the house of the priest Elios, he baptized in these waters
+all dignitaries and courtiers; that is the reason why this spot is
+called Mtkavartka-Sanatklavi, i.e., "the place where the Mtkavares
+were baptized."
+
+Farther down the river, both priests, the deacon and the bishop,
+after having baptized the nobility and dignitaries, baptized the
+people, who hurried towards them as much as possible--begging to
+quickly receive the great favor. Just so the prophecies of St. Nina,
+who was constantly and uninterruptedly repeating to them that he who
+does not let himself be baptized, would never behold the real light,
+awakening in them the greatest enthusiasm. Thus nearly all Georgians
+and fifty Hebrew families from the house of Varrava were christened.
+
+To the Hebrew-Christians the Tsar granted the suburb of Tsikhe
+Dide. This was in the year 327.
+
+Alone the mountain inhabitants and Mirian's brother-in-law, Pkeros,
+who had received the province of Ran as a dowry from his bride,
+beginning from Bard, did not pay attention to the Tsar's summons and
+remained heathens, having respectfully remarked to the Tsar that his
+power over them could not be extended to their form of religion. When,
+through His great mercifulness, the Lord deigned to show to the holy
+Tsaritsa His living cross, Tsar Mirian hastened to send to the Emperor
+Constantine the Bishop John, asking him for a piece of the wood of
+the holy living cross. To this request he joined the wish to have
+many priests, in order to send them out not only into all provinces,
+but also to each single city of his government to educate, enlighten,
+and baptize the people all over Georgia.
+
+At that time an invitation was also sent to architects, for it took a
+great many to erect and establish churches throughout the kingdom. The
+Emperor received the ambassador with great rejoicing and handed him
+the pieces of the holy living wood on which had lain the holiest legs
+of the Saviour of the world, and two nails from the Lord's hands. The
+pieces of the holy living wood are called Nerkveli in Georgian. Emperor
+Constantine handed great riches to Bishop John, ordering him to erect
+a church with this money in the newly converted country, but to divide
+up the remaining treasures among the other Georgian churches. He also
+sent with him many priests and architects and having flattered and
+complimented the envoy and bishop, allowed them to start for home.
+
+Having reached the province of Eroushatk, they left there one architect
+and a priest, ordering them to establish and erect a church, and giving
+them the necessary sum for that undertaking. The priest besides was
+given charge of the most holy nails, which were to be kept in this
+temple. When they again arrived at Mangliss, they did the same thing,
+leaving the holy Nerkvelis, and then soon reached Mtzkhet. But Mirian,
+who had been awaiting their arrival with such impatience, was deeply
+grieved by the fact that they had been staying out longer on the
+way than he had expected them to do, and besides--had left in the
+provinces both invaluable holy relics; but Saint Nina comforted him
+by the following words: "Quiet down, O Tsar! It was necessary that
+everywhere on their route they should proclaim and firmly establish
+the name of the Lord--while thou in the grand capital art in possession
+of quite as great a treasure, viz., the robe of the Lord!"
+
+Then the Tsar sent for Abiatkar, and with him came quite a large number
+of Jews. When, however, he asked them questions about the robe they
+related how it was under the wonder-working pillar and added to this
+the whole report of Sidonia, which we have already told.
+
+"Blessed be Thou, O Lord Jesus Christ, son of the living
+God!" exclaimed the Tsar, raising his hands toward Heaven, "merciful
+and charitable in saving us from the devil and the land of darkness
+and having built this church, nay, having brought Thy robe hither
+from the most holy city of Jerusalem to spare it from the hands of the
+Jews, who hath not acknowledged Thee and to hand it over to our care,
+to a foreign and strange nation, honoring and fearing Thee with all
+their heart!"
+
+Immediately the church was begun, first commencing with the
+court. "Let the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed," said
+then Saint Nina, "and of God the Father, who hath sent His son, who
+leaving the all-shining heavenly regions, came down to earth, was
+without doubt born of the seed of David, of the branch of Joachim,
+of the most holy and most pure Virgin and her thou didst make the
+cause of our salvation, earthly enlightenment and glory of Thy people
+O Israel! Of her was born the God man, the light of all believing,
+the image of God, baptized with water and with the Holy Ghost, was
+crucified and interred, rose on the third day--going up to His Father,
+whither he comes with glory, for He is worthy of all glory, honor,
+and adoration, together with the Father and the Holy Ghost now,
+henceforth and evermore! Amen."
+
+When all were really and successfully baptized, the royal son Revv
+reminded them about the famous tree, which grew in the court and had a
+marvellous power to heal even the most desperate mortal wounds. It was
+noticed more than once that even the snakes, when wounded by mortal
+shots, if they ate the leaves of this tree or the buds falling from
+it, immediately were healed.
+
+Having found out about this, Bishop John said: "This land was really
+and truly destined by God to have the holy faith introduced in it, and
+by His godly attention this marvellous tree grew up and was preserved
+to our days. Now, however, when the might of Christ had been spread
+all over Georgia, it does seem advisable to make a cross out of it,
+which will be an object of veneration for the whole country!"
+
+And so, on Friday the twenty-fifth of March, three hundred and
+thirty A. D., the Tsarevitch Revv, together with the bishop and
+masses of people, set forth to cut down the tree, the branches of
+which, notwithstanding that it was in the winter season, were quite
+green. This tree was so beautiful that having cut it only slightly,
+one hundred men took it up in their arms together with its branches
+and leaves and carried it into the town, where they placed it near
+the church.
+
+To the general astonishment it really kept its freshness and beauty
+during thirty-seven days, as though it had been replanted with a root
+or been constantly refreshed by living water. When, however, all the
+bushes were covered with leaves and the fruit trees with flowers, on
+the first of May, a Saturday, Tsar and people entered the church and
+with ardor and joyfulness made crosses out of it. The following day at
+sunrise a cross of stars descended from Heaven, and having let itself
+down to the church, seemed to have turned itself into a crown of stars
+which remained visible to the whole nation until sunset. Then two stars
+started forth from it: one flew towards the East and the other towards
+the West, while the cross, keeping its heavenly glitter and beauty,
+quietly directed itself to the spring which had been created by the
+tears of Saint Nina, and having gone up by the river Aragva to a stony
+plateau, rose to Heaven. As this vision repeated itself daily and was
+seen by all the people, the Tsar asked the Saint to explain its reason.
+
+"Send thou," she said, "into the highest mountains in the East and
+West, to follow up and watch the direction which the stars take and,
+there where they stop we shall each time erect a cross to glorify
+our Lord Jesus Christ!"
+
+The Tsar lost no time in ordering guards placed on the summits of the
+mountains. This was on Friday, and Saturday, according to custom, at
+sunrise the wonder again repeated itself. The next day arrived the men
+who had been keeping guard on the Kvobtka-Tkavv, and said to the Tsar:
+
+"The star stopped just above the mountain Tkkot and then went down
+into the Caspian Sea and disappeared." But others who had also kept
+guard on the Keretk, said:
+
+"We beheld a star which came straight to us and stopped in the village
+of Bode." Thereupon Saint Nina said:
+
+"Take both these crosses and establish one on the mountain Tkkot as God
+hath instructed ye, while the other ye shall give to the servant of
+God--Salome, who will plant it in the town of Oudjarmo, because Bode
+or Bondi is a simple hamlet with few inhabitants and thus should not
+be put on a footing with a capital, which has a large population, and
+so Bondi, too, will soon see that it is a place pleasing to God." The
+words of the Saint were most punctually and correctly carried out on
+the seventh of May.
+
+In consequence of the marvellous heavenly apparition, a third cross,
+taken up by men and preceded by Saint Nina, was solemnly carried to
+the foot of the stony plateau.
+
+There the Saint, the King, and the people passed a whole night praying
+at the spring which had been created by the tears of Saint Nina. At
+that spot many wonders and cases of healing took place too. The day
+following they ascended the mountain to the top of the rocky plateau
+(now known by the designation Djouar), the Saint gave the example and
+after her Tsar and people, rich and poor, the prominent and religious
+fell down with their face resting on the ground and prayed to God
+with many tears and great lamentations, so that the mountains were
+filled with the sounds of crowds praying. Then the Saint, having put
+her hand upon the stone, said to the bishop:
+
+"Come thou and make the sign of the cross on this stone."
+
+As soon as the Saint's command had been executed, the holy cross
+was well fastened to a rock by the hands of the Tsar and his
+family. Innumerable crowds of people bowed down before the cross,
+praising and blessing the Son of God and believing with all their
+hearts and souls in Him and in the Holy Trinity. Even the most
+distinguished Mtavares did not leave the holy church, the fiery
+pillar and the holy cross, and were witnesses of the perfectly unusual
+wonders and most marvellous cures.
+
+The Sunday of the Easter Full-moon was chosen by Mirian for celebrating
+the holy cross, and this custom was observed all over Georgia up to
+the governor-generalship of Yermolow.
+
+On the first Wednesday after the fête of the Holy Trinity, a new
+wonder occurred. A fiery cross showed itself above the cross on Mount
+Djuarr, while above it there seemed to be a crown, consisting of twelve
+stars. Besides, the mountain gave out an indescribable fragrance. This
+vision was seen by everybody, and many of the unbelieving were
+baptized on that memorable day, while the faith of the Christians
+was very much strengthened, and they loudly glorified God. At the
+cross still another wonder took place. A light seven times brighter
+than the sun was lowered from Heaven unto the cross and angels went
+up and down this apparently fiery road--as the sparks fly from the
+bursting crater. Even the very mountain was shaken as though a strong
+earthquake were taking place during the wonderful apparition.
+
+This wonder called forth general surprise, and all those present
+praised God more and more, and as such wonders repeated themselves
+daily before the eyes of the whole nation, people from every town and
+village of the kingdom streamed in to bow to the cross. At that time
+the Tsarevitch, a grandson of Mirian and the only son of the crown
+prince Revv, was taken with a hopeless illness, but his father placed
+him in front of the cross and with tears in his eyes, said:
+
+"If thou, O holy cross, wilt heal my son, I will erect a shrine
+for thee!"
+
+And the child came back to life and was taken home by his
+father--restored to perfect health. The Tsarevitch immediately returned
+with the greatest joy in order to thank God and begin to carry out
+his solemn promise. Soon a marble chapel was built, into which Revv
+daily came to give thanks unto God, and used to bring rich gifts. Ever
+since that moment a still greater number of the weak and sick were
+attracted by the holy cross, and having been cured, they joyfully
+glorified our Lord Jesus Christ and the strength of His honorable
+cross. A blind youth who had fasted for fully seven days and had been
+praying as long before the cross, got back his sight and glorified God.
+
+A woman who had the misfortune of having the devil in her for eight
+whole years, was deprived of the power of reasoning and here tore
+her clothes to pieces and became idiotic--there became greatly
+weakened. For twelve days they held her in front of the cross; in
+the end the Lord healed her and she returned home, healthy in body
+and soul, lauding God and honoring His holy cross. It happened that a
+little baby fell from a certain height and was instantly killed. His
+mother put the breathless corpse near the foot of the cross and from
+morning till evening unceasingly prayed with tears constantly in
+her eyes.
+
+"Woman!" they said to her, "take him away and bury him, for he is dead,
+and thy prayers will be of no use!"
+
+But she continued praying and loudly lamenting without giving up hope
+throughout the night, the next day and a third day, and lo! to the
+seventh day.
+
+On this seventh day, however, in the evening, the baby came back to
+life and was carried off living and healthy by his mother, who did
+not cease to praise and thank God. Such great wonders persuaded many
+fruitless husbands to resort to the strength of the holy cross, and
+having begged with real faith, they became the fathers of numerous
+families and daily came to adore the cross and bring gorgeous
+presents. Not only the sick who personally came to pray at the foot
+of the cross were successfully cured, but also the warriors combatting
+far, far away from Djouar, if they only implored the help of the cross,
+became able to defeat their enemies and unharmed returned to Mtzkhet
+to justly glorify God. Many infidels, when in great need, addressed
+the cross with prayers and receiving salvation from destruction,
+hastened to Djouar to give thanks unto God and be baptized. Besides
+these already mentioned, masses of other suffering people were healed
+and the unhappy comforted by invoking the holy cross, created by
+the almightiness of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, and
+to them is due all glory, honor, and veneration, now, henceforth,
+and evermore. Amen.
+
+At that time Saint Nina, the Tsar, and the nation received a message
+from the patriarch from Rome. Just then, too, arrived a deacon from
+the land of the Brandjees in order to congratulate Saint Nina and
+ask her to pray for them. He also brought a letter from his Tsar to
+Saint Nina, whose father had baptized all Brandjees. At Jerusalem
+and Constantinople a report was spread that the sun of truth was now
+shining in Georgia and Jee--from all possible regions they sent letters
+asking to give precise details of the wonders which had happened
+at the pillar and the rose bush and of the extraordinary cases of
+cures. Having carefully inquired about all this, the brandja-deacon
+glorified God and went home with numerous letters containing the longed
+for statements. Then the Tsar spoke thus to the Saint and the bishop:
+
+"It is my wish with the power of the sword to force the mountain
+inhabitants as well as my brother-in-law Pkheros to serve the Son of
+God and to oblige them to venerate and respect the honest cross!"
+
+"God doth not order thee to convert them with the sword!" was their
+unanimous answer. It is thy duty to convert them after having pointed
+out to them with the help of the New Testament and the cross--the road
+of truth leading to life eternal and how to be thankful to the Lord,
+who lightens up the terrible darkness of their souls.
+
+Saint Nina, together with the bishop, left for the mountain regions,
+and the Tsar ordered the kristav (most likely district governor)
+to accompany them. Upon arriving at Tsorbanne, they called together
+the mountaineers, inspected Dsrbin, Tchartal, Tkkhela, Tsilkammy, and
+Gorangor. They assembled the Tchartalians, who were almost like wild
+beasts, the Fkholians, the Gondamakavians, and to all these tribes
+they preached about the holy cross of Christ. But they did not want
+to listen, and so the royal kristav drew his sword and destroyed
+their idols and subjected them.
+
+From there they went into Yaletia (the present Mtaletka) and taught
+the nations of Tionet and Ertso (in Armenian Erdzoitk), who received
+them well and were baptized, but the Fkholis (nowadays the Pchaves),
+settled over to Doushet. The remaining mountain inhabitants also
+refused to become Christians, for which the Tsar doubled their taxes
+and thus forced them to emigrate. It is true later on, Saint Avive,
+bishop of Nekretsa, converted several of them to Christianity, while
+the rest are even to this day infidels. Saint Nina started for Ranne
+in order to enlighten Pkeros, but as she approached Kouket and reached
+Bondi, she was obliged to make a longer stop. Kakhetians streamed
+there in great number, questioned her and many became persuaded in the
+correctness and truthfulness of her teachings. At Bondi, however, she
+fell ill. Hardly had the news of this deplorable event reached Revv and
+Salome, who lived at Oudjarmo, when they hastened to the Saint and also
+informed the Tsar and Tsaritsa. The sovereign gave orders that Bishop
+John should bring over the Saint, but she really preferred to remain
+where she was, and so the Tsar set out for Bondi with a numerous suite.
+
+The whole nation rushed to the invalid, whose glance was illuminated
+with true heavenly brilliancy. With love and veneration did the true
+believers cut off little bits of pieces from her garment and covered
+their souvenir with kisses. The Tsaritsa and the princesses crowded
+around her, showering blessings upon her, and with tears and sorrow
+they looked forward to their separation from their teacher, protector,
+and healer. The Princess Salome, Kherosh Avrizounelle (in Armenian
+Perojavr Sounetsi), the kristaves and mtavares began to implore the
+Saint to relate her life to them, saying:
+
+"Who art thou? How didst thou come into our kingdom to save us? Who
+was thy instructor? O mistress, do let us know the history of thy
+life! Why shouldst thou speak of captivity--O thou happy, happy
+Tsaritsa, who hast delivered us from the burdens of captivity? For
+through thee we found out that the Son of God had been predicted
+by prophets, that after Him the work of spreading the new faith was
+carried out by twelve apostles, and as many as seventy-two pupils. But
+of all this immense number, thou alone wert given and sent unto us
+by God. Why in the world dost thou then call thyself a prisoner and
+foreigner?" Then the Saint continued:
+
+"Children of the Faith, Tsaritsa and princesses--all ye who are
+surrounding me, I now see that you may be compared with the ancient
+women in their faith and love to Christ. You desire to know the
+biography of His insignificant servant. I consent, for I feel that my
+end is approaching and I shall sleep the eternal sleep in which she
+who gave birth to me is already resting. Take ye then the inkstand and
+write up the history of my life, so that your children shall discover
+how great your faith in God was, how constant and unchangeable your
+love to me and what wonders you were allowed to be witnesses of."
+
+Then the Princess Salomee and Kherosh Avrizounelle began to record
+the events, while the Saint related to them all that we have here
+undertaken to describe. She advised the Tsar to replace Bishop John by
+the priest Jacob when the time should come. John held a final mass,
+and Nina received from his hands the Holy Communion, after which she
+gave up her most righteous soul to the Lord of Heaven and earth,
+in the fifteenth year after her arrival in Georgia, in the year
+of our Lord three hundred and thirty-nine. Her death caused great
+sorrow and mourning in Mtzkhet and Oudjarmo. They buried her at Bondi
+(the present Sidjack) in accordance with the sworn oath which she had
+received from the Tsar. As this was at that period a little known and
+unimportant village, the Saint had evidently chosen it from extreme
+humility. The Tsar and his noblemen were deeply grieved by this choice,
+but of course did not venture to oppose her last will.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+V. THE DIAMOND
+
+A LEGEND
+
+
+At the time of Tsar Artchill the First, who was married to Marion,
+the daughter of the Greek Emperor Julian (363 A. D.), many Greeks
+settled over into Georgia, among them the painter Martin. To his
+care the inner ornamentation of the church of Stephan Tsminda (i.e.,
+of Saint Stephen) was left. This great house of worship had been
+planned and constructed at Mtzkhet by the all honorable Artchill,
+near the gates of the Aragva, near the towers and bastions erected
+in its neighborhood for national defence. Martin was a perfectly
+honorable and reliable man and very clever and gifted in the execution
+of his orders. The paints which were at his disposal assumed such a
+marvellous, nay overwhelming resemblance with reality, that several
+of the saints represented by them appeared as though they were alive,
+and astounded faithful and esteemed believers many hundred years after
+his death. On one of the walls he had undertaken to reproduce the
+apparition of the most Holy Virgin to Saint Nina. The latter was seen
+down on her knees stretching out her arms and receiving a holy cross
+made of fine vineyard branches. The fear, happiness, love to God and
+perfectly boundless submission to His holy will were expressed not
+only in the character features of the Saint, but in every movement,
+nay, in every fold of her garment. The union of all these various
+thoughts was above picturesque sciences and naturally called forth
+the amply justified astonishment of the contemporaries of Martin and
+of the very latest visitors to the temple. Yes, indeed, the Greek
+Martin was a great, great artist. And therefore he loved his art so
+much that it seemed dearer to him than all the world put together,
+with the exception of his daughter Poullkheria.
+
+At the period when our tale begins, the portrait of Saint Nina was
+already carefully finished off, and the artist was applying himself
+over the figure of the most Holy Virgin. As humble as he was clever
+and ingenious, he alone, it appeared, did not notice the beauty of
+his productions, and while just then all those standing about were
+filled with amazement and extreme delight, he sighed while comparing
+his master works with those shining, marvellous, indescribable, and
+exceptionally extraordinary pictures which his poetic imagination
+seemed to behold moving as it were in the air, and which were so
+dear to his elevated soul. How in the world should he represent the
+features of the most Holy Virgin?
+
+That was a question which tortured him day and night. Every time
+he reflected about them he thought he could see the sweet, short,
+dear face of his daughter, and with terror in his heart he attempted
+to drive away this imaginary apparition. It seemed to him like some
+wicked, harsh, impossible insult. Again he did his best to find a
+proper type which would have nothing earthly about it, and once more
+that same loving and beloved little face of Poullkheria presented
+itself to him. At last in perfect despair he went to the Katholikoss
+(this fully corresponds to the rank of a patriarch), John the Second,
+imploring counsel and prayer. One day and two nights they fervently
+prayed together near the holy djouar (thus was named the place near the
+fountain of tears of Saint Nina, not far from the cross erected in that
+very vicinity; djouar in reality means cross). On the second morning
+the Katholikoss ordered the painter to immediately return to his home.
+
+"Lay thyself down at the feet of our great converter," said he,
+"and go to sleep, for I do heartily believe that in a dream thou art
+destined to see namely those features in which the most Holy Virgin
+must be represented!"
+
+Martin went to the place appointed, fulfilled the command of John,
+and a third time saw the features of Poullkheria; she appeared to
+him with some especially magnificent heavenly radiance.
+
+"But how shall I reproduce this astonishing light?" murmured the
+painter, and began to strictly observe the fasts and pray like the
+ancient prophets and other true servants of the Lord. For a whole week
+he constantly went through all the different religious services and
+ate nothing, nor did he drink anything. On Saturday, after partaking
+Communion, he took a meal and lay down with the intention of sleeping
+under the portrait.
+
+In the dream he beheld already the heavenly Tsaritsa, viz., just as
+it was customary and necessary to reproduce her. Hastily he jumped
+up and drew out on the wall with charcoal the all glorious and all
+impressive picture. This was the very first representation of the kind,
+and it completely satisfied and pleased the artist himself! The worry
+which had long been weighing down on him was changed into inexpressible
+happiness and good fortune, and he hurried to the holy djouar (cross)
+where with tears he thanked and sang praises unto God. The following
+day just at sunrise Martin rose, awoke Poullkheria and led her off
+with him. Hardly had he arranged her as was his desire, when an
+unknown youth came up to them.
+
+"Old man!" he said, respectfully bowing, "I also want to work on
+the image of the Heavenly Queen, instruct me how it is necessary
+to dispose of thy colors." With great incredulity Martin stared at
+him. The gorgeous garment, the graceful movements showed plainly
+that he was a man not accustomed to hard labors. "It is not at all
+easy to teach how to apply the colors," he answered. "Take off thy
+expensive and most elegant robe and thy delicate hands will not
+stand difficult, exhausting work." The youth nevertheless insisted,
+and Martin having rapidly explained to him what to do, began the work
+and soon forgot him and Poullkheria and all creation, and was utterly
+absorbed in his magnificent inner world. In the meantime Poullkheria
+followed the newcomer. He was a tall, well-built, handsome youth,
+broad-shouldered with a slender waist, which was pinched in by a
+fine gold belt with decorations of highly precious stones, and how
+these various-colored stones played and shone and reflected! when
+he had placed it on a huge marble piece and he easily and quickly
+arranged on it a heavy stone, which her father moved from place to
+place--very slowly and only gradually. The youth did not pay the
+very least attention to her--he was evidently worried and pulled
+down by some outside event. Deep sighs from time to time came out
+of his breast, and in the end Poullkheria remarked that a tear fell
+unto the edge of the marble slab. It now really seemed as though he
+as well as Martin had wandered off into some unknown world and had
+forgotten everything earthly. Martin painted without interruption for
+seven hours; and in a like manner, without taking any rest, worked
+the sweet newcomer. Glancing at their indefatigable application,
+Poullkheria became frightened and feared that her posing might never
+come to an end, and so began to weep most bitterly. The features of
+her face suddenly assumed another look and thus her father began to
+be thoughtful and remember all that had taken place.
+
+"Enough, my poor darling child!" he said with delicacy, and addressed
+the youth. Immense spots of paint and butter were now to be seen
+on various parts of his costly attire, his hair was indeed in the
+greatest disorder and his face red from exhaustion. Martin really
+did not know how he should thank and reward him.
+
+"Tell me at least thy name, thou good youth!" he said, turning to
+the boy.
+
+"Mirdat."
+
+"Why--is it possible?"
+
+"Be silent!" interrupted the youth and went out, but Martin looked
+after him with inexpressible astonishment. Only in this moment did
+he recognize in him the Tsarevitch-successor, the great and famous
+victories of whom the whole East was talking. Yesterday only he had
+returned from a victorious expedition to Rome, and they were convinced
+that he would soon start out again. How was it possible that during
+these very few days of rest he wished to take upon himself such a
+tiresome and dry work? Afterwards he thoroughly inspected what he
+had achieved and was perfectly overcome by the number and variety of
+colors and shades arranged and used by him.
+
+"If he accomplishes his new war as rapidly as the first, I shall have
+enough colors left up to the time of his return," reflected Martin,
+and gayly and joyfully went home with his dear little daughter,
+who all along the route questioned him about Mirdat. Having dined in
+haste and slept a little, Martin once more continued his labors and
+was steadily busy until sunset.
+
+Thus the undertaking went on day after day with the difference only
+that Mirdat no more appeared. It seems that he had left for Movakanne
+and soon after had pacified it for his father. It is not useless to
+relate what happened to Mirdat upon his first expedition.
+
+The provinces of Ranna, Movakanne and Aderbadaganne since the most
+remote times belonged to Georgia, and only during the reign of Tsar
+Mirdat the Fourth, grandfather of our hero, they came under the control
+of the Persians. Satrappe Barzabode administrated them. Having taken
+Ranna, the Tsarevitch-successor Mirdat wished to call out Barzabode in
+a duel. Barzabode took up his quarters in an abandoned tower beyond
+the city, but Mirdat surrounded it from evening on--supposing that
+during the night it would be impossible for him to slip out and escape,
+and so he resolved to give rest to his exhausted and wornout warriors
+till morning. In the night he made an inspection tour of his brave
+camp, and passing quite close to the tower on the grassy slopes,
+he overheard a sweet conversation. He stood still and paid close
+attention. The sweet voice, hardly hearable, pronounced the word:
+"Batono!" ("Sir.")
+
+He raised his head and almost fainted from extreme astonishment and
+delight: on the roof there stood a girl of indescribable beauty. The
+moon was shining on her and gave her long, regular features some secret
+mysteriousness and unusual charm. And suddenly her coral mouth opened,
+and from it poured out a low, inspiring and enchanting speech. She
+implored the young military commander to save her from the clutches
+of her very old father.
+
+"Who and what can dare to oppose itself to thee? Thou dost conquer
+towns and provinces. Thy powerful army defeats and submits even hero
+princes. Whomsoever or whatsoever thou mayest look at in this world,
+thou canst always consider it thine own, for it doth not come within
+thy reach only when thou dost not wish it so. Thou hast wonderful
+beauty, common sense, mind, strength, and bravery, while I never
+had anything except a dear father. He prided himself in his warlike
+glory--thou didst darken it! He had won for himself the entire
+confidence of the Shah, thou didst destroy it. He boasted about the
+invincibility of his warriors, while thou didst conquer and baffle
+them. Thou above all didst have my way of looking at things and my
+imagination. Thy all powerful type did victoriously enter my soul
+and doth drive out from it the poor, terribly degraded character of
+my old father!"
+
+And at these solemn words the beauty fell down on her knees. "O do
+not tear him away from me!" she murmured, reproachingly, stretching
+out her arms towards him.
+
+"There will be no duel!" unexpectedly said Mirdat; he turned around
+and quickly went to his tent. This young lady was the daughter of
+Barzabode, Sagdoukta. From that moment onwards Mirdat loved her with
+all the mightiness and emotion of his hero-prince's heart, and there
+was deep, deep grief and depression in his soul. Was it possible to
+suppose that the Tsar would permit him to marry the daughter of that
+satrame, to whose care certain provinces had been intrusted and who
+of late had been deprived of the right of administrating them?
+
+Having reflected a little he made up his mind to leave a comparatively
+small number of warriors in the places which he had but just
+successfully conquered, while with the remaining soldiers he returned
+to his father in order to ask for fresh instructions. Everywhere they
+met and received the young conqueror with great ceremony and delight;
+radiant faces were surrounding him, the joyful cries of the people
+filled his ears, while in his heart it was all dark and heavy. With
+unbelievable effort he finally forced himself to answer the general
+and most hearty greetings constantly showered on him with a caressing
+smile, and on the following day, when he safely reached his beloved
+home, he immediately went to continue and work for the glorification
+of the most Holy Virgin, invoking her assistance and protection. The
+same was his object when he reached his native town after his second
+great victorious campaign in Movakanne. But this time Martin, who
+had already succeeded in finishing the expression of the face of the
+Heavenly Queen and having spent some time in reproducing her garment,
+now took the matter more easily, and indeed, frequently watched and
+glanced at his busy assistant. Having noticed the running tears of
+his daughter, he let Poullkheria go home, and turning to him, asked
+him what might be the cause of his great sorrow.
+
+"Thou hast helped me so much," said Martin, "that I should really
+like to render thee some good service, good youth; perhaps my old age
+makes me fit and enables me to give thee some highly useful counsel."
+
+"Thy grey hair testifies that already long, long ago the time went by
+when thou wert excited and moved by those thoughts and plans which
+called forth my tears. Nobody except the most Holy Virgin is strong
+enough to make my terrible grief go by, viz., because I love with
+all my heart a splendid girl to whom the sovereign will never give
+me his consent to be married."
+
+Saying these words Mirdat went, with a painful expression on his
+face, but Martin understood this most simple clear explanation quite
+differently, and through this mistake he let his most honest and
+loyal soul almost perish. This soul was perfectly clean, enlightened,
+free of sin, and shining like the most costly diamond.
+
+And so once upon a time, during a dream, some heavenly angels cut
+out the soul and brought it to the Lord. "O, Vladyka!" they said,
+"look thou at this brilliant diamond--this is the soul of the Greek
+man Martin, who hath given up his whole life to the glorification of
+Thy name. There is not one vice which can possibly obtain admission
+to or seek refuge in it, for it doth entirely belong to Thee! Looking
+at it and admiring it, we are frequently thinking that upon the death
+of Martin this diamond will be fully worthy of ornamenting Thy holy
+throne."
+
+The sweet, sweet angel voices quieted down, while from the depths of
+the earth the devilish laughing and ridiculing were heard. "Why dost
+thou so rejoice--miserable Satan?" asked the guarding angel by order
+of the Eternal God.
+
+"Very soon this diamond will be spoiled, darkened, and I shall become
+the happy possessor of it!" replied the devil. Thereupon,the good
+angels began to bitterly cry, but the Lord comforted them. He gave
+commands that the soul should again be placed and fixed in the body
+of the sleeping painter, and also informed the angels that in case
+Martin should ever happen to listen to and obey the sly devilish
+instructions and thus have his soul darkened, that they should
+find means to bring it back to God, although it be by the heavy,
+nay distressing, road of worldly grief and tears.
+
+And quickly the angels descended into the church of Stephen Tsminda
+(that is of Saint Stephen) and put the blinding diamond back into
+the slumbering Martin, but after them Satan came up and began
+to persuade the Greek that his daughter had completely won the
+heart of the Tsarevitch and that he himself would become a royal
+father-in-law. And thus at last vanity stained the diamond with dark
+and dirty spots, its shining lightness began to go out more and more,
+while the perfectly extraordinary and marvellous beauty seemed to
+be covering itself with a dark skin, and Martin daily continued to
+give himself up to worthless vain thoughts. And see, the diamond was
+decaying and would soon lose all of its unusual qualities. In the
+meantime Mirdat conquered and pacified Aderbadaganne.
+
+"What dost thou wish me to give you as a reward for thy highly
+valuable services?" asked the delighted, enthusiastic Artchill. Mirdat
+reverently fell down on one knee and kissing the lower end of the royal
+garment, asked for permission to be married to the daughter of the
+conquered satrappe. The loving father replied with an amused smile: "As
+long as thou didst administrate Ranna, Movakanne, and Aderbadaganne,
+Sagdoukta seemed to have hold of thy heart, and it seems to me that
+the very best way for thee to get out of this dangerous position is
+to claim the honor of obtaining her hand!"
+
+Immediately an embassy was dispatched to Barzabodus, who received
+it with indescribable joy and delight. Sagdoukta, supplied with a
+most gorgeous trousseau and dowry, was conducted to Mtzkhet where
+the marriage ceremony was performed and the innumerable fêtes
+connected with it continued for many days. The Tsar gave his son
+the city of Samshrilde with the province surrounding it. Besides
+through her beauty, Sagdoukta distinguished herself still more
+by her very remarkable mind and, which was in those times rare,
+a general education.
+
+Mirdat sent for the very wisest and most learned men of his age, living
+in Samshvillede and intrusted them with translating into Georgian
+the holy New Testament, and thoroughly explaining it to the Tsarevna
+Sagdoukta, who already fully believed in our Lord Jesus Christ, and
+having gone through and accepted the holy baptism, intended to have
+a cathedral of Zion erected at Samshvillede. For the planning of the
+inner walls a most precise and talented artist was necessary.
+
+Mirdat just then remembered his old friend Martin, and sent some
+attendants to look for him. But when their point of destination
+was reached, he was no longer among the living. He had succeeded
+in finishing his work in the church of Stephen-Tsminda at the time
+of the last campaign of the Tsarevitch in Aderbadaganne, received a
+right royal reward from Artchill, but instead of returning to Greece
+as would have seemed natural, he remained at Mtzkhet, hoping to bring
+them to a favorable issue.
+
+He daily went to the merchants of gorgeous weavings, chose the most
+precious objects, and composed of them a most valuable and rich
+costume for his Poullkheria.
+
+The very most talented and experienced tailors under his personal
+direction were employed in ornamenting with and sewing on these
+garments precious stones of one exquisite color, and besides
+that jewels. Trying first one thing, then another on his beloved
+Poullkheria, for whole hours at a time he watched and interested
+himself in her superhuman beauty, and with full confidence displayed
+before her the pictures of her future greatness. On hearing all these
+compliments and glorious prophecies the shining eyes of Poullkheria lit
+up with still greater joyfulness. Her clean heart could not understand
+or appreciate the many foolishly vain thoughts and intentions of
+her father. She loved Mirdat, indeed, not because he just happened
+to be the son of a King, but on account of his bravery, goodness and
+perfect honesty. That was why, notwithstanding exceedingly powerful
+temptations, the soul of Poullkheria remained as neat, without a sin
+and immaculate as when she had not had such notions; but Martin's
+soul daily lost its splendor and became covered all over with dark,
+dark spots.
+
+In the end Mtzkhet was bursting with joy, for a report spread from
+one quarter to another that Aderbadaganne had been successfully taken
+by storm. Triumphant receptions were now universally prepared for the
+great victor, and young and old rushed into the street with colored
+flags or flower branches in their hands. Poullkheria in her newest
+attire, and by her very side Martin, stood on the steps of the church
+of Stephen-Tsminda (i.e., of Saint Stephen).
+
+When the powerful procession came up to them, the Tsarevitch got
+off his horse and went into the empty temple. Martin, unnoticed,
+followed on after him and clearly beheld how he went straight to
+the finished image of the most Holy Virgin and having fallen on his
+knees was fervently praying. When, however, the prayer being over, the
+Tsarevitch rose, Martin ran up to him and quickly whispered in his ear:
+
+"This great day the Tsar, my master, will not refuse thee anything."
+
+But the Tsarevitch, persuaded that he alone was in the church, was
+evidently and most visibly struck and moved by this unexpected witness
+of his all hearty and sincere prayer. He did not recognize Martin, did
+not remember even his words, but hastened with all his might to go out
+of the church, while Martin thought that his own affairs were taking
+an unusually pleasant turn and greatly rejoiced. A few days went by,
+on the large square of the city a glashatai (kind of herald) made his
+appearance with a number of trumpeters, and having called together
+the people, they formally announced to them the coming marriage of
+the Tsarevitch-successor Mirdat to Sagdoukta, the daughter of the
+Persian satrappe (probably district governor) Barzabode.
+
+A slight noise was heard, and a moment thereafter a cry which was
+sharp enough to tear one's soul to pieces and which attracted general
+attention. On the ground lay Poullkheria, not showing any signs of
+life. A thin, pale colored rivulet of young boiling blood was slowly
+coming out of her mouth. Kneeling before her was Martin, who, indeed,
+was giving himself every possible trouble to stop the abundant flow
+of blood. Somebody out of the crowd was desirous of running to help
+her, but he looked back with a really terrified glance, and like
+a regular madman, having seized her in his vigorous arms, rushed
+off with her to Stephen Tsminda. Here he placed her at the foot of
+that wonderful picture for the execution of which she had served as
+a model and completely lost his senses. And, nay!--he actually saw
+how the cupola moved and opened itself, and how two angels gradually
+approached Poullkheria. In their hands there was just as grand a kind
+of a white transparent, indescribably magnificent garment as the one
+which dazzled their eyes.
+
+Instantly they took off the costly robe and clothed her in the attire
+which they had brought along. Poullkheria came back to life and looked
+around with the greatest astonishment as the rays of the sun, one after
+another, reflected upon the opening of the cupola, and approaching
+slowly, the angels came down, who quickly and intelligently drew
+out two wings from them, quite as beaming with light as their own,
+and made them grow on to Poullkheria, and having manoeuvred with
+them several times, the new angel without the least trouble raised
+herself from the earth and joyfully did the angels of the Almighty
+God sing a marvellously, nay extraordinarily, sweet greeting song to
+their dear new companion in arms, inviting her to fly off with them
+to the Throne of God.
+
+The new angel departed from the house of worship with a last, tender
+parting glance and having beheld her father, she began to implore the
+angels to also take him with them into the World of Life Eternal. The
+angelic song now stopped, their faces were darkened with sorrow,
+and painfully they announced that willingly they would have prepared
+for him at first a more desirable spot in the all glorious and all
+wonderful domains of Heaven, but that he threw away his splendid chance
+by wicked and useless vanity. The tears ran down in floods from the
+eyes of the former Poullkheria, and these tears of hers, as clean
+and fresh as the morning dew, dropped down unto the face of him who
+had died and brought him again to life and this time to a happier one.
+
+Martin jumped up, being fully aware of and perfectly ready to
+acknowledge his sinfulness. Abundant tears of remorse came out of
+his eyes and two more angels appeared on earth.
+
+They gathered these tears and washed out with them the wicked, sinful
+soul of Martin and the dark, dark spots of vanity on this most precious
+of diamonds grew quite white. When, however, the diamond again acquired
+its former harmless and utterly immaculate look, they radiantly bore
+him up to the throne of God, where he is shining and enlightens with
+a marvellous talent and adroitness those artists who are working for
+the glory of God, but Poullkheria guards their shining, clean souls
+from any sinful or irreligious infection.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+VI. HAPPINESS IS WITHIN US
+
+A LEGEND
+
+
+In the fifth century (458 A. D.) the Ossians stole and led off the
+sister of the Georgian Tsar Vachtang the First, known under the name
+of Gourgasslan (the lion wolf). The then three-year-old princess
+was called Mikrandoukta. When, however, Vachtang had conquered and
+pacified the Ossians, killed their commander-in-chief, Great Bagkatar,
+and seven of his brothers, and brought the sister safely home, he
+also took with him as a captive the very youngest of the Bagkatorian
+brothers, Mirian, whom he had left alive upon the repeated prayers
+of Mikrandoukta. The boy, who had been a playmate of the Tsarevna,
+was appointed page and grew up at the royal court.
+
+As he grew older his attachment for Mikrandoukta constantly increased,
+but he never so much as ventured to reveal to her his thoughts and
+feelings, neither by his speech, nor his looks, but used to go to an
+out of the way spot of the royal garden and there began to bitterly
+cry. Gradually, however, as he became a man, his wooings took a more
+refined form and were frequently put down in exquisite verses. A
+large number of little pieces of poetry are in circulation among the
+people under the name of "Wooing of the Knight," for when he reached
+his fourteenth year, the Tsar made him his body-knight. His comrades
+were of course jealous of this exceptional distinction and heartily
+congratulated him, but he, deeply grieved by the final departure of
+the princess, went into his favorite resting place; there a song came
+out of his lips, which for whole ages was known and went down from
+generation unto generation.
+
+
+    THE SONG OF THE BODY-KNIGHT
+
+    (Literal Translation)
+
+
+    "Why did they lead me into the high royal palace,
+    To thee as thy page,
+    Thy most winning eyes
+    Did fill my soul with burning fire.
+
+    "Although I descend from a powerful Vladyka
+    And am now at least the Tsar's favorite knight,
+    Nevertheless I cannot even testify my love to thee
+    Nor exchange words with thee through sweet, sweet glances.
+
+    "It is as though a mighty fortress was separating us
+    So fearfully high and immobile,
+    And my humble glance does not dare to penetrate
+    E'en to the grand old royal window.
+
+    "In love, however, I am thy slave, O dear princess,
+    I am quite able to pick up a quarrel with the king,
+    For I do pride myself in having just as fiery a soul,
+    Nay, just as great a heart.
+
+    "Both of us are still in life's early stages
+    And the same blood runs in our veins,
+    And if I cannot boast of such great royal fame
+    I may at least be proud of my strength and powerful determination."
+
+
+And, as though wishing to give his powerful strength a fair trial,
+the youth struck out with his fist against the stone and lo! the rock
+began to shake and split. When he looked at his fist he noticed that
+there was blood on it, and thereupon Mirian was more downcast and
+depressed than ever before.
+
+"What possible use can my hero prince's strength be to me when my
+heart is harder than stone?" he exclaimed, and again tears flowed
+down his face.
+
+And so from the mixture of tears with dripping hero-blood, a little
+spring formed itself, which flows at the edge of a precipice--then
+again it makes its way through high, high stone blocks, like a wild
+animal and, having successfully overcome them, it cries and hops
+about like a child. Mikrandoukta did not at all share the intense
+attachment of Mirian and took no notice of it. Attaining her growth she
+married the Shah of Persia. On the day of her departure Mirian came
+to his little spring, fixed the sword between two stones and threw
+himself against it with such violence that the sharp blade went right
+through him. His youthful body slipped into the water, but the burning
+blood swelled the little rivulet and gave it a marvellous power of
+resistance. To this well known spot from that time onward, all true
+lovers streamed in, and if anybody has a really good chance over
+the turbulent, fairy-like stream, he will take to writing excellent
+verses and his love will be crowned with the most complete success;
+if, however, he expects and awaits inspiration, he must certainly
+give up all hope forever and his passion will, alas! slow down and
+come to nothing.
+
+The first man who experienced these strange feelings and went through
+the whole thing was the negro Nebrotk. He fell deeply in love with
+his mistress, and even went so far as to venture to open his secret
+to her. The incensed and very frightened mistress immediately ordered
+that he should be drowned. They threw the unhappy "darky" in the
+stream of tears of the stremiannoy (body-knight) and went off; he at
+first lost consciousness, but later came back to his senses and came
+out on the opposite bank, completely cured of his useless passion. As
+he still felt uneasy and could not think of daring to return to his
+mistress, he built a little log house for himself on the bank of
+that ghastly precipice near which flowed the rivulet, and not knowing
+what to do with himself he wrote down the whole history of his life,
+then investigated the source and course of the remarkable stream and
+registered that too.
+
+Having thoroughly established himself in this most interesting region,
+he began to look after all those who happened to approach these
+important domains of fate, invited the travellers and pilgrims to
+his house, asked each one the story of his or her life and diligently
+and carefully recorded them. Soon a whole bouquet of most varied and
+entertaining tales was gotten up, reminding one of the all famous
+Arabian stories, and I can only regret that my memory prevented me
+from remembering but very few of them. I can understand very well all
+that Nebrotk relates about himself. Once upon a time, in the night
+he was awakened by some sweet, sweet singing, and having hastened
+to rise and go out, he smelt a strong and remarkable fragrance. He
+turned and peeped right into the precipice.
+
+The moon was lighting up its bottom; the enormous rocks glistened
+like pure silver and gold, while the water shone like the finest
+diamonds. With great satisfaction--nay, delight--he glanced at this
+heavenly picture, and suddenly his eyes were fixed on and could easily
+distinguish two human heads on the surface of the water. He began
+to pay more attention; a very handsome youth--a negro--and quite as
+beautiful and splendid a white girl were standing in the water up to
+their throats, and having lifted their arms high out of the water, they
+were playing with some wonderful, bright, gleaming threads. Correctly
+these nets were fastened and refreshed with clean, clear water,
+and they seemed to stay in the air without any sign of motion.
+
+Later he distinguished the following details: These nets of threads
+were fastened to an immense leaf of some sea plant and in this massive,
+fairy-like floor, which was all aglow with emeralds and gold, there
+stood a figure exceeding all human beauty. The whole scene was wrapped
+in a slight watery fog and a soft moonlight. The longer Nebrotk paid
+attention and looked at the surprising spectacle the more easily he
+succeeded in making out that all the charm of this extraordinary scene
+was concentrated in the form of a perfectly magnificent woman. In
+her hands there was some kind of a long feather, consisting entirely
+of sun rays, with which in the course of her sweet swim she reached
+and touched the different plants and flowers, and indeed, as though
+subjected to her peremptory commands, they gave out an indescribable
+fragrance and each little flower united with the marvellous choir which
+had gently awakened Nebrotk and sang softly, sweetly, beautifully.
+
+Nebrotk got perfectly passionate, so anxious was he to understand the
+contents and exact meaning of this fragrant, flowery little song, and
+holding his breath, he began to take the greatest pains and was enabled
+to hear: "Astkchicka! O Astkchicka! O Astkchicka! O Astkchicka!"
+
+That struck him as most peculiar, and having once more fixed his
+eyes on the head of the woman, he beheld a glistening, darling little
+star. This was exactly Astkchicka, i.e., Venera, whom the Tsar Vachtang
+the First had chased out of all his temples and houses of worship,
+and her adorers as well as her sacrificers and those who had been
+so benefited by her--all without exception had to abandon her in the
+deepest grief and disappointment. Then, however, she found two tender
+lovers. He was an adventurer, viz., a fisherman, but she the daughter
+of a very wealthy gardener. The goddess promised them her complete
+protection, and they without further reflections threw away their
+only property, i.e., their garments, and naked they went into the
+water in order to construct something for their kind benefactor. And
+see! the expelled goddess decided to rise and establish herself
+near the interesting "rivulet of the tears of the body-knight"
+(stremiannoy), and to that spot she directed her numerous admirers.
+
+Having seen Nebrotk, Astkchicka waved with her all shining feather, and
+from the motions she made, a bridge really and truly formed itself. She
+came down to earth, and having turned around to look, she again waved
+with her feather. On one side there was a bush of yellow roses, on the
+other side one of white roses. Their buds were instantly transformed
+and actually turned out as garments for her loving servants who were
+hastening after her. Thereupon she slowly returned to the hut of
+humble Nebrotk and with a new motion of her bewitching feather changed
+it into a perfectly marvellous, brilliant, nay, most elegant royal
+palace. Nebrotk stood like one struck by lightning. With a clever but
+sly smile upon her beautiful face, Astkchicka ordered her servants to
+lead him off to the stream and put him down on the estrade abandoned
+by her. But hardly had these orders been complied with and fulfilled
+when the pillars of the estrade gave way and broke down together
+with the negro. The terrible, yes frightful, cry of the drowning man
+perfectly silenced the sweet chorus of the flowers. The servants were
+frightened and anxiously looked at the water, and after a short time
+a half god came out of it; he was white with a golden crown imperial,
+in which only the fiery black eyes reminded one of the drowned negro.
+
+All four settled down in the fairy-like palace and were blessed
+with indescribable happiness. This was indeed a kingdom of love,
+unhindered and unrestrained by any laws. Nebrotk perfectly adored
+Astkchicka, and the fisherman Naboukodonozor the gardener woman
+Roussoudanna. The host was quite in love with the goddess and the
+servant with the gardenkeeper, although both were merely common
+negro slaves. But even in the fairy-like palace under the protection
+of the very goddess of love, there happened to be a spot especially
+designed for animated secret conversations between lovers. In one of
+these unhappy moments the conditions and peculiar qualities of the
+stream became known to Naboukodonozor, and the fear that the magic
+force of the water should influence Roussoudanna found a refuge in
+his soul. It is of course well known to all of you that suspicion
+is the enemy of love. Naboukodonozor seriously began to think that
+Roussoudanna had fallen in love with him. Seeking the reason of
+this imaginary adoration he suddenly came upon the idea that she
+was occupied in involuntarily comparing his black skin with the most
+godly white complexion of Nebrotk, and in consequence of this horrid
+supposition his heart began to be filled with emotion and passion,
+while after passion came ungratefulness to Astkchicka and a very
+revolutionary spirit; afterwards she transformed Nebrotk, who had
+really done absolutely nothing for her, into a half god, while the
+latter, who had successfully brought her to this enchanting resort,
+she simply abandoned and left a negro and slave.
+
+And during the night he walked along the bank of the stream and sang a
+song of his great grief, and suddenly the old cedars, the high, high
+peach trees, the grand old nut trees composed a beautiful chorus and
+an all powerful song, blowing everything before it like a huge wave,
+reached the palace and suddenly awakened the goddess--but Nebrotk
+quietly went on sleeping and heard nothing. Stepping lightly,
+Astkchicka softly and cautiously went out to the rivulet, where
+Naboukodonozor, with his back turned towards her, was bitterly crying,
+and blushing terribly, she knocked him over and sent him flying into
+the water.
+
+Without a word or motion did Naboukodonozor enter the water, and just
+so he came out--more magnificent even than Nebrotk, and throwing
+himself at the lovely feet of the goddess he covered them with
+kisses. Astkchicka did not at all object to such proceedings, but
+did not let him get out of sight, and it seemed very evident that she
+also was in love with him. The slave, encouraged by the concessions
+of his mistress, seized the godly hands and began to kiss them just
+so madly. Suddenly, however, Astkchicka roughly pulled them away,
+passed them around his neck and having given him a kiss on his lips,
+she instantly disappeared. Some wonderful extraordinary fire ran over
+the whole body of poor Naboukodonozor from this rare, but dangerous
+kiss. A new feeling got hold of him, viz., a boundless desire inspired
+him to run off to the goddess, but the very thought that she was able
+to treat, nay, caress, Nebrotk in the same affectionate way, completely
+kept him from making a fool of himself. He threw himself on the ground
+and tried with all his might and main to extinguish the burning fire
+which was raging inside of him, rolling in the soft sweet grass and
+mercilessly treading down the highly fragrant flowers, while the moon
+seemed to be offended with its greatest favorite and bashfully hid
+itself behind a massive cloud. The perfect and impenetrable darkness
+at last forced the crank to come back to his senses; he then went
+home exasperated, most dissatisfied, and wicked in his intentions.
+
+Roussoudanna was quietly sleeping and knew of nothing that had taken
+place in the night, and what must have been her astonishment, when in
+the morning she beheld Naboukodonozor with a pure white complexion
+and golden hair. Upon the question what had occurred to him, he
+passionately replied that he had just gone to a stream, let himself
+down into the water and had come out in the very state she saw him.
+
+"Pay attention and be careful to remain faithful to me," she
+jokingly said, and went out to gather fruit for the "déjeuner" of the
+goddess. After a while Nebrotk also woke up and asked Naboukodonozor
+the same question.
+
+"I followed in thy steps and see! the result has proved to be the
+same," was his short answer. Nebrotk looked at him rather suspiciously,
+and unwilling to believe the truth of the story, he went to the goddess
+to inquire about the affair and to see how matters were getting on
+in general.
+
+"I came to a decided conclusion that it was most unkind and unjust
+not to do for my real savior what I had deigned to do for thee,"
+was the godly reply, which made Nebrotk very uneasy and filled his
+heart with renewed passion.
+
+Roussoudanna wept and wept, Naboukodonozor got terribly provoked,
+Nebrotk was deeply impressed and full of emotion, while Astkchicka
+vainly exhausted all her eloquence in trying to explain that her
+palace was a refuge for independent love, not subjected to any laws
+whatsoever. General dissatisfaction, suspicion, grief, and tears
+were alternately seen and heard in the fairy-like palace. Poor, poor
+Roussoudanna could not dry her eyes. Once upon a time, going to look
+for fruit, she went out of her way and got completely lost. The sun was
+already quite red when she sat down to take a rest after such a hard,
+steep walk. Her dark, undecided intentions and thoughts concerned
+again Naboukodonozor and the magic conditions and qualities of the
+rushing stream, and her grieved feelings turned against the goddess.
+
+"Why under the sun do they call thee the benefactor of men?" she
+passionately exclaimed. "Thou didst win and encourage us with the
+promise of thy protection as long as thou didst need us, but now that
+the situation has changed thou tookest my lover Naboukodonozor away
+from me and thus why should we help thee to escape and lighten the
+king's terrible wrath?
+
+"In all probability his God is far stronger than thou, when thou
+runnest away from him.
+
+"O Christian God, save me!" rang out from the grieved soul of
+Roussoudanna.
+
+"O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy upon us!" Such was the
+exclamation of an old man's voice, and indeed unhappy Roussoudanna
+soon beheld an old man approaching her and making his way among the
+trees and bushes.
+
+"What is the matter with thee, my dear child?" he kindly asked, coming
+up to her. Roussoudanna naturally said that she had lost her way, that
+she was very much exhausted and did not know how to continue her route.
+
+Thereupon the old man led her to his home. He lived somewhere in the
+immediate neighborhood, not at all far off, in the grotto of a high,
+high rock where he nourished himself with the milk of wild goats
+and with dates. With the greatest pleasure he placed before her his
+whole stock of provisions, brought her a pitcher of water, carefully
+arranged the sofa of leaves and inviting her to take a good rest,
+he went out. Having refreshed herself, Roussoudanna began to watch
+him most attentively through the gate of the grotto and there she saw
+that he had walked a little way off and then had fallen on his knees
+and begun to pray. She witnessed how his good, kindly face suddenly
+lit up with some marvellous, perfectly heavenly, happy, and joyful
+expression, and she ardently desired to find out from the poor, but
+grand old man, what this sudden, really indescribable joy meant in
+the course of his long, laborious, honorable life.
+
+At last the old man finished his fervent prayer and began to gather
+dates; having got together a huge pile, he gayly carried them into
+the grotto. The guest met him at the entrance.
+
+"I thought that perhaps you would not have enough to eat with just
+those dates which you found in my poor dwelling house," said the
+kind-hearted host, turning to her, "and see here, I am bringing thee
+some more still," and he put down the deliciously sweet fruits right
+before her.
+
+Roussoudanna, perfectly astounded by such unusual and unheard of
+goodness and thoughtfulness, thanked the old man with tears in
+her eyes.
+
+"What does thy painful grief consist in?" he asked--and continued
+thus: "It is possible that the needs of life have been weighing down
+on thee?"
+
+"Oh no, wise, dear old man, I have never known what it is to be
+in need."
+
+"Well then, did not some severe illness pull thee down and mercilessly
+deprive thee of thy strength?"
+
+"I am in perfect health and have a strong constitution."
+
+"Perhaps some dreadful worries did not give thee rest."
+
+A (the woman). B (the hermit).
+
+A: "I really have nothing to be worried about."
+
+B: "Then did not regularly and faithfully carried out duties exhaust
+thee?"
+
+A: "No, dear hermit, for I was living in a fairy-land palace from
+which the following torments were entirely excluded: need, worry,
+work, and illness."
+
+B: "Worldly attractions and habits may have led thee off the good
+track and restrained thy liberty?"
+
+A: "We were by no means subjected to any such rules, nor even to
+etiquette."
+
+B: "It is possible that the laws of your palace were extremely severe
+and therefore made you feel very depressed?"
+
+A: "But really, we acknowledged no laws."
+
+B: "Well then, perhaps the wealthy proprietor of the palace abused
+his might and compelled you to do certain disagreeable things which
+were unjustifiable?"
+
+A: "Not in the least, for Astkchicka was sole mistress and
+administrator of the palace."
+
+B: "There now remains but one supposition, viz., that she united such
+people as would naturally perfectly hate one another?"
+
+A: "Why, not at all, we all gathered around her in the mighty name
+of love."
+
+B: "Ah, aha, I understand the matter," the old man unexpectedly broke
+out, "you came together over there in the name of love and it is most
+strikingly evident that there is some defect about your love."
+
+A: "Thou art wrong, old man," energetically rang out of Roussoudanna's
+mouth as she suddenly interrupted him. "I can bear witness and prove
+that nobody ever and so strongly loved his dear ones as I loved my
+excellent darling Naboukodonozor!"
+
+The grave hermit glanced at her quite differently--yes,
+suspiciously. "My child," was his brief reply, "that which the idol
+worshippers falsely call love, is by no means that holy feeling which
+we understand under that term. Their love is one of those innumerable
+examples of self-worship and vanity."
+
+Roussoudanna's face was all red from blushing, while her eyes were
+filled with tears.
+
+"Oh no, that cannot be so," she exclaimed with a trembling voice,
+"with the greatest joy would I suffer any possible privations,
+every imaginable torture, in order to give him pleasure and satisfy
+his desires."
+
+The hermit sighed deeply. "Is it possible then," he said with a
+doubtful, inquiring tone, "if thou dost indeed truly love thy fellow
+men and women, that nobody in this wide world is either capable or
+strong enough to put an end to thy unhappiness? Relate to me now
+what the real source of thy misfortune came from and in what manner
+it was able to assume such tremendous dimensions."
+
+"Naboukodonozor, whom I love more than anybody or anything in the
+world, got to loving another woman!"
+
+"Well, what of it?" quietly asked the old man, "is this the only
+cause of thy great sorrow? How can one call it unhappiness if this
+made his fortune and rendered him contented?"
+
+"Some would have thought that she might like such a course of events
+instead of regretting it."
+
+"What is the matter with thee, O wise hermit?" She was perfectly
+overwhelmed with joy!
+
+"Now, my dear woman, rely ye simply on me, for I will undertake to
+explain it all right to thee, as for me, it was a source of sorrow
+and doubt."
+
+"O thou remarkable man, dost thou really not understand that for me
+this circumstance was worse than all the tortures of poison?"
+
+"But thou only just a short time ago didst assure me that the very
+height of happiness for thee was to stand every privation, nay, all
+sufferings, simply in order to give him pleasure and act in accordance
+with his wishes and aims."
+
+Thereupon the hermit again opened his mouth and sang songs of praise
+and thankfulness unto God, the Almighty Master of Heaven and earth; and
+see! his happiness was founded on love, but on love to a being, a being
+which was perfect. He always submitted his love to the righteous laws
+of God; this was not a senseless inspiration, but an action free of
+any earthly, foolish bonds, of elevated and religious aims and seeking
+nothing but rest and comfort for the moment--going always by the road
+of honesty, truth and veneration of all that is upright and good!
+
+His love was trying to perfect itself, approach if possible that
+greatest example of utmost perfection which was shown to us by our
+Lord Jesus Christ.
+
+"Happiness is a sweet, sweet little flower," said he, "which is quite
+unable to grow among unrighteousness, unfairness and wilfulness--only
+by the lawful way of Christian love to God, veneration and love to his
+neighbors, can he strive to live properly and give those magnificent
+fragrant flowers, for which you are all constantly looking and which
+you are as yet unable to find. Following out the orders of my God it
+will be easy to find happiness, for His perfect and most merciful
+laws restrain the will of the individual man only there, where it
+proves necessary for his thrift and condition in general. Thou, it is
+true, didst live in a fairy-land palace, from which all illnesses,
+needs, worries, and labors had been excluded. You did not fear nor
+obey any legal authorities, nor laws, nor customs. It was love that
+firmly united you all. Well, tell me then, were you indeed happy
+and successful?"
+
+"Oh! no, not at all!" answered Roussoudanna. And once more the old
+man tenderly addressed her and convinced Roussoudanna, baptized her,
+and taking a staff, at the top of which a cross was reproduced, he went
+off with her to the fairy-land palace. Reaching the rivulet they beheld
+Nebrotk gathering the necessary fruit. With despair and terror did he
+inform them that Astkchicka now considered Naboukodonozor her husband,
+while he was forced to serve his rival and nobody paid any attention
+to--yes, had utterly forgotten the existence of Roussoudanna. Then she
+asked him to sit down and told the inhabitant of the castle all that
+had happened to her, and in her young voice the speech about perfect
+endless and eternal love sounded still more convincing. Love is eternal
+when it is well planned and arranged, it is endless if free of sin
+and perfect if subjected to the almighty laws of the eternal God,
+Father of Heaven and earth.
+
+All were deeply impressed, and now the hermit continued the speech and
+told them about the all-powerful strength of God, before whose serene
+appearance all false, worthless gods take to flight, and about His
+extreme wisdom and knowledge, rapidity of decision, mercifulness and
+righteousness, and see! Nebrotk immediately wished to be converted
+and baptized. At the end of his powerful and persuasive discourse,
+the old man simply touched the fairy-land palace with his staff and
+in a few seconds it completely disappeared like an apparition. Then
+he instructed Nebrotk and Roussoudanna in real Christian love and
+in the obligations of married life and then performed for both the
+wedding ceremony, and having fervently prayed to the Creator they all
+together went to work erecting a perfectly new log house for the young
+married couple, in which the happy mortals passed many blissful years,
+writing down the stories and tales of the various travellers. Some
+of them I shall perhaps tell you of another time. To my sorrow my
+memory did not preserve that artistic, yes, clever way of relating,
+which this little collection of legends more and more clearly explains
+to one--bringing us over and over again to the great truth.
+
+"Happiness is within us." The imperfection of Nebrotk and Roussoudanna
+came at first from the imperfection of their mutual love, which loves
+itself as much as the beloved. Then, however, gradually as they were
+taught to love their neighbor more than themselves, yes to love him so
+much as not to offend each other and not grumble and growl over little
+defects and mishaps which regarded their personalities alone and from
+which the neighbors should not suffer, did they teach themselves and
+conceive how well it was to rejoice over the blissfulness of others,
+to think only about others, to wish to seek pleasure and happiness only
+for others and to put all their energy and delight in the contentment
+and comfort of others; this great happiness finally made its beneficent
+way into their souls and admitting everything they said.
+
+"Happiness is within us--" and then they needed no more fairy-land
+castle, from which all cares, illnesses, needs, and labors were
+banished. They found time and also strength to live an actual and true
+life among all its turmoils and difficulties, to know how to guarantee
+one's shining happiness, and then they heard not the fairy-land
+song of the flowers, the fragrant song of the youngsters saved by
+them for a joyful, diligent, and Christian life, and they rejoiced
+in the song of thankful young people, who by their example of love,
+had been saved from many a sorrow and suffering. These young people
+had thoroughly learned how to live a happy life and this chorus did
+not stop as long as they lived on earth.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+VII. THE TRIBUTE OF ROSES
+
+A LEGEND
+
+
+In our most blessed and favored country, where the sun shines so
+brightly, where the flowers have such a sweet, sweet fragrance, where
+the birds sing so melodiously, long ago in bygone times, when neither I
+nor my father nor my forefathers had been born, there lived a young and
+splendid couple in the Aule of Mokde [Note of the Translator: Aule is
+the common term for a very small village or rather mountain hamlet in
+the Caucasus.] They were always most hospitable and everybody praised
+them, but the Lord, who always delights in seeing the religious and
+the poor well treated, fully rewarded them and abundantly furnished
+them with rich presents, thus clearly showing them his appreciation
+for their good deeds. They had everything that could be desired:
+youth, beauty, good health, riches, and reputation, they sincerely
+loved one another and their inner happiness was as great as their
+outer appearance and great success. Their children were healthy,
+clever, good and lovely to look at. Their elder son, little Timitch,
+distinguished himself especially through his strength and ability;
+he was endowed with most fiery eyes, once sparkling like flashes of
+lightning, then again as soft and innocent as the eyes of a young
+mountain goat.
+
+For nine years the happy husband and wife lived thus, when suddenly
+between the aules of Mokde and Khamki a very bloody strife ensued and
+led to much destruction of life and property. During this strife,
+when the father of Timitch was mercilessly killed as well as his
+brothers and sisters, while the mother was taken prisoner and led off
+as a captive, Timitch himself was saved by some inexplicable wonder
+and soon became the favorite and greatest pride of the whole aule. In
+the meantime his mother, who was still a beautiful and youthful woman
+[in our country the women can be married at the early age of twelve]
+was sold and taken away to Turkey, where her wonderful appearance was
+the chief ornament of the Sultan's harem. In this select collection
+of beautiful and highly attractive women, her good looks and sweet
+disposition cast a dark shadow over all the rest--just as our bright
+sun dims all other planets.
+
+The Sultan got perfectly wild with delight over her, and he incessantly
+showered most precious weavings, gorgeous carpets and splendid stones
+of one color and priceless shawls--in a word everything that the rich,
+rich East could produce lay at her graceful feet. Nevertheless in
+the midst of all these flatteries and endless temptations she always
+remained faithful to her husband. It needed a marvellous mind and
+character like hers, while utterly refusing to fulfil the wishes of the
+Sultan, to still remain the governess of his heart and the immediate
+object of his kind and thoughtful attention. In these proceedings a
+lucky circumstance firmly assisted her--viz., the fact that she had
+been preparing herself to become a mother already four months before,
+when she happened to be taken prisoner. The loving and enchanted
+Sultan decided to patiently await the birth of the baby, which was
+foreign to him, and then marry his unusual captive, who was of royal
+blood and thus fully had the right to be an empress. The nearer she
+approached the time when a child should be born, the gayer the future
+Sultana became, so that those surrounding her really imagined that
+she had forgotten her husband. But oh, how terribly mistaken they
+were! Indeed, the eventful day came and a daughter Tousholi was born.
+
+When they brought her the baby she long looked at it and tears came
+in floods out of her magnificent eyes, afterwards she made the sign
+of the cross on it and gave orders that it should be carried off.
+
+"Call Samson to me," she said. Samson was the eunuch, given
+and attached to her personal service by the Sultan and who had
+faithfully done his duty by her side. She knew how to win his esteem
+and confidence, especially as he was himself a Christian (of course
+quite secretly). When he arrived she ordered him to take up the opakalo
+(probably a kind of Eastern fan) and protect her, while sleeping, from
+uncomfortable and noisy flies; but she did not want to sleep--this
+was simply a sly device to make everybody leave her apartment and get
+out. She profited by this occasion to tell Samson the following facts:
+
+"Samson, to thee I trust the new-born daughter Tousholi, promise me if
+possible secretly to make a Christian of her, as sincere and earnest
+in her belief as thou thyself. Among all these unbelievers thou wert
+not a slave to me, but a true and faithful friend and a tender and
+thoughtful brother. By the almighty mercifulness of God I am destined
+to live not much longer, for I hope to-day already to be able to unite
+myself with my dear husband, while thee I ask to take the place of this
+dear orphan's parents. Thou knowest my whole history, my strength does
+not enable me to speak to thee as freely as I should like. For the sake
+of the outward appearance I shall leave Tousholi nominally to the care
+of the Sultan, and I am convinced that at first everything will go
+right with you. When, however, your situation changes, I hope indeed
+that you may find means to return to Mokde and look up my first-born
+child, whose natural obligation it is to be the powerful protector
+of his defenceless sister and her very aged educator, but now give
+me my little kindjall (Caucasian dagger)--fear nothing, I shall not
+cut myself open, for I have not even the strength to do that."
+
+Samson placed in her now feeble hands the handsomely ornamented little
+kindjall, artistically decorated with precious stones and fastened to a
+most gorgeous girdle. This was the wedding present of her husband and
+she never left it out of her sight. The submissive old man, through
+his tears beheld how the face of the sick woman suddenly lit up and
+how, her eyes flashing with some extraordinary fire, she bravely
+pulled the little kindjall out of the sheath and put its thin blade,
+which was as sharp as the tongue of a snake, up to her lovely mouth.
+
+"She sincerely kisses it," thought Samson, and quieted himself; but
+the precious little kindjall had yet another resemblance with the
+tongue of a snake, of which the faithful servant knew nothing. It
+was indeed poisoned!
+
+Having heroically swallowed the deadly poison, the sick woman
+commanded Samson to instantly inform the Sultan that she desired to
+see him. The all-powerful adorer of this Christian heroine immediately
+made his appearance and was utterly distressed when he saw the signs
+of approaching death already marked on her magnificent features. In
+his anger against those standing about, he threatened them with
+perfectly atrocious punishment if they did not that moment find
+doctors able to bring his favorite back to life. In the meantime
+with a weak but expressive and comprehensible movement of her hand,
+the patient showed that she desired to be left alone with him. All
+the rest disappeared in a second and she broke out thus:
+
+"My minutes are counted, I am dying, not paying you back in any way for
+your innumerable marks of kindness to me, and nevertheless I wish to
+ask yet another favor of you: be a father to my new-born daughter! It
+is my firm and irrevocable wish that my true and ever-faithful
+Samson shall stay by her and bring her up in none but my own dear
+religion; when, however, you are tired of her, simply send them to
+Mokde to my son Timitch, and even if he be no longer living, I am
+fully convinced that the excellent daughter of my loving husband
+will always find protectors and friends among the good and kindly
+inhabitants of Mokde." With these serene words she breathed her last
+breath. The tremendous fury and utter despair of the Sultan went
+beyond any description. The court body-doctor and the arifa (i.e.,
+the lady who administrates the harem) were hung without delay, but
+Samson and his sweet little pupil were given very fine and expensive
+apartments with magnificent board.
+
+Every ten days the old man was obliged to bring little Tousholi to
+the Sultan, who having tenderly caressed her and given riches to the
+faithful servant, let them retire, giving the strictest orders that
+those who surrounded them should never hinder, trouble, or disturb
+them in any way. Thus three long years easily went by. The childish
+features of the face of Tousholi now acquired a most striking
+resemblance with the marvellously beautiful features of her late
+mother. The courtiers began to notice repeatedly that the Sultan
+after a time had fallen in love with her, was earnestly reflecting
+about something and frequently sighing. Thus the visits, which used
+to last but a few minutes, now became very long indeed, while little
+Tousholi, with her childish caresses, gained the affection of the
+Sultan more and more. Immediately two parties sprang up: the first,
+wishing to make Tousholi their excellent instrument in order to get
+the upper hand and overrule the Sultan, and thus naturally, constantly
+and unceasingly chanting her praises and flattering her to the skies;
+the second, which had resolved to make her perish and from this reason
+never letting one occasion go by without trying to snap at her and
+pull her down from her exalted position.
+
+During the fearful struggle of these two desperate parties, Tousholi's
+childhood went by and she was already a grown-up maiden, when the
+kind-hearted Sultan died. His successor by chance belonged to the
+dangerous and inimical party, and so the sharp and careful Samson
+began to energetically demand to be allowed to go away to Mokde. The
+permission to start for the home journey was given with great joy and
+satisfaction, and very soon they had already arrived at Mokde. Here
+there was no difficulty in finding out Timitch. He was known by young
+and old alike. The old servant silently took from Tousholi's baggage
+that precious girdle with the kindjall, which he had handed to her
+mother just a few hours before her untimely death and passed it to
+Timitch, drawing his attention to a splendid all-sparkling round
+tablet. On it were inscribed the dear names of his glorious parents.
+
+"This is the remarkable girdle which was always around the waist of
+my all-beloved mother!" cried out the youth.
+
+"Well, say now I prythee where is she staying? How can I possibly
+reward thee--oh, thou grand old man? Art thou sent by her?"
+
+"I verily came to this memorable village by her sacred will,"
+reverently answered Samson. "While dying she ordered me to lead thy
+sister to thee and hand her over to thy mighty care and protection."
+
+"What, my sister? Well, well, is it possible that not all sisters
+and brothers perished together with their splendid father?"
+
+Saying this he closely looked at the young girl and was evidently
+struck and impressed by her perfectly unusual beauty.
+
+"The resemblance with your mother ought to be sufficient to convince
+you of the truth of my words."
+
+Afterwards innumerable questions and answers were mutually
+exchanged. The old man and Tousholi settled down in the house of
+Timitch and Samson heartily rejoiced, seeing soon how the youngsters
+became friends. But nevertheless there was nothing to rejoice
+about! The twenty-year-old Timitch, fiery, not given to reflections,
+unaccustomed to restrain himself in any way, was entertaining such
+intentions as would make Samson's hair stand on end if he thoroughly
+understood their meaning. What is there strange in the fact that the
+twelve-year-old Tousholi was unable to guess at the thoughts of her
+brother and firmly trusted him in everything with all her simple
+childish sincerity of soul. The passionate attraction of Timitch
+grew not with days, but with hours, and once during a promenade,
+without being at all disturbed by the presence of grave old Samson,
+he actually went as far as to tell her of his peculiar intentions.
+
+Samson, astonished and disapproving the plan, threw himself in between
+the young people and was stupefied when seeing a dagger pointed
+towards him, but the terrified Tousholi speedily hid herself near
+a precipice. Seeing the immediate danger, the dying faithful Samson
+cursed the wicked and lawless boy, and lo! suddenly a great wonder
+took place.
+
+Timitch was transformed into a wind and began to crazily blow
+and whistle over the precipice, but the submissive and ever loyal
+servant was turned into a gigantic rose bush, in the midst of which
+a rose of unusual size was growing and constantly blooming. By the
+will of God, angels with marvellous, all-glorious singing slowly let
+themselves down into the precipice, majestically lifted out from it
+the magnificent body of Tousholi and carefully placed it in the very
+centre of the superb rose, the all-fragrant leaves of which gradually
+closed up and thus buried inside of them the deceased. Attracted by
+the all-glorious angelic singing, the faithful inhabitants of Mokde
+ran together in crowds to the rose and many of them clearly saw how the
+angels gracefully interred Tousholi in the rose. But Timitch could by
+no means quiet down; with anger and greatest passion he threw himself
+upon the rose bush and wished to break it down, but the more he shook
+the lovely branches, the closer and firmer did they stick to the rose
+and the better did they defend her from his unjustified attacks and
+depredations. When, however, he finally succeeded in carrying off the
+tender, tender leaves of the rose, Tousholi was no more to be seen,
+for her body had completely evaporated in the marvellous fragrance.
+
+The religious inhabitants of Mokde enclosed the beloved holy rose with
+a very massive stone wall, called this spot Tousholi, and yearly when
+the first beautiful rose came out they celebrated a fête, which has
+quite a character of its own and is popularly known as "the tribute
+of roses."
+
+The ceremony consists of the following points: Every young girl
+gathers a tremendous full bunch of rose leaves and standing one
+behind the other, they await the exit of the very oldest man in the
+village. He comes out, dressed in a white suit and bearing in his hand
+a white flag, the point of which is richly decorated with roses and
+covered with sweet little bells, while at the end a large wax candle
+burns. Putting himself at the head of the procession, the old man
+gives a solemn signal and the procession duly and martially directs
+itself towards Tousholi; behind it at a considerable distance followed
+young people, leading sheep and bringing along with them the customary
+offerings, i.e., horns, balls, hatchets, silks, etc. The procession
+winds around Tousholi three times with beautiful singing in which is
+described in detail all that we have mentioned above--then the girls
+in their turn enter through the great fence and put down in a certain
+place their splendid fragrant offerings, softly adding:
+
+"Saint Tousholi, help and assist me! Holy Samson, shield and protect
+me from the cursed Timitch and all of that kind!"
+
+On the top of a pretty mound, formed by the magnificent rose leaves,
+the old man solemnly fixes his standard, saying: "Saint Tousholi,
+make me wise, Holy Samson, help me to guard and defend all these
+tender maids from the cursed and all-hated Timitch and all those who
+follow his wicked example!"
+
+After this earnest speech the old man sits down at the foot of
+the graceful flag, while at his own feet the young girls settle
+down. Then the young people enter the enclosure and kneeling on one
+knee pronounce a most reverential greeting discourse to the hermit
+and the maidens and then they turn about and face an opposite corner,
+where they curse Timitch who hath wickedly cast a dark shadow over
+their beloved aule; afterwards they cut up the sheep and gayly feast
+with all those present. When I was but a very small boy I happened to
+be in this place and was favored with seeing with my own eyes one or
+two roses inside the enclosure, which it appears is existing even in
+our advanced and enlightened days. These roses are really unusually
+large in size, but nevertheless neither a grown-up girl nor even
+a new-born youngster can possibly find place inside the flower. I
+understand that at that time they used to say with regret, that the
+fête of "the tribute of roses" did not repeat itself yearly! Thus
+little by little ancient customs disappear and antique amusements
+are superseded by new ones, which are not always successfully chosen;
+only grim Timitch never changes, for he is quite as restless now as
+ever before, here moves and weeps like a child, there makes a row,
+yes rebels like a robber and lawlessly destroys whole buildings. His
+dislike for roses never ceases, and as soon as he sees a sweet little
+flower he immediately begins to blow around it with impatience and
+anger until he hath scattered the beautifully fragrant leaves far and
+wide over the country. Now the story of Tousholi is already forgotten,
+but her name, among the Chechenzes, is given to all such interesting
+places, where they go to make sacrifices and fervently pray.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+VIII. THE LOT OF THE HOLY VIRGIN
+
+A TRADITION
+
+
+When, by the special wish of the Lord, the apostles drew lots to
+decide who was to go out into foreign lands and preach the gospel of
+Christ, the enlightenment of Georgia fell to the share of the Holy
+Virgin. The Lord appearing to her exclaimed: "My mother, taking
+into account thy desires, I have come to the conclusion that this
+nation is more worthy than all others to have a place in the list of
+heavenly joys and blessings. Send thou then into this fine country,
+which hath fallen to thy lot, Andrew the First and hand him thy
+picture, which, from being placed against thee, represents thine holy
+face!" Then the Most Holy Mother of God announced to the apostle:
+"My dear pupil Andrew, I am very much grieved by the fact that the
+faith of the name of my son is not being preached nor advanced in the
+country, whose enlightenment hath fallen to my lot. When, however,
+I desired to start out for the journey my son and my God appeared
+to me and ordered that I should send to my separate province with
+thee my image and His, so that I should be the real cause of the
+conversion of these people and be their everlasting and ever tender
+helper and protector." "Most holy one, yes, let at all times the
+will of thy Godly son and thine be carried out and fulfilled to the
+satisfaction of all the world." Then the most Holy Virgin washed her
+face and having pressed it well against a platter, she left on it her
+reproduction with her predicted son in her arms. Having handed the
+image to Saint Andrew, she said: "Yes, may the mercifulness and the
+overwhelming help of Him who was born of me be with thee everywhere
+where thou choosest to go. I myself will invisibly help to increase
+the complete success of thy preaching tour and my province of future
+enlightenment will always remain under my constant, nay, never ceasing
+care and protection." The holy apostle, having thereupon fallen at
+the feet of the most Holy Virgin, thanked her with tears in his eyes
+and joy in his heart, went to preach the faith at Trebizond, taking
+along with him Simon the Canonite. But here they did not remain long
+and continued their journey to Edjis. Seeing the perfect craziness
+of those stupid inhabitants, who were more like entirely senseless
+animals, the apostle directed himself towards Georgia, and arriving
+in Great Adtchara, began his holy work; for even here the inhabitants
+did not profess the faith of the only true and real God and committed
+deeds which were so shameful that it is unsuitable even to refer to
+them in any imaginable way. They showered many indignant insults upon
+the apostle, who simply and most patiently bore them all with the help
+of God and by being occupied in constant prayer before the image of the
+most Holy Virgin--and lo! the Lord fulfilled the ardent desire of his
+heart and brought the inhabitants upon the righteous way, but on the
+spot where the reproduction of the mother of our God was standing,
+there appeared an abundant and truly splendid fountain flowing to
+this day, and in which the saintly apostle baptized the inhabitants,
+who had gathered there from all the surrounding towns and villages.
+
+He blessed and ordained the deacons and priests, explained to them in
+detail the holy principles of the faith as well as the church laws and
+successfully constructed there a church in honor of the Holy Virgin
+Mary. When, however, he wished to leave, the adoring people stopped
+him with the following remarkable words: "If thou art actually going
+away, leave us at least the image of the Mother of our God as a place
+of refuge and protection in case of trouble and need." Then the Saint
+ordered made a platter of just the same size as the image and put
+them together.
+
+Immediately the reproduction was transferred to the new slab without
+any injury to the former image. Immediately afterwards, the apostle
+handed the newly made image to the inhabitants, who, having received
+it with joy, placed it with great honors in their fine church, where
+it hath remained to the present day. Then they said good-bye to
+the splendid apostle, thanking him for his many good deeds, kissing
+him with true love and affection, and with him they sent one of the
+newly converted by the name of Matata. Going through the valley of
+Kkeniss-Tskall he led Saint Andrew up to the summit of a mountain, on
+which the Saint formally erected a cross in honor of our blessed Lord
+Jesus Christ and that was the reason why this exceptionally favored
+mountain began to be universally called "Rouiss-Djouar," which means,
+"the iron cross."
+
+After that they went down into the valley of Odzrche and soon reached
+the frontiers of Samtske, where they took up their headquarters in
+the village of Mount Zaden. Seeing that the inhabitants over there
+bowed down to and wickedly worshipped idols, they sincerely prayed
+to the image, which had triumphantly accompanied them everywhere and
+instantly all idols fell and were broken to pieces. Then they continued
+their route to Astbour, which was formerly called Tchoukall-tchett
+(the river of lilies) in Armenian and really lies just opposite
+Sakrisse, and arranging themselves, they settled down to rest near an
+idolatrous temple, nowadays Dzvel-Eklesia. At that time this country
+was administrated by a widow by the name of Samsgvari, which means
+"frontier," who had but one son and he too had just died among
+the depressed and mourning subjects of his mother. That same night
+from the guarding fortress a powerful light was seen over that spot
+where the image of the Mother of our God was placed, and at sunrise
+people were immediately sent to find out who was there and what their
+business was. Returning to the city, the envoys announced to Samsgvari,
+that it was the light from the reproduction of some wonderful Virgin,
+whom two foreigners had evidently brought with them; that they knelt
+and prayed before this strange image and that they preached the faith
+of a new God, who could make the dead rise.
+
+The widow immediately sent for the saints and questioned Andrew:
+"Who are thou, whence didst thou come and what in the world is the new
+faith about which thou speakest so much, for verily I say unto you,
+up to this time nothing approaching it in the very least has ever
+been heard of?"
+
+"I arrived from Jerusalem," energetically answered the apostle,
+"and am the servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, who doth make the dead
+rise again. I preach about Him as about God and the King of all
+kings. Know ye then that He who believeth in Him and lets himself
+be baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost
+will receive all he asketh for with true faith and will be healed of
+every illness." Upon hearing these sounding words, Samsgvari fell at
+his feet with tears in her eyes and cried out:
+
+"Oh, have thou pity for my widowhood and terrible unhappiness and with
+the strength of thy God bring back my only son to life. I will duly
+carry out and fulfill to general satisfaction everything that thou
+commandest me to do, without uttering the slightest objection, only
+in order that I may behold again my dear son alive, for he is the only
+descendant of our great family, for I have really no other children."
+
+"Well, if thou believest in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only
+true God, He will certainly give thee all that thou dost ask of Him
+with faith." Then the widow with tears of joy said to the Saint: "O
+servant of the only real and true God, I do sincerely believe in Jesus
+Christ, of whom thou preachest and whose holy name thou announcest to
+the world at large. I, however, beg thee to increase my strength of
+belief in Him, the Saviour of the world." Having heard these sincere
+words with pleasure, the apostle chased away the musicians and the
+curious, leaving only Samsgvari and her relations, and taking the
+image of the most Holy Virgin, he placed it on the corpse of the
+little child and falling on the ground he began to pray, the tears
+abundantly streaming down the fine features of his fervent face, and
+with many sighs he stretched out his arms towards the image and then
+rose, took the little boy by the hand, and truly! the boy seemed to
+awake as though from sweet slumber, and Saint Andrew handed him over
+to his mother.
+
+All those present were silent--so struck were they with surprise,
+while the widow, seeing her beloved son restored to life, was filled
+with utmost joy, jumped up and threw herself at the feet of the Saint,
+gratefully thanking him and covering his knees with tears. She, with
+all her heart, believed in the Lord Jesus and was baptized with her
+son and all his household. Afterwards she sent out her servants to
+all the Samtsetskian mtavares with official letters, containing the
+following passages:
+
+"I, Samsgvari, the widow of your kristav, do joyfully announce to you,
+my brethren, a most happy event for all nations, for there arrived
+from a strange land, a man who preacheth the faith of a new God,
+the reproduction of whom made my blessed son arise from the dead;
+hasten ye therefore, so that we may choose the only true and sincere
+faith and decide whom it becomes us to obey and adore." Having heard of
+this wonder, the Meskhians rushed in from every spot of the monarchy
+in such numberless crowds that they actually filled the whole valley
+of Sakriss, and they all stared with perfect astonishment at the
+risen son of Samsgvari. But the sacrificers of Artemis and Apollo,
+the temple of which was situated in that part of the country, firmly
+resolved to oppose themselves to the Saint and cried out:
+
+"Artemis and Apollo are great gods," and after them many of the people
+shouted the same, while others nevertheless exclaimed: "We must all
+necessarily submit before such an unusual wonder!" Rebelling and
+quarrelling in every way began to make itself felt. In the end it was
+decided to open the gates of the temple, to solemnly place the holy
+image between the idols, to set up proclamations on both sides of the
+gates, place guardians and pass the night in religious prayers. "Pray
+all you want to your false gods," said the faithful followers of
+Him whose religion conquereth all others, "we, however, will pray
+to our only real and true God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and at sunrise
+we shall see: if your gods get the upper hand and are victorious, we
+will follow your example. If, however, they are defeated by our God,
+then let all present give praises unto Him the Only one."
+
+Having carried out everything according to the agreement, at very
+sunrise they opened the doors of the temple and beheld the idols,
+fallen and broken to pieces in the dust, while the image of the
+Mother of our God was surrounded with glitter and light like the
+sun. Then they understood the importance of the new religion and the
+whole nation unanimously exclaimed: "Great is the God of Christians,
+preached about by the holy apostle Andrew," but the sacrificers begged
+the Saint to forgive them their sin of unbelief, and all having assured
+him of their repentance, were baptized in the name of the Father and
+of the Son and of the Holy Ghost and loudly sang praises unto God,
+who had safely saved them from the deadly grasp of the merciless devil.
+
+Then Saint Andrew made up his mind to go into other wild countries
+and preach the principles of the New Testament, but the widow
+and the nation implored him not to go away from them until he had
+successfully taught them all the laws of the faith. Every single day
+the nation gathered in tremendous crowds and the apostle carefully
+explained to them the rules and details of the religion and all the
+necessary church rules, consecrated for their service a bishop, many
+priests and deacons and again started for his great and dangerous
+mission. Samsgvari and the nation renewed their ardent entreaties,
+but the Saint tenderly replied to them:
+
+"My dear children, do not lead me into temptation, for my duty calls
+me and prescribes to me to render also other cities and villages
+happy." "Well, if thou must absolutely abandon us," they mournfully
+answered, "so leave us at least the image of the most Holy Virgin
+to strengthen our never-ceasing confidence in the new faith and
+as a means of mutual protection." "This image," said Saint Andrew,
+"formed itself from simply being touched by the body of the Mother
+of our God," and he went on explaining to them how by the extreme
+condescension of the Lord the apostles drew lots to find out where
+each one should go to preach and that Samtsketia fell to the share
+of the Virgin Mary. He joyfully related how instead of herself she
+had sent her portrait into the provinces belonging to her sphere of
+enlightenment as a means of confirmation and protection to the true
+believers and promised that she would always be with them in spirit
+and soul now, henceforth and evermore. Messkhi and Samsgvari, having
+found out that they were under the spiritual regency of the Heavenly
+Tsaritsa, were filled with indescribable joy, but the desire to be
+able to possess her image made them still more radiant.
+
+With tears of emotion in their eyes they solemnly placed it in a small
+church, which had been speedily constructed and consecrated in the name
+of the Holy Atskourian Virgin. Nowadays they usually call this church
+"Dzvelle-Ekletsia," that is "ancient church," as the present edifice
+is built of stones which had served to construct the first church and
+stands on exactly the same spot. Then Saint Andrew went to preach
+the Holy Gospel in Nigalia, Djavakhetia, Artakanna and Kola, where
+he remained very long, enlightening the depraved unbelievers. From
+there he directed himself to Klardjetta, then to the land of Parthia,
+Armenia, and for the fête of Easter safely arrived at Jerusalem.
+
+When, however, Tsar Aderke discovered that the Kartlians and
+Messkhians had finally abandoned the faith of their forefathers,
+he sent several kristaves to them, who by force officially obliged
+many to return to a régime of darkness and falseness. Nevertheless
+some true and faithful followers succeeded in concealing images and
+crosses and loudly praised God that the apostle was no longer in their
+presence. The Tsar, however, grew very angry against the kristave of
+Klardjette for his not having held up the Saint, who, passing Easter
+Day together with the remaining apostles, again bravely started on a
+large preaching tour in Georgia. Crossing the lands lying near Fao as
+the Choroke, he thoroughly inspected the villages, preaching everywhere
+and to everyone the Holy Gospel of Christ, and soon reached Svanetia.
+
+Here at that time a woman reigned, who accepted the apostle's saintly
+blessing with false and pretended good feelings. Matata with the
+remaining pupils stayed in these domains, but Saint Andrew and
+Saint Simon went farther to Ossetia, where they got to the town
+of Posstaphore and from there they soon successfully arrived at
+the Bosphorus, where with the almighty and conquering help of God
+they were favored with the gift of being able to accomplish many
+wonders, and converted to the only real and true faith and baptized
+tremendous numbers of people. Afterwards they went back to Abkhazetia
+and farther to the city of Sebasst, the present Tikkoum, where many
+more unbelievers were also converted to the religion of Christ. Here
+Saint Andrew left Simon the Canaanite with several good pupils and
+continued his route to Djivetta, peopled by a wild vile nation, filled
+to overflowing with disgraceful sinfulness, love of cruelty and without
+any religious feeling whatever. They actually did not want to listen
+to him and unanimously made up their minds to kill him, but lo! the
+Lord protected his faithful servant, ordering him to instantly depart
+from the wretched creatures. But this nation remained in unbelief
+to this day. The tomb of Simon the Canaanite is in Nikopsia, between
+Abkhezethe and Djikerk, on the frontier of Greece. Having confirmed the
+Abkhazians and Megroes in the new faith, Saint Andrew left entirely
+for Skythia. Soon afterwards Tsar Aderke died and the kingdom of
+Georgia was divided among his two sons Bartomme and Kartamme.
+
+During their rigid administration in the year 70 A. D., a rumor began
+to gain ground that the inhabitants, who were under the supreme
+authority of Rome, absolutely refused to submit themselves to the
+Emperor Vespasian and energetically rebelled. The Emperor ordered
+his son Fitt to persuade the Jews to quiet down, but they did not
+cease to make a fearful row and locked themselves up with their
+army in Jerusalem. Then the Romans surrounded this town and began
+to mercilessly besiege it. The besieged were suffering from terrible
+hunger and diseases and the nation from despair began a terrific civil
+war. In a short time there perished such a quantity of Hebrews, that
+they threw one hundred thousand corpses out of the town; besides that
+the streets and houses were filled to overflowing with dead people. In
+the end the Romans made their way to Jerusalem, ruined it completely
+and destroyed the temple, so that according to the holy words of the
+Saviour, not one stone remained on top of another.
+
+Ever since then the Jews have overrun every part of the world and
+no longer have any own fatherland. Many of them arrived at Mtzkhet
+and settled down with their compatriots, among whom were also the
+sons of Varrava, delivered by the Hebrews instead of Jesus Christ,
+when they were invited to let one of their prisoners free. During the
+reign of the grandsons of Bartome and Kartaume the kings Azork and
+Armazeli, the latter found out about the existence in his monarchy of
+the miloti of the prophet Ilia and instantly gave orders to look for
+it among the Jews, but the Lord did not allow this extreme treasure
+to fall into the hands of the ruthless pagans, his searchings finally
+turned out to be vain attempts and to all questions the Hebrews simply
+answered that it was concealed in the earth near a magnificent cedar,
+which had grown over the tomb of Sidonia. Consequently Saint Nina more
+than once commanded Abiatkar to question his father where it indeed
+was situated, but the old man every time gave one and the same answer:
+
+"The spot, where is hidden this holy garment, about which in its time
+the true believers will sing praises unto God, is like the place on
+which Jacob beheld the staircase leading up to Heaven."
+
+This was the only occasion when they seriously disturbed the
+Hebrews, all the remaining time, however, before and afterwards,
+they constantly received and treated them exactly according to the
+rules of true Eastern hospitality and made them feel quite at home
+in their new fatherland. In the year one hundred and eighty-six
+A.D., Revv ascended the Georgian throne. The word "reva" signifies
+"conqueror," but the nation gave this serene sovereign a designation
+still more suited to him and still more honorable, for they rightly
+named him "the just sovereign," for his very first great public act
+was the repression of privateering and robbing in the army and the
+prohibition to bring children to be offered to the gods.
+
+Although Revv the Just was himself an idolator, yet he did have some
+kind of a vague idea of the New Testament of our Lord Jesus Christ,
+highly esteemed His true followers and even strictly forbade to chase
+the Christians, who had held their own in small numbers among the
+worthy descendants of the most enlightened apostles. These little
+marks of attention were sufficient to support Christianity, which
+stood high in the eyes of many men in the country. From this bright
+moment onwards the number of Christians began undoubtedly to increase,
+although of course slowly, but every year so that by the arrival of
+Saint Nina they were already forming a considerable and by no means
+to be despised class.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+IX. THE COMET
+
+A LEGEND
+
+
+On a steep, steep mountain path, leading directly to the monastery
+of John of Zadenne, a young girl was slowly walking. Her lovely sweet
+hands were all covered with blood as she was holding on with all her
+might and main to the prickly bushes; it being absolutely necessary
+to stick to them, so as not to fall into a deep abyss. Having safely
+reached a little square she stopped in order to quiet down and catch
+her breath; for in front of her another just as difficult ascent was
+awaiting her and she felt that it was her duty to rest and save her
+remaining strength. Having stood a while, she cautiously sat down and
+began to look at the path by which she had dared to come. Far in the
+distance one could see a horseman. The well trained horse like a cat
+hung on to the mountain, taking advantage of the most insignificant
+little trail or plateau and of every imaginable hardly noticeable
+highland road. Small stones rolled away from under its feet, the dry
+old branches of many a bush trembled and broke with a sharp cracking
+sound while the horse galloped--approaching always nearer and nearer
+the terribly exhausted woman-traveller.
+
+Coming up with her, the rider reverently bowed. He also intended to
+let his faithful horse have a good rest on the little plateau and
+naturally he began a conversation with the sitting maid. From what
+she told him, he found out that she was called Salougvari and that
+she undertook this pilgrimage, wishing to pray at the sacred tomb of
+a most holy, saintly hermit for the restoration of her dying mother's
+health. The young people went on talking for some time and the gallant
+rider offered her to continue her journey, holding on to the tail
+of his horse. This means of mountaineering is considered by us in
+Georgia the very safest and far less exhausting than all others. When
+they reached the summit he rode into a deep thicket, growing on the
+edge of the mountain, on which stood a monastery; the horseman's way
+of treating her changed completely and his extraordinary speeches
+terrified Salougvari. She, having abandoned the tail of the horse,
+in an instant ran off to the monastery and like a frightened little
+bird made her way into the church.
+
+The glances of all those praying turned with astonishment to the
+runaway wanderer and this unusual surprise grew still greater, when
+after her a horseman bounced in on a foaming steed and with his hat on
+his head and not paying the slightest attention to the solemn church
+service simply began to search with his piercing looks for poor,
+poor Salougvari, who had taken refuge at the very tomb of the famous
+saint. Having beheld his fellow-sojourner, he rashly knocked against
+his horse and with one bold bound, he arrived close by her side.
+
+In that memorable moment, the ground suddenly shook and actually
+opened itself, swallowed up the fiery and insulting horseman and again
+majestically closed itself up with such marvellous rapidity that those
+present were struck as though by lightning and could not utter a word.
+
+It is of course well known that somewhat below the monastery in the
+very mountain the temple of Zadenne was cut out, which soon became
+the permanent residence of demons, and indeed these latter rogues,
+daily coming out of their horrid dwelling places, very much disturbed
+Saint John and his numerous scholars until he gave orders that the
+entrance into the vast abandoned cave-region should be firmly barred
+and closely blocked up. Our bold horseman had the most peculiar--yes
+wonderful feeling in the neighborhood of this whole temple or house
+of worship. Upon a height there stood the gigantic reproduction of
+a handsome old man sitting on a massive throne, between his feet lay
+a ring-formed snake--the true symbol of eternity--while in his hand
+he held lightning. This was all artistically cut out in marble. The
+elegant crown, which decorated the wise brow of the old man, had
+still preserved some signs of pure gold; here and there precious
+stones were shining. This was decidedly the kingdom of coldness and
+of some secret magic-like half-darkness. The light was able to shine
+in only through the opening holes of the mountain and through the
+holes yet left between the perfectly immense stones with which the
+entrance was surely and safely barred.
+
+Having thoroughly recovered after his strange incident and quite
+unexpected fall, Aderke (it was thus they called the horseman)
+began to carefully inspect and search the cave. His attention was
+especially drawn by one spot, shining like a diamond. It appeared
+that this was a tremendous piece of mountain salt, on which a ray
+of light which had managed to get through one of the mountain holes
+was gayly playing. Other such pieces were falling down in long, long
+divisions from the cupola-like, vaulted ceiling. Thirst was torturing
+Aderke. Thinking that this was simply ice, he began to direct all
+his efforts towards successfully breaking off a respectable piece,
+but notwithstanding his most desperate jumps, he could not accomplish
+anything. Then he naturally imagined that from the sides of the cave
+much lower down he might be able to get something and began to go
+around it in a circle, trying to find here or there some possible
+opening, on which he might firmly stand and make his way. Passing
+close by a great piece of salt, he overheard some very distant voice
+which was singing a soft, marvellous song. Aderke began to listen
+most attentively.
+
+"Powerful sire," called out the extraordinary secret voice, "I have
+been awaiting thee for many years, dispel thou as quickly as possible
+this darkness and lead me forth into the region of freedom. Oh! have
+pity upon me!--I implore to be given freedom only with the exalted
+aim of submitting to thee, to serve and wait upon thee, to love thee
+tenderly, yes, to be thine ever obedient slave. Thou didst happen to
+come hither, pursuing a most handsome mortal being; look now at my
+features; you can plainly distinguish them through my dark prison. The
+more the extreme brilliancy of my subterranean dwelling darkens her
+dreadfully poor saklia (hut) the more the glitter of my beauty darkens
+her exceptional charms. She did not even venture to look at thee,
+for she feared thy caresses. I, however, did not take my eyes off
+from thee from the time that thou didst fall to the feet of mighty
+Zadenne, I constantly admire thee with a perfectly passionate glance,
+I love thee, I call thee to my side: come, oh come thou quicker!"
+
+Wild with excitement and deeply impressed by that most passionate song,
+Aderke entirely forgot his unhappiness, forgot also the thirst which
+was torturing him, he began to stare more closely at the salt masses
+and through their transparent grim old walls he began to be able
+to distinguish the tender outlines of a young and pretty woman. He
+knocked with his vigorous fist against the cold, cold mineral wall,
+but the powerful blow did not leave the slightest trace; then he pulled
+out his kindjall and thrust out his arm still stronger against the
+salt shapes, which were almost turning to stone. It slightly trembled;
+Aderke now turned to the pedestal of the idol, detached from it a large
+piece of fine marble and using it instead of a vigorous hammer, began
+to diligently knock it as hard as possible against the long handle
+of the kindjall. The opening evidently made considerable progress.
+
+In the meantime, through the little opening which had been made in
+the pedestal, there slipped out a lizard, after it a snake, then a
+flying mouse and finally a little devil. Coming out of their wonderful
+ambuscade, they were all of exceedingly small proportions, but these
+proportions grew larger and larger every minute. The lizard seemed to
+possess a perfectly formless human face, the snake had wings grown
+on to its body, the mouse seemed to have the head of an owl with
+a tremendous beak and fiery sparkling eyes. The little devil, far
+smaller in size than the rest, cleverly jumped at the mass of marble
+which was nearest to Aderke and by a well known signal ordered them
+to begin the furious attack. First the lizard moved and trumpeted
+with some kind of an awful, not human voice.
+
+"Let thou go my prisoner, insolent adventurer, or else we shall
+jointly cut thee up in pieces!"
+
+Aderke, astonished by such reasoning, turned around. The unusually
+enormous lizard stood on its hind legs and seemed to be all prepared to
+attack and swallow him up. The flying mouse made a noise and waved with
+her big wings, howling out some terrific metallic sound; the snake
+stretched out and slipped up to him with perfectly awful hissing,
+while the beastly little devil joked and insulted him above his head
+and filled the air with unbearable, bad odors. Aderke, seeing what was
+coming, bravely pulled out the sword and daringly struck at the snake,
+who was just making ready to spring at and wind itself around his feet.
+
+The excellent sword cut it right through, but unfortunately without
+doing it the very least harm. It quickly set to gathering together its
+fearful rings and went back to the idol. Aderke energetically rushed
+after it and fainted from terror. From the pedestal sprang out one
+after another innumerable and varied poisonous monsters, one more
+terrific--yes, fearful, than the next. Then there were also people
+with snakes' heads and snakes with birds' wings and birds with fishes'
+tails and fishes with heads of living people. All these awful monsters
+hastened to abandon their ambuscade, crowded and pushed each other,
+slipped over each other, quarrelled in a most undignified manner,
+bit each other, struck and scolded each other; here one monster was
+hissing, there a second one was making a violent speech, a third one
+let out from his mouth such a horribly disturbing whistle that the
+cold ran over one's whole body. In the midst of this tremendous row a
+human cry of distress reached Aderke; he turned around. The lizard was
+doing his best to widen out the opening which he had forced through,
+while the snake with an evil meaning and aggressive hissing hastened
+to occupy each newly opened little crack. Aderke wanted to run and
+help the poor, poor woman-prisoner, but the flying mouse threw itself
+towards the entrance and having spread out its wings guarded with
+its own body its outrageous comrades. In the meantime the remaining
+monsters seized Aderke by the legs and would not allow him to budge
+a step from the place where he stood. Thereupon he bravely drew out
+his pistol and with a sharp and rare shot smashed to pieces the salt
+block. At this moment the monsters unanimously took hold of him and
+he of course lost consciousness, so that he did not see how out of
+the blazing brilliant niche formed by his pistol shot, a splendid
+young woman rushed forth to meet him.
+
+Before her the monsters reverently stepped aside. "Away with you!" she
+cried out in a most commanding voice. "Take him up cautiously and carry
+him after me," pointing to Aderke, she ordered some strange bear with
+birds' legs and with a crane's beak to carry out her commands. The
+monster instantly submitted to the explicit instructions and,
+continuing to respectfully follow her imperious commands, he went in
+with his burden, up the steps of the pedestal to the very idol and
+placed Aderke at its feet. "Now," said the young woman, "your power
+over me has ended, having got back all my former freedom, I have
+also regained all my past influence and power. Tram, tram----tara,
+all to your respective places!" she continued in a most decisive
+tone, and the horrible monsters one after another rushed back to
+the high pedestal. When they had taken up their proper positions,
+she bent down and raised the piece of marble thrown away by Aderke
+and cleverly----yes, powerfully, barred the entrance. After that she
+again went up to the idol, fell down on her knees and said: "Great
+Zaden! Here you have a gift fully worthy of you as a grateful reward
+for my happy deliverance. If it pleases your serene majesty that I
+should not go away from this, thine abandoned temple, trying with
+all my energy to be equal to the task of replacing your former most
+numerous servants, so for my sake give me back this dead man, call
+him back to life, start up in his heart a sincere attachment to me and
+we shall both be your constant, loyal and ever watchful servants. The
+heavy stone eyelids of the idol opened themselves, its eyes sparkled,
+and from this momentary sparkling Aderke instantly came back to life
+and was able to stand on his feet. At the same time the idol with a
+terrific crash and shaking fell to pieces and disappeared in the dust.
+
+"Who art thou--magnificent creature?" was his first question.
+
+"Let us go into my transparent dwelling place," she replied, "I shall
+place thee on my exquisite crystal sofa and quietly entertain thee
+with my interesting stories and dear caresses."
+
+They jointly went into the niche. Through the sweet little opening
+a small, small ray of light streamed in and perfectly marvellously
+played upon a smooth, salty ceiling, showering down millions of
+beautiful sparks and blazing with all the colors of the rainbow. The
+beauty sat down, put Aderke's head on her lovely knees and while he
+was endeavoring to fall asleep, she told him her whole history.
+
+"I am the daughter of the Moon and of Zaden, they call me Aipina. My
+father actually decided that I should appear to the glance of people
+only to prophesy some peaceful event, the rest of the time I am
+ordered to remain secretly hidden in the grim walls of his temple,
+which at that time was a place of general worship and sacrifice. The
+people used to crowd about here from morning till night with very
+rich offerings. Numerous sacrificers burnt their offerings, while
+their female companions in long white garments sitting on golden
+seats prophesied the future. But notwithstanding all this excitement
+it was stupid for me, and one fine night, when my mother had covered
+everything with her soft, magic, fairy-like light, I wilfully managed
+to get out of the temple and flew into the sky, blazing with my highly
+brilliant tail. Mother became frightened by my daring to commit such
+an act and hastened to hide herself. Then I alone began to gayly run
+up and down on the horizon, busily chasing the many stars and pushing
+them on with my tail. Among the heavenly lighters a most astounding
+and terrific plot came up and they hurried to get me out of the way
+as quickly as possible, and my father angrily informed me that my
+perfectly crazy undertaking had made him fail.
+
+"It came to pass just so, for on that day a poor, poor monk arrived
+and settled on the mountain. Zaden of course ordered the monsters to
+instantly chase him out of the dwelling which he had chosen, but the
+hermit by some marvellous sign of his hand deprived them entirely of
+any strength. Many pilgrims, who had arrived from afar with offerings
+to pay their sincere respects to Zaden, upon seeing the newcomer on
+a height, peacefully sitting between wild snakes, naturally went up
+to him in a wide circle and spared no time or strength in order to
+satisfy his intense curiosity. He, however, took full advantage of
+this to make them give up the faith of their forefathers and instruct
+them in some religion, the chief peculiarity of which was hatred of
+our old, old gods.
+
+"In the end the unceasing attacks of the monsters began to bore the
+monk: he therefore gathered all his hearers and together with them
+strongly barred the grand entrance of the temple and quietly left the
+place. Through inexperience I had at first wickedly laughed at his
+great efforts: what use was it when Zaden, at his own will guiding
+and directing thunder and lightning, used to smash their edifices to
+pieces in no time at all, while the old man in going away touched the
+hard stones with the same marvellous movement of the hand which had
+destroyed the power and strength of the monsters, and Zaden immediately
+felt that his godly qualities and peculiarities began to abandon him
+forever. As a punishment for my most stupid volunteering, he deprived
+me of the shining form of a comet and transformed me into a woman, whom
+he commanded to guard the poisonous monsters. They hastened to fix me
+in this salt wall, but Zaden, who grew weaker every minute, in a last,
+but tremendous, outbreak of wrath worked out the following decision:
+
+"'Thou wilt be entirely in the power of these awful monsters until
+thou art able to find a mortal man who delivereth thee, and then they
+will again fully obey thee!' This was the last sign, not only of his
+power, but also of the life of my father; ever since then he turned
+himself into a breathless idol and sat immovably on his marble throne
+for several centuries. Through the holes of the fallen house of public
+worship the water flowed unto his most royal crown and meanly washed
+away from it the highly precious ornaments. Lizards climbed over
+his face, the flying mice quite fearlessly sat down on his powerful
+shoulders and hands, the snakes wound around his legs! He remained
+insensible to everything and not strong enough to protect and defend
+himself. I must say I had an awfully stupid, dull time. Days, months,
+years, even centuries went by and actually nobody appeared. I had
+already quite given up all hope when kind fate led thee hither. Now
+we must absolutely find means to get out of this place. I for my part
+know that from this temple there leads a subterranean passage to the
+numerous catacombs with which this mountain is overfilled and from
+them we can go wherever it pleases us."
+
+"But who will show us this passage?" asked Aderke.
+
+"I have a good friend among the monsters; it is the bear with the
+crane's nose. During all the long and dreary years of my unjust
+confinement he daily nourished me. With his long, long beak he managed
+to make a little opening in my dark dwelling, looked for and gathered
+the hives of wild bees, who had taken refuge in the holes around here,
+and fed me with their honey. He was at first a man of the same faith
+as our enemy the hermit and chanced to be banished hither for having
+ridiculed some servant of his God."
+
+At these words Aipina struck the palm of her hand; the bear took away
+a stone and climbed out; then she informed him of the object of the
+whole undertaking and he, having warned them that the way would be long
+and exceedingly tiresome, hastily entered their cave and attentively
+and vigorously began to try with his beak where the mass of salt was
+thinnest. When, however, such a place had been successfully found,
+he and Aderke pushed against it with their whole weight and after
+long and repeated attempts they pierced a rather small hole, through
+which it was very evident that they should have to go.
+
+First the bear slipped through, after him Aipina and Aderke. The
+passage was cut out in the rocky part of the mountain and was so close
+and small that it was necessary to go one behind the other and to
+stoop over. Having advanced a little farther they joyfully came out
+on a small square with a much higher cupola-like ceiling. Through a
+little crack a dim ray of light was seen. They sat down to rest and
+having looked about somewhat they came to notice something gleaming,
+yes, burning like gold. This turned out to be a fine glass vessel with
+four pretty handles. It was of gold color with thin white patterns
+and filled to overflowing with ancient Greek silver coins.
+
+"The first thing found is naturally due to thee," said Aipina in a
+very gracious tone. And the bear having taken up the vessel on his
+long thin beak again set forth on his journey. It was necessary to
+follow on by just so narrow and low a passage--only fully twice as
+long--as the first. It led them into a large round cave, which was
+exceedingly high. At the very top there was a rather large opening,
+through which the light could easily penetrate. At the side of one
+wall stood a wooden grave without a roof, and in front of it an
+old, old candlestick of red clay. To the tremendous surprise of our
+travellers, the whole room was illuminated by the fine blue flame of
+a very rare wick. They went nearer and saw that in the tomb there
+lay a hermit, very likely a saint, because his body was splendidly
+preserved. "Let us take a rest," said the exhausted Aipina, sitting
+down on the floor. The bear slowly lowered his vessel to her feet,
+but Aderke did not let his eyes lose sight of the deceased, as though
+he was trying hard to remember some familiar features, and suddenly
+he succeeded in his mental researches and with awful screeching and
+jumping threw himself on the bare floor in front of the grave.
+
+"Forgive me, oh, Holy God," he cried out, "forgive me that severe
+insult which I inflicted upon thee in my state of craziness and
+for which I have been so cruelly punished." And with most sincere
+and hearty repenting he prayed to God and the Saint to pardon his
+terrible sin. Aipina heard him with eyes and mouth wide open, but
+on her the words of Aderke produced quite a different impression. He
+understood how fearfully he had offended God and his proud heart was
+filled with perfect remorse.
+
+He fell down on his knees by the side of the monster and wept
+bitterly and long over his wicked actions and earnestly implored to
+be pardoned. The all-merciful God accepted the tears of both great
+sinners and sent them a deliverance which was quite as marvellous as
+the punishment. An unusual light was shining into the cave and in a
+second blinded the praying men; when, however, they again began to
+be able to distinguish the different things, Aipina was no longer
+to be seen, but on the spot where she stood there shone a blindingly
+magnificent comet.
+
+Aderke glanced at the bear--he had been transformed into a very
+handsome youth, in his hands, under the rays of the comet, burned
+and played with various colored fires the remarkable, ancient glass
+vessel. In an instant the comet began gradually to draw nearer to the
+opening in the vaulted ceiling. The gleaming windings of her long,
+long tail safely guided both the astonished persons and attracted them
+after her. Soon they had successfully completed the march through the
+long and narrow entrance road of the cave and began to rise higher
+and higher until they had triumphantly reached the summit of the
+mountain. Then the comet let herself down to the doors of that same
+temple, in which Aderke had so terribly misbehaved on his arrival in
+the said region. Aipina was again transformed into a simple woman and
+began to request Aderke that he should make her a slave and servant of
+the omnipotent God who had accomplished such great deeds of creation.
+
+In the meantime the sunrise service was just beginning and the
+monks began to come out of their cells to celebrate their morning
+devotions. The first stroke of the bell was then heard. Aderke and his
+faithful companion took off their caps and reverently made the sign of
+the cross. In this minute to them came up the monk who usually stood
+at the tomb of the Saint, when poor Salougvari had taken speedy refuge
+near it. He found out Aderke and furiously looked at him. But the
+most humble and submissive speech of the really repenting man quickly
+quieted his anxious feelings. Aipina was converted and really and truly
+became the wife of Aderke, while his comrade in the hour of trial,
+who had made use of his fortune in order to buy up a very extensive
+vineyard near the poor saklia (hut) of Salougvari, happily married
+her and took over into his house her widowed mother. All three lived
+long and happily and very frequently visited Aderke and Aipina, who
+were by no means behind them in sincerity of love and perfect harmony.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+X. THE JEWEL NECKLACE
+
+
+It was the twenty-second of December, the day of our holy
+"Fate-decider" Anne. In a poor saklia (native hut) not far from
+the road leading into town there sat a very young, beautiful girl,
+surrounded by a number of children. She was bitterly crying. On
+this day the father of this unhappy family died in jail; and that
+same terrible day, when he was taken away from his home and locked
+up against his will, the poor mother breathed her last breath. For
+what reason they had imprisoned him, the children did not know. They
+tenderly loved their father and in their true childish imagination
+it seemed to them as though he could not be wrong in any department
+of life whatever. The last time that they had seen him, he informed
+them that people would come and punish him even before the fête, and
+so they diligently prayed for his deliverance and salvation to the
+holy martyr Anastasia--and, behold! on the day of her celebration,
+she cut the cords and bands which prevented him from enjoying the
+blessings of home life and delivered him forever from prison as well
+as from the terrible punishment.
+
+"Zenobi!" remarked one of the children, "I want to eat." "Sit ye
+all down," replied the young girl, rising and drying her mournful
+tears. She covered the table with a simple blue cloth with white
+flowers and placed on it a star-formed vessel, on which a whole
+mountain of rice was seen.
+
+"Pray ye first and then eat to your hearts' content," she said.
+
+"But thou, darling, wilt thou not join our company?" asked the
+older boy.
+
+"I will eat afterwards; just now I have no time, but I will readily
+eat up all you leave!"
+
+Zenobi forced herself to smile although tears were really choking
+her; this was all the food which remained in their house, they had
+no money whatever--how and with what were the children to be fed
+the next day? That was the question which constantly came into her
+mind and kept her from being quiet. Wishing to conceal her worry,
+she went out--but her brother took advantage of her absence in order
+to somewhat restrain the appetite of the children.
+
+"Leave something for Zenobi," said he, "for I believe she has eaten
+nothing since morning; all the bread which was left she divided among
+us without keeping a single piece for herself."
+
+Noticing also that the quantity of rice was constantly diminishing,
+he assumed a more decided tone:
+
+"Enough!" he suddenly broke out, rising from his chair. "Pray ye to
+God and go out to play in the street, the sun is shining in all its
+wonderful glory--lose no time while it is warm and comfortable!" and
+taking the smallest of the children by the hand, he read aloud the
+after-dinner prayer and went out.
+
+"Zenobi!" he cried, coming out, "we have all finished." The young girl
+entered the room, hastily crossed herself and with anxiety sat down
+and began to eat the rice, but she had not succeeded in swallowing the
+first morsel, when the door of the saklia opened itself and a poor,
+poor hermit came in.
+
+"In the name of the Infant Jesus let me get rested, refresh myself
+and have something to eat!" said he. Zenobi immediately rose; hunger
+was torturing her, but she did not hesitate for a moment to offer
+him her forlorn repast.
+
+"Yes, may God be blessed, who hath sent a guest even to our poor
+saklia for such a great celebration!" she answered; "eat--while I
+prepare thee a comfortable bed," and having done everything to make
+the foreign traveller feel as much at home as possible, she went out
+into the street, in order to keep the children quiet during the sleep
+of the wise old man.
+
+After two hours he came out, sat down along by the saklia on a huge
+stone which took the place of a bench, and pleasantly called the
+children. His touching, caressing voice and his great good eyes
+instantly won him forever the sincere love of the dear children,
+they gayly ran up to him, while he pulled a small apple from his
+pocket and a Sitzevian handkerchief.
+
+"If you bring me four quills from this fine thorn-bush," said he,
+pointing to a very large bush growing within a few steps from the
+saklia, "I will arrange a very nice and amusing toy for you."
+
+Within a minute the children stood again before him--this time their
+hands full of quills. The hermit thereupon took up four of them and
+fastened with their help the corners of the large handkerchief to
+the apple--afterwards wound a handkerchief around the whole concern
+and threw it so high into the air that it really looked like an
+insignificant little dark point. The children in amazement did not
+lose sight of this point and soon beheld a small balloon lowering
+itself in their direction; the air filled out the handkerchief,
+giving it thus the look of a small air balloon, which, gracefully
+flying between earth and sky, gradually descended to their poor
+home. There was no end to the children's delight, each one of them
+wished to toss the dear toy higher than the first.
+
+While they were going through various exercises, running and making
+a lot of noise, Zenobi sat down at the side of her delightful guest
+and began to ask him from what place he came.
+
+"I, my child, come from the capital," he said; "to-day there is an
+unusual commotion over there. The heralds proclaimed on all the city
+squares that the sovereign would spare no reward to him who would
+bring the best imaginable necklace into the palace and that by the
+Fête of Circumcision of the Lord.
+
+"In the nation a report is being spread that the only daughter of the
+widower-Tsar took some kind of a most terrible disease which not even
+the most experienced or energetic doctor is able to define or heal
+in any way. Something extraordinary, unseen, unheard of! Heavy bands
+were tying down the young Tsarevna by the hands and legs and deprived
+her of free movements, so that she actually resembled a corpse much
+more than a live being.
+
+"In this night she had had a very remarkable dream--as though some
+powerful voice had promised her to cut the bands which kept her down,
+upon the Day of the Circumcision of the Lord, if by that day she had
+succeeded in finding a necklace for her magnificent neck which by
+its splendor exceeded all ornaments of the kind until then known."
+
+Saying this, the old man rose. "I should like to reach that house
+to-day," he said, "it is high time to set forth for the journey;
+but how can I express my gratitude to thee, my dear child, for thy
+wonderful hospitality?
+
+"Well, do not despise these lavashees (little breads), and may the
+Lord increase every kind of food in your most hospitable house."
+
+"Amen," said Zenobi with all her heart, taking up the lavashees and
+looking back at the departing hermit. A little later she began to
+assemble the children around the house.
+
+"Thanks to our guest you will have very dainty lavashees for supper
+this evening," she said to them, entering the saklia.
+
+But what must have been her complete surprise when she saw her
+star-formed vessel standing on the table and filled to overflowing
+with rice. There was so little of it left when she had offered her
+dinner to the stranger; where then had this veritable mountain of
+rice come from? She stared at her older brother and their astonished
+eyes soon met each other.
+
+"Isn't all this wonderful! How quickly the saintly blessing of the
+wise hermit was fulfilled," said he, and, falling down on their knees,
+the whole family began to pray most ardently and afterwards joyfully
+sat down to their well deserved and this time plentiful supper. In
+front of each child lay a fresh lavash (roll), on which Zenobi had
+thoughtfully piled up a large amount of rice. Having eaten the rice,
+each one ate a lavash too and all were perfectly satisfied, but there
+yet remained some rice and lavashees. Zenobi gathered the remains and
+the next morning the dish was again as full as ever and there were
+enough lavashees for all. Thus the wonder repeated itself for eight
+days in succession, but on the Eve of the Circumcision of the Lord,
+the dish looked just the way it did when they took it off the table,
+neither rice nor lavashees had increased. Zenobi decided to lay up
+what was left for dinner and let the children go to walk without a
+breakfast. In order to induce them not to think of melancholy events,
+she wisely reminded them of the excellent toy which the dear old
+traveller had left with them. They immediately ran off to find the
+handkerchief and indeed had a very hard time; in the end Zenobi
+herself started out for the search and managed to find it in some
+remote, dark corner.
+
+It was filled with something heavy and she naturally imagined that
+it must be rice. Delighted by this thought, she quickly placed the
+handkerchief on the table and untied it; inside of it there was a
+magnificent, blindingly beautiful jewel necklace! The children stood
+around in a circle, their little mouths opened as wide as possible.
+
+"Let us run this minute to the town," exclaimed the older boy, "I say,
+let us run, Zenobi, dear, we will still succeed to get the necklace
+to the palace before midnight!" And taking each other's hand, brother
+and sister ran on the road with what they had found by accident. The
+town was not very far; by noon they were already on the palace square,
+in the very centre of which a long, long table was erected.
+
+On it they opened and inspected the necklaces which various people
+brought and the Royal officials carefully put down in a large book
+the names of the strangers interested. These were extremely numerous
+and our poor little acquaintances hardly had the patience to wait for
+their turn to come. The official unbelievingly looked at their humble
+attire and the poor, insignificant handkerchief. Having placed the
+object on the table, he nevertheless untied the handkerchief.
+
+A cry of complete astonishment rang out from the mouths of all those
+present, and before the poor orphans had time to think the matter over,
+they were already standing in the bedroom of the suffering Tsarevna
+and saw how the Tsar, her father, with a trembling hand placed the
+necklace on his invalid daughter's neck. Then turning to them, he
+naturally asked who they were and where under the sky they had found
+such an unheard of and extraordinary treasure.
+
+Zenobi with true childlike straightforwardness related all that
+had taken place to the Tsar, who patiently listened to her simple,
+yet most pathetic speech, in which one could clearly make out her
+warmest faith in God and her thankfulness and gratitude to the holy
+martyr Anastasia; he actually felt very much moved and sweet tears
+were to be seen in his great eyes.
+
+"Take my guests," he said to those near him, pointing to Zenobi and
+her brother, "feed them, let them drink and appease their aroused
+feeling and great anxiety, but when they are rested, clothe them in
+the finest costumes and bring them hither."
+
+Then he ordered his aides-de-camp to bring the image of the all-holy
+Fate-decider and having placed it on the pillow of the little
+princess, he gave orders that the prayers for her speedy recovery
+and convalescence should begin.
+
+By order of the King, the doors of the palace were solemnly thrown
+open and all who desired to pray were allowed to enter the enormous
+precincts of the bedroom. The number of those praying increased hourly;
+not long before midnight the chamberlains and ladies of honor of His
+Majesty the King conducted our dear little acquaintances, attired
+in gorgeous costumes, which gave still greater charm and beauty to
+their natural handsomeness and grace. The grieved Tsar made a sign,
+indicating his wish that they should stand in a line with him;
+all eyes were fixed on Zenobi, who, not noticing anything special,
+quietly fell down on her knees and instantly began to pray with all
+her heart and soul.
+
+Exactly at midnight the Tsarevna raised her head and happily looked at
+the loyal people who had been praying for her; then made the holy sign
+of the cross--then actually sat up in bed! The King rushed towards
+her and took her up in his arms. The child put her arms around her
+father's neck and sweet, sweet tears flowed out of the eyes of both,
+and how open-heartedly and sincerely they sang, together with the
+people present, a true song of praise to the holy martyr Anastasia! At
+the end of the prayer, the Tsar led the Tsarevna to Zenobi and said:
+
+"After God and His holy servant thou must certainly thank her,
+whom He chose to be the instrument of thy precious recovery, yes,
+may she take the place of thine all-beloved late mother!"
+
+All present naturally hastened to bring their loyal and dutiful
+congratulations to the Tsar and his bride, but the little Tsarevna
+quite overwhelmed Zenobi with caresses and kisses.
+
+Immediately some noblemen were sent after her brothers and sisters,
+who from that time onwards lived at the palace and were educated
+together with the dear little princess.
+
+Zenobi, however, having become Queen never forgot the poor, the
+religious and the queer, and the Lord blessed her with the birth of
+a son, who immediately became heir-presumptive to the throne. The
+reign of her husband was most peaceful and happy, and having lived
+to an advanced age in model mutual accord, the reigning sovereigns
+died both on the same day, reminding their son never to forget the
+Only Real and True Faith, the Faith of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+XI. SAINT MOURVANOSS
+
+A STORY
+
+
+Mourvanoss was the first saint in our highly honorable royal family,
+later on so abundant in holy martyrs, preachers and leaders. In the
+year three hundred and ninety-three A.D. the Georgian King Varaz
+(ovenne)-Bakarr was favored with the birth of a son Mourvanoss,
+the birth of whom had been predicted to his mother by angels. This
+mother was namely the grand-daughter of Revv, the son of Mirian
+and daughter of Trdat, that is to say third cousin of her husband
+the Tsar Varaze-Bakarr, the grandson of Bakarr the First and son to
+Mirdat the Third. Bakarr the First loved very much his dear nephews,
+especially the younger of them, Bakourious. The son of Bakarr the
+First, Mirdat was almost the same age as Trdat and the cousins
+frequently passed the time together, their children grew up under
+the shelter of this friendship and did not notice how their childish
+friendship went over into love. Although the parents had absolutely
+nothing against the marriage, yet the youthful Tsarevna was always
+tormented by the thought that they were not acting in accordance
+with the holy laws of the church, which strictly forbade marriage
+between two third cousins. Most honorable, good, simple, merciful,
+helping everybody in case of need or unhappiness, she as Tsaritsa
+still went on tormenting herself with the acknowledgment of her sin
+and, see! the Lord really wished to quiet and comfort her and as a
+sign of forgiveness sent angels, who announced to her that He blessed
+her marriage by the birth of a saintly baby.
+
+While still at his mother's breast, Mourvanoss regularly observed the
+fasts, refusing to suck the breast on Wednesdays and Fridays. Hardly
+had he learned to talk when he earnestly began to commit to memory what
+he had heard in the church and gradually as he grew older instructed
+himself always more and more in the holy scriptures.
+
+When Varaze-Bakarr died, Mourvanoss and his brothers and sisters
+were children, and as guardian over them they chose the uncle Trdat,
+having also handed over to his administration the kingdom until the
+coming of age of the children of Varaze-Bakarr and his daughter, who
+had already died, while, however, the younger son of Varaze-Bakarr,
+Faremanne, from his second wife, was being educated at the home of
+the kristav of Sammeshvillde. Notwithstanding his very advanced age
+Trdat reigned most wisely; he was a thoroughly God-fearing, sensible
+and cautious man. Thanks to his extreme wisdom the Persians were
+completely conquered, the righteous state of affairs again introduced
+into the country and many churches restored and newly erected.
+
+Under him died the well-known Bishop Yovv and was superseded by
+Tlia. Although he of course paid tribute to the Persians, yet
+he understood how to get back from them Rousstave where he then
+triumphantly built a church. He also finely restored Nekreziy.
+
+Mourvanoss was already fifteen years old, when the Greek Emperor,
+Theodosius the Younger, came upon the throne and the relations between
+Greece and Persia became worse and worse.
+
+The new Emperor fearing that other nations might unite and make common
+cause with his enemies, offered Trdat an alliance, to assure which he
+demanded some one of the children of Varaze-Bakarr as hostage. Good
+Trdat, who equally loved all his grandsons, was in the greatest
+confusion, while reflecting whom he should select, when to him appeared
+Mourvanoss and energetically announced that he was going to Greece,
+where he had long desired to be, as it was the centre and capital of
+the whole Christian world, and with general consent and approbation he
+started off for Constantinople. There he devoted himself to fasting,
+praying and preaching, rebuking the tremendous worldly splendor with
+which the Emperor constantly surrounded him.
+
+To drown unnecessary gossip he clothed himself in a vlassianitsa of
+most ordinary goat wool. To the general astonishment of the people he
+soon acquired a complete and perfect knowledge of the Greek and Syrian
+languages and ardently studied philosophy. The Lord now rewarded him
+with the exceptional gift of being capable of healing the sick. Thanks
+to his petition the remains of the martyrs, who had suffered torment
+and death in Persia, were safely transported into old Georgia. Once
+upon a time, on the eve of the Most Holy Baptism of the Lord, intending
+to pass the whole night in devotion and prayer, Mourvanoss ordered
+his servant to bring him some butter for the little lamp.
+
+But he brusquely answered him: "Thou art a royal son and, instead of
+reigning as it becomes one of thy rank, thou livest as a monk without
+eating a morsel from one Sunday to another," and he did not go for
+the desired butter. But the Tsarevitch filled the little lamp with
+water instead of butter, and, lighting it, accomplished with this
+marvellous light his holy, holy prayers. Seven whole days and nights
+the wonderful light did not once go out, and during that period our
+Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the Saint to invisibly accompany and
+protect him everywhere. With the help and favor of God the Tsarevitch
+carried out many wonders, healing the sick with the water of his
+little lamp. The Emperor namely had a eunuch who used to like to come
+and pray together with the Saint.
+
+The Tsarevitch thought of leaving the Imperial Court accompanied by
+the eunuch, but Theodosius, having heard of the plan, sent a guard
+to watch them. Nevertheless through the almighty mercy of God they
+succeeded in avoiding being closely observed by them and during the
+night ran away. An all-shining holy pillar went in front of them,
+guiding them and illuminating their road.
+
+Upon the appearance of the pillar the following words were heard
+coming out of it: "He who doth follow me will never fall into the
+region of darkness and unbelief!"
+
+Finding a respectable vessel, they after a few days arrived in a port
+then unknown to them, where they were immediately locked up in the
+local prison. But that same night a terrific earthquake with perfectly
+awful noise took place there and many, many people perished through
+it. To the commandant of the city appeared a perfectly unknown man,
+the very voice of whom reminded one of tremendous rolls of thunder.
+
+"Deliver thou this minute the true servants of God!" he called out,
+"otherwise this wicked town will be turned to ashes."
+
+The frightened official immediately had the prisoners led out and
+freed and they started off for Jerusalem, where at that time there
+lived the runaway from Rome captive, Tsar Pipinoss, with his wife
+Malienoss. They were very religiously inclined, had entirely given
+up all worldly habits and pretensions, became monks and lived at
+Jerusalem in two different monasteries, which they themselves had
+erected. They caressingly received the newcomers. Having rested a
+little, the saints went to the tomb of the Lord, where they also
+became monks. Mourvanoss was named Peter and the eunuch John.
+
+Who can possibly describe their charitable deeds! They shone like
+illuminators, instructing and converting all and everything simply
+by the splendid example of their own lives! They constructed two
+monasteries and connected with these a house of refuge of strangers
+for Georgians and Greeks, where the Tsarevitch humbly waited upon
+travellers, and while occupied with such actions he reached his
+twenty-fifth year. This monastery was named after the most Holy
+Virgin. At this time the devil suddenly pounced down upon him in the
+disguise of a stranger and began to argue with and insult the Saint
+for having renounced all his rights to the crown and for having humbly
+served his own servants, but the righteous hermit Peter soon found
+out with whom he had to do and angrily chased him out of the hospice
+of strangers. Then our Lord Jesus Christ for a second time appeared
+to him and drew his attention towards the sky, where the Saint now
+beheld a temple, in which fully fifty tsars of indescribable beauty
+were singing hymns unto God and glorifying His Holy Name. In the
+number of these select Christian worshippers the Lord also promised
+to add the Tsarevitch Mourvanoss.
+
+He was sixty-five years old when the patriarch of Jerusalem,
+Anastasius, made him a full priest. He went off into a desert, where
+on the banks of the Jordan he founded yet another monastery.
+
+John accompanied him everywhere. Here he successfully healed a man
+possessed with the devil, and delivered John from a tumor which
+had formed itself on his face and threatened to deprive him of his
+sight. When, however, John once more fell ill and suffered from some
+deadly disease, the Saint implored that his life might be prolonged
+for still twelve years.
+
+He then visited and inspected all the Egyptian and Skithian
+monasteries and returned to his own monastery with a hospice for
+travelling strangers. At the time of hunger, he by the strength of
+his righteous prayers filled the monastery dwellings with bread and
+berries and the cellars with butter and wine.
+
+In that year good John peacefully died and he was solemnly interred in
+the monastery of the most Holy Virgin, which is to this day known under
+the designation of "the monastery of the Georgians." Soon afterwards
+the Bishop of Mayum died and the inhabitants having called together
+a meeting, unanimously chose Peter the Georgian to be bishop in the
+place of the deceased, and the patriarch fully approved their choice,
+but the most humble Peter, not knowing how to avoid such a high honor,
+thought of throwing himself down from an elevated spot in order
+to break either a hand or a leg and so appear disqualified for the
+election unless he should possibly succeed in hiding himself by flight.
+
+Then the Lord appeared to him a third time with a quantity of angels
+and ordered him to accept the bishopric. Many a time the good and
+God-fearing people in Mayrounne heard the voice, which before had
+announced various news to the Saint. At the time of a great dryness the
+holy prayers of the Bishop brought down innumerable wonders. Fruitless
+parents were comforted by the birth of children; the sick were healed
+and recuperated, fruitless trees were instantly covered with fruit;
+fishermen who until then had always been unsuccessful in their
+attempts, now pulled out of the water laden nets. The Lord besides
+all this favored him with the exalted gift of becoming a prophet and
+enabled him thus to see the saintly souls in Heaven. Bishop Peter was
+already eighty-one years old, when the all-holy fathers Tsaya and
+Zenomme died and the ever-fortunate Bishop saw their sacred souls
+rising to Heaven. The all-reverent Peter had been obliged to stand
+much in the course of his life from the monophysites, through whose sly
+proceedings he was for a short time deprived of his righteous pulpit,
+to the great grief of the true believers. Emperor Leo Frakiisky had
+hardly ascended the throne, when he hastened to restore the Mayioun
+bishop in his rightful position. But he did not long keep his throne,
+for he soon felt the approach of his death and announced these solemn
+news to all those who belonged to his parish.
+
+At that time Father Athanasius was favored with a superb vision: the
+saints were praying to the Lord that he should order them to bring
+up to their heavenly abode the all-holy bishop Peter, who had done so
+exceedingly much in converting thousands and thousands of unbelievers
+to the one True and Holy Faith!
+
+Within ten days the wish of the saints was carried out. The Saint
+passed these ten days in constant prayer, on the tenth day he conducted
+a communion service, communed himself and also many true followers,
+blessed the enthusiastic crowd and having tenderly parted with all
+his dear folks he returned to his cell, where he serenely died and
+was borne to Heaven by the mercy of the Almighty God on the second
+day of December.
+
+Many righteous and holy followers saw his soul carried by saints
+preceded by the holy martyr Peter of Alexandria, and heard their
+praises and songs of "Glory to God." Many till then incurable were
+healed simply by being brought up to and placed against his holy
+body. The holy Roman Pope Gregory Diologue dedicated a magnificent
+funeral oration to his precious memory in his all-famous book.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+XII. ZESVA
+
+
+Two horsemen were giving chase to some wild goats. Quickly did their
+most daring horses run, but still faster did the light little goats
+save themselves by flight, jumping across narrow gorges with one bound,
+springing on small plateaus, and in a word as though favored with
+having wings they seemed to fly through bushes and low shrubs. Now,
+however, they made for a very high mountain covered with bushes and
+forests and rapidly found their way among green branches and blooming
+trees, ascending higher and higher. The pace of the pursuit of the
+horsemen considerably slowed down as the various plants were every
+now and then the cause of unexpected delays, while their victims,
+the goats, were able to catch breath between each long jump and thus
+got on rather well and without much difficulty.
+
+The comparatively large horses were of course forced to go out of
+their way in order to avoid knocking up against trees, which barred
+the trail, and even where the grass had been smoothed out the animals
+went rather quietly and the energetic horsemen saw themselves more
+than once obliged to cut and bend down massive branches which formed
+the chief impediment in the whole undertaking. When after long and
+renewed attempts they safely reached the summit of the mountain, the
+goats had completely disappeared, and looking in various directions
+in order to discover the hiding place of the fugitives, the plucky
+horsemen cast their glances at that part of the mountain at the foot
+of which spread itself out like a fairyland the perfectly magnificent
+valley of Alazana. And how beautiful she looked on this rare sunny day,
+all shining with soft sweet rays, separated from each other by a large
+number of various colored shades, one more perfect and exquisite than
+the other.
+
+Now she would seem to take a bath in some pale, rosy waves, produced
+by an unknown marvellous battery of light, then again she so dazzled
+in precious gold and finally blazed with emeralds and the branches of
+its quite innumerable vineyards. There was also the sea of clusters,
+which could be distinguished through its little fruit garden, and
+like gigantic flower bushes they concentrated in themselves an amazing
+variety of flowers from the very most conspicuous to the darkest and
+palest. In astonishment did the hunters stop. Till then none of the
+Toushines had known about the existence of the highly blessed and
+favored Kakhitia. Being illuminated and showing all of her blinding
+beauty, she indeed seemed to them a perfect paradise and attracted
+forever their exultant glances. And the hunt and goats and everything
+else was forgotten. They stood there in perfect adoration of this
+unusual perfection of beauty and being unable to resist any longer
+the force which drew them nearer and nearer to the happy land, they
+descended into the gorge of Pankisse. On the River Bazzarisse-Tskali
+they chanced to come upon a detachment of Tartar frontier guards,
+who immediately surrounded the newcomers, and having dealt with them
+in the most insulting and truly shameful manner, again chased them
+into the mountains from which they had come. Arriving at home, the
+indignant Toushines made a halt near that river, where the nation
+usually assembled when it was necessary to decide some important
+affairs. Here did they also announce the facts of their perilous
+adventure and demand a revenge. Soon by the summons of the Elder
+there came together not only the Toushines, but also the Pchaves and
+Khevsourians, called in to give their advice.
+
+They all unanimously decided to take terrible revenge for the insult
+inflicted on their countrymen. The Pchaves and Khevsourians promised
+their assistance and with general consent the whole army was divided
+into two parts. One division was to conceal itself in the gorge of
+Pankisse, while the other should direct itself towards the Baktrionan
+fortress, which was situated to the east of Alazana and was in those
+remote times considered a very powerful fortification. Nowadays we can
+judge of it only by its ruins, which, however, all testify its past
+grandeur and mightiness. It was impossible to cross the river otherwise
+than over the bridge, which the sly Tartars covered with ashes in order
+to always find out the exact number and direction of new arrivals. But
+this ingenious slyness was not long hidden from the searching eye
+of Zesva, the valiant leader of the detachment. He ordered to stop
+the horses near the outer gates and, riding at full speed across the
+bridge, he succeeded in hiding himself in a valley before the Tartars
+found time to appear. The latter, guiding themselves by the direction
+of the traces, started in pursuit of their antagonists, but with every
+step getting farther and farther away from those to capture which was
+their intense desire. In the meantime the night came on and, profiting
+by the darkness, the Toushines reached the foot of the very fortress
+without being noticed by anyone. Having ordered his warriors to rest,
+Zesva, without breaking the silence, took up a hammer, covered it
+with cow-hair felt, unloaded from his horse a very large maprasha
+(i.e., a pair of sacks tied unto the steed) filled with strong iron
+tusks and knocked the first great nail into the battlements of the
+fortress, and standing upon it and reaching as high as possible he made
+a second one stick, and thus he continued until he had made himself a
+kind of ladder of iron hooks to the tip-top of the high rampart wall,
+whence he jumped down and in a flash threw open the heavy gates.
+
+Like a rushing stream did the Toushines make their way into the
+fortress, while the first rays of the rising sun were falling upon
+the grim old fortifications. The Tartars, half asleep, ran out
+into a field, but in vain for now they were met by the Pchaves and
+Khevsoures, who had ventured out from the gorge of Pankisse. The
+Tartars, surrounded on all sides, were exterminated to the last one
+and the field of honor of Allavanne, on which the glorious fight had
+taken place, was from now on known under the name of "Gatzvetila"
+(from the word "gatsveta"--"they are killing").
+
+The magnanimous and lion-hearted Zesva handed out all the rich booty
+of this ever-memorable day to his faithful allies, i.e., the Pchaves
+and Khevsoures, while Gatzvetila became the common property of all
+Toushines. Nowadays this historic spot is known under the designation,
+"Field of Allavanna." Some people pretend that this name comes from the
+Georgian word "ali," i.e., "flame," as on this field, after the fire of
+the battle, the Tartar blood went on smoking for a long time; others
+say this name originates from the Kshtinskian words "al" = vladyka and
+"va" = here. This latter supposition, it seems to me, must be nearer in
+approaching the truth, as Allvani was one of the country palaces of
+Tamara, the ruins of which were not kept, although traditions confirm
+the existence of a palace on the above-mentioned field.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+XIII. THE TALE OF MIKHIAN
+
+A LEGEND
+
+
+A wonderfully gorgeous reception was being prepared at the Turkish
+Court. The Sultan had taken it into his head to brilliantly celebrate
+and entertain the all-famous hero-prince Solagge, a Mikhian by descent,
+who had just arrived in his domains. At the door the Vizir met the
+guest with open arms and explained to him what a fortunate concurrence
+of circumstances it had been that had granted Turkey the chance of
+beholding him within their borders. Solagge wanted to reply, but the
+Vizir, without listening to him, continued his pompous speech and
+thus obliged his guest to hold his tongue. The Vizir had received
+instructions from the Sultan to seek out means under pretense of
+friendship and veneration in order to have the famous hero perish,
+and so the sly Ottoman official proposed that he should fight a duel
+with an Arab giant and boxer, promising in reward for victory the
+position of a Pasha of Achaltsisk. Solagge refused the reward, not
+wishing to abandon little Mikhia, to serve which he had devoted his
+whole life, but the duel he accepted, and so the Vizir personally
+brought him a rare and expensive horse with a golden saddle, gold
+stirrups, etc., saying: "Here you have a steed worthy of a future
+Pasha of Achaltsisk." On a Friday the whole town came together on a
+well-known square. Proudly did the Arab rival parade on his foaming
+horse. Solagge reverently bowed to him, but the former, instead of
+replying, simply rushed at his antagonist with a hatchet in his hand.
+
+Notwithstanding the perfectly unexpected attack, Solagge all the same
+succeeded in repelling him, but a second and even a third hatchet
+came flying after the first. The clever Mikhian missed their aim and
+without trouble succeeded in protecting himself against all of them and
+was soon on the point of attacking his enemy. Like a regular tornado
+he pounced down upon his rival and at full gallop let his own hatchet
+fall on him. He cut the Arab through and through and threw him off his
+horse to the ground. Wishing to speedily arouse the dissatisfaction
+of the people, the moullahs (i.e., priests) surrounded the corpse,
+read aloud the Khoran and filled the air with their hideous mournful
+lamentations and cries. But the nation, greatly delighted over the
+daring exploit of Solagge, remained perfectly insensible to their
+never-ceasing weeping and howling.
+
+With great signs of distinction was Solagge conducted into the palace,
+where the Sultan, after a most friendly and hearty reception and
+pleasant congratulations, rewarded his excessive chivalry with gold
+and precious stones and again offered him the position of a Pasha of
+Achaltsisk, but Solagge refused even a second time.
+
+"Remember thy wonderful strength and the extraordinary mightiness
+which thou wilt be able to dispose of!" said the Sultan.
+
+"O Sovereign!" replied the famous hero, "I sincerely thank thee for
+the honor thou bestowest upon me and the extreme confidence which thou
+hast in me, but know thou then that being inspired by the mercy of
+God with that serene strength which hath drawn unto me thine elevated
+attention, I nevertheless do not feel the least need in obtaining
+any other power, whatever it may be, besides the one which gives me
+the love of my fellow-citizens."
+
+And Solagge remained true to his word and passed his whole life
+in poor Mikhia, protecting the slighted, punishing the lawless, and
+never died, for even down to our days he lives with boundless glory in
+national songs and legends, blessed and adored by every generation,
+as a shining example of courage and uncorrupted and sincere love for
+his native land.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Caucasian Legends, by A. Goulbat
+
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Caucasian Legends, by A. Goulbat
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Caucasian Legends
+
+Author: A. Goulbat
+
+Translator: Sergei de Wesselitsky-Bojidarovitch
+
+Release Date: March 14, 2011 [EBook #35577]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAUCASIAN LEGENDS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net for Project
+Gutenberg (This file was produced from images generously
+made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<div class="front">
+<div class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first"></p>
+<div class="figure xd20e91width"><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt=
+"Original Front Cover." width="464" height="720"></div>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first"></p>
+<div class="figure xd20e97width"><img src="images/titlepage.png" alt=
+"Original Title Page." width="449" height="720"></div>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div class="titlePage">
+<div class="docTitle">
+<div class="mainTitle">Caucasian Legends</div>
+</div>
+<div class="byline">Translated from the Russian of<br>
+<span class="docAuthor">A. Goulbat</span><br>
+By<br>
+<span class="docAuthor">Sergei de
+Wesselitsky-Bojidarovitch</span></div>
+<div class="docImprint">Hinds, Noble &amp; Eldredge<br>
+31, 33, 35 West Fifteenth St. New York City</div>
+</div>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[<a id="xd20e123" href="#xd20e123" name=
+"xd20e123">2</a>]</span></p>
+<div class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first xd20e125"><span class="sc">Copyright, 1904,
+by</span><br>
+Sergei de Wesselitsky-Bojidarovitch <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"xd20e130" href="#xd20e130" name="xd20e130">3</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div id="toc" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">Contents</h2>
+<ul>
+<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class="tocPagenum">Page</span></li>
+<li>I. <span class="sc"><a href="#ch1">The Rain</a></span>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class="tocPagenum">9</span></li>
+<li>II. <span class="sc"><a href="#ch2">Bakarr I., Tsar of
+Georgia</a></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=
+"tocPagenum">15</span></li>
+<li>III. <span class="sc"><a href="#ch3">The Incombustible
+Tulip</a></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=
+"tocPagenum">18</span></li>
+<li>IV. <span class="sc"><a href="#ch4">Saint Nina</a></span>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class="tocPagenum">37</span></li>
+<li>V. <span class="sc"><a href="#ch5">The Diamond</a></span>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class="tocPagenum">82</span></li>
+<li>VI. <span class="sc"><a href="#ch6">Happiness Is Within
+Us</a></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=
+"tocPagenum">95</span></li>
+<li>VII. <span class="sc"><a href="#ch7">The Tribute of
+Roses</a></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=
+"tocPagenum">109</span></li>
+<li>VIII. <span class="sc"><a href="#ch8">The Lot of the Holy
+Virgin</a></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=
+"tocPagenum">118</span></li>
+<li>IX. <span class="sc"><a href="#ch9">The Comet</a></span>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class="tocPagenum">128</span></li>
+<li>X. <span class="sc"><a href="#ch10">The Jewel Necklace</a></span>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class="tocPagenum">139</span></li>
+<li>XI. <span class="sc"><a href="#ch11">St. Mourvanoss</a></span>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class="tocPagenum">146</span></li>
+<li>XII. <span class="sc"><a href="#ch12">Zesva</a></span>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class="tocPagenum">153</span></li>
+<li>XIII. <span class="sc"><a href="#ch13">The Tale of
+Mikhian</a></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=
+"tocPagenum">156</span></li>
+</ul>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb5" href="#pb5" name=
+"pb5">5</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">Preface of the Translator</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">Last year the Georgian people celebrated the one
+hundredth anniversary of the annexation of its country to the dominion
+of the Great White Tsar. These past one hundred years have been an era
+of uninterrupted and prosperous development of this nation of chivalry
+and heroism as well as loyalty and devotion to a great and good cause.
+In the third century A. D., the Georgians were converted to
+Christianity by Saint Nina. Ever since they have been a mighty fortress
+of christendom amidst wild and fanatic Mahometan tribes. Many a time
+their loyalty to their faith was sorely tried by the unparalleled
+cruelty of the Turks and Persians. Their capital was destroyed again
+and again, their churches ransacked and they commanded to tread upon
+the holy images which they venerated from childhood upwards. But even
+in such a terrible moment the Georgians showed themselves worthy of
+their all glorious traditions and thousands found their death in the
+River Koura at Tiflis, their chosen capital. For centuries this little
+nation of heroes battled with the Infidels and great was their
+distress, almost overcome by the gigantic forces of savage enemies,
+when a protector appeared in the north and re-established law and
+order, confidence and happiness. Seeing that it was essential to assure
+a permanent security, the ruler of Georgia asked in the name of his
+people to be annexed to the Motherhood of Orthodox Nations.</p>
+<p>I here reproduce a translation from the Russian of the reply of
+Alexander I. Parlovitch, Emperor of all the Russias (1801):
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb6" href="#pb6" name=
+"pb6">6</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not to increase our forces, not for the gain and extension of
+ours, the mightiest empire in the world, do we take upon ourselves the
+burden of the administration of the Georgian kingdom. Worthiness,
+honor, and humanity alone place on us the holy duty to establish in
+Georgia a government which may found righteousness, safety, and give
+every one protection of the law.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Those are the noble terms of one of Russia&rsquo;s noblest rulers,
+and upon them is based the policy of the administration in regard to
+the Georgians. The Georgians, being of the same faith as the Russians,
+sympathize with the latter and are nowadays both a bulwark of the
+orthodox church and of the true Russian conservative governmental
+spirit. In the wars of 1853&ndash;56 and 1877&ndash;78 they fully
+proved their perfect fidelity and chivalrous readiness to assist their
+great deliverers against the Turks. The men of Georgia are renowned for
+their heroism, while the women of that country are the most beautiful
+in the world. The chief occupations of the Georgians are: pasturing,
+farming, jewelry work, silk-manufacturing, and wine-growing. The
+Georgians, taken as a whole, receive a considerable amount of
+education, and their newspapers, several of which are published at
+Tiflis, are very good. The leading paper is the &ldquo;Iveria&rdquo;
+(<i>i. e.</i>, Georgia). Tiflis, the traditional capital of Georgia, is
+a city of 180,000 inhabitants, among whom are 33,000 Georgians proper.
+A number of other tribes or nationalities such as the Imeretians,
+Gourians, Mingrelians, Wanetes, Khevsoures, etc., also belong to what
+is called the Georgian family of nations. The greatest poet of Georgia
+is Prince Kazbek. Among the grand old families we find the Orbelians,
+who trace their ancestry back to an emperor of China, the
+Chavchavadzes, the Growzinskys, Bgaration-Moukranskys, Amilakvaris,
+Tsitsianovs, and many others, all of whom have rendered their native
+land incomparable services and deserve the highest praise. The author
+of the legends which I have attempted to translate, is a native
+Georgian, Mr. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb7" href="#pb7" name=
+"pb7">7</a>]</span>A. Goulbat, now living in Central Russia and leading
+a literary life. He is filled with enthusiasm for his native land and
+its valiant inhabitants. I have tried as well as I knew how to
+translate the legends in the same spirit as the author wrote them in
+the original, which was Russian.</p>
+<p class="signed"><span class="sc">Sergei de
+Wesselitsky-Bojidarovitch.</span> <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb9"
+href="#pb9" name="pb9">9</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div class="body">
+<div id="ch1" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="super">Caucasian Legends</h2>
+<h2 class="main">I. The Rain</h2>
+<h2 class="sub">A Legend of the 11th Century</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">At the time of Tsar George I (the rulers of Georgia
+were called Tsars = kings), in the 11th century, there lived the famous
+general, Kaiours, belonging to the glorious Orbeliani family. It is
+known that these princes trace their ancestry from an emperor of China
+and more than once intermarried with our rulers, in consequence of
+which their position at the court of Georgia was an exceptionally
+pleasant one. It is necessary to add to this that the submission and
+zeal of the princes Orbeliani fully repaid this distinction. They
+occupied from generation to generation the post of Sparapet, that is,
+of general in chief of all the Georgian forces, and astonished the
+world with their bravery. When George went to war with the Greeks,
+Kaiours was taken prisoner, and as this took place during the battle of
+Shirimna, where a great many Georgian leaders, among them the generals
+Ratt and Zovatt, brothers of Kaiours, were lost, the Tsar for a long
+time thought that Kaiours had died together with them. It was only when
+the negotiations for peace began, that Emperor Vassilii the Second
+proposed to the Tsar to exchange Kaiours for fourteen fortresses, viz.,
+for one in Tao, one in Baisiana, one in Artana, one in Kola, one in
+Djavaheta, in Shavhetta, and so on; and besides he demanded as hostage
+George&rsquo;s three-year-old son, the Tsarevitch-successor Bagrat.
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb10" href="#pb10" name=
+"pb10">10</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&ldquo;I am so much indebted to the princely family of the
+Orbelianis that I would consent to give half my kingdom for
+them,&rdquo; answered the Tsar.</p>
+<p>At the end of the negotiations it was decided that the
+Tsarevitch-successor should remain as hostage at Constantinople until
+the Greeks had succeeded in introducing their administration in the
+above mentioned fortresses and in no case longer than three years.
+There were those who criticised the Tsar for giving away fourteen of
+the best fortresses in exchange for one man, but the people almost
+killed them. The general confidence in the warlike capacities of the
+princes Orbeliani was so boundless that many openly said: &ldquo;Let
+only Kaiours come back and by him we shall not only regain possession
+of all our fortresses, but with the help of God we shall obtain the
+foreign ones!&rdquo; There was no end to joy when he returned home.
+More than all rejoiced his twelve-year-old daughter Tamara. The
+captivity of the father was a great grief to her, as in his absence her
+mother and brother died. Seeing Tamara riding forth by herself to meet
+him, accompanied by an old gamdela (nurse) and several bitchos (young
+boys, servants), the hero Kaiours, the very glance of whom turned whole
+regiments to flight, cried like a child. Father and daughter tenderly
+embraced and for a long time could not speak.</p>
+<p>The cries of joy among the people ceased, all remembered the good
+princess and the pretty boy, who had accompanied her everywhere, and
+sadness darkened the general joyousness. Kaiours was the first one to
+recover. He addressed those who had come to meet him and invited them
+to his house, to feast with him. &ldquo;Tamara tries by her courtesy to
+take the place of my princess,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;the Lord is not
+without mercy; during my captivity he gave me a son in exchange for the
+one whom he took away. <a id="xd20e284" name=
+"xd20e284"></a>Plinii,&rdquo; Kaiours says, turning to a handsome
+youth, standing behind him, &ldquo;help thy sister and me to serve the
+guests.&rdquo; All looks were now fixed on Plinii; tall, well-built,
+with fine, regular features, he bore <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb11" href="#pb11" name="pb11">11</a>]</span>an unmistakable stamp of
+aristocratic descent. Feeling himself the object of general interest,
+he blushed and drooped his eyes, like our bashful young ladies, and
+this modesty at once disposed everybody in his favor.</p>
+<p>The old nobleman Alexander, whom for his bravery and warlike
+successes they all called &ldquo;the Macedonian,&rdquo; sat down by
+Kaiours and began to speak thus: &ldquo;Friend, thou hast rightly said
+that the Lord compensated thee for the loss of thy son by a fine youth,
+whose attachment and filial respect to you we all see and which dispose
+us in his favor, but we should also like to know who he is and why thou
+didst adopt him?&rdquo; &ldquo;During my captivity,&rdquo; answered
+Kaiours, &ldquo;the Lord sent me a friend. He was a well-known
+dignitary, a favorite of the Emperor and did not need the friendship of
+the prisoner, nevertheless not a day went by that he did not visit me.
+We related to each other our war reminiscences and soon began to love
+each other like brothers. When I received news of the death of my wife
+and son, his friendly sympathy was my sole consolation. He told me
+about his life and thus I found out that he had lost his loving
+companion on the day of Plinii&rsquo;s birth. The boy is now eighteen
+years old and healthy, but not strong, and must be carefully looked
+after. Before my departure my friend fell ill and called me to him.
+&lsquo;I am dying,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;and thank God that this
+happens before thy departure, because I am going to hand over to your
+care my greatest treasure. Adopt Plinii instead of that son whom God
+took away from thee. The doctors think that his health needs a much
+warmer climate than ours.&rsquo; I swore to love and treat him like my
+son and hope that the Lord will help me to fulfill my vow!&rdquo;
+continued Kaiours.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Thou didst satisfy my curiosity on one point,&rdquo; said
+Alexander&mdash;&ldquo;now I want to find out something else, but for
+this we must repair to some other place. My heart also grieves about
+the son, who by the will of the monarch is among the young men
+accompanying the Tsarevitch-heir to Greece. Although our separation
+will not exceed <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb12" href="#pb12" name=
+"pb12">12</a>]</span>three years, yet it does seem an eternity to
+me.&rdquo; At these words the old men retired, and when they returned
+they were carrying bowls of horn, filled with wine. With a gay
+countenance they addressed the feasting crowd. &ldquo;Friends,&rdquo;
+said Alexander, &ldquo;congratulate me and help me to thank Kaiours,
+who gives me the very best he possesses: I asked the gift of the hand
+of his daughter for my boy.&rdquo; Numberless people offered their
+congratulations and the feasting continued far into the night. Kaiours
+and Alexander saw each other often, the latter always hastened to
+communicate any news about the son. In the meantime it was discovered
+that the young men who accompanied Bagrat were learning all European
+languages and sciences.</p>
+<p>Kaiours thought thus: &ldquo;I gave my daughter an entirely Georgian
+education, she knows neither European languages nor those arts by which
+the women over there so attract young men; would she not appear strange
+to your son?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Quite unexpectedly was heard Plinii&rsquo;s sweet voice.
+&ldquo;Allow me to say a word.&rdquo; The old men stared at him; he
+stood before them all red with emotion. &ldquo;Speak!&rdquo; was their
+unanimous answer.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;My late father did not mind spending any sum for my
+instruction, they taught me everything that is to be learned in our
+country. I easily learned the sciences, and if you permit me I shall be
+only too glad to educate my sister, who herself has a great passion for
+learning.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Permission was given, and from then on the young people were
+inseparable. Under Plinii&rsquo;s direction Tamara soon acquired great
+perfection in Greek. They studied together the poets, committing the
+finest parts to memory. Tamara&rsquo;s wonderful voice grew still
+grander when she learned from Plinii how to accustom it to the rules of
+music. A harp was obtained, and for whole hours at a time they rejoiced
+in song. To the young people days, weeks, and months went by with
+extraordinary rapidity, they were perfectly happy and for a long
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb13" href="#pb13" name=
+"pb13">13</a>]</span>time could not imagine how they had become so dear
+to each other. Being confident in Kaiours&rsquo;s affection, they
+fearlessly announced to him their discovery. But as Kaiours had once
+given his word to Alexander, he did not consider it right to break it.
+The lessons were stopped and Plinii forbidden to visit Tamara except in
+the presence of her father.</p>
+<p>The young people&rsquo;s happiness suddenly turned to deep grief,
+which Kaiours, who loved them sincerely, secretly shared. After a few
+days of such torture, Plinii could not restrain his feelings and found
+occasion to have a secret interview with Tamara. With tears in his eyes
+he implored her to run away with him to Greece and there be married,
+but neither prayers nor tears could persuade her to become disobedient
+to her father.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;As thy wife should be so superior to all others as thou art
+the most beautiful man in the world,&rdquo; said Tamara, &ldquo;how
+canst thou wish to marry a runaway girl? No, Plinii, let us wait! God
+is omnipotent! He knows, sees and esteems everything in due measure. He
+knows very well whether we find it easy not to be able to see each
+other, and I am sure that if we do nothing to provoke him, he himself
+will find means to stop our separation; only this I pray thee, do not
+forget me and don&rsquo;t try to find an occasion to see me
+secretly.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Morning and evening, day and night, Tamara prayed to God to make an
+end to their separation, and the Lord answered her prayer. Once upon a
+time, accompanied by an old nurse and a bitcho (young boy servant), she
+started on a pilgrimage to some distant monastery where there lived an
+old man of ascetic life. To him Tamara revealed her grief and the old
+man led her into his garden. There in the presence of all he began to
+pray for her, and suddenly a terrible cloud appeared, lightning was
+seen and fearful strokes of thunder were heard. Those who were present
+fell to the ground from fright. At last the storm was over.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Arise!&rdquo; said the prior, &ldquo;the Lord has heard us
+sinners and comforted Tamara!&rdquo; <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb14" href="#pb14" name="pb14">14</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&ldquo;But where is she?&rdquo; they asked.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;There,&rdquo; answered the old man, pointing to a magnificent
+fragrant lily, which had suddenly appeared in the midst of his garden.
+&ldquo;The Lord turned her into a flower,&rdquo; he continued.</p>
+<p>The people would not believe it. The nurse spread a rumor that the
+crafty abbot had hidden Tamara. Forgetting godly fear and fearing
+Kaiours&rsquo;s wrath, she insulted and cursed him. The boy servants,
+among whom there were many Mahometans, searched the whole monastery,
+all the surrounding woods and bushes, and not finding Tamara anywhere,
+they killed the holy old man and burned down the monastery. The ancient
+building stood in flames, also the stone enclosure, many a hundred year
+old tree, the huge library, in fact all the scanty good of the images.
+Alone the church and the lily into which Tamara had been transformed
+were spared.</p>
+<p>Upon hearing of what had occurred, Kaiours and Plinii hastened to
+the spot. In the church there was nobody, everything else represented a
+field of coal and ashes. Tamara was nowhere to be found. Only in the
+midst of all these ashes there grew a splendid, fresh, fragrant white
+lily.</p>
+<p>Plinii was the first to approach her and began to cry. Kaiours
+followed him and was very much startled. He noticed that when
+Plinii&rsquo;s tears fell on the coal surrounding the lily, her tender
+leaves grew quite yellow from jealousy; on the other hand when they
+dripped into the lily she grew red from joy.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Tamara, is it thou we see?&rdquo; asked the father.</p>
+<p>Just at that moment there came up a little breeze and Kaiours and
+Plinii heard distinctly as though the leaves spoke:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It is I, father!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The inconsolable father could not stand the loss of his daughter and
+immediately died from grief, but poor Plinii cried so much and so long
+and so fervently prayed to God that he might be united with Tamara,
+that in the end <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb15" href="#pb15" name=
+"pb15">15</a>]</span>the Lord transformed him to rain. I have heard
+that in bygone times whenever a dryness set in the inhabitants of the
+surrounding villages hastened to the abandoned church, around which
+lilies always grew in abundance, and picked whole baskets of them. They
+scattered the fragrant harvest in the fields and gardens and the young
+maidens sang Tamara&rsquo;s song. The lovely melodious composition was
+as fragrant and clean as the dear flower which they glorified. This
+song, indeed, is Tamara&rsquo;s very prayer, showing all her childish
+faith in God&rsquo;s almightiness. It ends with an invocation of
+Plinii, who, they say, always appears in the form of a warm, beneficial
+rain. I heard even that these lilies preserved a rare capacity, viz.,
+sometimes to grow red, sometimes yellow, and our maidens thus concluded
+that these flowers could tell one&rsquo;s fortune. Each maiden notices
+one flower and after the rain goes to look for it. Is the lily yellow,
+the young girl entertains great fears as to the fidelity of her lover;
+is it red, she never doubts his attachment to her. Whether this quaint
+custom still prevails I don&rsquo;t know. I am always sorry when some
+such tradition becomes forgotten! In our ancient legends there was so
+much of the truthful, honorable and elevated that these circumstances
+alone rendered them most instructive.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div id="ch2" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">II. Bakarr the First, Tsar of Georgia</h2>
+<h2 class="sub">A Story</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">Bakarr the First ascended the throne after the death
+of his well-beloved and much-esteemed father, Mirian the Converter.
+Remembering the counsels of his dear, dear father, he turned all his
+glorious efforts towards converting and instructing those mountain
+inhabitants who had not submitted themselves to the peremptory orders
+of Mirian and had thus not appeared to be baptized with the rest of the
+grand old nation. Highly <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb16" href=
+"#pb16" name="pb16">16</a>]</span>honorable in every way, simple in his
+manners, the ever-patient Bakarr finally succeeded in obtaining the
+long desired baptism of the wild unbelievers, without applying any
+forcible and dangerous measures. Having heard of his peacefulness of
+character, the Armenian Tsar thought it opportune to take the throne
+away from him and hand it over to Irdat, the son of the deceased
+Tsarevitch Revv and the Armenian Tsarevna Salomee. But Bakarr united
+all the qualities of a brave and excellent general with the greatest
+virtues of an earnest, peaceful Tsar. He therefore arranged an alliance
+with his dear nephew, the Persian King Kossrovve the Second, and
+jointly with him, in a fearful and hard-fought battle in the province
+of Djavakheta, completely defeated and destroyed the wretched Armenian
+army and turned it to disgraceful flight. The amply terrified Tsarevna
+Salomee begged the Emperor of Greece to be kind enough to explain to
+Bakarr that the Armenian Tsar had not acted upon her advice or
+desire.</p>
+<p>Willing to let each one of his loving subjects approach and debate
+with him, Bakarr on the other hand did not consider it in accordance
+with his sublime merit to have the neighboring sovereigns mix in and
+begin to reason about his own family affairs, and therefore he briefly
+replied to the great Greek Emperor thus: &ldquo;Until in the family of
+the Georgian Tsar Bakarr the First there proveth to be one who is
+unable and too weak to properly reign, the throne will belong to it,
+and the children of Revv ought not to bring forth the slightest
+pretensions.<span class="corr" id="xd20e346" title=
+"Not in source">&rdquo;</span> To his ally, however, to Kossrovve the
+Second, he announced that the attack of the Armenian Tsar forced him to
+seriously look after the safety and education of the children of his
+brother and sister, whom Mirian willingly permitted to be married to
+Pkerose. Actually at the end of the war, the first active deed of
+Bakarr was the exact arrangement about the domains of Pkerose.</p>
+<p>Instead of Rana from Bardave on, given to Pkerose by Mirian, he
+begged Bakarr to give him Sammshvillde, <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb17" href="#pb17" name="pb17">17</a>]</span>to which the Tsar fully
+consented, constructing a direct line as far as the entrance of the
+Christavstvo (province) of Abbots. Deeply moved by the
+great-heartedness of the Tsar, Pkerose accepted Christianity and was
+baptized with his whole nation, but Bakarr occupied himself with
+thoroughly settling the widow and children of his brother Revv.</p>
+<p>He led them to Kouketka, and having made his way into Roustava, he
+handed over this country to the administration of his nephews Irdat and
+Bakourious with the title of kristaves, and under them their mother
+Salomee quietly lived in their company. This sovereign sacrificed his
+whole life to the betterment and thorough reforming of his great
+monarchy and distinguished himself by passionate uprightness. He
+considerably increased the churches and the church servants. By him was
+also founded the perfectly magnificent cathedral of Tsillkanny.</p>
+<p>He died in the year three hundred and sixty-four and was buried by
+the side of his father Mirian. Before dying he also, just like Mirian,
+hung his royal crown on the marvellous cross of Saint Nina, touched his
+son and successor Mirdat the Second with it, and afterwards placed the
+crown on the head of his son and openly proclaimed him his rightful
+heir. This solemn custom was strictly observed by all Georgian Tsars.
+Although Bakarr made absolutely no new acquisitions, yet his short but
+most wise administration had firmly united together all decaying,
+poorer, and mutually inimical parts of his government, and finally
+confirmed the actual preponderance of Christianity over all other
+religions, and therefore his reign was considered one of the very best
+and most blissful. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb18" href="#pb18"
+name="pb18">18</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div id="ch3" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">III. The Incombustible Tulip</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">In the second century B. C., Armenia was governed by
+Valarsass, the brother of the Persian Shah Arsass the Great. At that
+period the countries to the north of the Arabs were called Chaldea and
+Pontus. In the latter lived a young hero, Morphiliziy, who at the head
+of his followers could not only repel all attacks of Valarsass, but
+even in a decisive battle completely defeated him; thereupon he annexed
+also the Georgian frontier counties, among others Kaeounan, and was
+proclaimed Tsar (King) by his grateful subjects.</p>
+<p>It happened that just then Kaeounan was governed by John, a native
+of the city of Damascus, whom they therefore called Damassk,
+<i>i.e.</i>, the Damascian. He was a widower and possessed but one
+daughter, a perfect beauty, by the name of Nina. During the battle,
+Damassk, through his personal bravery, attracted Morphiliziy&rsquo;s
+attention, who challenged him to a duel. For a long time the old
+warrior&rsquo;s experience counterbalanced the hero&rsquo;s strength of
+the Pontitian, but in the end his old strength began to give way, his
+movements slackened their usual rapidity and he could not escape from
+Morphiliziy&rsquo;s horse, which transpierced him. Dripping with blood,
+he fell from the faithful steed. At that moment Morphiliziy jumped off
+his horse and tried to revive him with all his strength. The dying man
+opened his eyes.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Ask whatever favor thou wishest, old hero!&rdquo; the
+conqueror exclaimed. &ldquo;In thee I found the first man whose
+military adroitness excelled mine!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t abandon my daughter,&rdquo; murmured John, and
+thereupon died.</p>
+<p>Entering Kaeounan, Morphiliziy first of all rushed to John&rsquo;s
+house and was astounded by Nina&rsquo;s beauty. <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb19" href="#pb19" name=
+"pb19">19</a>]</span>&ldquo;She shall be my wife!&rdquo; he loudly
+broke out, and immediately appointed a day for the wedding.</p>
+<p>With fright the unhappy orphan heard of this decision. How could
+she, who so dearly loved her father, become the wife of his
+murderer.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not for anything in the world,&rdquo; she repeated a thousand
+times in one hour, and upon pronouncing that sentence, her magnificent
+eyes, which were usually a very ocean of goodness and mildness, were
+filled with some terrible fire.</p>
+<p>We must notice that in those times it was customary among our
+noblemen to choose gamdelis among the Jewesses, for their daughters.
+John had of course followed the general custom, and little Nina, who in
+early childhood had lost her mother, loved her gamdela (nurse) with all
+the enthusiasm of her daring soul. All of the gamdela&rsquo;s tastes
+were Nina&rsquo;s. Her faith, her God were the same faith and the same
+God as her pupil&rsquo;s. Thus the nurse was the first person to come
+to hear of Nina&rsquo;s decision and was asked for advice. The old
+woman silently listened to her and long did not say a word, only the
+features of her face took a painful expression.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why art thou so silent?&rdquo; impatiently remarked Nina.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I am reflecting whether I shall tell thee still another cause
+for thy refusing Morphiliziy or whether it is better to say no more
+about it.&rdquo; At last with a sad smile she broke out and at the same
+time her piercing glance was fixed on Nina, who flew into a passion and
+turned away.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And so my supposition is true, thou dost love the aznaoure of
+Cicero!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Nina threw herself on the floor and hid her grieved face between the
+knees of the gamdela. The old woman caressingly touched her long hair
+with her wrinkled hands and began to think; at last she decided to
+reveal the result of her reflections.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Thou art so young that I am afraid to advise thee seriously.
+Could not a time well come when thou mayest be sorry to have made him
+thy master, who might <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb20" href="#pb20"
+name="pb20">20</a>]</span>be thy slave? Remember that Morphiliziy is a
+king, but Cicero does not even belong to the aristocracy. He is a
+simple, poor nobleman of such as thy father had many; were he alive
+such a marriage would hardly suit him. Besides thou art accustomed to
+luxury, while Cicero has absolutely nothing, also whatever thou hast
+thou canst never give away. The only means to unite you is for you to
+run immediately into the country of his forefathers and there be
+married. I tell thee openly: What disposes me in favor of Cicero is his
+constant, endless and boundless submission to thee. I noticed it long
+ago and have been watching him, but notwithstanding my experience and
+closest attention, I did not find a single instance in which he might
+be blamed.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The hidden face of the young lady lit up with some roguish smile.
+Perhaps she thought that the nurse esteemed her sagacity too highly.
+Whatever may have been her feelings, the moment she raised her head
+from the knees of the old woman, all traces of her smiles vanished. She
+sat upon the floor at the nurse&rsquo;s feet and for a long time they
+silently glanced at each other; each one had her idea. Suddenly Nina
+quite unexpectedly threw her white hands around the neck of the old
+woman, hid her face on her shoulder and loudly cried.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Gamdela,&rdquo; she passionately said, &ldquo;arrange it as
+thou didst just now propose, arrange it all if thou lovest me and dost
+not wish that I should die! I don&rsquo;t want, I cannot&mdash;no, I
+will not live without Cicero! For him I will give up with joy and
+distinction my riches or even the royal crown! What is all that to me
+if I am not to have him? Dost thou understand, dear nurse, that I love
+him more than I ever loved thee, or my father; that I love him more
+than whosoever in the world; that I love him as fishes do water. And
+thou sayest that he could be my slave&mdash;well, do I want such a
+thing? I myself desire to be his slave and do all he commands! I love
+him just because he is poor, unknown and a stranger to every one
+here!&rdquo; and Nina again became hysterical. <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb21" href="#pb21" name="pb21">21</a>]</span></p>
+<p>The poor gamdela did her best to quiet the young girl with caressing
+movements of her aged hands, she herself trembled from emotion, quietly
+cried and innerly prayed. In the end she succeeded in putting Nina to
+bed and herself called for Cicero, and with her first glance at the
+young man persuaded herself that she was not mistaken as to his
+boundless devotion to Nina. Yesterday still all fell in love with the
+handsome youth, in the best of health, but now he stood before her with
+a rawboned pale face and castdown eyes, even the lips grew white and
+their edges nervously jerked.</p>
+<p>The old woman with precaution informed him how matters stood, and
+immediately tried with all her might to restrain his boundless joy.</p>
+<p>When he had reflected a little, she ordered to prepare two riding
+horses for the hour of midnight and advised Cicero to wait at the
+Western Gates, whither she promised to bring Nina, dressed in
+men&rsquo;s clothes.</p>
+<p>Upon this occasion he was also given a belt, richly sewn with gold.
+Having done there everything that was necessary, the gamdela went to
+Nina and prepared her for the hasty departure. Midnight came. With
+silent steps two shades moved through the whole house and across the
+court. At the Western Gates the impatient cavalier was already waiting
+with an extra horse.</p>
+<p>Nina quickly mounted it, with a happy smile motioned to the dear old
+woman, and soon they disappeared in the darkness.</p>
+<p>However much the gamdela wished to remain at the gates, as long as
+the trampling of the galloping hoofs could be heard of those horses
+which took away with them, perhaps forever, all that was dearest to her
+in the whole world, common sense did not permit this and the nurse
+returned home and passed the remainder of the night in tears and
+prayer. At sunrise the house was filled with her lamentations.</p>
+<p>The frightened servants instantly answered her call and found her in
+the garden on the bank of the river. <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb22" href="#pb22" name="pb22">22</a>]</span>By her side lay
+Nina&rsquo;s dress and linen. Seeing people run, she motioned to them,
+and wringing her hands she explained to them that Nina was drowned. Old
+and young rushed to the river, not only the people of the household,
+but the whole town joined those seeking; nevertheless all efforts
+proved to be in vain.</p>
+<p>Morphiliziy&rsquo;s warriors upon hearing of what had taken place
+immediately informed their lord, and were all without exception ordered
+to go to search for Nina. Morphiliziy himself rushed to the garden and
+began to question the grief-stricken old woman.</p>
+<p>From her explanations, constantly interrupted by moaning, he
+understood that Nina long ago asked to go bathing, that the gamdela,
+fearing the swiftness of the river, had not given her permission, and
+that this day at sunrise the impatient girl had quietly slipped out
+into the garden while the nurse was sleeping and got what she desired.
+Awaking and beholding the empty bed, the gamdela immediately ran to the
+banks of the river, but found nothing but Nina&rsquo;s dress.</p>
+<p>Morphiliziy himself went into the water, turned over every bush and
+stone, swam beyond the town, but found nothing at all. Everywhere he
+met people who were on the same errand; the warriors searched, the men
+of Damask, the citizens, yes, all who could swim, were out working, but
+in vain. The grieved sovereign came up on the bank and declared that he
+would grant any reward to him who found Nina living or dead and brought
+her to him. A day went by&mdash;no news. And a second day went by; many
+of those on the lookout returned home with the discouraging news that
+they had not found the girl. The town again took its usual look.
+Morphiliziy alone did not sleep and thoughtfully sat on the roof of his
+house. The night was warm, with bright moonlight, and acted quietingly
+upon the unhappy Tsar. About midnight he beheld a shade approaching his
+house and began to look at it with anxiety. Soon he discovered that it
+was his favorite negro. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb23" href=
+"#pb23" name="pb23">23</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&ldquo;Noy!&rdquo; he cried out.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It is I, sire,&rdquo; replied the negro. &ldquo;Let me
+immediately report.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Come up quickly!&rdquo; and Morphiliziy&rsquo;s heart was
+suddenly bent and frosted and beat so hard that it caused pain. The
+hero put his hand on his breast in the hope of quieting its movements,
+but it went on most painfully and his momentary joy turned to fearful
+worry.</p>
+<p>In a moment Noy appeared before him. &ldquo;Hast thou found her
+alive or dead?&rdquo; he quickly asked.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Living,&rdquo; began Noy, &ldquo;but....&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, where is she then?... a horse, let me have a horse this
+very moment!&rdquo; shouted Morphiliziy, but the disappointed, almost
+terrified looks of Noy caused him to think the matter over.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why art thou thus silent?&rdquo; he impatiently asked the
+slave.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sire ... she is not ... alone! She lives with ... a young
+man!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Morphiliziy turned his back upon the negro in order to hide the
+impression which these words had produced on him. He sat down on a
+stool and pointing to the carpet lying at his feet ordered Noy to
+relate everything in detail and without hurrying.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sire,&rdquo; said the negro&mdash;&ldquo;I wished to deceive
+thee! I wanted to escape bondage and return to the land of my
+forefathers. I thought of taking advantage of the general disorder,
+went into the stable, saddled thy horse, explaining that I was starting
+for the search, and while all the people were looking for Nina along
+the banks of the river, I started in the opposite
+direction&mdash;straight to the sea, where I dreamt of finding a ship
+and sailing away. At first I was unusually delighted, but little by
+little I began to be overpowered by the fear of being pursued. My horse
+flew like the wind and I induced it to go faster and faster. In the
+meantime my fear grew stronger at every step. It changed to
+terror&mdash;into some kind of despair; I no longer let the horse catch
+breath, but chased <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb24" href="#pb24"
+name="pb24">24</a>]</span>him like a crazy man. In the end his speed
+grew smaller. I became furious, tore the cloth and beat him without
+mercy. He still went on a little farther and beyond his strength, and
+then rolled into the dust. This was in a forest. I unsaddled and
+unbridled him, but he did not raise himself and so I continued my way
+on foot. Suddenly I overheard human voices; I stopped and began to
+listen. Evidently these were two persons in love with each other, and I
+had nothing to fear. I cautiously approached, continuing to hide myself
+in thick bushes and trying to look at those conversing.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;To my surprise I beheld two young boys; they sat together and
+were eating. &lsquo;Must we ride still farther?&rsquo; asked the
+younger one.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;I am very tired!&rsquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;It is no wonder you are tired, my little soul,&rsquo;
+replied the older boy, &lsquo;why, see! we did not leave our horses for
+about twenty-four hours; I do think it would be more sensible if we
+remained the night here; I shall light a fire as a guard against wild
+beasts, put under thee my bourka [a long black cape without sleeves
+commonly used all over the Caucasus], and watch while thou art
+asleep!&rsquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;Ah! but if we made for the village thou too couldst
+rest?&rsquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;No, my joy, I am more afraid for thee of Morphiliziy
+and his followers than of all the wild animals of this slumbering
+thicket. From the latter I can always save my bride, but from
+Morphiliziy it is only a wonder if we escape alive!&rsquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I understood all, and impulsively retired. Why should I then
+run away, knowing that thou wouldst give me my freedom in any case.
+Returning to that spot whence I had descended to overhear their
+conversation, I suddenly came upon a little stream and sat down on its
+bank. My crazy race had quite exhausted my strength. I drew some bread
+from my pocket, picked off some wild figs and began to eat, reflecting
+how I should come home the quickest. Seeing where I was, there was no
+use of <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb25" href="#pb25" name=
+"pb25">25</a>]</span>trying to return home on foot, but where should I
+find a horse.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Having finished my meal, I arose and went to that place where
+a few hours before I had abandoned your horse; to my greatest pleasure
+he was munching grass. I led him to the stream, let him drink, saddled
+him and put on the bridle. To ride him would have had no sense. After
+walking an hour he grew more lively, and I began to hope that he was
+recovering, especially as he suddenly joyfully raised his head and
+neighed. I imagined that in the distance some other horse answered
+likewise. I hurried in that direction; after a little while the horses
+again exchanged compliments, and guiding myself by their voices, I soon
+met a young cavalier on a fine Persian horse.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;By his fashionable costume it was easy to distinguish him as
+one of the local aristocrats. I reverently bowed; he answered my salute
+and his eyes were fixed upon thy horse, which he fell in love with,
+like a connoisseur.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;Whither art thou, traveller?&rsquo; he asked.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;I am from afar, sir, sent by my ruler upon a hasty and
+important affair and must walk the rest of the way for I am incapable
+of managing this horse.&rsquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;It is the very best thoroughbred Arabian steed that I
+have ever seen; thou didst excessively tire it and thou wilt certainly
+ruin this jewel for good if you do not give him rest. I don&rsquo;t
+know thy master and don&rsquo;t wish to know his name, but even on his
+own land I cannot allow such a treasure to be ruined. Mount then my
+horse, gallop away to thy lord and tell him that thou didst leave his
+half-dead horse at the tavad of Bidandara&rsquo;s. If he wishes to sell
+him I shall pay any price he may demand; if he does not want to part
+with him, why then let him send back my horse and take back his own; at
+Bidandara&rsquo;s everybody finds hospitality&mdash;even
+animals,&rsquo; and he got off his horse, took hold of and led away
+mine without listening to my exclamations of gratitude.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I gave him time to go a long way and then chased his
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb26" href="#pb26" name=
+"pb26">26</a>]</span>horse still more mercilessly than thine. I knew
+that thou wilt give him the centuple, and therefore thought only how I
+could reach thee the soonest. Upon entering the town he fell and I ran
+the rest of the way on foot. What doest thou command me to do
+now?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;This moment thou wilt choose two of the best horses and lead
+them hither. We shall immediately start in pursuit; tell my lifeguards
+secretly to catch up with us. Let them have pity upon the horses and
+take plenty of wine and provisions with them, for thou must be quite
+hungry!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>In a few minutes the two cavaliers rode out of town and later on
+they were followed by a whole detachment of warriors, trying to catch
+up with them. Morphiliziy was not riding very fast, but thinking. He
+remembered that still a short time before, when but a simple army
+commander, he had no other wishes besides military glory; all his plans
+seemed to have been successfully carried out when he was proclaimed
+King and his name passed from mouth to mouth, surrounded with all the
+glitter of the recent victory.</p>
+<p>The triumph over Damask, the most glorious warrior of his century,
+appeared to him as the height of blissfulness. He remembered also that
+unusual, up to this time new to him, feeling which suddenly arose in
+him upon beholding Nina.</p>
+<p>The very glance at this young girl, hardly out of her teens, drove
+out of his heart and imagination everything in which he up to this
+moment had prided himself&mdash;military glory and victories over
+Valarsass and the accession to the throne&mdash;all vanished somewhere
+in the distance, occupied some remote spot and was no longer of any
+interest to him. And to think that this child had made fun of him! This
+child had managed her nurse and servants and warriors and even him,
+Morphiliziy, the terrible, powerful and invincible conqueror! This
+little girl feared not his anger, was not frightened by his forces, did
+not tremble before his might. His warrior&rsquo;s renown, his
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb27" href="#pb27" name=
+"pb27">27</a>]</span>monarchy, his personal charms had not won her. She
+was not at all excited or especially delighted over the impression she
+had produced upon the hero, and in just the same way she treated a
+little boy, whom he could knock down with one blow like some piece of
+paper!</p>
+<p>He resolved that Nina should be his wife however difficult it might
+be to obtain her hand. She did not wish his love&mdash;she did not see
+the need of his caresses&mdash;&ldquo;then,&rdquo; thought he,
+&ldquo;let her feel my strength, my might, my power&mdash;yes, my
+wrath!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>These reflections were interrupted by the approaching warriors.
+Morphiliziy turned around; the moon lit up his pale face and sparkling
+eyes. The soldiers were frightened, never yet had they seen him look
+thus.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Give Noy wine and bread&mdash;he will eat on the way, but to
+you, my comrades in battle, I shall now unfold the secret of my soul.
+You know my whole life, you know very well that there is not a man who
+could boast of having conquered me; you know too that my very glance
+can put regiments to flight, that my name was sufficient to make kings
+and nations tremble, and now, when I reached the height of glory and
+power, I wanted to divide them with an orphan, I wanted to place her
+upon that throne for which I am indebted to your love and submission to
+me, I wished to proclaim her Tsaritsa and share with her my glory, my
+happiness, and my power! But she refused all these things, and me too,
+and ran off with a boy. Now....&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Morphiliziy&rsquo;s speech was interrupted, he sighed deeply and
+continued:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We are out to pursue them. Think up some punishment worthy of
+their crime. What shall be done with her?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Kill them both!&rdquo; was the unanimous reply.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That is insufficient!&rdquo; answered the Tsar.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Drown them in the river, where they betrayed their
+deception!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not enough!&rdquo; <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb28" href=
+"#pb28" name="pb28">28</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&ldquo;Have them burned alive!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Still too good for them!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let them be torn to pieces by wild beasts!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;All this is very little!&rdquo; replied Morphiliziy.
+&ldquo;All this is quickly over and does not appease my desire for
+revenge. They must be captured alive and locked up one opposite the
+other, so that through the open windows of their dungeons they may see
+each other, and then I shall prepare my rival a spectacle that will
+wound him worse than fire, but afterwards I shall hand over to you
+Nina, and then there will be time to cut off their proud heads and
+throw them away to be eaten by the dogs!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Tsar grew silent, his face became still paler, his eyes stared
+out worse than before; he was so terrible to look at, that even the
+fearless warriors could not glance at him and hardly approached his
+horse and Noy&rsquo;s, which they were hurrying on at full speed. The
+sun rose&mdash;they continued their ride, a whole day went by, the
+journey went on as before, and night overtook them again when they
+entered a forest. Noy announced that it was the same forest in which he
+had left the fugitives. The moon shone poorly from behind the eternal
+trees, it became necessary to get off the horses, which were left to
+the care of several warriors, but the others went on and soon found
+that little field of wild copse on which Cicero and Nina had rested,
+they even found the place where they had been sitting.</p>
+<p>The grass was trodden down, it bore the traces of spilt wine and
+crumbs of bread&mdash;one large shrub was cut down&mdash;but there were
+no branches.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;They probably burned them in a wood-pile,&rdquo; remarked
+Noy.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, where then are the traces of the wood-pile?&rdquo;
+replied Morphiliziy. Upon noticing that from the place where they stood
+onward the grass was trodden down and seemed to form a kind of road,
+all followed upon this track. By sunrise they left the forest and
+spread themselves out over a splendid meadow, which ended in a
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb29" href="#pb29" name=
+"pb29">29</a>]</span>field. The track went on across the meadow to the
+very field, which was beginning to be worked by laborers.</p>
+<p>Morphiliziy dispatched one of his warriors to ask to whom this field
+belonged and whether they had not seen two boys on horseback yesterday.
+The soldier returned with a peasant.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;This is the field of the tavad Bidandari, we are his men and
+did not work here yesterday, but we heard that our master had brought
+home some two youths, one of whom is ill, and to-day by the orders of
+the proprietor, my brother went for the znabar (a kind of doctor) on
+the seacoast.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why, is it far to the sea?&rdquo; asked Morphiliziy.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Six or seven agatches&rdquo; (an agatche is a little more
+than six and less than seven versts).</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What! is there no doctor nearer than that?&rdquo; again asked
+Morphiliziy.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why should there not be one? We have a doctor in the village
+who is immediately at the side of the patient when required, but the
+other one is cleverer because he takes advantage of the sea tide in
+order to collect plants, shells, insects, and little fishes, which our
+own doctors do not get a chance to use for their medicine.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Tell thy master that the owner of the Arab horse came to
+thank him for his favor, to pay his debt, and asks permission to come
+in.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The peasant went off, but Morphiliziy ordered his warriors to return
+to the forest, and taking Noy with him, followed from afar the running
+laborer. He was very particular in explaining to Noy why he did not
+wish his name to be disclosed before the right time.</p>
+<p>Bidandari came out to meet his guest and led him to some gorgeous
+apartments where a number of fashionably attired servants surrounded
+the newcomer, offering elegant clothes, aromatic soaps, and every kind
+of luxury customary in those times. Having washed and dressed,
+Morphiliziy came into an adjoining room where a dinner was set. The
+host met him at the door with <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb30" href=
+"#pb30" name="pb30">30</a>]</span>two large horns filled with old wine,
+which, joining hands, they drank at the same time, as a sign of
+friendship. Notwithstanding that Morphiliziy had eaten almost nothing
+for more than two days, the rare and numerous dishes did not dazzle
+him. He had to make an effort in order to pretend that he was eating.
+At the end of the dinner the host offered him to take a rest, but
+Morphiliziy said that before that he would like to talk with him alone:
+then Bidandari, who had not even looked as though he had recognized his
+sovereign, respectfully fell down on one knee and kissed the edge of
+the royal coat.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You recognized me, tavad?&rdquo; said the surprised King.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, your Majesty, but I did not dare to say this before the
+rest, because I did not know the reason you had for not speaking
+openly.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I came hither to carry out my revenge and I cannot do it
+without your help.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Pray tell, what is it you order?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But this is against the laws of hospitality, in which your
+house has always glorified itself.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;If it be impossible to receive satisfaction for being
+insulted otherwise&mdash;then give orders to kill me&mdash;in such a
+way at least I fulfil my duty as to you, like a faithful subject,
+obliged to defend the honor of his sovereign even to death and shall
+not be responsible for what occurs in my house after my
+death.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But, tavad, you forget that in such a case I fulfil my duty
+neither like a Tsar, nor like a guest, but of this let us speak later.
+The point of the affair is that in your own house my bride is hiding,
+disguised as a boy, and I want to take her immediately with me. It
+seems to me that by handing her over to me you do nothing offensive to
+the rules of hospitality; as to her companion, he has insulted my royal
+honor, and it is only natural that every true subject should himself
+chase him out of his house as soon as he learns about his
+crime.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Bidandari sighed and his face took a sad expression. <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb31" href="#pb31" name="pb31">31</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&ldquo;I ask a favor of you, sire; sooner order that I be killed
+than that my guest receiveth the merited punishment and let me now tell
+you all that weighs on me. Before death one is permitted to put aside
+every etiquette and to speak with one&rsquo;s sovereign without the
+customary court formalities, thereupon I take the liberty of treating
+you like a brilliant warrior.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You forget, tavad, that I am very much obliged to you, and
+that you therefore have the right to demand anything you like of me
+except to pardon my rival. You yourself are a young and unmarried
+man,<a id="xd20e567" name="xd20e567"></a> is it possible you do not
+understand my thoughts?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Forgive me, sire, but I must again speak none but the bare
+truth! My meeting with your negro you already know about. Wishing to
+come home by the very most direct way, I went on a trail which by
+chance brought me up to two boys. The younger of them was shaking from
+malaria, he was pale and lay upon a bourka, but the older one sat by
+him in despair and wrung his hands. On this same little meadow two
+saddled and tired horses were feeding; by their exhausted look it was
+perfectly clear that the travellers came a long way. I came up from
+behind, and when I greeted them, the elder brother quickly jumped up
+and seized a kinjall (Caucasian knife or rather dagger), while the
+younger boy simply sighed and looked at me in a terrified way; he was
+evidently either too ill or too exhausted to make any kind of a
+movement. &lsquo;Fear nothing,&rsquo; I said, &lsquo;I came to offer
+you my hospitality, which you hardly have a right to refuse as you are
+on my lands.&rsquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;Excuse me,&rsquo; suspiciously answered the older
+one&mdash;&rsquo;before I accept your kind offer, I should like to ask
+you where you took this horse from, which yesterday was still the
+property of the monarch?&rsquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I explained it. The boy reflected. &lsquo;What dost thou
+think of, young man, accept quickly my offer, and together we shall
+carry the sick brother into a warm room, in which his illness will be
+over by morning, while here he may die from taking cold.&rsquo;
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb32" href="#pb32" name=
+"pb32">32</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&ldquo;The boy got frightened.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;Promise me not to hand us out to Morphiliziy alive or
+dead, and I will readily accept your invitation with gratitude;
+otherwise we should both prefer to die.&rsquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I glanced at the sick boy, he evidently made an effort to
+smile and thus confirm his brother&rsquo;s words, but this smile lit up
+his face with such an inexpressible magnificence that I began to be
+very much puzzled&mdash;after all was it not a woman? I accorded the
+desired promise. We made litters of the branches of a soft coppice. I
+told them that I would send horses for their conveyance, but thy horse
+tied itself to the girdle and we safely brought our litter to the
+house. During the night the patient began to groan and constantly
+repeated:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;Darling Cicero, if they discover us&mdash;kill me, I
+wish to be neither a Tsaritsa nor anything else except thy
+wife!&rsquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;There was not the least doubt left by this time; this was a
+woman who had run away from some detested man together with her lover.
+Seeing that it was no longer possible to hide anything, Cicero related
+the whole story to me. They already loved each other, sire, when thou
+didst first see her. Perhaps thou wilt say that Cicero might perfectly
+well have conquered his attachment; taking into account that Nina was
+the object of this attachment&mdash;such a change was very improbable
+indeed. I say further that I myself was overtaken by such an
+extraordinary feeling of delight before this utmost perfection of
+beauty that I felt as though it was not worth living on earth if one
+could not possess Nina; and in consequence of all this, sire, thou dost
+partly fulfil my proper wish if thou dost order me to be executed as
+one bending down before thy will. To hand them out to you after my
+promise is beyond my powers.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Morphiliziy walked up and down the room with huge steps and
+nervously twitching with his mouth.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I wish to see her!&rdquo; he said.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, monarch, be gracious! Before thy arrival here,
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb33" href="#pb33" name=
+"pb33">33</a>]</span>a doctor had just attended upon her. She has a
+fever from terror, she frequently cries, saying:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;I am so tired that I cannot ride any farther! They
+pursue us&mdash;yes, they pursue us!&rsquo; If she should see thee now,
+death would surely set in. As a satisfaction to thy offended pride,
+take away my life, which has become so painful to me. I am more guilty
+before thee than Cicero, because I dared to fall in love with thy
+bride, while he just worshipped a free girl and was fervently loved by
+her before thou didst enter the town and becamest our ruler. Thou didst
+permit me to request rewards for ordinary services; don&rsquo;t let
+Nina perish! Don&rsquo;t deprive her of that happiness of which she
+deprived thee, and even me!&rdquo; Bidandari wished to bend a knee, but
+the Tsar did not allow him to take such a step.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We shall converse like young men of equal rank,&rdquo; said
+he. &ldquo;Leave me alone; in a few minutes I shall call
+thee.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Bidandari went out, but Morphiliziy again paced the floor. Within
+him a terrible combat was going on. On one side his deceived love and
+wounded pride demanded cruel revenge, on the other hand the elevated
+thoughts of his soul, his well-known love of mercy and chivalrous
+nobility of soul inclined him to follow Bidandari&rsquo;s advice. After
+walking a whole hour his bad intentions went away, and completely worn
+out from physical exhaustion as well as spiritual disturbance, he threw
+himself down upon the sofa and went to sleep with the firm resolution
+to pardon Nina.</p>
+<p>But alas! Ibliss (the devil) is always angered by any noble
+intention, be it of a Christian, be it of a heathen, and always exerts
+himself in finding ways of preventing their being carried out. And thus
+it happened also this time. He appeared to Morphiliziy in a dream under
+the form of Nina; she was sitting at the feet of Bidandari and gaily
+joked and laughed. Morphiliziy did his best to overhear their
+conversation and understood that they were laughing at his confidence.
+Bidandari boasted about his cleverness, but Nina laughed aloud.
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb34" href="#pb34" name=
+"pb34">34</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&ldquo;I assured him that thou lovest Cicero&mdash;that once I came
+upon you by chance; and he believed it all like a stupid child. He
+allows Cicero to marry and lets you go to Rome, whither I shall soon
+follow you, and then only will he find out the true state of affairs.
+Thou must admit, my Nina, that I cleverly thought up all and am worthy
+of a reward!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Instead of answering, Nina threw herself on his neck and Morphiliziy
+saw and heard how the mouths joined together in kissing. He awoke
+trembling from furor. &ldquo;Noy,&rdquo; he cried. The negro
+appeared.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Tell the warriors to bring me immediately, all chained,
+Bidandari, Cicero, and her! I shall instantly ride home alone! If I
+stay here but a minute longer I shall choke them all, and this is
+little! A horse, I say, a horse!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>In a moment he was already riding off home, but at sunrise on the
+following day they brought to his house the three guilty ones. He came
+out on the roof, all wicked, dark, terrible! All his former noble
+feelings had disappeared for good, he gave himself up to the work of
+pitiless revenge. Silently he pointed to Nina and his house. The
+warriors understood and led her there. Cicero made a desperate effort
+to run after her, but the heavy chains and powerful arms of the
+soldiers held him fast. Then the Tsar pointed to Cicero and to the
+house situated opposite him. Cicero was led off there. Before him there
+remained but Bidandari.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Cut off his sly head!&rdquo; shouted Morphiliziy, with such
+anger that a flame came out of his mouth at these words. The warriors
+fell upon Bidandari, but hardly had his head been divided from his
+body, when a wonder occurred. The day was bright and clear, without a
+single cloud in the sky, but at this moment an immense black cloud
+descended unto the corpse and hid him from the eyes of those standing
+about. All stared with the greatest attention. Little by little the
+cloud went off, but on the spot where Bidandari stood a magnificent
+white tulip grew up. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb35" href="#pb35"
+name="pb35">35</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&ldquo;He is a witch!&rdquo; cried Morphiliziy, and again the flame
+was seen coming out of his mouth and nostrils.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Bring the messenger of charms, the old gamdela, and knock her
+down before this cursed tulip!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>When they cut off her head and the blood was spattered unto the
+tulip, its centre grew strikingly red with pale rosy stripes on the
+leaves, which rendered it still more beautiful.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Now,&rdquo; said Morphiliziy angrily, &ldquo;drag Cicero to
+the window, stand by his side and don&rsquo;t let him turn his head. I
+should like him to see everything that is going to occur
+opposite!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>And he roared like a madman, and the flame again came out of his
+mouth, nostrils and ears. &ldquo;Away with the remaining people from
+here,&rdquo; he shouted in conclusion. The square was instantly
+cleared.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hand me Nina over here!&rdquo; was Morphiliziy&rsquo;s last
+command as he entered the house and took a place at a window opposite
+the one to which Cicero was lashed. They brought up Nina, half dead
+from fear.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;God of Israel! save me!&rdquo; she cried out.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Nobody will save thee from me!&rdquo; wickedly answered
+Morphiliziy, and seizing Nina and embracing her he brought her to the
+open window. Opposite, Cicero was making astounding but futile efforts
+to free himself from his chains.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Call to my God&mdash;Cicero! He is stronger than that
+man!&rdquo; cried Nina. In this moment she glanced at her feet and
+fainted from terror. Morphiliziy was also astounded. He saw that her
+feet grew together and formed one black mass. He rashly tore her
+clothes off her body, but the transformation took place still faster;
+her whole body burned and grew black, and in a few minutes from her
+hands there jumped out a splendid butterfly and joyfully flew across
+the square to meet another one who had come out of Cicero&rsquo;s
+dungeon. Both of them hurried to the gamdela&rsquo;s body and to the
+white tulip and circled around them. <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb36" href="#pb36" name="pb36">36</a>]</span></p>
+<p>How could one describe Morphiliziy&rsquo;s wrath? To express his
+anger he could no longer find any human words. Some horrible, fearful
+sounds came out of his mouth together with flames. With terror his
+warriors looked on as he threw himself about on the square and as his
+eyes flashed. Little by little he turned completely into a flame. Fiery
+tongues began to climb out of the window, slipped down to the square
+and everywhere rose into the air, hoping to burn the poor butterflies.
+In vain did they fly all over the place, everywhere the flame chased
+them, at last they hid themselves in the tulip, which hastened to
+shelter them with its leaves. The whole fury of the fire was now fixed
+upon the unhappy little flower. Just then the body of the gamdela was
+transformed into a shower. As much as Morphiliziy harassed his enemy,
+the faithful gamdela fought against him; thus, notwithstanding all the
+badness of Morphiliziy, he did not succeed in burning the tulip, but
+the white leaves only ornamented themselves with all the colors of the
+flame. In the end the nurse finally conquered her enemy. He went down
+into the ground and shows himself only when the Lord wishes to punish
+sinners.</p>
+<p>Oh, how dreadful he can then be! He shakes the whole earth, he tears
+to pieces its interior and forms deep precipices where formerly
+flourishing cities stood, lets whole villages fall to ruins, destroys
+hundred-year-old edifices, rips up gardens, fields, meadows, forests.
+In a word, Morphiliziy became a perfect subterranean fire and hourly
+curses new generations, while the good, faithful gamdela daily renders
+thanks to Him who turned her into a beneficent shower, without which
+men and beasts and plants and everything that is good on earth would
+perish.</p>
+<p>When danger had vanished the leaves of the tulip opened themselves,
+the butterflies hopped out and hastened to Damassek&rsquo;s house.
+There they took again their former aspect. They were married, sold off
+all of John&rsquo;s <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb37" href="#pb37"
+name="pb37">37</a>]</span>wares, and with incalculable riches went away
+to Rome. Before their departure they dug out the tulip and took it
+along with them. Cicero&rsquo;s country is also favored by heaven just
+like ours. There they purchased an elegant house, a magnificent garden,
+and the very best spot of this garden was reserved for the tulip. With
+their own hands they planted and took care of it, and soon the whole
+town delighted in the splendid flower, which, refreshed by frequent
+showers, grew in size. In a few years the whole garden became one field
+of tulips.</p>
+<p>Cicero&rsquo;s and Nina&rsquo;s numerous children played around
+them, while a shower refreshed them morning and evening. Nina and
+Cicero always went into the garden at that time, and with gratefulness
+kissed the bright leaves, remembering their dear gamdela whom people
+now bless the world over, as a reward for her faithfulness and
+love.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div id="ch4" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">IV. Saint Nina</h2>
+<h2 class="sub">A Tale</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">The fourteenth of January is a day of great solemnity
+throughout Georgia. This is the f&ecirc;te of Saint Nina, who converted
+us to Christianity. Nina&rsquo;s father, Zavonlon, was, according to
+tradition, a relation of the great and holy martyr, George, who married
+Sossanna, the sister of Yovenalii, patriarch of Jerusalem, whose family
+came from Koloss. He and his sister became orphans in early childhood
+and went to Jerusalem, where Yovenalii accepted an appointment as
+secretary, while Sossanna entered the service of Sarah, a woman of
+Vifleem. In the meantime Zavonlon travelled from Kappadokia to Rome to
+be presented to the Emperor, and reached there just at the time when
+the Brandjis, who had revolted, appeared in the valley of Patalania.
+Zavonlon did not let them reach Rome, but turned them to flight,
+captured the Tsar and leaders, and handed them over to the Emperor.
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb38" href="#pb38" name=
+"pb38">38</a>]</span>When, however, the monarch condemned them to
+death, they began to cry and implore Zavonlon to convert them to
+Christianity.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Lead us to the temple of thy God,&rdquo; they said,
+&ldquo;before having us killed. Thou didst capture us and having
+sacrificed us to God thou wilt not be responsible for our death,
+magnanimous hero!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Then Zavonlon went to the patriarch and informed him of all that had
+taken place. Without saying a word to the Emperor, the patriarch, with
+the help of Zavonlon, baptized them, let them partake of the Holy
+Communion, and taught them the Christian faith. At sunrise on the
+following day the Brandjis rose, attired themselves in funeral robes
+and started for the place of execution. They prayed, thanked God, who
+had saved them by baptism, and said:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We are immortal even after death, because the Lord hath
+glorified us by giving us permission to partake of the Holy Communion.
+Yes, let His name now be glorified! now, henceforth, and evermore! Woe
+to our fathers, who died in ignorance and remained in the dark, we
+shall not taste the sorrowful, but the joyful fruit. Approach,
+executioner, and cut off our heads!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>At these words they willingly stretched their necks under the sword.
+But Zavonlon, who could no longer stand this spectacle, rushed to the
+Emperor in order to implore his pardon for them.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I give them to thee; do with them whatever thou wilt!&rdquo;
+said the sovereign. Zavonlon lost no time in returning to the spot of
+execution and succeeded in saving those sentenced.</p>
+<p>Thereupon they began to beg him to lead them home to their native
+land in order to preach there about the Faith of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
+and convert those desirous of leaving paganism. Zavonlon went to the
+patriarch, got some priests, and with the Emperor&rsquo;s permission
+departed, accompanied by the Brandjis. When they had but one more day
+of travelling before them, a rumor <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb39"
+href="#pb39" name="pb39">39</a>]</span>spread in their country that the
+Tsar was alive and meant to return with his courtiers. The sections of
+Kkhozamo, Kkhosa, Goakchladja or Gardadja, Kkhonebag, Kkhjirag or
+Kindtjag, Zadja, Zaza, Zarda, Zamra and Tkmoka hurried to meet them,
+and were reached on the banks of a great and deep river; the water was
+blessed and they entered it and came out at one special spot where a
+priest laid his hand on them.</p>
+<p>Zavonlon stayed with them till they were baptized and converted, put
+everything in perfect order, left the priests and went away,
+overwhelmed with gorgeous presents.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I shall take these treasures for the decoration of the tomb
+of the Lord,&rdquo; thought Zavonlon, and started for Jerusalem, where
+he gave everything to the poor. At that time Yovenalii (in monkhood he
+had taken the name of Zadass) was patriarch of Jerusalem, and made
+friends with Zavonlon, while Sarah of Vavilon recognized him and
+learned to cherish his capacities. Besides, she said to the patriarch:
+&ldquo;Zavonlon is the father of the Brandjis (original inhabitants of
+Barcelona) whom he converted, and to whom he gave the Holy Baptism; he
+carried out the commands of God, and thinking the matter over, I
+counsel thee to let him marry thy sister Sossanna&rdquo; (probably
+Susanna). Sarah&rsquo;s counsel was carried out and the young couple
+left for Colossus, Zavonlon&rsquo;s fatherland.</p>
+<p>Soon the bride gave birth to a daughter, Nina. When she was twelve
+years old her parents sold their whole property and settled in
+Jerusalem. Here Zavonlon was made a monk by the Patriarch German
+(because Sossanna&rsquo;s brother had already died), and became
+divorced from his wife. Pressing his daughter to his breast and
+covering her face with tears, he said:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;My dear and only child, I leave thee an orphan, and recommend
+thee to our Heavenly Father, God, who nourishes all live beings,
+because He is the father of orphans and the Judge of widows. Fear
+nothing, my daughter, but try to imitate Mary Magdalen and the sisters
+of Lazarus in their love to God. If thou lovest Him as <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb40" href="#pb40" name="pb40">40</a>]</span>much as
+they did, He will also refuse nothing to thee.&rdquo; Having embraced
+her once more, he crossed the Jordan and started to preach the
+teachings of God among wild nations, where the only God, creator of all
+beings, knew that the time was ripe. Sossanna, on the other hand, by
+order of the patriarch, looked after the poor women, but was put in the
+service of Niapkhora, an Armenian woman from Doroim.</p>
+<p>She stayed two years at her house, learning the laws of God, because
+at that time there was nobody in all Jerusalem so well acquainted with
+the Old and New Confession and who had such a broad and enlightened
+mind. Niapkhora was honorable and truthful and imitated Abraham in
+hospitality. Her house was always open to all pilgrims coming to pray
+at the Tomb of the Lord. More than once she happened to receive
+Christians who had been Jews and had inhabited Georgia. From them Nina
+heard a story how, at the time of the Babylonian captivity, some Jews
+had settled down at Mtzkhet and how they yearly sent some of their
+people to the Easter celebrations at Jerusalem. They also told her that
+in the second year of Aderka&rsquo;s reign in Georgia, they found out
+about the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ through these very messengers.
+Within thirty years at Mtzkhet delegates arrived from the
+preosviashtchennik (clerical title) Anna with the following news:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He to whom the wise men brought presents is now grown up and
+teaches us a new faith; thereupon we are sending word to the Jews in
+order to find among them teachers of the law and to tell them:
+&lsquo;Come ye all, who uphold the law of Moses and clear up our
+perplexity! Let all those acquainted with law immediately leave the
+foreign lands and hasten with all possible speed to the fatherland, in
+order to confirm and guard the faith of our forefathers, carry out the
+laws of Moses, save the common folk from being dazzled by the new
+teaching, and furthermore, put the guilty one to death.&rsquo; Elios, a
+man who was no longer young, of the tribe of the Levites, decided to
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb41" href="#pb41" name=
+"pb41">41</a>]</span>go to Jerusalem, leaving his mother, a descendant
+of the high priest Ilia, to the care of his sister Sidonia, because the
+old woman herself said:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;Go, my beloved son, whither the Lord and his holy law
+call thee, but mind my remarks: thou as a man well instructed in law
+shouldst not allow them to have a godless intention. I beg
+thee&mdash;do not have a hand in spilling the blood of this man. Thou
+knowest that this is the carrying out of the ancient prophecies,
+believe this one with all thy heart as I believe in
+him!&rsquo;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Together with Elios went a young Hebrew, Longinos, a warrior from
+Karssan, and they reached Jerusalem just at the time of the crucifixion
+of our Lord, as they arrived on a Friday.</p>
+<p>When they drew lots, a Greek tunic fell to the share of Elios, but
+Longinos received the garment of the Lord, which he carried back to
+Kontais (this garment used to hang in the centre of the church in a
+crystal vessel up to the time of Shah Abass, who sent it away to
+Russia). When they began to crucify our Lord, by chance the sound of
+the hammer and nails came to the mother of Elios, and she
+exclaimed:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Good-bye, kingdom of Israel! Unhappy ones&mdash;you are lost
+forevermore! By your craziness you kill your Vladyka and the Saviour of
+the world, and thus you become the wilful murderers of your Creator!
+Woe ye unhappy ones! There is no lamentation equal to your distress!
+Woe to me, because my ears have heard these mournful sounds!&rdquo; and
+with these words she gave up her soul to God. When, however, Elios
+returned to Mtzkhet bringing the robe, Sidonia came out to meet him,
+and crying and weeping threw herself in his arms to tell him of her
+mother&rsquo;s death; and lo! she came to glance at the robe. She
+recognized it as having belonged to the Lord Jesus Christ, and the
+thought that her brother had helped along his death filled her heart
+with indescribable sorrow. Having placed on her breast the invaluable
+holy relic, she died. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb42" href="#pb42"
+name="pb42">42</a>]</span></p>
+<p>The news of her death spread all over Mtzkhet and reached the Tsar,
+who wished to see the dead woman. Coming to her body he was struck by
+the beauty of the robe, giving out a heavenly glow, and he wanted to
+put it on, but no power under the sun could tear the relic out of the
+arms of the deceased. Elios buried his sister together with the robe,
+and thus saved it from further attempts of the unbelieving.</p>
+<p>These tales made a strong impression on Nina&rsquo;s soul, she often
+and long reflected how she might seek out the place where the robe was,
+and tried to obtain information from her governess. &ldquo;My
+child,&rdquo; said Niapkhora, &ldquo;I see that by thy strength thou
+are equal to a lioness, whose roar hushes up the growling of all
+quadrupeds. Thy capacity for penetration puts thee on a footing with
+the female eagle, who by her flying exceeds the male eagles and with
+her little eyes sees all creation; having beheld the booty she inspects
+it with her piercing glances, just as the fire experiments with the
+gold, and makes for it with spread-out wings. Such will be thy life.
+Thy voice will be heard all over the world and thy booty is to enrich
+God. Now I will explain it all to thee. Thou knowest that the immortal
+God had compassion for the mortal inhabitants of this world and came to
+earth in order to assemble around him the nations and save the whole
+world. His first good deeds were applied to the Hebrews, among whom he
+made the dead arise, made the blind see, and healed the sick.
+Astounded, they sent out messengers all over the world in order that
+the Hebrews might most rapidly assemble at a great council.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;We are perishing,&rsquo; exclaimed the messengers,
+&lsquo;hurry, gather ye all!&rsquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Then from all countries there came together people, educated
+in the laws of Moses&mdash;they came together to openly oppose
+themselves to the Holy Ghost and, namely, do what was necessary to the
+world. They crucified the Lord Jesus and drew lots to get his robe. The
+robe was handed over without quarreling to the Man of Mtzkhet.
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb43" href="#pb43" name=
+"pb43">43</a>]</span>Thou knowest also that upon the burial of our Lord
+they placed guards at his tomb, but that he arose according to
+prediction, and in the tomb there remained nothing but the shroud,
+which the Apostle Luke took, but no one knows to whom he gave it. As to
+the vesture of the Lord, which was not found in the tomb, many conclude
+that the Apostle Peter took it without telling anything about its
+further fate. I in my turn am more inclined to believe what we heard
+from the Hebrews of Mtzkhet. The crosses are hidden here at Jerusalem,
+but this place is unknown to everybody until the Lord doth open it in
+times to come by his chosen messenger!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Hearing these words, Nina raised herself and thanked God and asked:
+&ldquo;Well, where then is that land where the robe was
+discovered?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The town of Mtzkhet is in Georgia. This is a mountainous
+land, the borderland of Armenia, and its inhabitants still continue to
+practise idolatry. The Chaldean magis have a strong influence over the
+people,&rdquo; replied Niapkhora.</p>
+<p>At that time there arrived from Ethesus a woman who had come to
+visit and pay homage to the Holy Sepulchre and who stopped at
+Niapkhora&rsquo;s.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Is the Empress Helen still in the shade of unbelief?&rdquo;
+asked Niapkhora of her.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I am her servant,&rdquo; answered the newcomer, &ldquo;and
+know all her wishes, both open and hidden. She would like to become a
+Christian and be baptized.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let me go to the sovereign,&rdquo; Nina began to ask of her
+mistress, &ldquo;perhaps our Lord Jesus Christ!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let us first ask the blessing of our most holy Patriarch
+German,&rdquo; answered Niapkhora, and went to him.</p>
+<p>Soon they called in Nina and placed her on the steps of the ambo;
+thereupon German put his hands upon her shoulders and having sighed
+from the depth of his soul, he said: &ldquo;Vladyka, Immortal God! To
+Thee I commit this orphan, the daughter of a sister of one of Thy
+servants, and send her to preach Thy faith and announce Thy
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb44" href="#pb44" name=
+"pb44">44</a>]</span>resurrection everywhere where Thou desirest it to
+be carried out! Heavenly Jesus! be Thou her companion during the
+journey, her protector in danger, a refuge, a leader and a teacher as
+Thou hast been from century to century to all those who feared Thy holy
+name!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>That very night the Virgin appeared to St. Nina in a dream, to whose
+happy lot Iveria fell when she together with the apostles drew lots to
+see who should go to preach the faith of Christ in Georgia. In the
+hands of the Heavenly Queen there was a vineyard cross, which by her
+command was tied with some of Nina&rsquo;s hair. The Most Holy Virgin
+handed the cross to the sleeping girl and ordered her to go in her
+stead to convert the Iverian people. The Saint awoke with the cross in
+her hands and hastened to announce to her mother all that had occurred.
+With happy emotion Sossanna listened to her, kissed her, crossed
+herself, and blessing her, let her start out, commending Nina to the
+care of God.</p>
+<p>From her mother Nina went straight to the Ethesian woman, whom she
+began to hurry up to start out, as her heart was burning with
+impatience; and notwithstanding the uncertainty and length of the
+journey, her readiness to do everything to serve God was so great that
+she did not have the least fear; this ardor was not left unrewarded by
+the Leader of Hearts. He Himself appeared to St. Nina, quieted and
+strengthened her for the coming expedition.</p>
+<p>Having reached Ethesus, the Saint, in the house of her companion,
+found the Tsarevna Ripsime fleeing from the Diocletian torments
+together with fifty friends. Soon they were joined by three hundred
+maidens and Saint Gaiane, her nurse. Ripsime grew attached to Nina,
+because the Ethesian woman told her the latter&rsquo;s story, and the
+Saint took advantage of the kind feelings of the Tsarevna in order to
+instruct her still more in the faith; and in the course of this year
+she baptized the Queen, Gaiane, and seventy men of her suite.</p>
+<p>They passed two years together at the monastery of <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb45" href="#pb45" name=
+"pb45">45</a>]</span>Poss-Rhoss. Just at that time Emperor Maximian
+sent his eunuchs everywhere to seek out the beautiful and good girls
+and bring them to him&mdash;without distinction of rank, extraction, or
+even religious belief.</p>
+<p>The messengers arrived at the monastery of Poss-Rhoss, beheld
+Ripsime, and struck by her unusual beauty, they did not yet decide to
+take her, but began to enquire about her family. Having found out that
+she was of royal rank, they considered her worthy of becoming
+Maximian&rsquo;s wife, painted her portrait and went away. Hardly had
+Maximian glanced at her portrait, when his heart flamed up with some
+strong passion. He announced that in the whole world there was no equal
+perfection of beauty, that Ripsime was worthy of becoming his wife,
+that their marriage should be celebrated with unheard of till then
+solemnity, and he immediately sent messengers to all parts of his
+immense monarchy so that each subject might come to take part in the
+nuptial festivities. In the meantime the saints trembled from fear
+because they knew that this Tsar was like a vessel of anger, sly like a
+snake in heaven, also not clean, and idolatrous. They imagined that the
+Tsarevna&rsquo;s portrait would cause them to be very much grieved, and
+having fasted a long time, they prayed to God and decided to rely on
+His holy mercy and secretly run away from this place. And thus the
+seventy sisters set out for Armenia, in the neighborhood of
+Vagkarshapat, and reached a splendid town called New Dovin, where the
+Tsar himself resided.</p>
+<p>Here they took up their quarters in poor huts, which surrounded the
+town from the north and west and were used for pressing out the grapes.
+Here with laborious work they earned their own living. Having, however,
+discovered that the Tsarevna Ripsime with her nurse and companions had
+disappeared in some unknown place, Maximian became perfectly furious
+and sent messengers to look everywhere for her.</p>
+<p>His ambassadors arrived at the court of Trdat, Tsar of <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb46" href="#pb46" name="pb46">46</a>]</span>Armenia,
+with the following letter: &ldquo;The autocratic Emperor to his nearest
+brother, friend and comrade Trdat&mdash;I salute thee. Thy friendship
+is our most faithful ally; I inform thee above all that the sinful
+Christian nature is very harmful to us, because it forces the nations
+to disregard our mightiness and not respect our Majesty. Their religion
+consists of the following points: they serve a dead and crucified man,
+adore wood and consider it glorious to die for their Lord. Although
+they fear not the Jews, they nevertheless fear Him, whom the Jews
+killed and crucified. In their blindness they defame monarchs, scorn
+the gods, attribute absolutely nothing to the powerful brightness of
+the sun, moon, and stars&mdash;saying that these are the creations of
+the crucified. They anger the whole world to such a degree that fathers
+and mothers separate themselves one from another, not awaiting death.
+In vain do our commands and terrible tortures exterminate them, for
+they appear in still greater numbers! Having by chance seen a young
+Christian maid, I wished to marry her, but she, instead of desiring to
+be united with a Tsar, rebuked me like a dirty being and secretly ran
+off into thy lands. Investigate this affair, my dear brother, order a
+search to be made, and as soon as thou findest her with her companions,
+put to death the latter, but send splendid Ripsime hither, or if she
+pleases thee, take her, for thou wilt not find such a perfect beauty in
+all Greece. I hope that thou art in good health&mdash;adieu, serve the
+gods!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Having read the letter, Trdat began the search, and soon found the
+saints. Ripsime produced on him exactly the same impression as on
+Maximian and he also made up his mind to have her become his wife. But
+the Saint flatly refused him, and so he tortured her together with
+thirteen companions on the fifth of October; and Saint Gaiane and two
+others on the following day. The remaining succeeding in hiding
+themselves; among them was also St. Nina, who by God&rsquo;s
+instructions hid herself in the branches of a prickly rosebush, without
+flowers. Here <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb47" href="#pb47" name=
+"pb47">47</a>]</span>she beheld a bright star coming down from the
+clouds; it served as a footstool to a deacon, in whose hands there was
+a censer; out of the latter there came such an abundant perfume that
+the sky really darkened. The deacon was accompanied by innumerable
+heavenly beings. This was the instant when the martyrs breathed their
+last breath, united themselves with the heavenly forces sent out after
+their souls, and together with them rose to heaven.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Lord Jesus!&rdquo; exclaimed the Saint, &ldquo;why dost thou
+abandon me with aspics and snakes?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>In answer to this lamentation, a voice was heard from Heaven,
+saying: &ldquo;Arise and start for the North, where there is a great
+harvest, but few workers!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>And thus the fourteen-year-old child went out to convert a whole
+country. She guided herself by the voice of God and overcame all
+difficulties: the length of the journey and physical exhaustion, and
+the fear of wild animals and wicked people and the cold and hunger and
+want! She went as the apostles went; without a staff, and just like
+them, she conquered kings, converted whole nations, healed the sick and
+glorified the name of that God who had called to her: &ldquo;Arise and
+go!&rdquo; Without losing a moment&rsquo;s time she left for the
+North.</p>
+<p>The dear one constantly reminded her of the following words:
+&ldquo;There is a great harvest but few workers!&rdquo; and in this she
+seemed to think there was an explanation of the fact that on her fell
+the godly choice. Near Khertviss her strength began to fail. From
+continuous walking she had become quite lame and was forced to stop and
+go into winter quarters&mdash;enduring innumerable privations. In time
+her health was so much restored that she started again on her
+expedition.</p>
+<p>Having reached the frontier of Djavakhetta she stopped on the bank
+of Lake Pkaravno, known also under the designations: Pkdrnav, Paraban,
+Pkanavar, and Tanaravan; from this lake flows out a river called the
+Mtkouar of Djavakhetta, from which are to be seen high mountains
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb48" href="#pb48" name=
+"pb48">48</a>]</span>covered with snow even during the summer months.
+They are the cause of much cold weather in all the neighboring towns
+and villages. Fear seized Saint Nina.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;O Lord!&rdquo; she cried out, trembling, &ldquo;accept my
+soul!&rdquo; and she fell to the ground. For two whole days she could
+not master her fright nor continue her journey. At last hunger forced
+her to ask for food of some poor fishermen trading on the lake and of
+the shepherds who guarded their herds on the banks of the lake.</p>
+<p>The latter often used to invoke their gods at night. These were
+called Armaz and Zaden, and the heathen inhabitants of the lake
+districts promised them rich sacrifices if they only guarded the herds
+from any possible evil. Hearing that their prayers were spoken in
+Armenian, to which Saint Nina was somewhat accustomed as she had served
+at Niapkhora&rsquo;s, she dared to ask them whither they had come.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I am an Akovanian from Elrbienik on the banks of the
+Lopatsh-Tskan&rdquo; (this is the left arm of the <span class="corr"
+id="xd20e766" title="Source: Alasana">Alazana</span>, <span class=
+"corr" id="xd20e769" title="Source: Plin">Plinii</span> calls the
+inhabitants of this region Loubienis), said one of them.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We are Kakhetines from Sapourtzle and Kindsar near
+Mouknar,&rdquo; murmured two others.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But I am a Touissian from Rabatt,&rdquo; added a third
+one.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Here is one from the great city of Mtzkhet, where there lives
+a Tsar and where we have temples of our gods; in summer we all drive
+our herds to the banks of the Pkarnav, thus saving ourselves from the
+unbearable heat of our countries. The reason that the lake has so many
+names is that each of us pronounces its name according to his own
+language. In the autumn we disperse to our many homes to escape the
+cold of this district.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Where is Mtzkhet?&rdquo; asked Nina with a fainting
+heart.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;This river unites itself with another one which comes from
+Kola, changes its name to Mtkonar and flows to Mtzkhet.&rdquo;
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb49" href="#pb49" name=
+"pb49">49</a>]</span></p>
+<p>She looked at the sides of the river: it was an endless plain. She
+became frightened upon beholding its boundless limits. Having sighed
+over the great length of the coming journey, she put her head on a
+stone near the source of the river and fell asleep.</p>
+<p>In a dream there appeared to her a man of middle height with flying
+hair, and handed her a written roll, which ran as follows: &ldquo;Carry
+this in all haste to the idolatrous Tsar of Mtzkhet!&rdquo; Saint Nina
+cried bitterly and began to implore and pray: &ldquo;O Lord! I am a
+woman, an adventurer, uneducated, I am unable to say much; now how in
+the world am I to go into a strange land to heathen nations&mdash;to a
+mighty Tsar?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Then the shining man unfolded the roll in which were written ten
+commandments as on the tablets of Moses, and gave them to St. Nina to
+read. She awoke with the roll in her hands. The following were the
+contents of the roll:</p>
+<p>I: Amen&mdash;I say unto ye, go on then, for this testament will be
+proclaimed all over the world, will go from mouth to mouth, and hardly
+will it be known when documents will appear to commemorate the
+event.</p>
+<p>II: Make no difference between men or women. III: As thou goest,
+instruct all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the
+Son and the Holy Ghost. IV: The world is the language of enlightenment
+and thy glory, O Israel! V: This good deed of heaven will be practised
+the world over. VI: He who accepts you, accepts Me and he who accepts
+Me accepts Him who glorified Me. VII: Mary loved the Lord exceedingly,
+for she always obeyed his commandments. VIII: Not cutting off the
+bodies of the murderers, the souls of those who are powerful shall not
+linger. IX: The speech of Jesus to Mary Magdalen: &ldquo;Go, O woman,
+and announce my fraternity!&rdquo; X: &ldquo;Teach them to promptly and
+rigidly observe all these commandments and then I shall be with you, in
+all times and to the end of the world&mdash;Amen!&rdquo; <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb50" href="#pb50" name="pb50">50</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Having read the roll, Saint Nina became convinced that this
+apparition came directly from the Lord. She ardently prayed that the
+Lord might soothe her, and committing herself to his will, she
+immediately followed the course of the river. At first it flowed
+towards the West through wild and sterile countries. The journey became
+still more terrible through the number of wild animals filling these
+deserts with their fearful roaring, but not one of them attempted to
+approach and touch the prot&eacute;g&eacute; of God. Only when the
+river turned to the East did they begin little by little to disappear.
+Driven on by fear she forgot exhaustion and went rapidly ahead, hardly
+stopping a minute to catch breath. Soon after the turn of the river
+Saint Nina overtook some travellers going to Ourbishi or Ouriat-Oubani
+(which means &ldquo;Street of the Hebrews&rdquo;), and joyfully
+followed them, but at Ourbishi a disappointment awaited her; instead of
+believers of the real God she found people who bowed down and adored
+fire, wood, and stone; her heart burned with indignation, but the Lord
+comforted her by instructing some Jews to give her a hospitable
+reception, which she made use of for about one month, when the
+following spectacle aroused her feelings:</p>
+<p>She beheld a great crowd of people going towards Mtzkhet, and as she
+heard from her host that there were Hebrews there, she followed the
+people in the distance and thus happened to reach her point of
+destination upon the f&ecirc;te of Armaz. Before reaching the bridge
+near Mogontka this large crowd stopped like one man to bow down to the
+fire, and Saint Nina cried bitterly at the loss of such a large, large
+number of human souls, ransomed by the most precious blood of our Lord
+Jesus Christ. On the sixth of August, 324 A. D., on the day of the
+Transfiguration of the Lord, Saint Nina, according to tradition,
+accomplished her first wonder. Upon that day appointed for the
+f&ecirc;ting of the idol Armaz, it was the duty of the Tsar and
+Tsaritsa to take part in the ceremonies. From early in the morning
+numberless crowds of people, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb51" href=
+"#pb51" name="pb51">51</a>]</span>like flowers in the field, filled the
+streets, shouting and hurrying, each one trying to excel his neighbor
+in ornamenting their respective houses with carpets, fine shawls and
+other such articles, all along the road by which the royal
+cort&egrave;ge was to pass. First there arrived the Tsaritsa Nana,
+surrounded by the wives and daughters of the aristocracy. She was
+followed by the Tsar with a numerous suite. Songs of praises and
+blessings were heard among the crowd of the nation. With great pomp the
+procession ascended the mountain to adore their god, who was cast of
+clean gold, while at his side there stood two inferior gods of silver,
+who wore gold cuirasses and in their aquamarine eyes had <span class=
+"corr" id="xd20e801" title="Source: artifically">artificially</span>
+made rolling emerald pupils. These last idols were of human proportions
+and inside of them a mechanism was hidden, through which their hands
+(in which there were sharp swords) cut down all those who dared to
+approach the chief god without making a sacrifice, or all those who
+adored other and foreign gods instead. On the Roman bridge, Saint Nina
+joined the procession.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What in the world does all this mean?&rdquo; she asked of a
+Jewess.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;This is the god of gods&mdash;Armaz, who calls the people to
+do him homage. No other idol can compare with him, because each of us
+puts on his best garment to-day and holds a flag in his hand as a sign
+of joyousness.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>In the meantime the procession had reached its destination. The Tsar
+bowed down to the ground, surrounded by whole clouds of incense. The
+sacrificers offered their victims. The Tsaritsa, the nobility,
+innumerable hordes of people followed the example of their ruler to the
+greatest displeasure of the Saint, who with all her heart prayed to
+Him, who had made her glorious and lo! a short-breathed West wind came
+up, at first softly, then always stronger and stronger, and finally
+turned into an oragan.</p>
+<p>Losing their breath and feeling choked, the Tsar ran away and the
+sacrificers and the nation too, but the orcano turned into a perfect
+rain of stones&mdash;not allowing even <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb52" href="#pb52" name="pb52">52</a>]</span>half of those fleeing to
+seek shelter. Stones of such a size poured down that not every grown up
+man could raise them with both arms, and they continued to ransack the
+temple and idols, until all had been turned to ashes and dust.</p>
+<p>The heathens fled in terror; this mountain, such a short time before
+so crowded with people, had now been totally cleared of men and upon it
+sat only Nina, who was not at all terrified by the fearful spectacle.
+She saw in this a new proof of the all mightiness of her own God, and
+under his powerful protection she quietly lay down and peacefully fell
+asleep on a huge block of stone.</p>
+<p>The next day, by the order of the Tsar, one of the noblemen went to
+inspect the scene of the disaster of the preceding day. He beheld Saint
+Nina, concluded by her dress that she was a traveller from some distant
+land, and with customary Georgian hospitality, invited her to stop at
+his home. But his offer was by no means accepted by the Saint. She
+continued her journey along the banks of the river and finding on the
+road an eye of one of the gods, she took it along with her. Upon
+reaching the junction of the Koura and Aragva, where formerly there
+stood a town and a fortress, she resolved to take a rest and pass the
+night at that point of the cape, where till then there still remained
+the ruins of the church of Favora.</p>
+<p>At that time beautiful, well-shaped, high birches grew there, with
+magnificent shady branches. They were planted by Tsar Bartom, who often
+rested in their shade; this custom was long observed by the nobility
+and well-known men and almost every sunny day some one from the
+aristocracy passed the day under the branches of the birches. On one of
+these trees Saint Nina painted a cross and lived under it in constant
+prayer till the twelfth of August. On that day came to refresh herself
+with the coolness of the famous trees, the lady of the royal court
+Krokhana with her servant, a Greek woman. The latter by the order of
+her mistress asked the Saint who <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb53"
+href="#pb53" name="pb53">53</a>]</span>she was, what she was
+undertaking, and whether she did not need something. The Saint said
+that she was &ldquo;Tevee,&rdquo; <i>i. e.</i>, a prisoner of war
+(which does not mean that she was a servant, as some writers out of
+pure ignorance expressed themselves in describing her life) and did not
+tell of her real extraction. Krokhana immediately invited her to follow
+her to the palace, but the Saint refused even this invitation.</p>
+<p>Within three days, <i>i. e.</i>, on the day of the Assumption of the
+Holy Virgin, she crossed the Mtkovar and entered the royal fruit
+gardens. Near the place where now stands the church of the Katholikoss
+(Patriarch) and a pillar erected by God, there lived in those times a
+guardian, whose wife Anastasia hastened to come out to meet the
+stranger. She embraced her like an old and dear friend, kissed her,
+washed off her dusty feet, rubbed her exhausted body with strengthening
+fragrant butter and having offered her bread and wine, asked her to
+take a rest and to recover after the long, long journey. Here the Saint
+remained nine months, frequently visiting Ourbishi, where some Hebrews
+lived, in the hope of finding out something more about the Lord&rsquo;s
+robe; and indeed the Lord blessed her attempts. She made the
+acquaintance of Abiatkar, the descendant of Elios, whom she quickly
+converted to Christianity together with all his family. &ldquo;When she
+arrived,&rdquo; said Abiatkar in his tale, remembered in Georgian
+History, &ldquo;I received a letter from Jewish priests in Antiochia,
+in which they expressed themselves thus&rdquo;:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The Lord divided the kingdom of Israel into three parts,
+which were owned by the Romans, Armenians, and Barbarians. There will
+be no more prophets; all that he told us through the inspiration of the
+Holy Ghost was fulfilled, we are scattered all over the world and our
+fatherland is occupied by the Romans. O Jews! let us now weep with our
+nation, for we offended God, the Creator of all beings.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Looking over now the books in which Moses teaches <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb54" href="#pb54" name="pb54">54</a>]</span>us:
+&ldquo;each one who on earth calls himself God shall be put to
+death!<span class="corr" id="xd20e837" title=
+"Not in source">&rdquo;</span> Why is it possible then that we sinned
+in killing Jesus of Nazareth? We actually see that in ancient times,
+when our forefathers sinned before God and forgot Him, He lowered them
+to servitude and made them experience all the horrors of captivity; but
+when they turned again to Him and invoked Him, He saved them from need.
+From the scriptures we know that this happened seven times in ancient
+history. Now, then, when our fathers put their hands on the son of a
+poor woman, God deprived us of his mercifulness and support and lo! our
+government fell to pieces, we were separated from our temples and our
+nationality was forgotten. That was about three hundred years ago. The
+Lord does not hear our prayers and does not send us help, from which we
+conclude that perhaps this man was sent by God. Thus did they write me
+several times and aroused doubts in my soul, to explain which, I
+applied to Saint Nina. I asked her who was Jesus and why the Son of God
+became a simple man.</p>
+<p>Then Saint Nina opened her mouth and from it flowed out words of
+life as abundantly as the waves in the depth of the sea. From her very
+mouth I found out everything contained by the Christian books, and she
+explained to me their profound meaning. I felt like a man aroused from
+sleep, like a madman coming back to his senses. She filled my heart
+with pity for our forefathers, made me convince myself in the truths of
+the New Testament, and from her words I indeed recognized in him Jesus
+Christ, the Son of God, crucified, resurrected, and having come with
+glory; nay, I understood that He was the one who had been promised to
+those believing. I saw many other wonders yet, accomplished by Saint
+Nina at Mtzkhet in my time, and together with my daughter Sidonia was
+converted and received the Holy Baptism, being cleansed of all
+wickedness. I received that which the prophet David had vainly wished:
+I heard a choir of voices glorifying the New Testament, the object of
+his sighing; and <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb55" href="#pb55" name=
+"pb55">55</a>]</span>we were favored with the permission to partake of
+the Holy Communion, of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
+Lamb that perished for the sins of the world, the best and most
+compound of victuals. O Lord, strengthen this faith in my heart to my
+last breath! All that I shall after this relate, I myself heard, with
+my own ears from my mother, my father, or read in books, recording the
+words spoken by our ancestors.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>After this follows the story already known to us about the robe. On
+the tomb of Sidonia under a huge cedar grew up a fragrant bush loaded
+down by a numberless quantity of flowers and leaves, and from its
+branches a whole bush was formed, under which Saint Nina let herself
+down, not knowing how near she was to the aim of her desires. All
+nights she passed here in prayer, and lo! in one of these sleepless
+nights of prayer a shining man appeared to her and, pointing to the
+fragrant bush, ordered her to take up some earth under it to use for
+healing the sick. The next morning as usual Anastasia came to her,
+offering her wine, bread, fruits, and cheese. Having noticed that her
+eyes were filled with tears, Nina asked her the cause, and so found out
+that both she and her husband were deeply grieved by the fact that they
+had no children and attributed this misfortune to Anastasia&rsquo;s
+illness. The Saint immediately applied holy earth and Anastasia was
+cured.</p>
+<p>Let us now return to Abiatkar&rsquo;s tale. During that period Saint
+Nina saw one and the same dream three or four times in those few
+minutes in which she used to rest. A horde of blackbirds bathed itself
+in the river, came out of the water whiter than snow, and rushed
+towards a peach tree actually growing near her bush. In the apparition
+it appeared covered with wonderful buds and flowers. With great haste
+the birds gathered and all rivalled one another in bringing them to the
+Saint as to the owner of the garden; afterwards united around her in a
+circle and sang most marvellously.</p>
+<p>The Saint related all these events to my daughter <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb56" href="#pb56" name="pb56">56</a>]</span>Sidonia,
+who exclaiming very loud, expressed herself thus: &ldquo;O Prisoner;
+thou that didst take off our chains! I know that thou art the reason of
+all that hath now taken place, that by thee we are made to discover and
+acknowledge the past spilling of the blood of the Heavenly Man, for
+that deed the Hebrews and their kingdom perished, they were deprived of
+their temples and a strange people took the place of their greatness.
+Jerusalem, O Jerusalem! how thou dost spread thy wings in order to
+protect under them nations from every part of the world, thy children
+only remained without shelter and are scattered one by one all over the
+earth! Now there comes to us here a woman, born in a foreign land, who
+makes over our whole kingdom!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Then addressing the Saint, she said: &ldquo;That, which thou sawest,
+clearly predicts to us that this place has been changed by thee into
+religious gardens, in which thy pupils and followers whitened by thee
+like birds will eternally gather heavenly fruits, singing praises and
+glorifying God!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Saint openly preached the message of Christ, telling the people
+that up till then they had been entirely misled. She pointed to the
+grape cross which had already accomplished many wonderful cures without
+applying any medicine, simply by holding it to the sick people. She was
+joined in her converting expedition by seven Jewish women whom she had
+baptized. Among them also my daughter Sidonia, and I myself helped them
+with all my strength, trying to deserve the glorious name of Paul,
+which the Saint had bestowed upon me upon my baptism. Knowing well the
+Jewish law, and being instructed by the Saint, it was easier for me to
+convert the unbelieving and some of them becoming rebellious, wished to
+assault me with stones; but Tsar Mirian sent out several of his
+attendants to deliver me from their arms, because the news of the glory
+of the wonders accomplished in Greece and Armenia came to him and so he
+did not prevent Saint Nina and her pupils from preaching the truth,
+which he sympathized with. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb57" href=
+"#pb57" name="pb57">57</a>]</span></p>
+<p>But the devil, who had for a long time raged against the true
+believers, won the heart of the Tsaritsa Nana, who kept her husband
+from becoming a Christian. The fasts, vigilance, and prayers of the
+Saint astounded the heathens and they frequently asked her the cause of
+such actions.</p>
+<p>Filled with joy, she naturally took advantage of such moments to
+unceasingly preach to them the religion of Christ, and Anastasia and
+her husband zealously assisted her in such a time. Once they brought to
+the Saint a dying infant, whom all physicians considered absolutely
+incurable. The mother of the baby was a fierce adorer of idols and did
+not cease to injure the faith of Christ, and even prevented others from
+accepting the teachings of Saint Nina. Only the complete hopelessness
+forced her to apply to the wonderful girl.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I am not educated in human science,&rdquo; said the Saint,
+&ldquo;but the Lord Jesus Christ, whom I serve is strong enough to heal
+him.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>And with these words she placed him on her foliage couch, on which,
+having knelt, she usually pronounced her long prayers and kept her
+almighty vigilance, and having crossed him with the vineyard crucifix,
+she sent him away, healthy and happy. But his mother, who now fervently
+believed in the Christian faith, loudly glorified the Lord Jesus
+Christ. A little later the Tsaritsa fell ill and they sent for the
+marvellous doctor to the palace.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I cannot go into a heathen house and therefore request the
+Queen to come to me,&rdquo; was the answer of the Saint. Nana
+submitted. Her son Revv and some ladies of the court were obliged to
+carry her in their arms. Numerous crowds of people accompanied the
+procession with visible curiosity and concealed their dissatisfaction;
+but this dissatisfaction turned to excessive joy when she was cured and
+with tremendous attention did the crowds of heathens listen to Sidonia,
+who had educated the Tsaritsa in the true faith; after that she was
+baptized by Abiatkar and returned to her husband, a fervent Christian.
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb58" href="#pb58" name=
+"pb58">58</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Here it will be opportune to tell why Tsar Mirian once upon a time
+was so much in favor of Christianity. Hardly any other monarch in the
+world could boast of such great success in war as Mirian; he conquered
+much and always had good luck, nowhere and never did he lose a single
+battle, and he justly deserved the term &ldquo;the invincible.&rdquo;
+But that which seemed to all mere luck, was nothing less than the
+intention of God, leading him this road to learn the truth.</p>
+<p>In the year 312 the Persian Tsar Sapor sent a messenger to Mirian
+with a proposal to unite their forces and jointly attack Greece. Mirian
+consented, and soon their army, the number of which the contemporaries
+compare with grass in the fields or the leaves of the trees, fell upon
+the Emperor Constantine, who did not dare to oppose himself, and with
+sorrow saw how they ravaged one Greek province after another.</p>
+<p>The clergy encouraged its sovereign, assuring that the Lord would
+not let the unbelievers possess a Christian kingdom. A dream convinced
+Constantine still more in this idea. He hastened to become baptized and
+led his army by a flag on which was represented a cross of stars,
+surrounded, according to the apparition, with the words: &ldquo;By this
+I conquer!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Soon the handful of Christians conquered the hordes of heathens at
+Andriansora. Both tsars with the remainder of their troops were turned
+to flight and pursued by Constantine who, following them on their
+heels, invaded their dominions. The Persian Tsar, having abandoned his
+ally, ingloriously fled, but Mirian defended the towns and fortresses
+in Georgia until all his generals had perished; then he sent an embassy
+to Constantine with peace proposals.</p>
+<p>Constantine, who feared a second invasion of the Persians, consented
+to peace only with the imperative condition that in case of a war with
+the Persians, Mirian should assist him with an army, but to make sure
+of the observance of this condition, he took Mirian&rsquo;s son Bakour
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb59" href="#pb59" name=
+"pb59">59</a>]</span>as a hostage. Mirian&rsquo;s failure in the war
+with Constantine, the incomprehensible fear which had forced him to
+turn to flight, him, Mirian, whom all considered fearless and
+invincible and who up to this time had known no fear, gave him an
+exalted opinion of that God whom Constantine worshipped, and he
+frequently thought about His incomparable mightiness. The wars in which
+he was allied with Trdat, had led him astray, although, after the war
+with Constantine and the disaster at the f&ecirc;te of Armaz his faith
+in the religion of the false gods was very much shaken, but the furious
+opposition of the Tsaritsa Nana made also this second deep impression
+vanish.</p>
+<p>Now, however, when the newly converted woman wished to bring him to
+the light of truth, she was met with indifferent curiosity and cold
+inquisitiveness, instead of the former hearty interest. Mirian had
+already succeeded in forgetting that impression, which the victory of
+Constantine and complete fall of Armaz had produced upon him, he
+interrupted her fiery, persuasive speeches with the question how he
+came to see her healthy once more. The Tsaritsa spoke the truth. Her
+husband knew very well what a tremendous contrast there was between her
+experience and all then known means of curing, and he would not believe
+at all that the simple appliance of a cross could have as consequence a
+complete restoration to health. The court ladies, witnesses of the
+wonder, were then summoned to appear, and very naturally confirmed the
+words of the Tsaritsa. But the Tsar was not yet convinced.</p>
+<p>It was then ordered that any one of the eye-witnesses should be
+called up, and lo! a whole crowd of people came to testify the truth of
+what had taken place. Among others there was also Abiatkar, to whose
+tale we shall now return: &ldquo;The sovereign noticed me and began to
+inquire about the Christian teachings. He knew much in the Old and New
+Testament, and thus I had to explain rather than merely relate, and so
+it was easier to converse <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb60" href=
+"#pb60" name="pb60">60</a>]</span>with him than with the uneducated
+heathens. After that time he often sent for me.</p>
+<p><a id="xd20e888" name="xd20e888"></a>Once he told me that in the
+Book of Nebrotk the following version was written: <span class="corr"
+id="xd20e890" title="Source: &lsquo;">&ldquo;</span>During the
+construction of the tower of Kaskinie in the city of Khagkan (Babylon),
+Nebrotk heard a heavenly voice, which said to him: <span class="corr"
+id="xd20e893" title="Source: &ldquo;">&lsquo;</span>I am Michael, to
+whom the Lord confided the administration of the East, go thou out of
+this town, for the Lord does not wish that thou shouldst see that which
+He hid from human eyes. Leave the building, for otherwise God will
+certainly destroy it. In the future there will come a Heavenly King,
+whom thou dost want to see, and although He will be hated by the cursed
+nation, the fear of His name will cleanse the earth of all sins, kings
+will renounce their thrones in order to live in poverty. He will look
+upon thee with mercy in disastrous times and will save
+thee!&rsquo;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>I did my best to convince the sovereign that this is the
+confirmation of that which we have already read many a time in the Old
+and New Testaments. He agreed with me, but continued to adore the idols
+and the fire, notwithstanding the prayers of the Tsaritsa, who
+constantly persuaded him to be baptized. The devil held him still
+another year in his claws after Nana had been converted. On that
+account I could not convert even a single heathen, while Saint Nina
+daily converted dozens of people, untiringly preaching to the people
+the truth. She continued to pretend that she was a prisoner of war, not
+telling anyone whence she came and whither she intended to go. Much
+time went by, the Tsar interfered with the Saint and remained deaf and
+dumb to the prayers of the Queen; and the visits of Abiatkar did not
+lead to the desired result. He conversed whole hours with him and every
+time let him depart unpersuaded in the truth.</p>
+<p>Once there arrived from Khorossan a courier of the Sossanid family,
+with messages from the Shah of Persia who suddenly fell ill. The
+Tsaritsa Nana sent for Saint Nina, who again refused to come to the
+house <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb61" href="#pb61" name=
+"pb61">61</a>]</span>of the idolatrous Tsar and requested the sick man
+to repair to her house. King Mirian, who was not yet fully convinced of
+the mightiness of the Christian God and had not entirely renounced his
+former religion, wished himself to accompany his dying guest, whom they
+bore in their arms.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Through what power dost thou effect thy cures?&rdquo; said
+the Tsar, turning to the Saint. &ldquo;Art thou not a daughter of
+Armaz, dost thou not belong to the number of the descendants of Zaden,
+notwithstanding that thou callest thyself a stranger? Dost thou not
+secretly bow down before them and seek their moral support? And do they
+not give thee the power of healing, which nourishes thee wherever thou
+art? I know that thou didst convert people to the faith of a foreign
+God for the sole sake of trying their fidelity afterwards. Glory to our
+gods, who have disclosed the truth to me! I shall respect thee as I do
+the governess of my children and cover thee with honors in this mighty
+city, where thou didst hide thyself under the pretense of being a
+prisoner, but display no more before me and do not speak about the
+Christian faith.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Our great gods only are the actual healers of the world! The
+sun shines because they illuminate it, they send down rain, give
+fertility to the earth and nourish blessed Georgia. Armaz and Zaden
+know all secrets. Gatz and Gaim, the ancient gods of our forefathers
+are worthy of the confidence of all mortals! If thou wilt cure this
+mtvar I will shower riches upon thee, make thee a citizen of Mtzkhet
+and a servant (mere priest) of Armaz. Although they (the idols) were
+destroyed by an unusual storm and hail of stones, yet the spot where we
+adored them did not perish. Ytkrondjan&mdash;the Chaldean God and our
+Armaz are constantly fighting. It is known that our god once directed
+the sea against his enemies and that is the reason why they now revenge
+themselves by letting this disaster occur just as the rulers of the
+earth constantly do. Carry thou out then, my order!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;O King!&rdquo; answered Saint Nina, &ldquo;as the
+representative <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb62" href="#pb62" name=
+"pb62">62</a>]</span>of our Lord Jesus Christ and the prayers of His
+All-holy Mother and all saints existing, I am sent by God, the Creator
+of Heaven and Earth, the Father of all great and small beings, from man
+down to the last degrees of insects, through His indescribable mercy,
+like a piece of coal out of the stove of His goodness in order that
+thou shouldst learn to believe in and reach heavenly heights, the sunny
+world, the depths of the sea, earthly magnitude! Find out and
+acknowledge now thou, O Tsar, Him who covers the sky with clouds, who
+fills the air with the sound of thunder and shakes all creation, who
+lights up the sky with lightning, makes the tops of mountains slip off
+or turns them into volcanoes! Before His voice the foundations of earth
+tremble and mountains disappear like sea-waves! Know thou all this and
+admit thou the invisible God, living in heaven, who has sent His Son
+begotten of Him, to earth in the form of a mortal man, who having
+accomplished everything His Father wished Him to do, rose to Heaven in
+sublime glory. Dost thou not see that this, the eternal, only and true
+God looks after the needs of the humble and turns His face away from
+the proud? O Tsar! the time is already approaching when even thou shalt
+know and recognize God and verily shalt behold the wonder of light,
+which there is in this town. I am speaking of the Lord&rsquo;s robe;
+and the sheepskin of Illina, and many other treasures indeed, are
+hidden here, which God will point out to thee. I shall cure thy
+archimage just as I healed thy wife in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ
+and by the strength of His honest cross. The Tsaritsa already informed
+thee that she recovered from her illness only after she had sincerely
+renounced the idol-worship. Now her mind has broadened out and with
+ardor she does everything that is ordered in the Christian
+law&mdash;nay, that other people may learn from her righteous way of
+living!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Then, upon the command of the Saint, they placed the image facing
+the East. The Tsaritsa fell down on her knees and began a prayer under
+the cedar while the Saint raised the hands of the sick man towards
+Heaven and ordered him to loudly repeat thrice: <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb63" href="#pb63" name="pb63">63</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&ldquo;Renounce thou Satan! Bow thou down before my Lord Jesus
+Christ, the Son of God!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>But from great weakness the sick man could not speak. Then the Saint
+began to implore God to restore him to health, with tears and great
+lamentations, and her pupils stood by her side.</p>
+<p>One day and two nights she continued her prayers, and when at last
+the invalid had repeated the holy words for the third time, the badness
+of his soul suddenly abandoned him, he became a healthy man and a
+Christian, together with his family and servants and glorified the
+Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost! Mirian began to fear the wrath
+and revenge of the Persian Tsar and wanted to have the Saint
+immediately executed&mdash;alone the desperate lamentations and tearful
+supplications of his beloved wife could cut short his anger, and
+dissatisfied, he decided to seek distraction in hunting. This is how
+Sidonia, daughter to Abiatkar, and pupil to Nina, relates the
+event:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;On Saturday, July the twentieth, a royal hunt was appointed
+in the direction of Mouknar. The devil disturbed the royal heart,
+awakening in him the old love for idols and fire, and so he firmly
+resolved to exterminate all Christians with the sword. Four of his
+nearest councillors accompanied him upon the hunt, and to them he
+turned and made the following speech:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;We are worthy to be punished by our gods for
+forgetting their glory and permitting Christian witches to preach their
+law and teachings in our country. Through their witchcraft they
+accomplish wonders, but not at all by the might of their God. I have
+now made up my mind that all those who pay homage to and adore the
+Crucified shall perish by the sword, and furthermore, I insist that an
+effort shall be made to increase the love of serving the gods, the real
+rulers of Kartla (the native word for Georgia). I shall propose to my
+wife to abandon the faith of the Crucified, and if she doth not fulfil
+my order, I shall forget her love for me and have her <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb64" href="#pb64" name="pb64">64</a>]</span>put to
+death with the rest!&rsquo;&rdquo; With joyfulness the heathens
+listened&mdash;it seemed to them as though the monarch&rsquo;s speech
+had come out of their own hearts. They had long reflected about such an
+event, but did not dare to express their thoughts, knowing the
+attachment of the sovereign for his wife. Now they strongly supported
+his views and encouraged him in his actions.</p>
+<p>In the meantime they had already passed Moukkvar and Mirian ascended
+the high mountain Tekkhotk (in Armenian Tkakoutk) in order to look at
+Kaspii and Ouplis Tzikke. When, however, he reached the tiptop,
+although this was just at noon, the sun suddenly disappeared before his
+eyes and day turned to night. An impenetrable fog covered all the
+surroundings and the Tsar himself not noticing this, rode a long way
+off from his followers. An unusual thought weighed upon him.</p>
+<p>Surprised, he wished to ask whether all the rest were also in the
+fog or whether he alone was dazzled, but nobody answered his questions.
+In vain he rode over the mountains covered with bushes, his horse
+constantly stumbled and fell, the trees scratched his face and tore his
+clothes, the Tsar was involuntarily trembling, while his exhausted and
+tortured horse at last succumbed to fatigue and rose no more, thus
+depriving its reckless rider of any hope of saving his life. Then he
+remembered his former doubts and understood Whose hands were pushing
+him down.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I called to the gods, but they did not help me!&rdquo; he
+exclaimed. &ldquo;Now I shall turn to Him who was crucified on the
+cross, whom Nina preached about and with whose help she succeeds in
+healing men. Is He not strong enough to deliver me from this disaster?
+I am already fully in the darkness of terrible sin and do not know
+whether this darkness has come for all, or whether I alone am punished
+with blindness.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;If Thou wilt save me, God of Nina, then I pray to Thee,
+lighten up darkness and show me where my palace stands! I will accept
+the religion of Thy name, I will <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb65"
+href="#pb65" name="pb65">65</a>]</span>erect and glorify the wooden
+cross, I will build a temple of prayer, following the teachings of
+Saint Nina, and become a true Christian.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>With hearty and sincere repentance in his heart, he swore to become
+a Christian, and hardly had he succeeded in closing his lips when his
+eyes opened. The sun shone for him with all its gloriousness, he
+climbed off the fallen horse and stopping at the place where he had had
+the vision, he raised his hands towards the East and exclaimed:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Thou art the King of kings and the God of gods announced and
+proclaimed by Saint Nina! Let Thy name be glorified by all people in
+Heaven and on earth. Thou didst deliver me from peril and didst open my
+eyes; now I found out that Thou wishest to save, comfort and draw me
+towards Thee, according to the words of Thine arch-angel. Blessed be
+the Lord! On this spot I shall erect a cross, yes, I will glorify Thy
+holy name and let the remembrance of this marvellous event be kept
+upright for centuries and centuries to come.&rdquo; Having taken
+precise notice of the spot he went away, but in the meantime his
+attendants, who had been everywhere vainly looking for him, came
+together to discuss what was to be undertaken next.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, let all my nation glorify the God of Nina!&rdquo;
+suddenly rang out the Tsar&rsquo;s voice, &ldquo;for He is the Eternal
+God and to Him alone is due glory from century to century!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>They gave a fresh horse to the King and he rode home very happy, and
+best of all&mdash;both mentally and physically cured!</p>
+<p>In the meantime the Tsaritsa had already heard the report that
+Mirian had disappeared and a little later she received news that he was
+already returning. With great haste she rushed out to meet her beloved
+husband and an innumerable crowd of people followed after her. They
+arrived together at Kindsa, which lies in Gkartk.</p>
+<p>As to Saint Nina, she was pronouncing her usual prayer in the rose
+bush, and several of us were there <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb66"
+href="#pb66" name="pb66">66</a>]</span>with her. Gradually as the Tsar
+approached the whole nation began to be greatly moved and excited,
+because he shouted in a loud voice:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Where is the stranger, who, from now on, will be my mother,
+because her God saved me from death?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Having found out already that she was praying, the Tsar branched off
+on a side road and his suite followed him. Before reaching the rose
+bush Mirian left his horse and coming up to the Saint, he humbly bowed
+to her, saying:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Now make me worthy of invoking thy God, who has indeed been
+my saviour!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Having taught him a little, Nina on the very spot ordered him to bow
+down towards the East and adore the Lord Jesus Christ.</p>
+<p>But the people, who did not understand the point of the whole
+affair, began to be rebellious, seeing the Tsar and Tsaritsa humbly
+kneeling.</p>
+<p>On the next day Mirian dispatched ambassadors to Rome to the Emperor
+Constantine, with a request to speedily send some priests to baptize
+the nation, and with a letter from Saint Nina to the Empress Helena,
+informing her of the wonders which had been performed on Tsar Mirian
+near Mtzkhet, through the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ. The day
+the Tsar was converted the Saint sent to Saint Gregory Nansien asking
+for instructions as to what she should do next. By his advice she
+personally destroyed the new idol Armaz, which they had already
+succeeded in placing on a mountain beyond the Koura, and to which the
+people daily bowed at sunrise, climbing up to the roofs of their houses
+and turning their faces towards the sun. In its place she erected a
+cross on a hill near Mtzkhet, beyond the river Aragva. But as this
+cross was roughly made, the people kept away from it until the Lord had
+glorified it. While expecting the arrival of priests, the Saint and her
+followers preached the word of God day and night, untiringly preparing
+the nation before being baptized, and they went from Klardjet
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb67" href="#pb67" name=
+"pb67">67</a>]</span>to the land of the Alanes and from the Caspian
+gates to the land of the Massajettians, while the remaining pupils of
+the Saint spread all over Georgia.</p>
+<p>The Tsar had already become an active and energetic Christian before
+the return of the ambassadors. He said to the Saint: &ldquo;I am
+burning to construct a house of God, let us now choose the
+site!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let thy mtavares (provincial governors) solve that question
+and have it arranged so that thou and the nation will draw the utmost
+profit out of it,&rdquo; replied Saint Nina.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No!&rdquo; said the King, &ldquo;I love thy rose bush and
+wish to sacrifice everything in order to erect a temple on that spot. I
+shall have my vineyards, great cedars, fruit trees, and fragrant
+flowers cut down. Dost thou not remember how in thy vision the black
+birds became so white that it was blinding, and having perched
+themselves on the vineyard trees, filled the air with heavenly songs?
+Now we will turn this visible vineyard into an invisible one, giving us
+eternal life, and let us build in it a house of worship and prayer
+before the arrival of the Greek priests!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Immediately they began to get the materials together. For the church
+seven pillars were necessary. Thereupon a great cedar was cut down
+which furnished six pillars, while the seventh was made out of a large
+pine. When the wooden walls had been erected they fixed the six
+pillars, each one in a place specially prepared for it, while the
+seventh, which was unusually large and was meant for the cupola, they
+could by no means lift from the ground. They hastened to report this to
+the Tsar, who ordered all the people to make for the building, and he
+himself went there too. In this affair all then known means of raising
+weights were used, but neither the numberless arms, nor any possible
+art could succeed in obtaining the desired result. And Tsar and people
+asked each other with the greatest surprise: &ldquo;What can this
+mean?&rdquo; And having labored till night they went back to their
+houses in great sorrow. Saint Nina, however, <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb68" href="#pb68" name="pb68">68</a>]</span>with
+twelve of her followers, remained by the pillar, washing it with her
+tears and praying and groaning. About midnight a terrifying vision
+began; we saw how the mountains of Armaz and Zaden were trembling as
+though somebody were shaking them in order to block up the course of
+both rivers. Mtkouar returned and inundated the town, by reason of
+which the air was filled with cries, lamentations and groaning, while
+the Aragva flowed towards the fortress and its waves dashing against
+the fortress walls, made such a fearful noise that we ran away in
+terror, but the Saint shouted:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Do not be afraid, sisters, the mountains still stand in their
+places and the rivers have not altered their course, and the nation
+quietly sleeps. Although that which you beheld did not happen in
+reality, yet this was not a mere dream, for the mountains of unbelief
+were thoroughly shaken up in Georgia, for the rivers of innocent
+children&rsquo;s blood, which flowed in honor of the idols, dried up,
+for legions of demons, chased out of this region by the mightiness of
+the Cross are pitifully combatting, seeing how their waves of wrath
+cannot carry out anything nor harm the fortress of Christ&rsquo;s
+faith. Come back and let us pray!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Then all these sounds quieted down and everywhere one could
+distinguish silence once more. The Saint stood up with raised hands and
+prayed that what had been begun by the Tsar should not be destroyed.
+But before dawn the vision repeated itself, and this time more
+terrifying than ever: it seemed as though an immense and terrible army
+had attacked the city from three different sides.</p>
+<p>Having forced the gates open it completely filled the streets.
+Everywhere a fearful emotion had spread, shrieking and murdering took
+place. Pools of blood flowed at every corner. In some places the people
+threw themselves upon the enemy with arms in their hands; some of them
+from terror and confusion turned against their own countrymen. Here one
+was killing the other<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb69" href="#pb69"
+name="pb69">69</a>]</span>&mdash;there a second one was expiring, a
+third one&rsquo;s heart was perfectly broken by the lamentations of his
+family. Suddenly a loud, loud voice was heard:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The Persian Tsar Kkhouara! The king of kings Kkhouaran
+Kkhouara has ordered that the sharpness of the sword should spare the
+Jews!&rdquo; Only upon hearing this cry did I begin to come back to my
+senses, but just like ten of my companions, I could not exactly
+remember how affairs stood. We were still imagining warriors turning
+around us with swords in their hands, who knocked down and killed
+everybody and everything. And once more a cry was heard: &ldquo;Tsar
+Mirian is taken!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Then the brave worker of Christ&rsquo;s vineyard said: &ldquo;I know
+that he who is shouting is in great distress. Give thanks unto God, for
+the enemy is overcome and Georgia saved, and this very place
+too!&rdquo; She cheered us up like an experienced doctor, like a
+sincere teacher, like a great apostle! Afterwards fearlessly throwing
+herself upon this regiment of robbers and destroyers, she angrily asked
+them:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Where then is the Persian King Kkhoua and Kkhouaran-Kkhonafa?
+Only yesterday you left the land of Sab and hurried hither with a
+terrible and most numerous army in order to destroy the city and
+exterminate the inhabitants. Ye Northern and Western winds, chase them
+away into the dark mountains and bottomless precipices, for He arrived
+before whom you turn to flight!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>With these words she raised her hand and made the sign of the
+cross.</p>
+<p>Instantly all fell to pieces and were swept off, great silence set
+in and we all began to congratulate her upon the glorious victory and
+thank God for the happy and favorable end of such a terrible vision and
+for His revealing to the Saint through this event the future
+flourishing state of the country. When, however, it began to grow
+light, the other women fell asleep, while I, Sidonia, could see how the
+Saint continued praying, raising her hands to Heaven. Suddenly there
+stood before her a <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb70" href="#pb70"
+name="pb70">70</a>]</span>youth, shining with indescribable brightness,
+dressed in a fiery-blazing garment and said three words to her, from
+which the Saint fell down with her face on the ground. The youth
+stretched out his hands towards the pillar, raised it and put it in the
+right place. In my astonishment I approached and asked: &ldquo;Why,
+mistress, what is this?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Bow down thy head!&rdquo; she replied, and wept from fear. A
+little later she rose, ordered me to get up too, and we left this place
+together.</p>
+<p>In the meantime our sisters had waked up and actually saw that the
+pillar, which had seemed to them enveloped in flames, was coming down
+from Heaven and was approaching its destination. When it was within
+twenty loktays of the ground it stopped. Hardly had daylight appeared
+when the Tsar, tortured with impatience and anxiety, hastened to the
+building which he was burning to see finished. From a distance it
+seemed to him that the strokes of lightning were rising to Heaven. He
+hurried on. In the end, unable to conquer his curiosity, he actually
+ran. His whole suite and innumerable hordes of people rushed after him,
+doing their best to speedily reach and help to put out the fire in the
+burning edifice, and lo! a wonderful spectacle now presented itself to
+the eyes of all present.</p>
+<p>The extraordinary illumination was not caused by a fire as supposed:
+it came from the pillar, blazing with light. Softly did it come down
+from Heaven, supported by the arms of two angels, placed itself in the
+right spot, and was firmly fixed without the help of human hands. O,
+how great was the general delight! Happiness and emotion spread all
+over Mtzkhet.</p>
+<p>The Tsar, Tsaritsa, dignitaries, and people without distinction of
+rank or class, shed tears of emotion, all glorified God and praised
+Saint Nina, for great wonders were accomplished on that day. In the
+first place a blind-born Hebrew, who approached the pillar, which had
+been placed by God, began to see. Secondly, the sepetsouli <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb71" href="#pb71" name=
+"pb71">71</a>]</span>(<i>i.e.</i>, page) Kha Mazaepouki had been
+entirely paralyzed for eight years. His mother took him in his bed and
+had it carried to the shining pillar, afterwards turning to Saint Nina,
+she said in an imploring voice: &ldquo;Look, O mistress, at my dying
+baby, I know that He about whom thou dost preach is the God of
+gods!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Then the Saint moved up to the pillar and having put her hand on the
+boy, said to him: &ldquo;Thou dost believe in Jesus Christ the Son of
+God, who hath come to save the world? Be healthy and from this very day
+on glorify God, who hath cured thee!&rdquo; And the boy got up in
+perfect health, and Tsar and nation were seized with fear. All the sick
+hastened to the spot and were healed, but as many could not stand the
+wonderful light coming out of the pillar, the Tsar ordered to have it
+covered with wood, which, nevertheless, of course did not prevent the
+people from approaching the pillar and getting cured.</p>
+<p>The work of completing the church was immediately taken in hand, and
+it was arranged so that the pillar should be left in its above
+mentioned place. In the meantime the ambassadors of Tsar Mirian had
+already related to the Emperor Constantine and the Empress Helen, his
+mother, about the conversion of their sovereign to the faith of the
+true God, and this filled their hearts with joy, for Mirian offered
+them his friendship and help in conquering and destroying the
+Persians.</p>
+<p>They hastened to send Bishop John (upon the advice given by the
+Antiochian patriarch Evstafii) and with him two priests and three
+deacons. Upon this occasion Constantine wrote a letter of
+congratulation to Mirian, filled with blessings and expressions of
+thankfulness to God, and sent him some gorgeous presents, but above all
+an invaluable gift&mdash;namely: the image of Rouiz with five hundred
+pieces of holy relics. The Empress Helen also wrote a letter in which
+she highly praised the resolution of Mirian and encouraged him. The
+arrival of the bishop, priests, and deacons at Mtzkhet was a day of
+general feasting, for Tsar as well as people were equally thirsting to
+be baptized. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb72" href="#pb72" name=
+"pb72">72</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Immediately a proclamation was sent to all the kristavs, military
+commanders, and dignitaries of the monarchy to gather around the Tsar,
+and all started for Mtzkhet. Thereupon began the general baptizing:
+Saint Nina baptized the Tsar and the priests the Tsaritsa and
+princes.</p>
+<p>Bishop John on the other hand blessed the Mtkouar, and together with
+the deacons having found a place near the bridge Mogoutka, opposite the
+house of the priest Elios, he baptized in these waters all dignitaries
+and courtiers; that is the reason why this spot is called
+Mtkavartka-Sanatklavi, <i>i.e.</i>, &ldquo;the place where the
+Mtkavares were baptized.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Farther down the river, both priests, the deacon and the bishop,
+after having baptized the nobility and dignitaries, baptized the
+people, who hurried towards them as much as possible&mdash;begging to
+quickly receive the great favor. Just so the prophecies of St. Nina,
+who was constantly and uninterruptedly repeating to them that he who
+does not let himself be baptized, would never behold the real light,
+awakening in them the greatest enthusiasm. Thus nearly all Georgians
+and fifty Hebrew families from the house of Varrava were
+christened.</p>
+<p>To the Hebrew-Christians the Tsar granted the suburb of Tsikhe Dide.
+This was in the year 327.</p>
+<p>Alone the mountain inhabitants and Mirian&rsquo;s brother-in-law,
+Pkeros, who had received the province of Ran as a dowry from his bride,
+beginning from Bard, did not pay attention to the Tsar&rsquo;s summons
+and remained heathens, having respectfully remarked to the Tsar that
+his power over them could not be extended to their form of religion.
+When, through His great mercifulness, the Lord deigned to show to the
+holy Tsaritsa His living cross, Tsar Mirian hastened to send to the
+Emperor Constantine the Bishop John, asking him for a piece of the wood
+of the holy living cross. To this request he joined the wish to have
+many priests, in order to send them out not only into all provinces,
+but also to each <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb73" href="#pb73" name=
+"pb73">73</a>]</span>single city of his government to educate,
+enlighten, and baptize the people all over Georgia.</p>
+<p>At that time an invitation was also sent to architects, for it took
+a great many to erect and establish churches throughout the kingdom.
+The Emperor received the ambassador with great rejoicing and handed him
+the pieces of the holy living wood on which had lain the holiest legs
+of the Saviour of the world, and two nails from the Lord&rsquo;s hands.
+The pieces of the holy living wood are called Nerkveli in Georgian.
+Emperor Constantine handed great riches to Bishop John, ordering him to
+erect a church with this money in the newly converted country, but to
+divide up the remaining treasures among the other Georgian churches. He
+also sent with him many priests and architects and having flattered and
+complimented the envoy and bishop, allowed them to start for home.</p>
+<p>Having reached the province of Eroushatk, they left there one
+architect and a priest, ordering them to establish and erect a church,
+and giving them the necessary sum for that undertaking. The priest
+besides was given charge of the most holy nails, which were to be kept
+in this temple. When they again arrived at Mangliss, they did the same
+thing, leaving the holy Nerkvelis, and then soon reached Mtzkhet. But
+Mirian, who had been awaiting their arrival with such impatience, was
+deeply grieved by the fact that they had been staying out longer on the
+way than he had expected them to do, and besides&mdash;had left in the
+provinces both invaluable holy relics; but Saint Nina comforted him by
+the following words: &ldquo;Quiet down, O Tsar! It was necessary that
+everywhere on their route they should proclaim and firmly establish the
+name of the Lord&mdash;while thou in the grand capital art in
+possession of quite as great a treasure, viz., the robe of the
+Lord!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Then the Tsar sent for Abiatkar, and with him came quite a large
+number of Jews. When, however, he asked them questions about the robe
+they related how it was <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb74" href=
+"#pb74" name="pb74">74</a>]</span>under the wonder-working pillar and
+added to this the whole report of Sidonia, which we have already
+told.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Blessed be Thou, O Lord Jesus Christ, son of the living
+God!&rdquo; exclaimed the Tsar, raising his hands toward Heaven,
+&ldquo;merciful and charitable in saving us from the devil and the land
+of darkness and having built this church, nay, having brought Thy robe
+hither from the most holy city of Jerusalem to spare it from the hands
+of the Jews, who hath not acknowledged Thee and to hand it over to our
+care, to a foreign and strange nation, honoring and fearing Thee with
+all their heart!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Immediately the church was begun, first commencing with the court.
+&ldquo;Let the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed,&rdquo; said
+then Saint Nina, &ldquo;and of God the Father, who hath sent His son,
+who leaving the all-shining heavenly regions, came down to earth, was
+without doubt born of the seed of David, of the branch of Joachim, of
+the most holy and most pure Virgin and her thou didst make the cause of
+our salvation, earthly enlightenment and glory of Thy people O Israel!
+Of her was born the God man, the light of all believing, the image of
+God, baptized with water and with the Holy Ghost, was crucified and
+interred, rose on the third day&mdash;going up to His Father, whither
+he comes with glory, for He is worthy of all glory, honor, and
+adoration, together with the Father and the Holy Ghost now, henceforth
+and evermore! Amen.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>When all were really and successfully baptized, the royal son Revv
+reminded them about the famous tree, which grew in the court and had a
+marvellous power to heal even the most desperate mortal wounds. It was
+noticed more than once that even the snakes, when wounded by mortal
+shots, if they ate the leaves of this tree or the buds falling from it,
+immediately were healed.</p>
+<p>Having found out about this, Bishop John said: &ldquo;This land was
+really and truly destined by God to have the holy faith introduced in
+it, and by His godly attention this marvellous tree grew up and was
+preserved to <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb75" href="#pb75" name=
+"pb75">75</a>]</span>our days. Now, however, when the might of Christ
+had been spread all over Georgia, it does seem advisable to make a
+cross out of it, which will be an object of veneration for the whole
+country!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>And so, on Friday the twenty-fifth of March, three hundred and
+thirty A. D., the Tsarevitch Revv, together with the bishop and masses
+of people, set forth to cut down the tree, the branches of which,
+notwithstanding that it was in the winter season, were quite green.
+This tree was so beautiful that having cut it only slightly, one
+hundred men took it up in their arms together with its branches and
+leaves and carried it into the town, where they placed it near the
+church.</p>
+<p>To the general astonishment it really kept its freshness and beauty
+during thirty-seven days, as though it had been replanted with a root
+or been constantly refreshed by living water. When, however, all the
+bushes were covered with leaves and the fruit trees with flowers, on
+the first of May, a Saturday, Tsar and people entered the church and
+with ardor and joyfulness made crosses out of it. The following day at
+sunrise a cross of stars descended from Heaven, and having let itself
+down to the church, seemed to have turned itself into a crown of stars
+which remained visible to the whole nation until sunset. Then two stars
+started forth from it: one flew towards the East and the other towards
+the West, while the cross, keeping its heavenly glitter and beauty,
+quietly directed itself to the spring which had been created by the
+tears of Saint Nina, and having gone up by the river Aragva to a stony
+plateau, rose to Heaven. As this vision repeated itself daily and was
+seen by all the people, the Tsar asked the Saint to explain its
+reason.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Send thou,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;into the highest mountains
+in the East and West, to follow up and watch the direction which the
+stars take and, there where they stop we shall each time erect a cross
+to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Tsar lost no time in ordering guards placed on the summits of
+the mountains. This was on Friday, and <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb76" href="#pb76" name="pb76">76</a>]</span>Saturday, according to
+custom, at sunrise the wonder again repeated itself. The next day
+arrived the men who had been keeping guard on the Kvobtka-Tkavv, and
+said to the Tsar:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The star stopped just above the mountain Tkkot and then went
+down into the Caspian Sea and disappeared.&rdquo; But others who had
+also kept guard on the Keretk, said:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We beheld a star which came straight to us and stopped in the
+village of Bode.&rdquo; Thereupon Saint Nina said:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Take both these crosses and establish one on the mountain
+Tkkot as God hath instructed ye, while the other ye shall give to the
+servant of God&mdash;Salome, who will plant it in the town of Oudjarmo,
+because Bode or Bondi is a simple hamlet with few inhabitants and thus
+should not be put on a footing with a capital, which has a large
+population, and so Bondi, too, will soon see that it is a place
+pleasing to God.&rdquo; The words of the Saint were most punctually and
+correctly carried out on the seventh of May.</p>
+<p>In consequence of the marvellous heavenly apparition, a third cross,
+taken up by men and preceded by Saint Nina, was solemnly carried to the
+foot of the stony <span class="corr" id="xd20e1070" title=
+"Source: pleateau">plateau</span>.</p>
+<p>There the Saint, the King, and the people passed a whole night
+praying at the spring which had been created by the tears of Saint
+Nina. At that spot many wonders and cases of healing took place too.
+The day following they ascended the mountain to the top of the rocky
+plateau (now known by the designation Djouar), the Saint gave the
+example and after her Tsar and people, rich and poor, the prominent and
+religious fell down with their face resting on the ground and prayed to
+God with many tears and great lamentations, so that the mountains were
+filled with the sounds of crowds praying. Then the Saint, having put
+her hand upon the stone, said to the bishop:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Come thou and make the sign of the cross on this
+stone.&rdquo; <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb77" href="#pb77" name=
+"pb77">77</a>]</span></p>
+<p>As soon as the Saint&rsquo;s command had been executed, the holy
+cross was well fastened to a rock by the hands of the Tsar and his
+family. Innumerable crowds of people bowed down before the cross,
+praising and blessing the Son of God and believing with all their
+hearts and souls in Him and in the Holy Trinity. Even the most
+distinguished Mtavares did not leave the holy church, the fiery pillar
+and the holy cross, and were witnesses of the perfectly unusual wonders
+and most marvellous cures.</p>
+<p>The Sunday of the Easter Full-moon was chosen by Mirian for
+celebrating the holy cross, and this custom was observed all over
+Georgia up to the governor-generalship of Yermolow.</p>
+<p>On the first Wednesday after the f&ecirc;te of the Holy Trinity, a
+new wonder occurred. A fiery cross showed itself above the cross on
+Mount Djuarr, while above it there seemed to be a crown, consisting of
+twelve stars. Besides, the mountain gave out an <span class="corr" id=
+"xd20e1085" title="Source: indiscribable">indescribable</span>
+fragrance. This vision was seen by everybody, and many of the
+unbelieving were baptized on that memorable day, while the faith of the
+Christians was very much strengthened, and they loudly glorified God.
+At the cross still another wonder took place. A light seven times
+brighter than the sun was lowered from Heaven unto the cross and angels
+went up and down this apparently fiery road&mdash;as the sparks fly
+from the bursting crater. Even the very mountain was shaken as though a
+strong earthquake were taking place during the wonderful
+apparition.</p>
+<p>This wonder called forth general surprise, and all those present
+praised God more and more, and as such wonders repeated themselves
+daily before the eyes of the whole nation, people from every town and
+village of the kingdom streamed in to bow to the cross. At that time
+the Tsarevitch, a grandson of Mirian and the only son of the crown
+prince Revv, was taken with a hopeless illness, but his father placed
+him in front of the cross and with tears in his eyes, said:
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb78" href="#pb78" name=
+"pb78">78</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&ldquo;If thou, O holy cross, wilt heal my son, I will erect a
+shrine for thee!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>And the child came back to life and was taken home by his
+father&mdash;restored to perfect health. The Tsarevitch immediately
+returned with the greatest joy in order to thank God and begin to carry
+out his solemn promise. Soon a marble chapel was built, into which Revv
+daily came to give thanks unto God, and used to bring rich gifts. Ever
+since that moment a still greater number of the weak and sick were
+attracted by the holy cross, and having been cured, they joyfully
+glorified our Lord Jesus Christ and the strength of His honorable
+cross. A blind youth who had fasted for fully seven days and had been
+praying as long before the cross, got back his sight and glorified
+God.</p>
+<p>A woman who had the misfortune of having the devil in her for eight
+whole years, was deprived of the power of reasoning and here tore her
+clothes to pieces and became idiotic&mdash;there became greatly
+weakened. For twelve days they held her in front of the cross; in the
+end the Lord healed her and she returned home, healthy in body and
+soul, lauding God and honoring His holy cross. It happened that a
+little baby fell from a certain height and was instantly killed. His
+mother put the breathless corpse near the foot of the cross and from
+morning till evening unceasingly prayed with tears constantly in her
+eyes.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Woman!&rdquo; they said to her, &ldquo;take him away and bury
+him, for he is dead, and thy prayers will be of no use!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>But she continued praying and loudly lamenting without giving up
+hope throughout the night, the next day and a third day, and lo! to the
+seventh day.</p>
+<p>On this seventh day, however, in the evening, the baby came back to
+life and was carried off living and healthy by his mother, who did not
+cease to praise and thank God. Such great wonders persuaded many
+fruitless husbands to resort to the strength of the holy cross, and
+having begged with real faith, they became the fathers <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb79" href="#pb79" name="pb79">79</a>]</span>of
+numerous families and daily came to adore the cross and bring gorgeous
+presents. Not only the sick who personally came to pray at the foot of
+the cross were successfully cured, but also the warriors combatting
+far, far away from Djouar, if they only implored the help of the cross,
+became able to defeat their enemies and unharmed returned to Mtzkhet to
+justly glorify God. Many infidels, when in great need, addressed the
+cross with prayers and receiving salvation from destruction, hastened
+to Djouar to give thanks unto God and be baptized. Besides these
+already mentioned, masses of other suffering people were healed and the
+unhappy comforted by invoking the holy cross, created by the
+almightiness of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, and to them
+is due all glory, honor, and veneration, now, henceforth, and evermore.
+Amen.</p>
+<p>At that time Saint Nina, the Tsar, and the nation received a message
+from the patriarch from Rome. Just then, too, arrived a deacon from the
+land of the Brandjees in order to congratulate Saint Nina and ask her
+to pray for them. He also brought a letter from his Tsar to Saint Nina,
+whose father had baptized all Brandjees. At Jerusalem and
+Constantinople a report was spread that the sun of truth was now
+shining in Georgia and Jee&mdash;from all possible regions they sent
+letters asking to give precise details of the wonders which had
+happened at the pillar and the rose bush and of the extraordinary cases
+of cures. Having carefully inquired about all this, the brandja-deacon
+glorified God and went home with numerous letters containing the longed
+for statements. Then the Tsar spoke thus to the Saint and the
+bishop:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It is my wish with the power of the sword to force the
+mountain inhabitants as well as my brother-in-law Pkheros to serve the
+Son of God and to oblige them to venerate and respect the honest
+cross!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;God doth not order thee to convert them with the
+sword!&rdquo; was their unanimous answer. It is thy duty to convert
+them after having pointed out to them with the <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb80" href="#pb80" name="pb80">80</a>]</span>help of
+the New Testament and the cross&mdash;the road of truth leading to life
+eternal and how to be thankful to the Lord, who lightens up the
+terrible darkness of their souls.</p>
+<p>Saint Nina, together with the bishop, left for the mountain regions,
+and the Tsar ordered the kristav (most likely district governor) to
+accompany them. Upon arriving at Tsorbanne, they called together the
+mountaineers, inspected Dsrbin, Tchartal, Tkkhela, Tsilkammy, and
+Gorangor. They assembled the Tchartalians, who were almost like wild
+beasts, the Fkholians, the Gondamakavians, and to all these tribes they
+preached about the holy cross of Christ. But they did not want to
+listen, and so the royal kristav drew his sword and destroyed their
+idols and subjected them.</p>
+<p>From there they went into Yaletia (the present Mtaletka) and taught
+the nations of Tionet and Ertso (in Armenian Erdzoitk), who received
+them well and were baptized, but the Fkholis (nowadays the Pchaves),
+settled over to Doushet. The remaining mountain inhabitants also
+refused to become Christians, for which the Tsar doubled their taxes
+and thus forced them to emigrate. It is true later on, Saint Avive,
+bishop of Nekretsa, converted several of them to Christianity, while
+the rest are even to this day infidels. Saint Nina started for Ranne in
+order to enlighten Pkeros, but as she approached Kouket and reached
+Bondi, she was obliged to make a longer stop. Kakhetians streamed there
+in great number, questioned her and many became persuaded in the
+correctness and truthfulness of her teachings. At Bondi, however, she
+fell ill. Hardly had the news of this deplorable event reached Revv and
+Salome, who lived at Oudjarmo, when they hastened to the Saint and also
+informed the Tsar and Tsaritsa. The sovereign gave orders that Bishop
+John should bring over the Saint, but she really preferred to remain
+where she was, and so the Tsar set out for Bondi with a numerous
+suite.</p>
+<p>The whole nation rushed to the invalid, whose glance <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb81" href="#pb81" name="pb81">81</a>]</span>was
+illuminated with true heavenly brilliancy. With love and veneration did
+the true believers cut off little bits of pieces from her garment and
+covered their souvenir with kisses. The Tsaritsa and the princesses
+crowded around her, showering blessings upon her, and with tears and
+sorrow they looked forward to their separation from their teacher,
+protector, and healer. The Princess Salome, Kherosh Avrizounelle (in
+Armenian Perojavr Sounetsi), the kristaves and mtavares began to
+implore the Saint to relate her life to them, saying:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Who art thou? How didst thou come into our kingdom to save
+us? Who was thy instructor? O mistress, do let us know the history of
+thy life! Why shouldst thou speak of captivity&mdash;O thou happy,
+happy Tsaritsa, who hast delivered us from the burdens of captivity?
+For through thee we found out that the Son of God had been predicted by
+prophets, that after Him the work of spreading the new faith was
+carried out by twelve apostles, and as many as seventy-two pupils. But
+of all this immense number, thou alone wert given and sent unto us by
+God. Why in the world dost thou then call thyself a prisoner and
+foreigner?&rdquo; Then the Saint continued:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Children of the Faith, Tsaritsa and princesses&mdash;all ye
+who are surrounding me, I now see that you may be compared with the
+ancient women in their faith and love to Christ. You desire to know the
+biography of His insignificant servant. I consent, for I feel that my
+end is approaching and I shall sleep the eternal sleep in which she who
+gave birth to me is already resting. Take ye then the inkstand and
+write up the history of my life, so that your children shall discover
+how great your faith in God was, how constant and unchangeable your
+love to me and what wonders you were allowed to be witnesses
+of.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Then the Princess Salomee and Kherosh Avrizounelle began to record
+the events, while the Saint related to <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb82" href="#pb82" name="pb82">82</a>]</span>them all that we have
+here undertaken to describe. She advised the Tsar to replace Bishop
+John by the priest Jacob when the time should come. John held a final
+mass, and Nina received from his hands the Holy Communion, after which
+she gave up her most righteous soul to the Lord of Heaven and earth, in
+the fifteenth year after her arrival in Georgia, in the year of our
+Lord three hundred and thirty-nine. Her death caused great sorrow and
+mourning in Mtzkhet and Oudjarmo. They buried her at Bondi (the present
+Sidjack) in accordance with the sworn oath which she had received from
+the Tsar. As this was at that period a little known and unimportant
+village, the Saint had evidently chosen it from extreme humility. The
+Tsar and his noblemen were deeply grieved by this choice, but of course
+did not venture to oppose her last will.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div id="ch5" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">V. The Diamond</h2>
+<h2 class="sub">A Legend</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">At the time of Tsar Artchill the First, who was
+married to Marion, the daughter of the Greek Emperor Julian (363 A.
+D.), many Greeks settled over into Georgia, among them the painter
+Martin. To his care the inner ornamentation of the church of Stephan
+Tsminda (<i>i.e.</i>, of Saint Stephen) was left. This great house of
+worship had been planned and constructed at Mtzkhet by the all
+honorable Artchill, near the gates of the Aragva, near the towers and
+bastions erected in its neighborhood for national defence. Martin was a
+perfectly honorable and reliable man and very clever and gifted in the
+execution of his orders. The paints which were at his disposal assumed
+such a marvellous, nay overwhelming resemblance with reality, that
+several of the saints represented by them appeared as though they were
+alive, and astounded faithful and esteemed believers <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb83" href="#pb83" name="pb83">83</a>]</span>many
+hundred years after his death. On one of the walls he had undertaken to
+reproduce the apparition of the most Holy Virgin to Saint Nina. The
+latter was seen down on her knees stretching out her arms and receiving
+a holy cross made of fine vineyard branches. The fear, happiness, love
+to God and perfectly boundless submission to His holy will were
+expressed not only in the character features of the Saint, but in every
+movement, nay, in every fold of her garment. The union of all these
+various thoughts was above picturesque sciences and naturally called
+forth the amply justified astonishment of the contemporaries of Martin
+and of the very latest visitors to the temple. Yes, indeed, the Greek
+Martin was a great, great artist. And therefore he loved his art so
+much that it seemed dearer to him than all the world put together, with
+the exception of his daughter Poullkheria.</p>
+<p>At the period when our tale begins, the portrait of Saint Nina was
+already carefully finished off, and the artist was applying himself
+over the figure of the most Holy Virgin. As humble as he was clever and
+ingenious, he alone, it appeared, did not notice the beauty of his
+productions, and while just then all those standing about were filled
+with amazement and extreme delight, he sighed while comparing his
+master works with those shining, marvellous, indescribable, and
+exceptionally extraordinary pictures which his poetic imagination
+seemed to behold moving as it were in the air, and which were so dear
+to his elevated soul. How in the world should he represent the features
+of the most Holy Virgin?</p>
+<p>That was a question which tortured him day and night. Every time he
+reflected about them he thought he could see the sweet, short, dear
+face of his daughter, and with terror in his heart he attempted to
+drive away this imaginary apparition. It seemed to him like some
+wicked, harsh, impossible insult. Again he did his best to find a
+proper type which would have nothing earthly about it, and once more
+that same loving and beloved <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb84" href=
+"#pb84" name="pb84">84</a>]</span>little face of Poullkheria presented
+itself to him. At last in perfect despair he went to the Katholikoss
+(this fully corresponds to the rank of a patriarch), John the Second,
+imploring counsel and prayer. One day and two nights they fervently
+prayed together near the holy djouar (thus was named the place near the
+fountain of tears of Saint Nina, not far from the cross erected in that
+very vicinity; djouar in reality means cross). On the second morning
+the Katholikoss ordered the painter to immediately return to his
+home.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Lay thyself down at the feet of our great converter,&rdquo;
+said he, &ldquo;and go to sleep, for I do heartily believe that in a
+dream thou art destined to see namely those features in which the most
+Holy Virgin must be represented!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Martin went to the place appointed, fulfilled the command of John,
+and a third time saw the features of Poullkheria; she appeared to him
+with some especially magnificent heavenly radiance.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But how shall I reproduce this astonishing light?&rdquo;
+murmured the painter, and began to strictly observe the fasts and pray
+like the ancient prophets and other true servants of the Lord. For a
+whole week he constantly went through all the different religious
+services and ate nothing, nor did he drink anything. On Saturday, after
+partaking Communion, he took a meal and lay down with the intention of
+sleeping under the portrait.</p>
+<p>In the dream he beheld already the heavenly Tsaritsa, viz., just as
+it was customary and necessary to reproduce her. Hastily he jumped up
+and drew out on the wall with charcoal the all glorious and all
+impressive picture. This was the very first representation of the kind,
+and it completely satisfied and pleased the artist himself! The worry
+which had long been weighing down on him was changed into inexpressible
+happiness and good fortune, and he hurried to the holy djouar (cross)
+where with tears he thanked and sang praises unto God. The following
+day just at sunrise Martin rose, awoke Poullkheria and led her off with
+him. Hardly had he arranged <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb85" href=
+"#pb85" name="pb85">85</a>]</span>her as was his desire, when an
+unknown youth came up to them.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Old man!&rdquo; he said, respectfully bowing, &ldquo;I also
+want to work on the image of the Heavenly Queen, instruct me how it is
+necessary to dispose of thy colors.&rdquo; With great incredulity
+Martin stared at him. The gorgeous garment, the graceful movements
+showed plainly that he was a man not accustomed to hard labors.
+&ldquo;It is not at all easy to teach how to apply the colors,&rdquo;
+he answered. &ldquo;Take off thy expensive and most elegant robe and
+thy delicate hands will not stand difficult, exhausting work.&rdquo;
+The youth nevertheless insisted, and Martin having rapidly explained to
+him what to do, began the work and soon forgot him and Poullkheria and
+all creation, and was utterly absorbed in his magnificent inner world.
+In the meantime Poullkheria followed the newcomer. He was a tall,
+well-built, handsome youth, broad-shouldered with a slender waist,
+which was pinched in by a fine gold belt with decorations of highly
+precious stones, and how these various-colored stones played and shone
+and reflected! when he had placed it on a huge marble piece and he
+easily and quickly arranged on it a heavy stone, which her father moved
+from place to place&mdash;very slowly and only gradually. The youth did
+not pay the very least attention to her&mdash;he was evidently worried
+and pulled down by some outside event. Deep sighs from time to time
+came out of his breast, and in the end Poullkheria remarked that a tear
+fell unto the edge of the marble slab. It now really seemed as though
+he as well as Martin had wandered off into some unknown world and had
+forgotten everything earthly. Martin painted without interruption for
+seven hours; and in a like manner, without taking any rest, worked the
+sweet newcomer. Glancing at their indefatigable application,
+Poullkheria became frightened and feared that her posing might never
+come to an end, and so began to weep most bitterly. The features of her
+face suddenly assumed another look and thus her father began to be
+thoughtful and remember all that had taken place. <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb86" href="#pb86" name="pb86">86</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&ldquo;Enough, my poor darling child!&rdquo; he said with delicacy,
+and addressed the youth. Immense spots of paint and butter were now to
+be seen on various parts of his costly attire, his hair was indeed in
+the greatest disorder and his face red from exhaustion. Martin really
+did not know how he should thank and reward him.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Tell me at least thy name, thou good youth!&rdquo; he said,
+turning to the boy.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Mirdat.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why&mdash;is it possible?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Be silent!&rdquo; interrupted the youth and went out, but
+Martin looked after him with inexpressible astonishment. Only in this
+moment did he recognize in him the Tsarevitch-successor, the great and
+famous victories of whom the whole East was talking. Yesterday only he
+had returned from a victorious expedition to Rome, and they were
+convinced that he would soon start out again. How was it possible that
+during these very few days of rest he wished to take upon himself such
+a tiresome and dry work? Afterwards he thoroughly inspected what he had
+achieved and was perfectly overcome by the number and variety of colors
+and shades arranged and used by him.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;If he accomplishes his new war as rapidly as the first, I
+shall have enough colors left up to the time of his return,&rdquo;
+reflected Martin, and gayly and joyfully went home with his dear little
+daughter, who all along the route questioned him about Mirdat. Having
+dined in haste and slept a little, Martin once more continued his
+labors and was steadily busy until sunset.</p>
+<p>Thus the undertaking went on day after day with the difference only
+that Mirdat no more appeared. It seems that he had left for Movakanne
+and soon after had pacified it for his father. It is not useless to
+relate what happened to Mirdat upon his first expedition.</p>
+<p>The provinces of Ranna, Movakanne and Aderbadaganne since the most
+remote times belonged to Georgia, and only during the reign of Tsar
+Mirdat the Fourth, <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb87" href="#pb87"
+name="pb87">87</a>]</span>grandfather of our hero, they came under the
+control of the Persians. Satrappe Barzabode administrated them. Having
+taken Ranna, the Tsarevitch-successor Mirdat wished to call out
+Barzabode in a duel. Barzabode took up his quarters in an abandoned
+tower beyond the city, but Mirdat surrounded it from evening
+on&mdash;supposing that during the night it would be impossible for him
+to slip out and escape, and so he resolved to give rest to his
+exhausted and wornout warriors till morning. In the night he made an
+inspection tour of his brave camp, and passing quite close to the tower
+on the grassy slopes, he overheard a sweet conversation. He stood still
+and paid close attention. The sweet voice, hardly hearable, pronounced
+the word: &ldquo;Batono!&rdquo; (&ldquo;Sir.&rdquo;)</p>
+<p>He raised his head and almost fainted from extreme astonishment and
+delight: on the roof there stood a girl of indescribable beauty. The
+moon was shining on her and gave her long, regular features some secret
+mysteriousness and unusual charm. And suddenly her coral mouth opened,
+and from it poured out a low, inspiring and enchanting speech. She
+implored the young military commander to save her from the clutches of
+her very old father.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Who and what can dare to oppose itself to thee? Thou dost
+conquer towns and provinces. Thy powerful army defeats and submits even
+hero princes. Whomsoever or whatsoever thou mayest look at in this
+world, thou canst always consider it thine own, for it doth not come
+within thy reach only when thou dost not wish it so. Thou hast
+wonderful beauty, common sense, mind, strength, and bravery, while I
+never had anything except a dear father. He prided himself in his
+warlike glory&mdash;thou didst darken it! He had won for himself the
+entire confidence of the Shah, thou didst destroy it. He boasted about
+the invincibility of his warriors, while thou didst conquer and baffle
+them. Thou above all didst have my way of looking at things and my
+imagination. Thy all powerful type did victoriously enter my soul and
+doth <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb88" href="#pb88" name=
+"pb88">88</a>]</span>drive out from it the poor, terribly degraded
+character of my old father!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>And at these solemn words the beauty fell down on her knees.
+&ldquo;O do not tear him away from me!&rdquo; she murmured,
+reproachingly, stretching out her arms towards him.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;There will be no duel!&rdquo; unexpectedly said Mirdat; he
+turned around and quickly went to his tent. This young lady was the
+daughter of Barzabode, Sagdoukta. From that moment onwards Mirdat loved
+her with all the mightiness and emotion of his hero-prince&rsquo;s
+heart, and there was deep, deep grief and depression in his soul. Was
+it possible to suppose that the Tsar would permit him to marry the
+daughter of that satrame, to whose care certain provinces had been
+intrusted and who of late had been deprived of the right of
+administrating them?</p>
+<p>Having reflected a little he made up his mind to leave a
+comparatively small number of warriors in the places which he had but
+just successfully conquered, while with the remaining soldiers he
+returned to his father in order to ask for fresh instructions.
+Everywhere they met and received the young conqueror with great
+ceremony and delight; radiant faces were surrounding him, the joyful
+cries of the people filled his ears, while in his heart it was all dark
+and heavy. With unbelievable effort he finally forced himself to answer
+the general and most hearty greetings constantly showered on him with a
+caressing smile, and on the following day, when he safely reached his
+beloved home, he immediately went to continue and work for the
+glorification of the most Holy Virgin, invoking her assistance and
+protection. The same was his object when he reached his native town
+after his second great victorious campaign in Movakanne. But this time
+Martin, who had already succeeded in finishing the expression of the
+face of the Heavenly Queen and having spent some time in reproducing
+her garment, now took the matter more easily, and indeed, frequently
+watched and glanced at his busy assistant. Having noticed the
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb89" href="#pb89" name=
+"pb89">89</a>]</span>running tears of his daughter, he let Poullkheria
+go home, and turning to him, asked him what might be the cause of his
+great sorrow.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Thou hast helped me so much,&rdquo; said Martin, &ldquo;that
+I should really like to render thee some good service, good youth;
+perhaps my old age makes me fit and enables me to give thee some highly
+useful counsel.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Thy grey hair testifies that already long, long ago the time
+went by when thou wert excited and moved by those thoughts and plans
+which called forth my tears. Nobody except the most Holy Virgin is
+strong enough to make my terrible grief go by, viz., because I love
+with all my heart a splendid girl to whom the sovereign will never give
+me his consent to be married.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Saying these words Mirdat went, with a painful expression on his
+face, but Martin understood this most simple clear explanation quite
+differently, and through this mistake he let his most honest and loyal
+soul almost perish. This soul was perfectly clean, enlightened, free of
+sin, and shining like the most costly diamond.</p>
+<p>And so once upon a time, during a dream, some heavenly angels cut
+out the soul and brought it to the Lord. &ldquo;O, Vladyka!&rdquo; they
+said, &ldquo;look thou at this brilliant diamond&mdash;this is the soul
+of the Greek man Martin, who hath given up his whole life to the
+glorification of Thy name. There is not one vice which can possibly
+obtain admission to or seek refuge in it, for it doth entirely belong
+to Thee! Looking at it and admiring it, we are frequently thinking that
+upon the death of Martin this diamond will be fully worthy of
+ornamenting Thy holy throne.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The sweet, sweet angel voices quieted down, while from the depths of
+the earth the devilish laughing and ridiculing were heard. &ldquo;Why
+dost thou so rejoice&mdash;miserable Satan?&rdquo; asked the guarding
+angel by order of the Eternal God.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Very soon this diamond will be spoiled, darkened, and I shall
+become the happy possessor of it!&rdquo; replied the devil.
+Thereupon,the good angels began to bitterly <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb90" href="#pb90" name="pb90">90</a>]</span>cry, but
+the Lord comforted them. He gave commands that the soul should again be
+placed and fixed in the body of the sleeping painter, and also informed
+the angels that in case Martin should ever happen to listen to and obey
+the sly devilish instructions and thus have his soul darkened, that
+they should find means to bring it back to God, although it be by the
+heavy, nay distressing, road of worldly grief and tears.</p>
+<p>And quickly the angels descended into the church of Stephen Tsminda
+(that is of Saint Stephen) and put the blinding diamond back into the
+slumbering Martin, but after them Satan came up and began to persuade
+the Greek that his daughter had completely won the heart of the
+Tsarevitch and that he himself would become a royal father-in-law. And
+thus at last vanity stained the diamond with dark and dirty spots, its
+shining lightness began to go out more and more, while the perfectly
+extraordinary and marvellous beauty seemed to be covering itself with a
+dark skin, and Martin daily continued to give himself up to worthless
+vain thoughts. And see, the diamond was decaying and would soon lose
+all of its unusual qualities. In the meantime Mirdat conquered and
+pacified Aderbadaganne.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What dost thou wish me to give you as a reward for thy highly
+valuable services?&rdquo; asked the delighted, enthusiastic Artchill.
+Mirdat reverently fell down on one knee and kissing the lower end of
+the royal garment, asked for permission to be married to the daughter
+of the conquered satrappe. The loving father replied with an amused
+smile: &ldquo;As long as thou didst administrate Ranna, Movakanne, and
+Aderbadaganne, Sagdoukta seemed to have hold of thy heart, and it seems
+to me that the very best way for thee to get out of this dangerous
+position is to claim the honor of obtaining her hand!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Immediately an embassy was dispatched to Barzabodus, who received it
+with indescribable joy and delight. Sagdoukta, supplied with a most
+gorgeous trousseau and dowry, was conducted to Mtzkhet where the
+marriage <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb91" href="#pb91" name=
+"pb91">91</a>]</span>ceremony was performed and the innumerable
+f&ecirc;tes connected with it continued for many days. The Tsar gave
+his son the city of Samshrilde with the province surrounding it.
+Besides through her beauty, Sagdoukta distinguished herself still more
+by her very remarkable mind and, which was in those times rare, a
+general education.</p>
+<p>Mirdat sent for the very wisest and most learned men of his age,
+living in Samshvillede and intrusted them with translating into
+Georgian the holy New Testament, and thoroughly explaining it to the
+Tsarevna Sagdoukta, who already fully believed in our Lord Jesus
+Christ, and having gone through and accepted the holy baptism, intended
+to have a cathedral of Zion erected at Samshvillede. For the planning
+of the inner walls a most precise and talented artist was
+necessary.</p>
+<p>Mirdat just then remembered his old friend Martin, and sent some
+attendants to look for him. But when their point of destination was
+reached, he was no longer among the living. He had succeeded in
+finishing his work in the church of Stephen-Tsminda at the time of the
+last campaign of the Tsarevitch in Aderbadaganne, received a right
+royal reward from Artchill, but instead of returning to Greece as would
+have seemed natural, he remained at Mtzkhet, hoping to bring them to a
+favorable issue.</p>
+<p>He daily went to the merchants of gorgeous weavings, chose the most
+precious objects, and composed of them a most valuable and rich costume
+for his Poullkheria.</p>
+<p>The very most talented and experienced tailors under his personal
+direction were employed in ornamenting with and sewing on these
+garments precious stones of one exquisite color, and besides that
+jewels. Trying first one thing, then another on his beloved
+Poullkheria, for whole hours at a time he watched and interested
+himself in her superhuman beauty, and with full confidence displayed
+before her the pictures of her future greatness. On hearing all these
+compliments and glorious prophecies <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb92"
+href="#pb92" name="pb92">92</a>]</span>the shining eyes of Poullkheria
+lit up with still greater joyfulness. Her clean heart could not
+understand or appreciate the many foolishly vain thoughts and
+intentions of her father. She loved Mirdat, indeed, not because he just
+happened to be the son of a King, but on account of his bravery,
+goodness and perfect honesty. That was why, notwithstanding exceedingly
+powerful temptations, the soul of Poullkheria remained as neat, without
+a sin and immaculate as when she had not had such notions; but
+Martin&rsquo;s soul daily lost its splendor and became covered all over
+with dark, dark spots.</p>
+<p>In the end Mtzkhet was bursting with joy, for a report spread from
+one quarter to another that Aderbadaganne had been successfully taken
+by storm. Triumphant receptions were now universally prepared for the
+great victor, and young and old rushed into the street with colored
+flags or flower branches in their hands. Poullkheria in her newest
+attire, and by her very side Martin, stood on the steps of the church
+of Stephen-Tsminda (<i>i.e.</i>, of Saint Stephen).</p>
+<p>When the powerful procession came up to them, the Tsarevitch got off
+his horse and went into the empty temple. Martin, unnoticed, followed
+on after him and clearly beheld how he went straight to the finished
+image of the most Holy Virgin and having fallen on his knees was
+fervently praying. When, however, the prayer being over, the Tsarevitch
+rose, Martin ran up to him and quickly whispered in his ear:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;This great day the Tsar, my master, will not refuse thee
+anything.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>But the Tsarevitch, persuaded that he alone was in the church, was
+evidently and most visibly struck and moved by this unexpected witness
+of his all hearty and sincere prayer. He did not recognize Martin, did
+not remember even his words, but hastened with all his might to go out
+of the church, while Martin thought that his own affairs were taking an
+unusually pleasant turn and greatly rejoiced. A few days went by, on
+the large square of <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb93" href="#pb93"
+name="pb93">93</a>]</span>the city a glashatai (kind of herald) made
+his appearance with a number of trumpeters, and having called together
+the people, they formally announced to them the coming marriage of the
+Tsarevitch-successor Mirdat to Sagdoukta, the daughter of the Persian
+satrappe (probably district governor) Barzabode.</p>
+<p>A slight noise was heard, and a moment thereafter a cry which was
+sharp enough to tear one&rsquo;s soul to pieces and which attracted
+general attention. On the ground lay Poullkheria, not showing any signs
+of life. A thin, pale colored rivulet of young boiling blood was slowly
+coming out of her mouth. Kneeling before her was Martin, who, indeed,
+was giving himself every possible trouble to stop the abundant flow of
+blood. Somebody out of the crowd was desirous of running to help her,
+but he looked back with a really terrified glance, and like a regular
+madman, having seized her in his vigorous arms, rushed off with her to
+Stephen Tsminda. Here he placed her at the foot of that wonderful
+picture for the execution of which she had served as a model and
+completely lost his senses. And, nay!&mdash;he actually saw how the
+cupola moved and opened itself, and how two angels gradually approached
+Poullkheria. In their hands there was just as grand a kind of a white
+transparent, indescribably magnificent garment as the one which dazzled
+their eyes.</p>
+<p>Instantly they took off the costly robe and clothed her in the
+attire which they had brought along. Poullkheria came back to life and
+looked around with the greatest astonishment as the rays of the sun,
+one after another, reflected upon the opening of the cupola, and
+approaching slowly, the angels came down, who quickly and intelligently
+drew out two wings from them, quite as beaming with light as their own,
+and made them grow on to Poullkheria, and having man&oelig;uvred with
+them several times, the new angel without the least trouble raised
+herself from the earth and joyfully did the angels of the Almighty God
+sing a marvellously, nay extraordinarily, <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb94" href="#pb94" name="pb94">94</a>]</span>sweet greeting song to
+their dear new companion in arms, inviting her to fly off with them to
+the Throne of God.</p>
+<p>The new angel departed from the house of worship with a last, tender
+parting glance and having beheld her father, she began to implore the
+angels to also take him with them into the World of Life Eternal. The
+angelic song now stopped, their faces were darkened with sorrow, and
+painfully they announced that willingly they would have prepared for
+him at first a more desirable spot in the all glorious and all
+wonderful domains of Heaven, but that he threw away his splendid chance
+by wicked and useless vanity. The tears ran down in floods from the
+eyes of the former Poullkheria, and these tears of hers, as clean and
+fresh as the morning dew, dropped down unto the face of him who had
+died and brought him again to life and this time to a happier one.</p>
+<p>Martin jumped up, being fully aware of and perfectly ready to
+acknowledge his sinfulness. Abundant tears of remorse came out of his
+eyes and two more angels appeared on earth.</p>
+<p>They gathered these tears and washed out with them the wicked,
+sinful soul of Martin and the dark, dark spots of vanity on this most
+precious of diamonds grew quite white. When, however, the diamond again
+acquired its former harmless and utterly immaculate look, they
+radiantly bore him up to the throne of God, where he is shining and
+enlightens with a marvellous talent and adroitness those artists who
+are working for the glory of God, but Poullkheria guards their shining,
+clean souls from any sinful or irreligious infection. <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb95" href="#pb95" name="pb95">95</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div id="ch6" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">VI. Happiness Is Within Us</h2>
+<h2 class="sub">A Legend</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">In the fifth century (458 A. D.) the Ossians stole and
+led off the sister of the Georgian Tsar Vachtang the First, known under
+the name of Gourgasslan (the lion wolf). The then three-year-old
+princess was called Mikrandoukta. When, however, Vachtang had conquered
+and pacified the Ossians, killed their commander-in-chief, Great
+Bagkatar, and seven of his brothers, and brought the sister safely
+home, he also took with him as a captive the very youngest of the
+Bagkatorian brothers, Mirian, whom he had left alive upon the repeated
+prayers of Mikrandoukta. The boy, who had been a playmate of the
+Tsarevna, was appointed page and grew up at the royal court.</p>
+<p>As he grew older his attachment for Mikrandoukta constantly
+increased, but he never so much as ventured to reveal to her his
+thoughts and feelings, neither by his speech, nor his looks, but used
+to go to an out of the way spot of the royal garden and there began to
+bitterly cry. Gradually, however, as he became a man, his wooings took
+a more refined form and were frequently put down in exquisite verses. A
+large number of little pieces of poetry are in circulation among the
+people under the name of &ldquo;Wooing of the Knight,&rdquo; for when
+he reached his fourteenth year, the Tsar made him his body-knight. His
+comrades were of course jealous of this exceptional distinction and
+heartily congratulated him, but he, deeply grieved by the final
+departure of the princess, went into his favorite resting place; there
+a song came out of his lips, which for whole ages was known and went
+down from generation unto generation. <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb96" href="#pb96" name="pb96">96</a>]</span></p>
+<div class="q">
+<div class="body">
+<div class="div1">
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">The Song of the Body-Knight</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">(Literal Translation)</p>
+<div class="lgouter">
+<div class="lg">
+<p class="line">&ldquo;Why did they lead me into the high royal
+palace,</p>
+<p class="line">To thee as thy page,</p>
+<p class="line">Thy most winning eyes</p>
+<p class="line">Did fill my soul with burning fire.</p>
+</div>
+<div class="lg">
+<p class="line">&ldquo;Although I descend from a powerful Vladyka</p>
+<p class="line">And am now at least the Tsar&rsquo;s favorite
+knight,</p>
+<p class="line">Nevertheless I cannot even testify my love to thee</p>
+<p class="line">Nor exchange words with thee through sweet, sweet
+glances.</p>
+</div>
+<div class="lg">
+<p class="line">&ldquo;It is as though a mighty fortress was separating
+us</p>
+<p class="line">So fearfully high and immobile,</p>
+<p class="line">And my humble glance does not dare to penetrate</p>
+<p class="line">E&rsquo;en to the grand old royal window.</p>
+</div>
+<div class="lg">
+<p class="line">&ldquo;In love, however, I am thy slave, O dear
+princess,</p>
+<p class="line">I am quite able to pick up a quarrel with the king,</p>
+<p class="line">For I do pride myself in having just as fiery a
+soul,</p>
+<p class="line">Nay, just as great a heart.</p>
+</div>
+<div class="lg">
+<p class="line">&ldquo;Both of us are still in life&rsquo;s early
+stages</p>
+<p class="line">And the same blood runs in our veins,</p>
+<p class="line">And if I cannot boast of such great royal fame</p>
+<p class="line">I may at least be proud of my strength and powerful
+determination.&rdquo;</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+</div>
+</div>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p>And, as though wishing to give his powerful strength a fair trial,
+the youth struck out with his fist against the stone and lo! the rock
+began to shake and split. When he looked at his fist he noticed that
+there was blood on it, and thereupon Mirian was more downcast and
+depressed than ever before.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What possible use can my hero prince&rsquo;s strength be to
+me when my heart is harder than stone?&rdquo; he exclaimed, and again
+tears flowed down his face.</p>
+<p>And so from the mixture of tears with dripping hero-blood, a little
+spring formed itself, which flows at the edge of a precipice&mdash;then
+again it makes its way through high, high stone blocks, like a wild
+animal and, having successfully <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb97"
+href="#pb97" name="pb97">97</a>]</span>overcome them, it cries and hops
+about like a child. Mikrandoukta did not at all share the intense
+attachment of Mirian and took no notice of it. Attaining her growth she
+married the Shah of Persia. On the day of her departure Mirian came to
+his little spring, fixed the sword between two stones and threw himself
+against it with such violence that the sharp blade went right through
+him. His youthful body slipped into the water, but the burning blood
+swelled the little rivulet and gave it a marvellous power of
+resistance. To this well known spot from that time onward, all true
+lovers streamed in, and if anybody has a really good chance over the
+turbulent, fairy-like stream, he will take to writing excellent verses
+and his love will be crowned with the most complete success; if,
+however, he expects and awaits inspiration, he must certainly give up
+all hope forever and his passion will, alas! slow down and come to
+nothing.</p>
+<p>The first man who experienced these strange feelings and went
+through the whole thing was the negro Nebrotk. He fell deeply in love
+with his mistress, and even went so far as to venture to open his
+secret to her. The incensed and very frightened mistress immediately
+ordered that he should be drowned. They threw the unhappy
+&ldquo;darky&rdquo; in the stream of tears of the stremiannoy
+(body-knight) and went off; he at first lost consciousness, but later
+came back to his senses and came out on the opposite bank, completely
+cured of his useless passion. As he still felt uneasy and could not
+think of daring to return to his mistress, he built a little log house
+for himself on the bank of that ghastly <span class="corr" id=
+"xd20e1331" title="Source: precipiece">precipice</span> near which
+flowed the rivulet, and not knowing what to do with himself he wrote
+down the whole history of his life, then investigated the source and
+course of the remarkable stream and registered that too.</p>
+<p>Having thoroughly established himself in this most interesting
+region, he began to look after all those who happened to approach these
+important domains of fate, invited the travellers and pilgrims to his
+house, asked each <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb98" href="#pb98"
+name="pb98">98</a>]</span>one the story of his or her life and
+diligently and carefully recorded them. Soon a whole bouquet of most
+varied and entertaining tales was gotten up, reminding one of the all
+famous Arabian stories, and I can only regret that my memory prevented
+me from remembering but very few of them. I can understand very well
+all that Nebrotk relates about himself. Once upon a time, in the night
+he was awakened by some sweet, sweet singing, and having hastened to
+rise and go out, he smelt a strong and remarkable fragrance. He turned
+and peeped right into the precipice.</p>
+<p>The moon was lighting up its bottom; the enormous rocks glistened
+like pure silver and gold, while the water shone like the finest
+diamonds. With great satisfaction&mdash;nay, delight&mdash;he glanced
+at this heavenly picture, and suddenly his eyes were fixed on and could
+easily distinguish two human heads on the surface of the water. He
+began to pay more attention; a very handsome youth&mdash;a
+negro&mdash;and quite as beautiful and splendid a white girl were
+standing in the water up to their throats, and having lifted their arms
+high out of the water, they were playing with some wonderful, bright,
+gleaming threads. Correctly these nets were fastened and refreshed with
+clean, clear water, and they seemed to stay in the air without any sign
+of motion.</p>
+<p>Later he distinguished the following details: These nets of threads
+were fastened to an immense leaf of some sea plant and in this massive,
+fairy-like floor, which was all aglow with emeralds and gold, there
+stood a figure exceeding all human beauty. The whole scene was wrapped
+in a slight watery fog and a soft moonlight. The longer Nebrotk paid
+attention and looked at the surprising spectacle the more easily he
+succeeded in making out that all the charm of this extraordinary scene
+was concentrated in the form of a perfectly magnificent woman. In her
+hands there was some kind of a long feather, consisting entirely of sun
+rays, with which in the course of her sweet swim she reached and
+touched the different <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb99" href="#pb99"
+name="pb99">99</a>]</span>plants and flowers, and indeed, as though
+subjected to her peremptory commands, they gave out an indescribable
+fragrance and each little flower united with the marvellous choir which
+had gently awakened Nebrotk and sang softly, sweetly, beautifully.</p>
+<p>Nebrotk got perfectly passionate, so anxious was he to understand
+the contents and exact meaning of this fragrant, flowery little song,
+and holding his breath, he began to take the greatest pains and was
+enabled to hear: &ldquo;Astkchicka! O Astkchicka! O Astkchicka! O
+Astkchicka!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>That struck him as most peculiar, and having once more fixed his
+eyes on the head of the woman, he beheld a glistening, darling little
+star. This was exactly Astkchicka, <i>i.e.</i>, Venera, whom the Tsar
+Vachtang the First had chased out of all his temples and houses of
+worship, and her adorers as well as her sacrificers and those who had
+been so benefited by her&mdash;all without exception had to abandon her
+in the deepest grief and disappointment. Then, however, she found two
+tender lovers. He was an adventurer, viz., a fisherman, but she the
+daughter of a very wealthy gardener. The goddess promised them her
+complete protection, and they without further reflections threw away
+their only property, <i>i.e.</i>, their garments, and naked they went
+into the water in order to construct something for their kind
+benefactor. And see! the expelled goddess decided to rise and establish
+herself near the interesting &ldquo;rivulet of the tears of the
+body-knight&rdquo; (stremiannoy), and to that spot she directed her
+numerous admirers.</p>
+<p>Having seen Nebrotk, Astkchicka waved with her all shining feather,
+and from the motions she made, a bridge really and truly formed itself.
+She came down to earth, and having turned around to look, she again
+waved with her feather. On one side there was a bush of yellow roses,
+on the other side one of white roses. Their buds were instantly
+transformed and actually turned out as garments for her loving servants
+who were hastening <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb100" href="#pb100"
+name="pb100">100</a>]</span>after her. Thereupon she slowly returned to
+the hut of humble Nebrotk and with a new motion of her bewitching
+feather changed it into a perfectly marvellous, brilliant, nay, most
+elegant royal palace. Nebrotk stood like one struck by lightning. With
+a clever but sly smile upon her beautiful face, Astkchicka ordered her
+servants to lead him off to the stream and put him down on the estrade
+abandoned by her. But hardly had these orders been complied with and
+fulfilled when the pillars of the estrade gave way and broke down
+together with the negro. The terrible, yes frightful, cry of the
+drowning man perfectly silenced the sweet chorus of the flowers. The
+servants were frightened and anxiously looked at the water, and after a
+short time a half god came out of it; he was white with a golden crown
+imperial, in which only the fiery black eyes reminded one of the
+drowned negro.</p>
+<p>All four settled down in the fairy-like palace and were blessed with
+indescribable happiness. This was indeed a kingdom of love, unhindered
+and unrestrained by any laws. Nebrotk perfectly adored Astkchicka, and
+the fisherman Naboukodonozor the gardener woman Roussoudanna. The host
+was quite in love with the goddess and the servant with the
+gardenkeeper, although both were merely common negro slaves. But even
+in the fairy-like palace under the protection of the very goddess of
+love, there happened to be a spot especially designed for animated
+secret conversations between lovers. In one of these unhappy moments
+the conditions and peculiar qualities of the stream became known to
+Naboukodonozor, and the fear that the magic force of the water should
+influence Roussoudanna found a refuge in his soul<span class="corr" id=
+"xd20e1361" title="Source: ,">.</span> It is of course well known to
+all of you that suspicion is the enemy of love. Naboukodonozor
+seriously began to think that Roussoudanna had fallen in love with him.
+Seeking the reason of this imaginary adoration he suddenly came upon
+the idea that she was occupied in involuntarily comparing his black
+skin with the most godly <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb101" href=
+"#pb101" name="pb101">101</a>]</span>white complexion of Nebrotk, and
+in consequence of this horrid supposition his heart began to be filled
+with emotion and passion, while after passion came ungratefulness to
+Astkchicka and a very revolutionary spirit; afterwards she transformed
+Nebrotk, who had really done absolutely nothing for her, into a half
+god, while the latter, who had successfully brought her to this
+enchanting resort, she simply abandoned and left a negro and slave.</p>
+<p>And during the night he walked along the bank of the stream and sang
+a song of his great grief, and suddenly the old cedars, the high, high
+peach trees, the grand old nut trees composed a beautiful chorus and an
+all powerful song, blowing everything before it like a huge wave,
+reached the palace and suddenly awakened the goddess&mdash;but Nebrotk
+quietly went on sleeping and heard nothing. Stepping lightly,
+Astkchicka softly and cautiously went out to the rivulet, where
+Naboukodonozor, with his back turned towards her, was bitterly crying,
+and blushing terribly, she knocked him over and sent him flying into
+the water.</p>
+<p>Without a word or motion did Naboukodonozor enter the water, and
+just so he came out&mdash;more magnificent even than Nebrotk, and
+throwing himself at the lovely feet of the goddess he covered them with
+kisses. Astkchicka did not at all object to such proceedings, but did
+not let him get out of sight, and it seemed very evident that she also
+was in love with him. The slave, encouraged by the concessions of his
+mistress, seized the godly hands and began to kiss them just so madly.
+Suddenly, however, Astkchicka roughly pulled them away, passed them
+around his neck and having given him a kiss on his lips, she instantly
+disappeared. Some wonderful extraordinary fire ran over the whole body
+of poor Naboukodonozor from this rare, but dangerous kiss. A new
+feeling got hold of him, viz., a boundless desire inspired him to run
+off to the goddess, but the very thought that she was able to treat,
+nay, caress, Nebrotk in the same affectionate way, completely kept him
+from making a fool of <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb102" href=
+"#pb102" name="pb102">102</a>]</span>himself. He threw himself on the
+ground and tried with all his might and main to extinguish the burning
+fire which was raging inside of him, rolling in the soft sweet grass
+and mercilessly treading down the highly fragrant flowers, while the
+moon seemed to be offended with its greatest favorite and bashfully hid
+itself behind a massive cloud. The perfect and impenetrable darkness at
+last forced the crank to come back to his senses; he then went home
+exasperated, most dissatisfied, and wicked in his intentions.</p>
+<p>Roussoudanna was quietly sleeping and knew of nothing that had taken
+place in the night, and what must have been her astonishment, when in
+the morning she beheld Naboukodonozor with a pure white complexion and
+golden hair. Upon the question what had occurred to him, he
+passionately replied that he had just gone to a stream, let himself
+down into the water and had come out in the very state she saw him.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Pay attention and be careful to remain faithful to me,&rdquo;
+she jokingly said, and went out to gather fruit for the
+&ldquo;d&eacute;jeuner&rdquo; of the goddess. After a while Nebrotk
+also woke up and asked Naboukodonozor the same question.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I followed in thy steps and see! the result has proved to be
+the same,&rdquo; was his short answer. Nebrotk looked at him rather
+suspiciously, and unwilling to believe the truth of the story, he went
+to the goddess to inquire about the affair and to see how matters were
+getting on in general.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I came to a decided conclusion that it was most unkind and
+unjust not to do for my real savior what I had deigned to do for
+thee,&rdquo; was the godly reply, which made Nebrotk very uneasy and
+filled his heart with renewed passion.</p>
+<p>Roussoudanna wept and wept, Naboukodonozor got terribly provoked,
+Nebrotk was deeply impressed and full of emotion, while Astkchicka
+vainly exhausted all her eloquence in trying to explain that her palace
+was a refuge <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb103" href="#pb103" name=
+"pb103">103</a>]</span>for independent love, not subjected to any laws
+whatsoever. General dissatisfaction, suspicion, grief, and tears were
+alternately seen and heard in the fairy-like palace. Poor, poor
+Roussoudanna could not dry her eyes. Once upon a time, going to look
+for fruit, she went out of her way and got completely lost. The sun was
+already quite red when she sat down to take a rest after such a hard,
+steep walk. Her dark, undecided intentions and thoughts concerned again
+Naboukodonozor and the magic conditions and qualities of the rushing
+stream, and her grieved feelings turned against the goddess.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why under the sun do they call thee the benefactor of
+men?&rdquo; she passionately exclaimed. &ldquo;Thou didst win and
+encourage us with the promise of thy protection as long as thou didst
+need us, but now that the situation has changed thou tookest my lover
+Naboukodonozor away from me and thus why should we help thee to escape
+and lighten the king&rsquo;s terrible wrath?</p>
+<p>&ldquo;In all probability his God is far stronger than thou, when
+thou runnest away from him.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;O Christian God, save me!&rdquo; rang out from the grieved
+soul of Roussoudanna.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy upon us!&rdquo; Such
+was the exclamation of an old man&rsquo;s voice, and indeed unhappy
+Roussoudanna soon beheld an old man approaching her and making his way
+among the trees and bushes.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What is the matter with thee, my dear child?&rdquo; he kindly
+asked, coming up to her. Roussoudanna naturally said that she had lost
+her way, that she was very much exhausted and did not know how to
+continue her route.</p>
+<p>Thereupon the old man led her to his home. He lived somewhere in the
+immediate neighborhood, not at all far off, in the grotto of a high,
+high rock where he nourished himself with the milk of wild goats and
+with dates. With the greatest pleasure he placed before her his whole
+stock of provisions, brought her a pitcher of water, carefully
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb104" href="#pb104" name=
+"pb104">104</a>]</span>arranged the sofa of leaves and inviting her to
+take a good rest, he went out. Having refreshed herself, Roussoudanna
+began to watch him most attentively through the gate of the grotto and
+there she saw that he had walked a little way off and then had fallen
+on his knees and begun to pray. She witnessed how his good, kindly face
+suddenly lit up with some marvellous, perfectly heavenly, happy, and
+joyful expression, and she ardently desired to find out from the poor,
+but grand old man, what this sudden, really indescribable joy meant in
+the course of his long, laborious, honorable life.</p>
+<p>At last the old man finished his fervent prayer and began to gather
+dates; having got together a huge pile, he gayly carried them into the
+grotto. The guest met him at the entrance.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I thought that perhaps you would not have enough to eat with
+just those dates which you found in my poor dwelling house,&rdquo; said
+the kind-hearted host, turning to her, &ldquo;and see here, I am
+bringing thee some more still,&rdquo; and he put down the deliciously
+sweet fruits right before her.</p>
+<p>Roussoudanna, perfectly astounded by such unusual and unheard of
+goodness and thoughtfulness, thanked the old man with tears in her
+eyes.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What does thy painful grief consist in?&rdquo; he
+asked&mdash;and continued thus: &ldquo;It is possible that the needs of
+life have been weighing down on thee?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh no, wise, dear old man, I have never known what it is to
+be in need.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well then, did not some severe illness pull thee down and
+mercilessly deprive thee of thy strength?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I am in perfect health and have a strong
+constitution.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Perhaps some dreadful worries did not give thee
+rest.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>A (<i>the woman</i>). B (<i>the hermit</i>).</p>
+<p>A: &ldquo;I really have nothing to be worried about.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>B: &ldquo;Then did not regularly and faithfully carried out duties
+exhaust thee?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>A: &ldquo;No, dear hermit, for I was living in a fairy-land
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb105" href="#pb105" name=
+"pb105">105</a>]</span>palace from which the following torments were
+entirely excluded: need, worry, work, and illness.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>B: &ldquo;Worldly attractions and habits may have led thee off the
+good track and restrained thy liberty?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>A: &ldquo;We were by no means subjected to any such rules, nor even
+to etiquette.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>B: &ldquo;It is possible that the laws of your palace were extremely
+severe and therefore made you feel very depressed?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>A: &ldquo;But really, we acknowledged no laws.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>B: &ldquo;Well then, perhaps the wealthy proprietor of the palace
+abused his might and compelled you to do certain disagreeable things
+which were unjustifiable?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>A: &ldquo;Not in the least, for Astkchicka was sole mistress and
+administrator of the palace.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>B: &ldquo;There now remains but one supposition, viz., that she
+united such people as would naturally perfectly hate one
+another?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>A: &ldquo;Why, not at all, we all gathered around her in the mighty
+name of love.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>B: &ldquo;Ah, aha, I understand the matter,&rdquo; the old man
+unexpectedly broke out, &ldquo;you came together over there in the name
+of love and it is most strikingly evident that there is some defect
+about your love.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>A: &ldquo;Thou art wrong, old man,&rdquo; energetically rang out of
+Roussoudanna&rsquo;s mouth as she suddenly interrupted him. &ldquo;I
+can bear witness and prove that nobody ever and so strongly loved his
+dear ones as I loved my excellent darling Naboukodonozor!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The grave hermit glanced at her quite differently&mdash;yes,
+suspiciously. &ldquo;My child,&rdquo; was his brief reply, &ldquo;that
+which the idol worshippers falsely call love, is by no means that holy
+feeling which we understand under that term. Their love is one of those
+innumerable examples of self-worship and vanity.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Roussoudanna&rsquo;s face was all red from blushing, while her eyes
+were filled with tears.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh no, that cannot be so,&rdquo; she exclaimed with a
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb106" href="#pb106" name=
+"pb106">106</a>]</span>trembling voice, &ldquo;with the greatest joy
+would I suffer any possible privations, every imaginable torture, in
+order to give him pleasure and satisfy his desires.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The hermit sighed deeply. &ldquo;Is it possible then,&rdquo; he said
+with a doubtful, inquiring tone, &ldquo;if thou dost indeed truly love
+thy fellow men and women, that nobody in this wide world is either
+capable or strong enough to put an end to thy unhappiness? Relate to me
+now what the real source of thy misfortune came from and in what manner
+it was able to assume such tremendous dimensions.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Naboukodonozor, whom I love more than anybody or anything in
+the world, got to loving another woman!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, what of it?&rdquo; quietly asked the old man, &ldquo;is
+this the only cause of thy great sorrow? How can one call it
+unhappiness if this made his fortune and rendered him
+contented?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Some would have thought that she might like such a course of
+events instead of regretting it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What is the matter with thee, O wise hermit?&rdquo; She was
+perfectly overwhelmed with joy!</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Now, my dear woman, rely ye simply on me, for I will
+undertake to explain it all right to thee, as for me, it was a source
+of sorrow and doubt.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;O thou remarkable man, dost thou really not understand that
+for me this circumstance was worse than all the tortures of
+poison?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But thou only just a short time ago didst assure me that the
+very height of happiness for thee was to stand every privation, nay,
+all sufferings, simply in order to give him pleasure and act in
+accordance with his wishes and aims.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Thereupon the hermit again opened his mouth and sang songs of praise
+and thankfulness unto God, the Almighty Master of Heaven and earth; and
+see! his happiness was founded on love, but on love to a being, a being
+which was perfect. He always submitted his love to the righteous laws
+of God; this was not a senseless inspiration, <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb107" href="#pb107" name="pb107">107</a>]</span>but
+an action free of any earthly, foolish bonds, of elevated and religious
+aims and seeking nothing but rest and comfort for the
+moment&mdash;going always by the road of honesty, truth and veneration
+of all that is upright and good!</p>
+<p>His love was trying to perfect itself, approach if possible that
+greatest example of utmost perfection which was shown to us by our Lord
+Jesus Christ.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Happiness is a sweet, sweet little flower,&rdquo; said he,
+&ldquo;which is quite unable to grow among unrighteousness, unfairness
+and wilfulness&mdash;only by the lawful way of Christian love to God,
+veneration and love to his neighbors, can he strive to live properly
+and give those magnificent fragrant flowers, for which you are all
+constantly looking and which you are as yet unable to find. Following
+out the orders of my God it will be easy to find happiness, for His
+perfect and most merciful laws restrain the will of the individual man
+only there, where it proves necessary for his thrift and condition in
+general. Thou, it is true, didst live in a fairy-land palace, from
+which all illnesses, needs, worries, and labors had been excluded. You
+did not fear nor obey any legal authorities, nor laws, nor customs. It
+was love that firmly united you all. Well, tell me then, were you
+indeed happy and successful?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh! no, not at all!&rdquo; answered Roussoudanna. And once
+more the old man tenderly addressed her and convinced Roussoudanna,
+baptized her, and taking a staff, at the top of which a cross was
+reproduced, he went off with her to the fairy-land palace. Reaching the
+rivulet they beheld Nebrotk gathering the necessary fruit. With despair
+and terror did he inform them that Astkchicka now considered
+Naboukodonozor her husband, while he was forced to serve his rival and
+nobody paid any attention to&mdash;yes, had utterly forgotten the
+existence of Roussoudanna. Then she asked him to sit down and told the
+inhabitant of the castle all that had happened to her, and in her young
+voice the speech about perfect endless and <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb108" href="#pb108" name=
+"pb108">108</a>]</span>eternal love sounded still more convincing. Love
+is eternal when it is well planned and arranged, it is endless if free
+of sin and perfect if subjected to the almighty laws of the eternal
+God, Father of Heaven and earth.</p>
+<p>All were deeply impressed, and now the hermit continued the speech
+and told them about the all-powerful strength of God, before whose
+serene appearance all false, worthless gods take to flight, and about
+His extreme wisdom and knowledge, rapidity of decision, mercifulness
+and righteousness, and see! Nebrotk immediately wished to be converted
+and baptized. At the end of his powerful and persuasive discourse, the
+old man simply touched the fairy-land palace with his staff and in a
+few seconds it completely disappeared like an apparition. Then he
+instructed Nebrotk and Roussoudanna in real Christian love and in the
+obligations of married life and then performed for both the wedding
+ceremony, and having fervently prayed to the Creator they all together
+went to work erecting a perfectly new log house for the young married
+couple, in which the happy mortals passed many blissful years, writing
+down the stories and tales of the various travellers. Some of them I
+shall perhaps tell you of another time. To my sorrow my memory did not
+preserve that artistic, yes, clever way of relating, which this little
+collection of legends more and more clearly explains to
+one&mdash;bringing us over and over again to the great truth.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Happiness is within us.&rdquo; The imperfection of Nebrotk
+and Roussoudanna came at first from the imperfection of their mutual
+love, which loves itself as much as the beloved. Then, however,
+gradually as they were taught to love their neighbor more than
+themselves, yes to love him so much as not to offend each other and not
+grumble and growl over little defects and mishaps which regarded their
+personalities alone and from which the neighbors should not suffer, did
+they teach themselves and conceive how well it was to rejoice over the
+blissfulness of others, to think only about others, to wish to seek
+pleasure and <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb109" href="#pb109" name=
+"pb109">109</a>]</span>happiness only for others and to put all their
+energy and delight in the contentment and comfort of others; this great
+happiness finally made its beneficent way into their souls and
+admitting everything they said.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Happiness is within us&mdash;&rdquo; and then they needed no
+more fairy-land castle, from which all cares, illnesses, needs, and
+labors were banished. They found time and also strength to live an
+actual and true life among all its turmoils and difficulties, to know
+how to guarantee one&rsquo;s shining happiness, and then they heard not
+the fairy-land song of the flowers, the fragrant song of the youngsters
+saved by them for a joyful, diligent, and Christian life, and they
+rejoiced in the song of thankful young people, who by their example of
+love, had been saved from many a sorrow and suffering. These young
+people had thoroughly learned how to live a happy life and this chorus
+did not stop as long as they lived on earth.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div id="ch7" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">VII. The Tribute of Roses</h2>
+<h2 class="sub">A Legend</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">In our most blessed and favored country, where the sun
+shines so brightly, where the flowers have such a sweet, sweet
+fragrance, where the birds sing so melodiously, long ago in bygone
+times, when neither I nor my father nor my forefathers had been born,
+there lived a young and splendid couple in the Aule of Mokde [Note of
+the Translator: Aule is the common term for a very small village or
+rather mountain hamlet in the Caucasus.] They were always most
+hospitable and everybody praised them, but the Lord, who always
+delights in seeing the religious and the poor well treated, fully
+rewarded them and abundantly furnished them with rich presents, thus
+clearly showing them his appreciation for their good deeds. They had
+everything that could be desired: youth, beauty, good health, riches,
+and reputation, they <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb110" href="#pb110"
+name="pb110">110</a>]</span>sincerely loved one another and their inner
+happiness was as great as their outer appearance and great success.
+Their children were healthy, clever, good and lovely to look at. Their
+elder son, little Timitch, distinguished himself especially through his
+strength and ability; he was endowed with most fiery eyes, once
+sparkling like flashes of lightning, then again as soft and innocent as
+the eyes of a young mountain goat.</p>
+<p>For nine years the happy husband and wife lived thus, when suddenly
+between the aules of Mokde and Khamki a very bloody strife ensued and
+led to much destruction of life and property. During this strife, when
+the father of Timitch was mercilessly killed as well as his brothers
+and sisters, while the mother was taken prisoner and led off as a
+captive, Timitch himself was saved by some inexplicable wonder and soon
+became the favorite and greatest pride of the whole aule. In the
+meantime his mother, who was still a beautiful and youthful woman [in
+our country the women can be married at the early age of twelve] was
+sold and taken away to Turkey, where her wonderful appearance was the
+chief ornament of the Sultan&rsquo;s harem. In this select collection
+of beautiful and highly attractive women, her good looks and sweet
+disposition cast a dark shadow over all the rest&mdash;just as our
+bright sun dims all other planets.</p>
+<p>The Sultan got perfectly wild with delight over her, and he
+incessantly showered most precious weavings, gorgeous carpets and
+splendid stones of one color and priceless shawls&mdash;in a word
+everything that the rich, rich East could produce lay at her graceful
+feet. Nevertheless in the midst of all these flatteries and endless
+temptations she always remained faithful to her husband. It needed a
+marvellous mind and character like hers, while utterly refusing to
+fulfil the wishes of the Sultan, to still remain the governess of his
+heart and the immediate object of his kind and thoughtful attention. In
+these proceedings a lucky circumstance firmly assisted her&mdash;viz.,
+the fact that she had been preparing herself to become <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb111" href="#pb111" name="pb111">111</a>]</span>a
+mother already four months before, when she happened to be taken
+prisoner. The loving and enchanted Sultan decided to patiently await
+the birth of the baby, which was foreign to him, and then marry his
+unusual captive, who was of royal blood and thus fully had the right to
+be an empress. The nearer she approached the time when a child should
+be born, the gayer the future Sultana became, so that those surrounding
+her really imagined that she had forgotten her husband. But oh, how
+terribly mistaken they were! Indeed, the eventful day came and a
+daughter Tousholi was born.</p>
+<p>When they brought her the baby she long looked at it and tears came
+in floods out of her magnificent eyes, afterwards she made the sign of
+the cross on it and gave orders that it should be carried off.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Call Samson to me,&rdquo; she said. Samson was the eunuch,
+given and attached to her personal service by the Sultan and who had
+faithfully done his duty by her side. She knew how to win his esteem
+and confidence, especially as he was himself a Christian (of course
+quite secretly). When he arrived she ordered him to take up the opakalo
+(probably a kind of Eastern fan) and protect her, while sleeping, from
+uncomfortable and noisy flies; but she did not want to sleep&mdash;this
+was simply a sly device to make everybody leave her apartment and get
+out. She profited by this occasion to tell Samson the following
+facts:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Samson, to thee I trust the new-born daughter Tousholi,
+promise me if possible secretly to make a Christian of her, as sincere
+and earnest in her belief as thou thyself. Among all these unbelievers
+thou wert not a slave to me, but a true and faithful friend and a
+tender and thoughtful brother. By the almighty mercifulness of God I am
+destined to live not much longer, for I hope to-day already to be able
+to unite myself with my dear husband, while thee I ask to take the
+place of this dear orphan&rsquo;s parents. Thou knowest my whole
+history, my strength does not enable me to speak to thee as freely as I
+should like. For the sake of the outward appearance I shall leave
+Tousholi <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb112" href="#pb112" name=
+"pb112">112</a>]</span>nominally to the care of the Sultan, and I am
+convinced that at first everything will go right with you. When,
+however, your situation changes, I hope indeed that you may find means
+to return to Mokde and look up my first-born child, whose natural
+obligation it is to be the powerful protector of his defenceless sister
+and her very aged educator, but now give me my little kindjall
+(Caucasian dagger)&mdash;fear nothing, I shall not cut myself open, for
+I have not even the strength to do that.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Samson placed in her now feeble hands the handsomely ornamented
+little kindjall, artistically decorated with precious stones and
+fastened to a most gorgeous girdle. This was the wedding present of her
+husband and she never left it out of her sight. The submissive old man,
+through his tears beheld how the face of the sick woman suddenly lit up
+and how, her eyes flashing with some extraordinary fire, she bravely
+pulled the little kindjall out of the sheath and put its thin blade,
+which was as sharp as the tongue of a snake, up to her lovely
+mouth.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;She sincerely kisses it,&rdquo; thought Samson, and quieted
+himself; but the precious little kindjall had yet another resemblance
+with the tongue of a snake, of which the faithful servant knew nothing.
+It was indeed poisoned!</p>
+<p>Having heroically swallowed the deadly poison, the sick woman
+commanded Samson to instantly inform the Sultan that she desired to see
+him. The all-powerful adorer of this Christian heroine immediately made
+his appearance and was utterly distressed when he saw the signs of
+approaching death already marked on her magnificent features. In his
+anger against those standing about, he threatened them with perfectly
+atrocious punishment if they did not that moment find doctors able to
+bring his favorite back to life. In the meantime with a weak but
+expressive and comprehensible movement of her hand, the patient showed
+that she desired to be left alone with him. All the rest disappeared in
+a second and she broke out thus:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;My minutes are counted, I am dying, not paying you
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb113" href="#pb113" name=
+"pb113">113</a>]</span>back in any way for your innumerable marks of
+kindness to me, and nevertheless I wish to ask yet another favor of
+you: be a father to my new-born daughter! It is my firm and irrevocable
+wish that my true and ever-faithful Samson shall stay by her and bring
+her up in none but my own dear religion; when, however, you are tired
+of her, simply send them to Mokde to my son Timitch, and even if he be
+no longer living, I am fully convinced that the excellent daughter of
+my loving husband will always find protectors and friends among the
+good and kindly inhabitants of Mokde.&rdquo; With these serene words
+she breathed her last breath. The tremendous fury and utter despair of
+the Sultan went beyond any description. The court body-doctor and the
+arifa (<i>i.e.</i>, the lady who administrates the harem) were hung
+without delay, but Samson and his sweet little pupil were given very
+fine and expensive apartments with magnificent board.</p>
+<p>Every ten days the old man was obliged to bring little Tousholi to
+the Sultan, who having tenderly caressed her and given riches to the
+faithful servant, let them retire, giving the strictest orders that
+those who surrounded them should never hinder, trouble, or disturb them
+in any way. Thus three long years easily went by. The childish features
+of the face of Tousholi now acquired a most striking resemblance with
+the marvellously beautiful features of her late mother. The courtiers
+began to notice repeatedly that the Sultan after a time had fallen in
+love with her, was earnestly reflecting about something and frequently
+sighing. Thus the visits, which used to last but a few minutes, now
+became very long indeed, while little Tousholi, with her childish
+caresses, gained the affection of the Sultan more and more. Immediately
+two parties sprang up: the first, wishing to make Tousholi their
+excellent instrument in order to get the upper hand and overrule the
+Sultan, and thus naturally, constantly and unceasingly chanting her
+praises and flattering her to the skies; the second, which had resolved
+to make her perish and from this reason never letting one <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb114" href="#pb114" name=
+"pb114">114</a>]</span>occasion go by without trying to snap at her and
+pull her down from her exalted position.</p>
+<p>During the fearful struggle of these two desperate parties,
+Tousholi&rsquo;s childhood went by and she was already a grown-up
+maiden, when the kind-hearted Sultan died. His successor by chance
+belonged to the dangerous and inimical party, and so the sharp and
+careful Samson began to energetically demand to be allowed to go away
+to Mokde. The permission to start for the home journey was given with
+great joy and satisfaction, and very soon they had already arrived at
+Mokde. Here there was no difficulty in finding out Timitch. He was
+known by young and old alike. The old servant silently took from
+Tousholi&rsquo;s baggage that precious girdle with the kindjall, which
+he had handed to her mother just a few hours before her untimely death
+and passed it to Timitch, drawing his attention to a splendid
+all-sparkling round tablet. On it were inscribed the dear names of his
+glorious parents.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;This is the remarkable girdle which was always around the
+waist of my all-beloved mother!&rdquo; cried out the youth.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, say now I prythee where is she staying? How can I
+possibly reward thee&mdash;oh, thou grand old man? Art thou sent by
+her?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I verily came to this memorable village by her sacred
+will,&rdquo; reverently answered Samson. &ldquo;While dying she ordered
+me to lead thy sister to thee and hand her over to thy mighty care and
+protection.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What, my sister? Well, well, is it possible that not all
+sisters and brothers perished together with their splendid
+father?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Saying this he closely looked at the young girl and was evidently
+struck and impressed by her perfectly unusual beauty.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The resemblance with your mother ought to be sufficient to
+convince you of the truth of my words.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Afterwards innumerable questions and answers were <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb115" href="#pb115" name=
+"pb115">115</a>]</span>mutually exchanged. The old man and Tousholi
+settled down in the house of Timitch and Samson heartily rejoiced,
+seeing soon how the youngsters became friends. But nevertheless there
+was nothing to rejoice about! The twenty-year-old Timitch, fiery, not
+given to reflections, unaccustomed to restrain himself in any way, was
+entertaining such intentions as would make Samson&rsquo;s hair stand on
+end if he thoroughly understood their meaning. What is there strange in
+the fact that the twelve-year-old Tousholi was unable to guess at the
+thoughts of her brother and firmly trusted him in everything with all
+her simple childish sincerity of soul. The passionate attraction of
+Timitch grew not with days, but with hours, and once during a
+promenade, without being at all disturbed by the presence of grave old
+Samson, he actually went as far as to tell her of his peculiar
+intentions.</p>
+<p>Samson, astonished and disapproving the plan, threw himself in
+between the young people and was stupefied when seeing a dagger pointed
+towards him, but the terrified Tousholi speedily hid herself near a
+precipice. Seeing the immediate danger, the dying faithful Samson
+cursed the wicked and lawless boy, and lo! suddenly a great wonder took
+place.</p>
+<p>Timitch was transformed into a wind and began to crazily blow and
+whistle over the precipice, but the submissive and ever loyal servant
+was turned into a gigantic rose bush, in the midst of which a rose of
+unusual size was growing and constantly blooming. By the will of God,
+angels with marvellous, all-glorious singing slowly let themselves down
+into the precipice, majestically lifted out from it the magnificent
+body of Tousholi and carefully placed it in the very centre of the
+superb rose, the all-fragrant leaves of which gradually closed up and
+thus buried inside of them the deceased. Attracted by the all-glorious
+angelic singing, the faithful inhabitants of Mokde ran together in
+crowds to the rose and many of them clearly saw how the angels
+gracefully interred Tousholi in the rose. But Timitch could by no means
+quiet down; with <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb116" href="#pb116"
+name="pb116">116</a>]</span>anger and greatest passion he threw himself
+upon the rose bush and wished to break it down, but the more he shook
+the lovely branches, the closer and firmer did they stick to the rose
+and the better did they defend her from his unjustified attacks and
+depredations. When, however, he finally succeeded in carrying off the
+tender, tender leaves of the rose, Tousholi was no more to be seen, for
+her body had completely evaporated in the marvellous fragrance.</p>
+<p>The religious inhabitants of Mokde enclosed the beloved holy rose
+with a very massive stone wall, called this spot Tousholi, and yearly
+when the first beautiful rose came out they celebrated a f&ecirc;te,
+which has quite a character of its own and is popularly known as
+&ldquo;the tribute of roses.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The ceremony consists of the following points: Every young girl
+gathers a tremendous full bunch of rose leaves and standing one behind
+the other, they await the exit of the very oldest man in the village.
+He comes out, dressed in a white suit and bearing in his hand a white
+flag, the point of which is richly decorated with roses and covered
+with sweet little bells, while at the end a large wax candle burns.
+Putting himself at the head of the procession, the old man gives a
+solemn signal and the procession duly and martially directs itself
+towards Tousholi; behind it at a considerable distance followed young
+people, leading sheep and bringing along with them the customary
+offerings, <i>i.e.</i>, horns, balls, hatchets, silks, etc. The
+procession winds around Tousholi three times with beautiful singing in
+which is described in detail all that we have mentioned
+above&mdash;then the girls in their turn enter through the great fence
+and put down in a certain place their splendid fragrant offerings,
+softly adding:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Saint Tousholi, help and assist me! Holy Samson, shield and
+protect me from the cursed Timitch and all of that kind!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>On the top of a pretty mound, formed by the magnificent rose leaves,
+the old man solemnly fixes his standard, <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb117" href="#pb117" name="pb117">117</a>]</span>saying: &ldquo;Saint
+Tousholi, make me wise, Holy Samson, help me to guard and defend all
+these tender maids from the cursed and all-hated Timitch and all those
+who follow his wicked example!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>After this earnest speech the old man sits down at the foot of the
+graceful flag, while at his own feet the young girls settle down. Then
+the young people enter the enclosure and kneeling on one knee pronounce
+a most reverential greeting discourse to the hermit and the maidens and
+then they turn about and face an opposite corner, where they curse
+Timitch who hath wickedly cast a dark shadow over their beloved aule;
+afterwards they cut up the sheep and gayly feast with all those
+present. When I was but a very small boy I happened to be in this place
+and was favored with seeing with my own eyes one or two roses inside
+the enclosure, which it appears is existing even in our advanced and
+enlightened days. These roses are really unusually large in size, but
+nevertheless neither a grown-up girl nor even a new-born youngster can
+possibly find place inside the flower. I understand that at that time
+they used to say with regret, that the f&ecirc;te of &ldquo;the tribute
+of roses&rdquo; did not repeat itself yearly! Thus little by little
+ancient customs disappear and antique amusements are superseded by new
+ones, which are not always successfully chosen; only grim Timitch never
+changes, for he is quite as restless now as ever before, here moves and
+weeps like a child, there makes a row, yes rebels like a robber and
+lawlessly destroys whole buildings. His dislike for roses never ceases,
+and as soon as he sees a sweet little flower he immediately begins to
+blow around it with impatience and anger until he hath scattered the
+beautifully fragrant leaves far and wide over the country. Now the
+story of Tousholi is already forgotten, but her name, among the
+Chechenzes, is given to all such interesting places, where they go to
+make sacrifices and fervently pray. <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb118" href="#pb118" name="pb118">118</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div id="ch8" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">VIII. The Lot of the Holy Virgin</h2>
+<h2 class="sub">A Tradition</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">When, by the special wish of the Lord, the apostles
+drew lots to decide who was to go out into foreign lands and preach the
+gospel of Christ, the enlightenment of Georgia fell to the share of the
+Holy Virgin. The Lord appearing to her exclaimed: &ldquo;My mother,
+taking into account thy desires, I have come to the conclusion that
+this nation is more worthy than all others to have a place in the list
+of heavenly joys and blessings. Send thou then into this fine country,
+which hath fallen to thy lot, Andrew the First and hand him thy
+picture, which, from being placed against thee, represents thine holy
+face!&rdquo; Then the Most Holy Mother of God announced to the apostle:
+&ldquo;My dear pupil Andrew, I am very much grieved by the fact that
+the faith of the name of my son is not being preached nor advanced in
+the country, whose enlightenment hath fallen to my lot. When, however,
+I desired to start out for the journey my son and my God appeared to me
+and ordered that I should send to my separate province with thee my
+image and His, so that I should be the real cause of the conversion of
+these people and be their everlasting and ever tender helper and
+protector.&rdquo; &ldquo;Most holy one, yes, let at all times the will
+of thy Godly son and thine be carried out and fulfilled to the
+satisfaction of all the world.&rdquo; Then the most Holy Virgin washed
+her face and having pressed it well against a platter, she left on it
+her reproduction with her predicted son in her arms. Having handed the
+image to Saint Andrew, she said: &ldquo;Yes, may the mercifulness and
+the overwhelming help of Him who was born of me be with thee everywhere
+where thou choosest to go. I myself will invisibly help to increase the
+complete success of thy preaching tour and my province of future
+enlightenment will always remain <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb119"
+href="#pb119" name="pb119">119</a>]</span>under my constant, nay, never
+ceasing care and protection.&rdquo; The holy apostle, having thereupon
+fallen at the feet of the most Holy Virgin, thanked her with tears in
+his eyes and joy in his heart, went to preach the faith at Trebizond,
+taking along with him Simon the Canonite. But here they did not remain
+long and continued their journey to Edjis. Seeing the perfect craziness
+of those stupid inhabitants, who were more like entirely senseless
+animals, the apostle directed himself towards Georgia, and arriving in
+Great Adtchara, began his holy work; for even here the inhabitants did
+not profess the faith of the only true and real God and committed deeds
+which were so shameful that it is unsuitable even to refer to them in
+any imaginable way. They showered many indignant insults upon the
+apostle, who simply and most patiently bore them all with the help of
+God and by being occupied in constant prayer before the image of the
+most Holy Virgin&mdash;and lo! the Lord fulfilled the ardent desire of
+his heart and brought the inhabitants upon the righteous way, but on
+the spot where the reproduction of the mother of our God was standing,
+there appeared an abundant and truly splendid fountain flowing to this
+day, and in which the saintly apostle baptized the inhabitants, who had
+gathered there from all the surrounding towns and villages.</p>
+<p>He blessed and ordained the deacons and priests, explained to them
+in detail the holy principles of the faith as well as the church laws
+and successfully constructed there a church in honor of the Holy Virgin
+Mary. When, however, he wished to leave, the adoring people stopped him
+with the following remarkable words: &ldquo;If thou art actually going
+away, leave us at least the image of the Mother of our God as a place
+of refuge and protection in case of trouble and need.&rdquo; Then the
+Saint ordered made a platter of just the same size as the image and put
+them together.</p>
+<p>Immediately the reproduction was transferred to the new slab without
+any injury to the former image. Immediately <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb120" href="#pb120" name=
+"pb120">120</a>]</span>afterwards, the apostle handed the newly made
+image to the inhabitants, who, having received it with joy, placed it
+with great honors in their fine church, where it hath remained to the
+present day. Then they said good-bye to the splendid apostle, thanking
+him for his many good deeds, kissing him with true love and affection,
+and with him they sent one of the newly converted by the name of
+Matata. Going through the valley of Kkeniss-Tskall he led Saint Andrew
+up to the summit of a mountain, on which the Saint formally erected a
+cross in honor of our blessed Lord Jesus Christ and that was the reason
+why this exceptionally favored mountain began to be universally called
+&ldquo;Rouiss-Djouar,&rdquo; which means, &ldquo;the iron
+cross.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>After that they went down into the valley of Odzrche and soon
+reached the frontiers of Samtske, where they took up their headquarters
+in the village of Mount Zaden. Seeing that the inhabitants over there
+bowed down to and wickedly worshipped idols, they sincerely prayed to
+the image, which had triumphantly accompanied them everywhere and
+instantly all idols fell and were broken to pieces. Then they continued
+their route to Astbour, which was formerly called Tchoukall-tchett (the
+river of lilies) in Armenian and really lies just opposite Sakrisse,
+and arranging themselves, they settled down to rest near an idolatrous
+temple, nowadays Dzvel-Eklesia. At that time this country was
+administrated by a widow by the name of <span class="corr" id=
+"xd20e1598" title="Source: Samsgrari">Samsgvari</span>, which means
+&ldquo;frontier,&rdquo; who had but one son and he too had just died
+among the depressed and mourning subjects of his mother. That same
+night from the guarding fortress a powerful light was seen over that
+spot where the image of the Mother of our God was placed, and at
+sunrise people were immediately sent to find out who was there and what
+their business was. Returning to the city, the envoys announced to
+Samsgvari, that it was the light from the reproduction of some
+wonderful Virgin, whom two foreigners had evidently brought with them;
+that they knelt and prayed before <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb121"
+href="#pb121" name="pb121">121</a>]</span>this strange image and that
+they preached the faith of a new God, who could make the dead rise.</p>
+<p>The widow immediately sent for the saints and questioned Andrew:
+&ldquo;Who are thou, whence didst thou come and what in the world is
+the new faith about which thou speakest so much, for verily I say unto
+you, up to this time nothing approaching it in the very least has ever
+been heard of?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I arrived from Jerusalem,&rdquo; energetically answered the
+apostle, &ldquo;and am the servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, who doth
+make the dead rise again. I preach about Him as about God and the King
+of all kings. Know ye then that He who believeth in Him and lets
+himself be baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy
+Ghost will receive all he asketh for with true faith and will be healed
+of every illness.&rdquo; Upon hearing these sounding words, Samsgvari
+fell at his feet with tears in her eyes and cried out:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, have thou pity for my widowhood and terrible unhappiness
+and with the strength of thy God bring back my only son to life. I will
+duly carry out and fulfill to general satisfaction everything that thou
+commandest me to do, without uttering the slightest objection, only in
+order that I may behold again my dear son alive, for he is the only
+descendant of our great family, for I have really no other
+children.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, if thou believest in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the
+only true God, He will certainly give thee all that thou dost ask of
+Him with faith.<span class="corr" id="xd20e1611" title=
+"Not in source">&rdquo;</span> Then the widow with tears of joy said to
+the Saint: &ldquo;O servant of the only real and true God, I do
+sincerely believe in Jesus Christ, of whom thou preachest and whose
+holy name thou announcest to the world at large. I, however, beg thee
+to increase my strength of belief in Him, the Saviour of the
+world.&rdquo; Having heard these sincere words with pleasure, the
+apostle chased away the musicians and the curious, leaving only
+Samsgvari and her relations, and taking the image of the most Holy
+Virgin, he placed it on the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb122" href=
+"#pb122" name="pb122">122</a>]</span>corpse of the little child and
+falling on the ground he began to pray, the tears abundantly streaming
+down the fine features of his fervent face, and with many sighs he
+stretched out his arms towards the image and then rose, took the little
+boy by the hand, and truly! the boy seemed to awake as though from
+sweet slumber, and Saint Andrew handed him over to his mother.</p>
+<p>All those present were silent&mdash;so struck were they with
+surprise, while the widow, seeing her beloved son restored to life, was
+filled with utmost joy, jumped up and threw herself at the feet of the
+Saint, gratefully thanking him and covering his knees with tears. She,
+with all her heart, believed in the Lord Jesus and was baptized with
+her son and all his household. Afterwards she sent out her servants to
+all the Samtsetskian mtavares with official letters, containing the
+following passages:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I, Samsgvari, the widow of your kristav, do joyfully announce
+to you, my brethren, a most happy event for all nations, for there
+arrived from a strange land, a man who preacheth the faith of a new
+God, the reproduction of whom made my blessed son arise from the dead;
+hasten ye therefore, so that we may choose the only true and sincere
+faith and decide whom it becomes us to obey and adore.&rdquo; Having
+heard of this wonder, the Meskhians rushed in from every spot of the
+monarchy in such numberless crowds that they actually filled the whole
+valley of Sakriss, and they all stared with perfect astonishment at the
+risen son of Samsgvari. But the sacrificers of Artemis and Apollo, the
+temple of which was situated in that part of the country, firmly
+resolved to oppose themselves to the Saint and cried out:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Artemis and Apollo are great gods,&rdquo; and after them many
+of the people shouted the same, while others nevertheless exclaimed:
+&ldquo;We must all necessarily submit before such an unusual
+wonder!&rdquo; Rebelling and quarrelling in every way began to make
+itself felt. In the end it was decided to open the gates of the temple,
+to solemnly place the holy image between the idols, to set <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb123" href="#pb123" name="pb123">123</a>]</span>up
+proclamations on both sides of the gates, place guardians and pass the
+night in religious prayers. &ldquo;Pray all you want to your false
+gods,&rdquo; said the faithful followers of Him whose religion
+conquereth all others, &ldquo;we, however, will pray to our only real
+and true God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and at sunrise we shall see: if
+your gods get the upper hand and are victorious, we will follow your
+example. If, however, they are defeated by our God, then let all
+present give praises unto Him the Only one.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Having carried out everything according to the agreement, at very
+sunrise they opened the doors of the temple and beheld the idols,
+fallen and broken to pieces in the dust, while the image of the Mother
+of our God was surrounded with glitter and light like the sun. Then
+they understood the importance of the new religion and the whole nation
+unanimously exclaimed: &ldquo;Great is the God of Christians, preached
+about by the holy apostle Andrew,&rdquo; but the sacrificers begged the
+Saint to forgive them their sin of unbelief, and all having assured him
+of their repentance, were baptized in the name of the Father and of the
+Son and of the Holy Ghost and loudly sang praises unto God, who had
+safely saved them from the deadly grasp of the merciless devil.</p>
+<p>Then Saint Andrew made up his mind to go into other wild countries
+and preach the principles of the New Testament, but the widow and the
+nation implored him not to go away from them until he had successfully
+taught them all the laws of the faith. Every single day the nation
+gathered in tremendous crowds and the apostle carefully explained to
+them the rules and details of the religion and all the necessary church
+rules, consecrated for their service a bishop, many priests and deacons
+and again started for his great and dangerous mission. Samsgvari and
+the nation renewed their ardent entreaties, but the Saint tenderly
+replied to them:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;My dear children, do not lead me into temptation, for my duty
+calls me and prescribes to me to render also other <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb124" href="#pb124" name=
+"pb124">124</a>]</span>cities and villages happy.&rdquo; &ldquo;Well,
+if thou must absolutely abandon us,&rdquo; they mournfully answered,
+&ldquo;so leave us at least the image of the most Holy Virgin to
+strengthen our never-ceasing confidence in the new faith and as a means
+of mutual protection.&rdquo; <span class="corr" id="xd20e1633" title=
+"Not in source">&ldquo;</span>This image,&rdquo; said Saint Andrew,
+&ldquo;formed itself from simply being touched by the body of the
+Mother of our God,&rdquo; and he went on explaining to them how by the
+extreme condescension of the Lord the apostles drew lots to find out
+where each one should go to preach and that Samtsketia fell to the
+share of the Virgin Mary. He joyfully related how instead of herself
+she had sent her portrait into the provinces belonging to her sphere of
+enlightenment as a means of confirmation and protection to the true
+believers and promised that she would always be with them in spirit and
+soul now, henceforth and evermore. Messkhi and Samsgvari, having found
+out that they were under the spiritual regency of the Heavenly
+Tsaritsa, were filled with indescribable joy, but the desire to be able
+to possess her image made them still more radiant.</p>
+<p>With tears of emotion in their eyes they solemnly placed it in a
+small church, which had been speedily constructed and consecrated in
+the name of the Holy Atskourian Virgin. Nowadays they usually call this
+church &ldquo;Dzvelle-Ekletsia,&rdquo; that is &ldquo;ancient
+church,&rdquo; as the present edifice is built of stones which had
+served to construct the first church and stands on exactly the same
+spot. Then Saint Andrew went to preach the Holy Gospel in Nigalia,
+Djavakhetia, Artakanna and Kola, where he remained very long,
+enlightening the depraved unbelievers. From there he directed himself
+to Klardjetta, then to the land of Parthia, Armenia, and for the
+f&ecirc;te of Easter safely arrived at Jerusalem.</p>
+<p>When, however, Tsar Aderke discovered that the Kartlians and
+Messkhians had finally abandoned the faith of their forefathers, he
+sent several kristaves to them, who by force officially obliged many to
+return to a r&eacute;gime of darkness and falseness. Nevertheless some
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb125" href="#pb125" name=
+"pb125">125</a>]</span>true and faithful followers succeeded in
+concealing images and crosses and loudly praised God that the apostle
+was no longer in their presence. The Tsar, however, grew very angry
+against the kristave of Klardjette for his not having held up the
+Saint, who, passing Easter Day together with the remaining apostles,
+again bravely started on a large preaching tour in Georgia. Crossing
+the lands lying near Fao as the Choroke, he thoroughly inspected the
+villages, preaching everywhere and to everyone the Holy Gospel of
+Christ, and soon reached Svanetia.</p>
+<p>Here at that time a woman reigned, who accepted the apostle&rsquo;s
+saintly blessing with false and pretended good feelings. Matata with
+the remaining pupils stayed in these domains, but Saint Andrew and
+Saint Simon went farther to Ossetia, where they got to the town of
+Posstaphore and from there they soon successfully arrived at the
+Bosphorus, where with the almighty and conquering help of God they were
+favored with the gift of being able to accomplish many wonders, and
+converted to the only real and true faith and baptized tremendous
+numbers of people. Afterwards they went back to Abkhazetia and farther
+to the city of Sebasst, the present Tikkoum, where many more
+unbelievers were also converted to the religion of Christ. Here Saint
+Andrew left Simon the Canaanite with several good pupils and continued
+his route to Djivetta, peopled by a wild vile nation, filled to
+overflowing with disgraceful sinfulness, love of cruelty and without
+any religious feeling whatever. They actually did not want to listen to
+him and unanimously made up their minds to kill him, but lo! the Lord
+protected his faithful servant, ordering him to instantly depart from
+the wretched creatures. But this nation remained in unbelief to this
+day. The tomb of Simon the Canaanite is in Nikopsia, between Abkhezethe
+and Djikerk, on the frontier of Greece. Having confirmed the Abkhazians
+and Megroes in the new faith, Saint Andrew left entirely for Skythia.
+Soon afterwards Tsar Aderke died and the kingdom of Georgia was divided
+among his two sons Bartomme and Kartamme. <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb126" href="#pb126" name="pb126">126</a>]</span></p>
+<p>During their rigid administration in the year 70 A. D., a rumor
+began to gain ground that the inhabitants, who were under the supreme
+authority of Rome, absolutely refused to submit themselves to the
+Emperor Vespasian and energetically rebelled. The Emperor ordered his
+son Fitt to persuade the Jews to quiet down, but they did not cease to
+make a fearful row and locked themselves up with their army in
+Jerusalem. Then the Romans surrounded this town and began to
+mercilessly besiege it. The besieged were suffering from terrible
+hunger and diseases and the nation from despair began a terrific civil
+war. In a short time there perished such a quantity of Hebrews, that
+they threw one hundred thousand corpses out of the town; besides that
+the streets and houses were filled to overflowing with dead people. In
+the end the Romans made their way to Jerusalem, ruined it completely
+and destroyed the temple, so that according to the holy words of the
+Saviour, not one stone remained on top of another.</p>
+<p>Ever since then the Jews have overrun every part of the world and no
+longer have any own fatherland. Many of them arrived at Mtzkhet and
+settled down with their compatriots, among whom were also the sons of
+Varrava, delivered by the Hebrews instead of Jesus Christ, when they
+were invited to let one of their prisoners free. During the reign of
+the grandsons of Bartome and Kartaume the kings Azork and Armazeli, the
+latter found out about the existence in his monarchy of the miloti of
+the prophet Ilia and instantly gave orders to look for it among the
+Jews, but the Lord did not allow this extreme treasure to fall into the
+hands of the ruthless pagans, his searchings finally turned out to be
+vain attempts and to all questions the Hebrews simply answered that it
+was concealed in the earth near a magnificent cedar, which had grown
+over the tomb of Sidonia. Consequently Saint Nina more than once
+commanded Abiatkar to question his father where it indeed was situated,
+but the old man every time gave one and the same answer: <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb127" href="#pb127" name="pb127">127</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&ldquo;The spot, where is hidden this holy garment, about which in
+its time the true believers will sing praises unto God, is like the
+place on which Jacob beheld the staircase leading up to
+Heaven.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>This was the only occasion when they seriously disturbed the
+Hebrews, all the remaining time, however, before and afterwards, they
+constantly received and treated them exactly according to the rules of
+true Eastern hospitality and made them feel quite at home in their new
+fatherland. In the year one hundred and eighty-six <span class=
+"sc">A.D.</span>, Revv ascended the Georgian throne. The word
+&ldquo;reva&rdquo; signifies &ldquo;conqueror,&rdquo; but the nation
+gave this serene sovereign a designation still more suited to him and
+still more honorable, for they rightly named him &ldquo;the just
+sovereign,&rdquo; for his very first great public act was the
+repression of privateering and robbing in the army and the prohibition
+to bring children to be offered to the gods.</p>
+<p>Although Revv the Just was himself an idolator, yet he did have some
+kind of a vague idea of the New Testament of our Lord Jesus Christ,
+highly esteemed His true followers and even strictly forbade to chase
+the Christians, who had held their own in small numbers among the
+worthy descendants of the most enlightened apostles. These little marks
+of attention were sufficient to support Christianity, which stood high
+in the eyes of many men in the country. From this bright moment onwards
+the number of Christians began undoubtedly to increase, although of
+course slowly, but every year so that by the arrival of Saint Nina they
+were already forming a considerable and by no means to be despised
+class. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb128" href="#pb128" name=
+"pb128">128</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div id="ch9" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">IX. The Comet</h2>
+<h2 class="sub">A Legend</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">On a steep, steep mountain path, leading directly to
+the monastery of John of Zadenne, a young girl was slowly walking. Her
+lovely sweet hands were all covered with blood as she was holding on
+with all her might and main to the prickly bushes; it being absolutely
+necessary to stick to them, so as not to fall into a deep abyss. Having
+safely reached a little square she stopped in order to quiet down and
+catch her breath; for in front of her another just as difficult ascent
+was awaiting her and she felt that it was her duty to rest and save her
+remaining strength. Having stood a while, she cautiously sat down and
+began to look at the path by which she had dared to come. Far in the
+distance one could see a horseman. The well trained horse like a cat
+hung on to the mountain, taking advantage of the most insignificant
+little trail or plateau and of every imaginable hardly noticeable
+highland road. Small stones rolled away from under its feet, the dry
+old branches of many a bush trembled and broke with a sharp cracking
+sound while the horse galloped&mdash;approaching always nearer and
+nearer the terribly exhausted woman-traveller.</p>
+<p>Coming up with her, the rider reverently bowed. He also intended to
+let his faithful horse have a good rest on the little plateau and
+naturally he began a conversation with the sitting maid. From what she
+told him, he found out that she was called Salougvari and that she
+undertook this pilgrimage, wishing to pray at the sacred tomb of a most
+holy, saintly hermit for the restoration of her dying mother&rsquo;s
+health. The young people went on talking for some time and the gallant
+rider offered her to continue her journey, holding on to the tail of
+his horse. This means of mountaineering is considered by us in
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb129" href="#pb129" name=
+"pb129">129</a>]</span>Georgia the very safest and far less exhausting
+than all others. When they reached the summit he rode into a deep
+thicket, growing on the edge of the mountain, on which stood a
+monastery; the horseman&rsquo;s way of treating her changed completely
+and his extraordinary speeches terrified Salougvari. She, having
+abandoned the tail of the horse, in an instant ran off to the monastery
+and like a frightened little bird made her way into the church.</p>
+<p>The glances of all those praying turned with astonishment to the
+runaway wanderer and this unusual surprise grew still greater, when
+after her a horseman bounced in on a foaming steed and with his hat on
+his head and not paying the slightest attention to the solemn church
+service simply began to search with his piercing looks for poor, poor
+Salougvari, who had taken refuge at the very tomb of the famous saint.
+Having beheld his fellow-sojourner, he rashly knocked against his horse
+and with one bold bound, he arrived close by her side.</p>
+<p>In that memorable moment, the ground suddenly shook and actually
+opened itself, swallowed up the fiery and insulting horseman and again
+majestically closed itself up with such marvellous rapidity that those
+present were struck as though by lightning and could not utter a
+word.</p>
+<p>It is of course well known that somewhat below the monastery in the
+very mountain the temple of Zadenne was cut out, which soon became the
+permanent residence of demons, and indeed these latter rogues, daily
+coming out of their horrid dwelling places, very much disturbed Saint
+John and his numerous scholars until he gave orders that the entrance
+into the vast abandoned cave-region should be firmly barred and closely
+blocked up. Our bold horseman had the most peculiar&mdash;yes wonderful
+feeling in the neighborhood of this whole temple or house of worship.
+Upon a height there stood the gigantic reproduction of a handsome old
+man sitting on a massive throne, between his feet lay a ring-formed
+snake&mdash;the true symbol of eternity&mdash;while in his hand he held
+lightning. This was all artistically cut out in marble. The
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb130" href="#pb130" name=
+"pb130">130</a>]</span>elegant crown, which decorated the wise brow of
+the old man, had still preserved some signs of pure gold; here and
+there precious stones were shining. This was decidedly the kingdom of
+coldness and of some secret magic-like half-darkness. The light was
+able to shine in only through the opening holes of the mountain and
+through the holes yet left between the perfectly immense stones with
+which the entrance was surely and safely barred.</p>
+<p>Having thoroughly recovered after his strange incident and quite
+unexpected fall, Aderke (it was thus they called the horseman) began to
+carefully inspect and search the cave. His attention was especially
+drawn by one spot, shining like a diamond. It appeared that this was a
+tremendous piece of mountain salt, on which a ray of light which had
+managed to get through one of the mountain holes was gayly playing.
+Other such pieces were falling down in long, long divisions from the
+cupola-like, vaulted ceiling. Thirst was torturing Aderke. Thinking
+that this was simply ice, he began to direct all his efforts towards
+successfully breaking off a respectable piece, but notwithstanding his
+most desperate jumps, he could not accomplish anything. Then he
+naturally imagined that from the sides of the cave much lower down he
+might be able to get something and began to go around it in a circle,
+trying to find here or there some possible opening, on which he might
+firmly stand and make his way. Passing close by a great piece of salt,
+he overheard some very distant voice which was singing a soft,
+marvellous song. Aderke began to listen most attentively.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Powerful sire,&rdquo; called out the extraordinary secret
+voice, &ldquo;I have been awaiting thee for many years, dispel thou as
+quickly as possible this darkness and lead me forth into the region of
+freedom. Oh! have pity upon me!&mdash;I implore to be given freedom
+only with the exalted aim of submitting to thee, to serve and wait upon
+thee, to love thee tenderly, yes, to be thine ever obedient slave. Thou
+didst happen to come hither, pursuing a most handsome mortal being;
+look now at my features; <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb131" href=
+"#pb131" name="pb131">131</a>]</span>you can plainly distinguish them
+through my dark prison. The more the extreme brilliancy of my
+subterranean dwelling darkens her dreadfully poor saklia (hut) the more
+the glitter of my beauty darkens her exceptional charms. She did not
+even venture to look at thee, for she feared thy caresses. I, however,
+did not take my eyes off from thee from the time that thou didst fall
+to the feet of mighty Zadenne, I constantly admire thee with a
+perfectly passionate glance, I love thee, I call thee to my side: come,
+oh come thou quicker!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Wild with excitement and deeply impressed by that most passionate
+song, Aderke entirely forgot his unhappiness, forgot also the thirst
+which was torturing him, he began to stare more closely at the salt
+masses and through their transparent grim old walls he began to be able
+to distinguish the tender outlines of a young and pretty woman. He
+knocked with his vigorous fist against the cold, cold mineral wall, but
+the powerful blow did not leave the slightest trace; then he pulled out
+his kindjall and thrust out his arm still stronger against the salt
+shapes, which were almost turning to stone. It slightly trembled;
+Aderke now turned to the pedestal of the idol, detached from it a large
+piece of fine marble and using it instead of a vigorous hammer, began
+to diligently knock it as hard as possible against the long handle of
+the kindjall. The opening evidently made considerable progress.</p>
+<p>In the meantime, through the little opening which had been made in
+the pedestal, there slipped out a lizard, after it a snake, then a
+flying mouse and finally a little devil. Coming out of their wonderful
+ambuscade, they were all of exceedingly small proportions, but these
+proportions grew larger and larger every minute. The lizard seemed to
+possess a perfectly formless human face, the snake had wings grown on
+to its body, the mouse seemed to have the head of an owl with a
+tremendous beak and fiery sparkling eyes. The little devil, far smaller
+in size than the rest, cleverly jumped at the mass of marble which
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb132" href="#pb132" name=
+"pb132">132</a>]</span>was nearest to Aderke and by a well known signal
+ordered them to begin the furious attack. First the lizard moved and
+trumpeted with some kind of an awful, not human voice.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let thou go my prisoner, insolent adventurer, or else we
+shall jointly cut thee up in pieces!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Aderke, astonished by such reasoning, turned around. The unusually
+enormous lizard stood on its hind legs and seemed to be all prepared to
+attack and swallow him up. The flying mouse made a noise and waved with
+her big wings, howling out some terrific metallic sound; the snake
+stretched out and slipped up to him with perfectly awful hissing, while
+the beastly little devil joked and insulted him above his head and
+filled the air with unbearable, bad odors. Aderke, seeing what was
+coming, bravely pulled out the sword and daringly struck at the snake,
+who was just making ready to spring at and wind itself around his
+feet.</p>
+<p>The excellent sword cut it right through, but unfortunately without
+doing it the very least harm. It quickly set to gathering together its
+fearful rings and went back to the idol. Aderke energetically rushed
+after it and fainted from terror. From the pedestal sprang out one
+after another innumerable and varied poisonous monsters, one more
+terrific&mdash;yes, fearful, than the next. Then there were also people
+with snakes&rsquo; heads and snakes with birds&rsquo; wings and birds
+with fishes&rsquo; tails and fishes with heads of living people. All
+these awful monsters hastened to abandon their ambuscade, crowded and
+pushed each other, slipped over each other, quarrelled in a most
+undignified manner, bit each other, struck and scolded each other; here
+one monster was hissing, there a second one was making a violent
+speech, a third one let out from his mouth such a horribly disturbing
+whistle that the cold ran over one&rsquo;s whole body. In the midst of
+this tremendous row a human cry of distress reached Aderke; he turned
+around. The lizard was doing his best to widen out the opening which he
+had forced through, while the <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb133"
+href="#pb133" name="pb133">133</a>]</span>snake with an evil meaning
+and aggressive hissing hastened to occupy each newly opened little
+crack. Aderke wanted to run and help the poor, poor woman-prisoner, but
+the flying mouse threw itself towards the entrance and having spread
+out its wings guarded with its own body its outrageous comrades. In the
+meantime the remaining monsters seized Aderke by the legs and would not
+allow him to budge a step from the place where he stood. Thereupon he
+bravely drew out his pistol and with a sharp and rare shot smashed to
+pieces the salt block. At this moment the monsters unanimously took
+hold of him and he of course lost consciousness, so that he did not see
+how out of the blazing brilliant niche formed by his pistol shot, a
+splendid young woman rushed forth to meet him.</p>
+<p>Before her the monsters reverently stepped aside. &ldquo;Away with
+you!&rdquo; she cried out in a most commanding voice. &ldquo;Take him
+up cautiously and carry him after me,&rdquo; pointing to Aderke, she
+ordered some strange bear with birds&rsquo; legs and with a
+crane&rsquo;s beak to carry out her commands. The monster instantly
+submitted to the explicit instructions and, continuing to respectfully
+follow her imperious commands, he went in with his burden, up the steps
+of the pedestal to the very idol and placed Aderke at its feet.
+&ldquo;Now,&rdquo; said the young woman, &ldquo;your power over me has
+ended, having got back all my former freedom, I have also regained all
+my past influence and power. Tram, tram&mdash;&mdash;tara, all to your
+respective places!&rdquo; she continued in a most decisive tone, and
+the horrible monsters one after another rushed back to the high
+pedestal. When they had taken up their proper positions, she bent down
+and raised the piece of marble thrown away by Aderke and
+cleverly&mdash;&mdash;yes, powerfully, barred the entrance. After that
+she again went up to the idol, fell down on her knees and said:
+&ldquo;Great Zaden! Here you have a gift fully worthy of you as a
+grateful reward for my happy deliverance. If it pleases your serene
+majesty that I should not go away from this, <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb134" href="#pb134" name=
+"pb134">134</a>]</span>thine abandoned temple, trying with all my
+energy to be equal to the task of replacing your former most numerous
+servants, so for my sake give me back this dead man, call him back to
+life, start up in his heart a sincere attachment to me and we shall
+both be your constant, loyal and ever watchful servants. The heavy
+stone eyelids of the idol opened themselves, its eyes sparkled, and
+from this momentary sparkling Aderke instantly came back to life and
+was able to stand on his feet. At the same time the idol with a
+terrific crash and shaking fell to pieces and disappeared in the
+dust.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Who art thou&mdash;magnificent creature?&rdquo; was his first
+question.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let us go into my transparent dwelling place,&rdquo; she
+replied, &ldquo;I shall place thee on my exquisite crystal sofa and
+quietly entertain thee with my interesting stories and dear
+caresses.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>They jointly went into the niche. Through the sweet little opening a
+small, small ray of light streamed in and perfectly marvellously played
+upon a smooth, salty ceiling, showering down millions of beautiful
+sparks and blazing with all the colors of the rainbow. The beauty sat
+down, put Aderke&rsquo;s head on her lovely knees and while he was
+endeavoring to fall asleep, she told him her whole history.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I am the daughter of the Moon and of Zaden, they call me
+Aipina. My father actually decided that I should appear to the glance
+of people only to prophesy some peaceful event, the rest of the time I
+am ordered to remain secretly hidden in the grim walls of his temple,
+which at that time was a place of general worship and sacrifice. The
+people used to crowd about here from morning till night with very rich
+offerings. Numerous sacrificers burnt their offerings, while their
+female companions in long white garments sitting on golden seats
+prophesied the future. But notwithstanding all this excitement it was
+stupid for me, and one fine night, when my mother had covered
+everything with her soft, magic, fairy-like <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb135" href="#pb135" name=
+"pb135">135</a>]</span>light, I wilfully managed to get out of the
+temple and flew into the sky, blazing with my highly brilliant tail.
+Mother became frightened by my daring to commit such an act and
+hastened to hide herself. Then <span class="corr" id="xd20e1715" title=
+"Source: Ialone">I alone</span> began to gayly run up and down on the
+horizon, busily chasing the many stars and pushing them on with my
+tail. Among the heavenly lighters a most astounding and terrific plot
+came up and they hurried to get me out of the way as quickly as
+possible, and my father angrily informed me that my perfectly crazy
+undertaking had made him fail.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It came to pass just so, for on that day a poor, poor monk
+arrived and settled on the mountain. Zaden of course ordered the
+monsters to instantly chase him out of the dwelling which he had
+chosen, but the hermit by some marvellous sign of his hand deprived
+them entirely of any strength. Many pilgrims, who had arrived from afar
+with offerings to pay their sincere respects to Zaden, upon seeing the
+newcomer on a height, peacefully sitting between wild snakes, naturally
+went up to him in a wide circle and spared no time or strength in order
+to satisfy his intense curiosity. He, however, took full advantage of
+this to make them give up the faith of their forefathers and instruct
+them in some religion, the chief peculiarity of which was hatred of our
+old, old gods.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;In the end the unceasing attacks of the monsters began to
+bore the monk: he therefore gathered all his hearers and together with
+them strongly barred the grand entrance of the temple and quietly left
+the place. Through inexperience I had at first wickedly laughed at his
+great efforts: what use was it when Zaden, at his own will guiding and
+directing thunder and lightning, used to smash their edifices to pieces
+in no time at all, while the old man in going away touched the hard
+stones with the same marvellous movement of the hand which had
+destroyed the power and strength of the monsters, and Zaden immediately
+felt that his godly qualities and peculiarities began to abandon him
+forever. As a punishment <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb136" href=
+"#pb136" name="pb136">136</a>]</span>for my most stupid volunteering,
+he deprived me of the shining form of a comet and transformed me into a
+woman, whom he commanded to guard the poisonous monsters. They hastened
+to fix me in this salt wall, but Zaden, who grew weaker every minute,
+in a last, but tremendous, outbreak of wrath worked out the following
+decision:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;&lsquo;Thou wilt be entirely in the power of these awful
+monsters until thou art able to find a mortal man who delivereth thee,
+and then they will again fully obey thee!&rsquo; This was the last
+sign, not only of his power, but also of the life of my father; ever
+since then he turned himself into a breathless idol and sat immovably
+on his marble throne for several centuries. Through the holes of the
+fallen house of public worship the water flowed unto his most royal
+crown and meanly washed away from it the highly precious ornaments.
+Lizards climbed over his face, the flying mice quite fearlessly sat
+down on his powerful shoulders and hands, the snakes wound around his
+legs! He remained insensible to everything and not strong enough to
+protect and defend himself. I must say I had an awfully stupid, dull
+time. Days, months, years, even centuries went by and actually nobody
+appeared. I had already quite given up all hope when kind fate led thee
+hither. Now we must absolutely find means to get out of this place. I
+for my part know that from this temple there leads a subterranean
+passage to the numerous catacombs with which this mountain is
+overfilled and from them we can go wherever it pleases us.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But who will show us this passage?&rdquo; asked Aderke.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I have a good friend among the monsters; it is the bear with
+the crane&rsquo;s nose. During all the long and dreary years of my
+unjust confinement he daily nourished me. With his long, long beak he
+managed to make a little opening in my dark dwelling, looked for and
+gathered the hives of wild bees, who had taken refuge in the holes
+around here, and fed me with their honey. He was at first a man of the
+same faith as our enemy the hermit <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb137"
+href="#pb137" name="pb137">137</a>]</span>and chanced to be banished
+hither for having ridiculed some servant of his God.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>At these words Aipina struck the palm of her hand; the bear took
+away a stone and climbed out; then she informed him of the object of
+the whole undertaking and he, having warned them that the way would be
+long and exceedingly tiresome, hastily entered their cave and
+attentively and vigorously began to try with his beak where the mass of
+salt was thinnest. When, however, such a place had been successfully
+found, he and Aderke pushed against it with their whole weight and
+after long and repeated attempts they pierced a rather small hole,
+through which it was very evident that they should have to go.</p>
+<p>First the bear slipped through, after him Aipina and Aderke. The
+passage was cut out in the rocky part of the mountain and was so close
+and small that it was necessary to go one behind the other and to stoop
+over. Having advanced a little farther they joyfully came out on a
+small square with a much higher cupola-like ceiling. Through a little
+crack a dim ray of light was seen. They sat down to rest and having
+looked about somewhat they came to notice something gleaming, yes,
+burning like gold. This turned out to be a fine glass vessel with four
+pretty handles. It was of gold color with thin white patterns and
+filled to overflowing with ancient Greek silver coins.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The first thing found is naturally due to thee,&rdquo; said
+Aipina in a very gracious tone. And the bear having taken up the vessel
+on his long thin beak again set forth on his journey. It was necessary
+to follow on by just so narrow and low a passage&mdash;only fully twice
+as long&mdash;as the first. It led them into a large round cave, which
+was exceedingly high. At the very top there was a rather large opening,
+through which the light could easily penetrate. At the side of one wall
+stood a wooden grave without a roof, and in front of it an old, old
+candlestick of red clay. To the tremendous surprise of our travellers,
+the whole room was illuminated by the fine blue flame of a very rare
+wick. They went nearer and saw <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb138"
+href="#pb138" name="pb138">138</a>]</span>that in the tomb there lay a
+hermit, very likely a saint, because his body was splendidly preserved.
+&ldquo;Let us take a rest,&rdquo; said the exhausted Aipina, sitting
+down on the floor. The bear slowly lowered his vessel to her feet, but
+Aderke did not let his eyes lose sight of the deceased, as though he
+was trying hard to remember some familiar features, and suddenly he
+succeeded in his mental researches and with awful screeching and
+jumping threw himself on the bare floor in front of the grave.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Forgive me, oh, Holy God,&rdquo; he cried out, &ldquo;forgive
+me that severe insult which I inflicted upon thee in my state of
+craziness and for which I have been so cruelly punished.&rdquo; And
+with most sincere and hearty repenting he prayed to God and the Saint
+to pardon his terrible sin. Aipina heard him with eyes and mouth wide
+open, but on her the words of Aderke produced quite a different
+impression. He understood how fearfully he had offended God and his
+proud heart was filled with perfect remorse.</p>
+<p>He fell down on his knees by the side of the monster and wept
+bitterly and long over his wicked actions and earnestly implored to be
+pardoned. The all-merciful God accepted the tears of both great sinners
+and sent them a deliverance which was quite as marvellous as the
+punishment. An unusual light was shining into the cave and in a second
+blinded the praying men; when, however, they again began to be able to
+distinguish the different things, Aipina was no longer to be seen, but
+on the spot where she stood there shone a blindingly magnificent
+comet.</p>
+<p>Aderke glanced at the bear&mdash;he had been transformed into a very
+handsome youth, in his hands, under the rays of the comet, burned and
+played with various colored fires the remarkable, ancient glass vessel.
+In an instant the comet began gradually to draw nearer to the opening
+in the vaulted ceiling. The gleaming windings of her long, long tail
+safely guided both the astonished persons and attracted them after her.
+Soon they had successfully completed <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb139" href="#pb139" name="pb139">139</a>]</span>the march through the
+long and narrow entrance road of the cave and began to rise higher and
+higher until they had triumphantly reached the summit of the mountain.
+Then the comet let herself down to the doors of that same temple, in
+which Aderke had so terribly misbehaved on his arrival in the said
+region. Aipina was again transformed into a simple woman and began to
+request Aderke that he should make her a slave and servant of the
+omnipotent God who had accomplished such great deeds of creation.</p>
+<p>In the meantime the sunrise service was just beginning and the monks
+began to come out of their cells to celebrate their morning devotions.
+The first stroke of the bell was then heard. Aderke and his faithful
+companion took off their caps and reverently made the sign of the
+cross. In this minute to them came up the monk who usually stood at the
+tomb of the Saint, when poor Salougvari had taken speedy refuge near
+it. He found out Aderke and furiously looked at him. But the most
+humble and submissive speech of the really repenting man quickly
+quieted his anxious feelings. Aipina was converted and really and truly
+became the wife of Aderke, while his comrade in the hour of trial, who
+had made use of his fortune in order to buy up a very extensive
+vineyard near the poor saklia (hut) of Salougvari, happily married her
+and took over into his house her widowed mother. All three lived long
+and happily and very frequently visited Aderke and Aipina, who were by
+no means behind them in sincerity of love and perfect harmony.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div id="ch10" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">X. The Jewel Necklace</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">It was the twenty-second of December, the day of our
+holy &ldquo;Fate-decider&rdquo; Anne. In a poor saklia (native hut) not
+far from the road leading into town there sat a very young, beautiful
+girl, surrounded by a number of <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb140"
+href="#pb140" name="pb140">140</a>]</span>children. She was bitterly
+crying. On this day the father of this unhappy family died in jail; and
+that same terrible day, when he was taken away from his home and locked
+up against his will, the poor mother breathed her last breath. For what
+reason they had imprisoned him, the children did not know. They
+tenderly loved their father and in their true childish imagination it
+seemed to them as though he could not be wrong in any department of
+life whatever. The last time that they had seen him, he informed them
+that people would come and punish him even before the f&ecirc;te, and
+so they diligently prayed for his deliverance and salvation to the holy
+martyr Anastasia&mdash;and, behold! on the day of her celebration, she
+cut the cords and bands which prevented him from enjoying the blessings
+of home life and delivered him forever from prison as well as from the
+terrible punishment.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Zenobi!&rdquo; remarked one of the children, &ldquo;I want to
+eat.&rdquo; &ldquo;Sit ye all down,&rdquo; replied the young girl,
+rising and drying her mournful tears. She covered the table with a
+simple blue cloth with white flowers and placed on it a star-formed
+vessel, on which a whole mountain of rice was seen.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Pray ye first and then eat to your hearts&rsquo;
+content,&rdquo; she said.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But thou, darling, wilt thou not join our company?&rdquo;
+asked the older boy.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I will eat afterwards; just now I have no time, but I will
+readily eat up all you leave!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Zenobi forced herself to smile although tears were really choking
+her; this was all the food which remained in their house, they had no
+money whatever&mdash;how and with what were the children to be fed the
+next day? That was the question which constantly came into her mind and
+kept her from being quiet. Wishing to conceal her worry, she went
+out&mdash;but her brother took advantage of her absence in order to
+somewhat restrain the appetite of the children.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Leave something for Zenobi,&rdquo; said he, &ldquo;for I
+believe <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb141" href="#pb141" name=
+"pb141">141</a>]</span>she has eaten nothing since morning; all the
+bread which was left she divided among us without keeping a single
+piece for herself.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Noticing also that the quantity of rice was constantly diminishing,
+he assumed a more decided tone:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Enough!&rdquo; he suddenly broke out, rising from his chair.
+&ldquo;Pray ye to God and go out to play in the street, the sun is
+shining in all its wonderful glory&mdash;lose no time while it is warm
+and comfortable!&rdquo; and taking the smallest of the children by the
+hand, he read aloud the after-dinner prayer and went out.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Zenobi!&rdquo; he cried, coming out, &ldquo;we have all
+finished.&rdquo; The young girl entered the room, hastily crossed
+herself and with anxiety sat down and began to eat the rice, but she
+had not succeeded in swallowing the first morsel, when the door of the
+saklia opened itself and a poor, poor hermit came in.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;In the name of the Infant Jesus let me get rested, refresh
+myself and have something to eat!<span class="corr" id="xd20e1781"
+title="Not in source">&rdquo;</span> said he. Zenobi immediately rose;
+hunger was torturing her, but she did not hesitate for a moment to
+offer him her forlorn repast.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, may God be blessed, who hath sent a guest even to our
+poor saklia for such a great celebration!&rdquo; she answered;
+&ldquo;eat&mdash;while I prepare thee a comfortable bed,&rdquo; and
+having done everything to make the foreign traveller feel as much at
+home as possible, she went out into the street, in order to keep the
+children quiet during the sleep of the wise old man.</p>
+<p>After two hours he came out, sat down along by the saklia on a huge
+stone which took the place of a bench, and pleasantly called the
+children. His touching, caressing voice and his great good eyes
+instantly won him forever the sincere love of the dear children, they
+gayly ran up to him, while he pulled a small apple from his pocket and
+a Sitzevian handkerchief.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;If you bring me four quills from this fine thorn-bush,&rdquo;
+said he, pointing to a very large bush growing within a few steps from
+the saklia, &ldquo;I will arrange a very nice and amusing toy for
+you.&rdquo; <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb142" href="#pb142" name=
+"pb142">142</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Within a minute the children stood again before him&mdash;this time
+their hands full of quills. The hermit thereupon took up four of them
+and fastened with their help the corners of the large handkerchief to
+the apple&mdash;afterwards wound a handkerchief around the whole
+concern and threw it so high into the air that it really looked like an
+insignificant little dark point. The children in amazement did not lose
+sight of this point and soon beheld a small balloon lowering itself in
+their direction; the air filled out the handkerchief, giving it thus
+the look of a small air balloon, which, gracefully flying between earth
+and sky, gradually descended to their poor home. There was no end to
+the children&rsquo;s delight, each one of them wished to toss the dear
+toy higher than the first.</p>
+<p>While they were going through various exercises, running and making
+a lot of noise, Zenobi sat down at the side of her delightful guest and
+began to ask him from what place he came.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I, my child, come from the capital,&rdquo; he said;
+&ldquo;to-day there is an unusual commotion over there. The heralds
+proclaimed on all the city squares that the sovereign would spare no
+reward to him who would bring the best imaginable necklace into the
+palace and that by the F&ecirc;te of Circumcision of the Lord.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;In the nation a report is being spread that the only daughter
+of the widower-Tsar took some kind of a most terrible disease which not
+even the most experienced or energetic doctor is able to define or heal
+in any way. Something extraordinary, unseen, unheard of! Heavy bands
+were tying down the young Tsarevna by the hands and legs and deprived
+her of free movements, so that she actually resembled a corpse much
+more than a live being.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;In this night she had had a very remarkable dream&mdash;as
+though some powerful voice had promised her to cut the bands which kept
+her down, upon the Day of the Circumcision of the Lord, if by that day
+she had succeeded in finding a necklace for her magnificent neck which
+by its splendor exceeded all ornaments of the kind until then
+known.&rdquo; <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb143" href="#pb143" name=
+"pb143">143</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Saying this, the old man rose. &ldquo;I should like to reach that
+house to-day,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;it is high time to set forth for
+the journey; but how can I express my gratitude to thee, my dear child,
+for thy wonderful hospitality?</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, do not despise these lavashees (little breads), and may
+the Lord increase every kind of food in your most hospitable
+house.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Amen,&rdquo; said Zenobi with all her heart, taking up the
+lavashees and looking back at the departing hermit. A little later she
+began to assemble the children around the house.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Thanks to our guest you will have very dainty lavashees for
+supper this evening,&rdquo; she said to them, entering the saklia.</p>
+<p>But what must have been her complete surprise when she saw her
+star-formed vessel standing on the table and filled to overflowing with
+rice. There was so little of it left when she had offered her dinner to
+the stranger; where then had this veritable mountain of rice come from?
+She stared at her older brother and their astonished eyes soon met each
+other.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Isn&rsquo;t all this wonderful! How quickly the saintly
+blessing of the wise hermit was fulfilled,&rdquo; said he, and, falling
+down on their knees, the whole family began to pray most ardently and
+afterwards joyfully sat down to their well deserved and this time
+plentiful supper. In front of each child lay a fresh lavash (roll), on
+which Zenobi had thoughtfully piled up a large amount of rice. Having
+eaten the rice, each one ate a lavash too and all were perfectly
+satisfied, but there yet remained some rice and lavashees. Zenobi
+gathered the remains and the next morning the dish was again as full as
+ever and there were enough lavashees for all. Thus the wonder repeated
+itself for eight days in succession, but on the Eve of the Circumcision
+of the Lord, the dish looked just the way it did when they took it off
+the table, neither rice nor lavashees had increased. Zenobi decided to
+lay up what was left for dinner and let the children go to walk
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb144" href="#pb144" name=
+"pb144">144</a>]</span>without a breakfast. In order to induce them not
+to think of melancholy events, she wisely reminded them of the
+excellent toy which the dear old traveller had left with them. They
+immediately ran off to find the handkerchief and indeed had a very hard
+time; in the end Zenobi herself started out for the search and managed
+to find it in some remote, dark corner.</p>
+<p>It was filled with something heavy and she naturally imagined that
+it must be rice. Delighted by this thought, she quickly placed the
+handkerchief on the table and untied it; inside of it there was a
+magnificent, blindingly beautiful jewel necklace! The children stood
+around in a circle, their little mouths opened as wide as possible.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let us run this minute to the town,&rdquo; exclaimed the
+older boy, &ldquo;I say, let us run, Zenobi, dear, we will still
+succeed to get the necklace to the palace before midnight!&rdquo; And
+taking each other&rsquo;s hand, brother and sister ran on the road with
+what they had found by accident. The town was not very far; by noon
+they were already on the palace square, in the very centre of which a
+long, long table was erected.</p>
+<p>On it they opened and inspected the necklaces which various people
+brought and the Royal officials carefully put down in a large book the
+names of the strangers interested. These were extremely numerous and
+our poor little acquaintances hardly had the patience to wait for their
+turn to come. The official unbelievingly looked at their humble attire
+and the poor, insignificant handkerchief. Having placed the object on
+the table, he nevertheless untied the handkerchief.</p>
+<p>A cry of complete astonishment rang out from the mouths of all those
+present, and before the poor orphans had time to think the matter over,
+they were already standing in the bedroom of the suffering Tsarevna and
+saw how the Tsar, her father, with a trembling hand placed the necklace
+on his invalid daughter&rsquo;s neck. Then turning to them, he
+naturally asked who they were and where under the sky they had found
+such an unheard of and extraordinary treasure. <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb145" href="#pb145" name="pb145">145</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Zenobi with true childlike straightforwardness related all that had
+taken place to the Tsar, who patiently listened to her simple, yet most
+pathetic speech, in which one could clearly make out her warmest faith
+in God and her thankfulness and gratitude to the holy martyr Anastasia;
+he actually felt very much moved and sweet tears were to be seen in his
+great eyes.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Take my guests,&rdquo; he said to those near him, pointing to
+Zenobi and her brother, &ldquo;feed them, let them drink and appease
+their aroused feeling and great anxiety, but when they are rested,
+clothe them in the finest costumes and bring them hither.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Then he ordered his aides-de-camp to bring the image of the all-holy
+Fate-decider and having placed it on the pillow of the little princess,
+he gave orders that the prayers for her speedy recovery and
+convalescence should begin.</p>
+<p>By order of the King, the doors of the palace were solemnly thrown
+open and all who desired to pray were allowed to enter the enormous
+precincts of the bedroom. The number of those praying increased hourly;
+not long before midnight the chamberlains and ladies of honor of His
+Majesty the King conducted our dear little acquaintances, attired in
+gorgeous costumes, which gave still greater charm and beauty to their
+natural handsomeness and grace. The grieved Tsar made a sign,
+indicating his wish that they should stand in a line with him; all eyes
+were fixed on Zenobi, who, not noticing anything special, quietly fell
+down on her knees and instantly began to pray with all her heart and
+soul.</p>
+<p>Exactly at midnight the Tsarevna raised her head and happily looked
+at the loyal people who had been praying for her; then made the holy
+sign of the cross&mdash;then actually sat up in bed! The King rushed
+towards her and took her up in his arms. The child put her arms around
+her father&rsquo;s neck and sweet, sweet tears flowed out of the eyes
+of both, and how open-heartedly and sincerely they sang, together with
+the people present, a true song of praise to the holy martyr Anastasia!
+At the end of the prayer, the Tsar led the Tsarevna to Zenobi and said:
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb146" href="#pb146" name=
+"pb146">146</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&ldquo;After God and His holy servant thou must certainly thank her,
+whom He chose to be the instrument of thy precious recovery, yes, may
+she take the place of thine all-beloved late mother!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>All present naturally hastened to bring their loyal and dutiful
+congratulations to the Tsar and his bride, but the little Tsarevna
+quite overwhelmed Zenobi with caresses and kisses.</p>
+<p>Immediately some noblemen were sent after her brothers and sisters,
+who from that time onwards lived at the palace and were educated
+together with the dear little princess.</p>
+<p>Zenobi, however, having become Queen never forgot the poor, the
+religious and the queer, and the Lord blessed her with the birth of a
+son, who immediately became heir-presumptive to the throne. The reign
+of her husband was most peaceful and happy, and having lived to an
+advanced age in model mutual accord, the reigning sovereigns died both
+on the same day, reminding their son never to forget the Only Real and
+True Faith, the Faith of Our Lord Jesus Christ.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div id="ch11" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">XI. Saint Mourvanoss</h2>
+<h2 class="sub">A Story</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">Mourvanoss was the first saint in our highly honorable
+royal family, later on so abundant in holy martyrs, preachers and
+leaders. In the year three hundred and ninety-three <span class=
+"sc">A.D.</span> the Georgian King Varaz (ovenne)-Bakarr was favored
+with the birth of a son Mourvanoss, the birth of whom had been
+predicted to his mother by angels. This mother was namely the
+grand-daughter of Revv, the son of Mirian and daughter of Trdat, that
+is to say third cousin of her husband the Tsar Varaze-Bakarr, the
+grandson of Bakarr the First and son to <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb147" href="#pb147" name="pb147">147</a>]</span>Mirdat the Third.
+Bakarr the First loved very much his dear nephews, especially the
+younger of them, Bakourious. The son of Bakarr the First, Mirdat was
+almost the same age as Trdat and the cousins frequently passed the time
+together, their children grew up under the shelter of this friendship
+and did not notice how their childish friendship went over into love.
+Although the parents had absolutely nothing against the marriage, yet
+the youthful Tsarevna was always tormented by the thought that they
+were not acting in accordance with the holy laws of the church, which
+strictly forbade marriage between two third cousins. Most honorable,
+good, simple, merciful, helping everybody in case of need or
+unhappiness, she as Tsaritsa still went on tormenting herself with the
+acknowledgment of her sin and, see! the Lord really wished to quiet and
+comfort her and as a sign of forgiveness sent angels, who announced to
+her that He blessed her marriage by the birth <span class="corr" id=
+"xd20e1858" title="Source: af">of</span> a saintly baby.</p>
+<p>While still at his mother&rsquo;s breast, Mourvanoss regularly
+observed the fasts, refusing to suck the breast on Wednesdays and
+Fridays. Hardly had he learned to talk when he earnestly began to
+commit to memory what he had heard in the church and gradually as he
+grew older instructed himself always more and more in the holy
+scriptures.</p>
+<p>When Varaze-Bakarr died, Mourvanoss and his brothers and sisters
+were children, and as guardian over them they chose the uncle Trdat,
+having also handed over to his administration the kingdom until the
+coming of age of the children of Varaze-Bakarr and his daughter, who
+had already died, while, however, the younger son of Varaze-Bakarr,
+Faremanne, from his second wife, was being educated at the home of the
+kristav of Sammeshvillde. Notwithstanding his very advanced age Trdat
+reigned most wisely; he was a thoroughly God-fearing, sensible and
+cautious man. Thanks to his extreme wisdom the Persians were completely
+conquered, the righteous <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb148" href=
+"#pb148" name="pb148">148</a>]</span>state of affairs again introduced
+into the country and many churches restored and newly erected.</p>
+<p>Under him died the well-known Bishop Yovv and was superseded by
+Tlia. Although he of course paid tribute to the Persians, yet he
+understood how to get back from them Rousstave where he then
+triumphantly built a church. He also finely restored Nekreziy.</p>
+<p>Mourvanoss was already fifteen years old, when the Greek Emperor,
+Theodosius the Younger, came upon the throne and the relations between
+Greece and Persia became worse and worse.</p>
+<p>The new Emperor fearing that other nations might unite and make
+common cause with his enemies, offered Trdat an alliance, to assure
+which he demanded some one of the children of Varaze-Bakarr as hostage.
+Good Trdat, who equally loved all his grandsons, was in the greatest
+confusion, while reflecting whom he should select, when to him appeared
+Mourvanoss and energetically announced that he was going to Greece,
+where he had long desired to be, as it was the centre and capital of
+the whole Christian world, and with general consent and approbation he
+started off for Constantinople. There he devoted himself to fasting,
+praying and preaching, rebuking the tremendous worldly splendor with
+which the Emperor constantly surrounded him.</p>
+<p>To drown unnecessary gossip he clothed himself in a vlassianitsa of
+most ordinary goat wool. To the general astonishment of the people he
+soon acquired a complete and perfect knowledge of the Greek and Syrian
+languages and ardently studied philosophy. The Lord now rewarded him
+with the exceptional gift of being capable of healing the sick. Thanks
+to his petition the remains of the martyrs, who had suffered torment
+and death in Persia, were safely transported into old Georgia. Once
+upon a time, on the eve of the Most Holy Baptism of the Lord, intending
+to pass the whole night in devotion and prayer, Mourvanoss ordered his
+servant to bring him some butter for the little lamp. <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb149" href="#pb149" name="pb149">149</a>]</span></p>
+<p>But he brusquely answered him: &ldquo;Thou art a royal son and,
+instead of reigning as it becomes one of thy rank, thou livest as a
+monk without eating a morsel from one Sunday to another,&rdquo; and he
+did not go for the desired butter. But the Tsarevitch filled the little
+lamp with water instead of butter, and, lighting it, accomplished with
+this marvellous light his holy, holy prayers. Seven whole days and
+nights the wonderful light did not once go out, and during that period
+our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the Saint to invisibly accompany and
+protect him everywhere. With the help and favor of God the Tsarevitch
+carried out many wonders, healing the sick with the water of his little
+lamp. The Emperor namely had a eunuch who used to like to come and pray
+together with the Saint.</p>
+<p>The Tsarevitch thought of leaving the Imperial Court accompanied by
+the eunuch, but Theodosius, having heard of the plan, sent a guard to
+watch them. Nevertheless through the almighty mercy of God they
+succeeded in avoiding being closely observed by them and during the
+night ran away. An all-shining holy pillar went in front of them,
+guiding them and illuminating their road.</p>
+<p>Upon the appearance of the pillar the following words were heard
+coming out of it: &ldquo;He who doth follow me will never fall into the
+region of darkness and unbelief!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Finding a respectable vessel, they after a few days arrived in a
+port then unknown to them, where they were immediately locked up in the
+local prison. But that same night a terrific earthquake with perfectly
+awful noise took place there and many, many people perished through it.
+To the commandant of the city appeared a perfectly unknown man, the
+very voice of whom reminded one of tremendous rolls of thunder.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Deliver thou this minute the true servants of God!&rdquo; he
+called out, &ldquo;otherwise this wicked town will be turned to
+ashes.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The frightened official immediately had the prisoners <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb150" href="#pb150" name="pb150">150</a>]</span>led
+out and freed and they started off for Jerusalem, where at that time
+there lived the runaway from Rome captive, Tsar Pipinoss, with his wife
+Malienoss. They were very religiously inclined, had entirely given up
+all <span class="corr" id="xd20e1891" title=
+"Source: wordly">worldly</span> habits and pretensions, became monks
+and lived at Jerusalem in two different monasteries, which they
+themselves had erected. They caressingly received the newcomers. Having
+rested a little, the saints went to the tomb of the Lord, where they
+also became monks. Mourvanoss was named Peter and the eunuch John.</p>
+<p>Who can possibly describe their charitable deeds! They shone like
+illuminators, instructing and converting all and everything simply by
+the splendid example of their own lives! They constructed two
+monasteries and connected with these a house of refuge of strangers for
+Georgians and Greeks, where the Tsarevitch humbly waited upon
+travellers, and while occupied with such actions he reached his
+twenty-fifth year. This monastery was named after the most Holy Virgin.
+At this time the devil suddenly pounced down upon him in the disguise
+of a stranger and began to argue with and insult the Saint for having
+renounced all his rights to the crown and for having humbly served his
+own servants, but the righteous hermit Peter soon found out with whom
+he had to do and angrily chased him out of the hospice of strangers.
+Then our Lord Jesus Christ for a second time appeared to him and drew
+his attention towards the sky, where the Saint now beheld a temple, in
+which fully fifty tsars of indescribable beauty were singing hymns unto
+God and glorifying His Holy Name. In the number of these select
+Christian worshippers the Lord also promised to add the Tsarevitch
+Mourvanoss.</p>
+<p>He was sixty-five years old when the patriarch of Jerusalem,
+Anastasius, made him a full priest. He went off into a desert, where on
+the banks of the Jordan he founded yet another monastery.</p>
+<p>John accompanied him everywhere. Here he successfully healed a man
+possessed with the devil, and delivered <span class="pagenum">[<a id=
+"pb151" href="#pb151" name="pb151">151</a>]</span>John from a tumor
+which had formed itself on his face and threatened to deprive him of
+his sight. When, however, John once more fell ill and suffered from
+some deadly disease, the Saint implored that his life might be
+prolonged for still twelve years.</p>
+<p>He then visited and inspected all the Egyptian and Skithian
+monasteries and returned to his own monastery with a hospice for
+travelling strangers. At the time of hunger, he by the strength of his
+righteous prayers filled the monastery dwellings with bread and berries
+and the cellars with butter and wine.</p>
+<p>In that year good John peacefully died and he was solemnly interred
+in the monastery of the most Holy Virgin, which is to this day known
+under the designation of &ldquo;the monastery of the Georgians.&rdquo;
+Soon afterwards the Bishop of Mayum died and the inhabitants having
+called together a meeting, unanimously chose Peter the Georgian to be
+bishop in the place of the deceased, and the patriarch fully approved
+their choice, but the most humble Peter, not knowing how to avoid such
+a high honor, thought of throwing himself down from an elevated spot in
+order to break either a hand or a leg and so appear disqualified for
+the election unless he should possibly succeed in hiding himself by
+flight.</p>
+<p>Then the Lord appeared to him a third time with a quantity of angels
+and ordered him to accept the bishopric. Many a time the good and
+God-fearing people in Mayrounne heard the voice, which before had
+announced various news to the Saint. At the time of a great dryness the
+holy prayers of the Bishop brought down innumerable wonders. Fruitless
+parents were comforted by the birth of children; the sick were healed
+and recuperated, fruitless trees were instantly covered with fruit;
+fishermen who until then had always been unsuccessful in their
+attempts, now pulled out of the water laden nets. The Lord besides all
+this favored him with the <span class="corr" id="xd20e1908" title=
+"Source: exhalted">exalted</span> gift of becoming a prophet and
+enabled him thus to see the saintly souls in Heaven. Bishop Peter was
+already <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb152" href="#pb152" name=
+"pb152">152</a>]</span>eighty-one years old, when the all-holy fathers
+Tsaya and Zenomme died and the ever-fortunate Bishop saw their sacred
+souls rising to Heaven. The all-reverent Peter had been obliged to
+stand much in the course of his life from the monophysites, through
+whose sly proceedings he was for a short time deprived of his righteous
+pulpit, to the great grief of the true believers. Emperor Leo Frakiisky
+had hardly ascended the throne, when he hastened to restore the Mayioun
+bishop in his rightful position. But he did not long keep his throne,
+for he soon felt the approach of his death and announced these solemn
+news to all those who belonged to his parish.</p>
+<p>At that time Father Athanasius was favored with a superb vision: the
+saints were praying to the Lord that he should order them to bring up
+to their heavenly abode the all-holy bishop Peter, who had done so
+exceedingly much in converting thousands and thousands of unbelievers
+to the one True and Holy Faith!</p>
+<p>Within ten days the wish of the saints was carried out. The Saint
+passed these ten days in constant prayer, on the tenth day he conducted
+a communion service, communed himself and also many true followers,
+blessed the enthusiastic crowd and having tenderly parted with all his
+dear folks he returned to his cell, where he serenely died and was
+borne to Heaven by the mercy of the Almighty God on the second day of
+December.</p>
+<p>Many righteous and holy followers saw his soul carried by saints
+preceded by the holy martyr Peter of Alexandria, and heard their
+praises and songs of &ldquo;Glory to God.&rdquo; Many till then
+incurable were healed simply by being brought up to and placed against
+his holy body. The holy Roman Pope Gregory Diologue dedicated a
+magnificent funeral oration to his precious memory in his all-famous
+book. <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb153" href="#pb153" name=
+"pb153">153</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div id="ch12" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">XII. Zesva</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">Two horsemen were giving chase to some wild goats.
+Quickly did their most daring horses run, but still faster did the
+light little goats save themselves by flight, jumping across narrow
+gorges with one bound, springing on small plateaus, and in a word as
+though favored with having wings they seemed to fly through bushes and
+low shrubs. Now, however, they made for a very high mountain covered
+with bushes and forests and rapidly found their way among green
+branches and blooming trees, ascending higher and higher. The pace of
+the pursuit of the horsemen considerably slowed down as the various
+plants were every now and then the cause of unexpected delays, while
+their victims, the goats, were able to catch breath between each long
+jump and thus got on rather well and without much difficulty.</p>
+<p>The comparatively large horses were of course forced to go out of
+their way in order to avoid knocking up against trees, which barred the
+trail, and even where the grass had been smoothed out the animals went
+rather quietly and the energetic horsemen saw themselves more than once
+obliged to cut and bend down massive branches which formed the chief
+impediment in the whole undertaking. When after long and renewed
+attempts they safely reached the summit of the mountain, the goats had
+completely disappeared, and looking in various directions in order to
+discover the hiding place of the fugitives, the plucky horsemen cast
+their glances at that part of the mountain at the foot of which spread
+itself out like a fairy-land the perfectly magnificent valley of
+Alazana. And how beautiful she looked on this rare sunny day, all
+shining with soft sweet rays, separated from each other by a large
+number of various colored shades, one more perfect and exquisite than
+the other.</p>
+<p>Now she would seem to take a bath in some pale, rosy <span class=
+"pagenum">[<a id="pb154" href="#pb154" name=
+"pb154">154</a>]</span>waves, produced by an unknown marvellous battery
+of light, then again she so dazzled in precious gold and finally blazed
+with emeralds and the branches of its quite innumerable vineyards.
+There was also the sea of clusters, which could be distinguished
+through its little fruit garden, and like gigantic flower bushes they
+concentrated in themselves an amazing variety of flowers from the very
+most conspicuous to the darkest and palest. In astonishment did the
+hunters stop. Till then none of the Toushines had known about the
+existence of the highly blessed and favored Kakhitia. Being illuminated
+and showing all of her blinding beauty, she indeed seemed to them a
+perfect paradise and attracted forever their exultant glances. And the
+hunt and goats and everything else was forgotten. They stood there in
+perfect adoration of this unusual perfection of beauty and being unable
+to resist any longer the force which drew them nearer and nearer to the
+happy land, they descended into the gorge of Pankisse. On the River
+Bazzarisse-Tskali they chanced to come upon a detachment of Tartar
+frontier guards, who immediately surrounded the newcomers, and having
+dealt with them in the most insulting and truly shameful manner, again
+chased them into the mountains from which they had come. Arriving at
+home, the indignant Toushines made a halt near that river, where the
+nation usually assembled when it was necessary to decide some important
+affairs. Here did they also announce the facts of their perilous
+adventure and demand a revenge. Soon by the summons of the Elder there
+came together not only the Toushines, but also the Pchaves and
+<span class="corr" id="xd20e1933" title=
+"Source: Kersourians">Khevsourians</span>, called in to give their
+advice.</p>
+<p>They all unanimously decided to take terrible revenge for the insult
+inflicted on their countrymen. The Pchaves and Khevsourians promised
+their assistance and with general consent the whole army was divided
+into two parts. One division was to conceal itself in the gorge of
+<span class="corr" id="xd20e1938" title=
+"Source: Pankiss">Pankisse</span>, while the other should direct itself
+towards the Baktrionan fortress, which was situated to the east of
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb155" href="#pb155" name=
+"pb155">155</a>]</span>Alazana and was in those remote times considered
+a very powerful fortification. Nowadays we can judge of it only by its
+ruins, which, however, all testify its past grandeur and mightiness. It
+was impossible to cross the river otherwise than over the bridge, which
+the sly Tartars covered with ashes in order to always find out the
+exact number and direction of new arrivals. But this ingenious slyness
+was not long hidden from the searching eye of Zesva, the valiant leader
+of the detachment. He ordered to stop the horses near the outer gates
+and, riding at full speed across the bridge, he succeeded in hiding
+himself in a valley before the Tartars found time to appear. The
+latter, guiding themselves by the direction of the traces, started in
+pursuit of their antagonists, but with every step getting farther and
+farther away from those to capture which was their intense desire. In
+the meantime the night came on and, profiting by the darkness, the
+Toushines reached the foot of the very fortress without being noticed
+by anyone. Having ordered his warriors to rest, Zesva, without breaking
+the silence, took up a hammer, covered it with cow-hair felt, unloaded
+from his horse a very large maprasha (<i>i.e.</i>, a pair of sacks tied
+unto the steed) filled with strong iron tusks and knocked the first
+great nail into the battlements of the fortress, and standing upon it
+and reaching as high as possible he made a second one stick, and thus
+he continued until he had made himself a kind of ladder of iron hooks
+to the tip-top of the high rampart wall, whence he jumped down and in a
+flash threw open the heavy gates.</p>
+<p>Like a rushing stream did the Toushines make their way into the
+fortress, while the first rays of the rising sun were falling upon the
+grim old fortifications. The Tartars, half asleep, ran out into a
+field, but in vain for now they were met by the Pchaves and Khevsoures,
+who had ventured out from the gorge of Pankisse. The Tartars,
+surrounded on all sides, were exterminated to the last one and the
+field of honor of Allavanne, on which the glorious fight had taken
+place, was from now on <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb156" href=
+"#pb156" name="pb156">156</a>]</span>known under the name of
+&ldquo;Gatzvetila&rdquo; (from the word
+&ldquo;gatsveta&rdquo;&mdash;&ldquo;they are killing&rdquo;).</p>
+<p>The magnanimous and lion-hearted Zesva handed out all the rich booty
+of this ever-memorable day to his faithful allies, <i>i.e.</i>, the
+Pchaves and Khevsoures, while Gatzvetila became the common property of
+all Toushines. Nowadays this historic spot is known under the
+designation, &ldquo;Field of Allavanna.&rdquo; Some people pretend that
+this name comes from the Georgian word &ldquo;ali,&rdquo; <i>i.e.</i>,
+&ldquo;flame,&rdquo; as on this field, after the fire of the battle,
+the Tartar blood went on smoking for a long time; others say this name
+originates from the Kshtinskian words &ldquo;al&rdquo; = vladyka and
+&ldquo;va&rdquo; = here. This latter supposition, it seems to me, must
+be nearer in approaching the truth, as Allvani was one of the country
+palaces of Tamara, the ruins of which were not kept, although
+traditions confirm the existence of a palace on the above-mentioned
+field.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div id="ch13" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">[<a href=
+"#toc">Contents</a>]</span>
+<div class="divHead">
+<h2 class="main">XIII. The Tale of Mikhian</h2>
+<h2 class="sub">A Legend</h2>
+</div>
+<div class="divBody">
+<p class="first">A wonderfully gorgeous reception was being prepared at
+the Turkish Court. The Sultan had taken it into his head to brilliantly
+celebrate and entertain the all-famous hero-prince Solagge, a Mikhian
+by descent, who had just arrived in his domains. At the door the Vizir
+met the guest with open arms and explained to him what a fortunate
+concurrence of circumstances it had been that had granted Turkey the
+chance of beholding him within their borders. Solagge wanted to reply,
+but the Vizir, without listening to him, continued his pompous speech
+and thus obliged his guest to hold his tongue. The Vizir had received
+instructions from the Sultan to seek out means under pretense of
+friendship and veneration in <span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb157" href=
+"#pb157" name="pb157">157</a>]</span>order to have the famous hero
+perish, and so the sly Ottoman official proposed that he should fight a
+duel with an Arab giant and boxer, promising in reward for victory the
+position of a Pasha of Achaltsisk. Solagge refused the reward, not
+wishing to abandon little Mikhia, to serve which he had devoted his
+whole life, but the duel he accepted, and so the Vizir personally
+brought him a rare and expensive horse with a golden saddle, gold
+stirrups, etc., saying: &ldquo;Here you have a steed worthy of a future
+Pasha of Achaltsisk.&rdquo; On a Friday the whole town came together on
+a well-known square. Proudly did the Arab rival parade on his foaming
+horse. Solagge reverently bowed to him, but the former, instead of
+replying, simply rushed at his antagonist with a hatchet in his
+hand.</p>
+<p>Notwithstanding the perfectly unexpected attack, Solagge all the
+same succeeded in repelling him, but a second and even a third hatchet
+came flying after the first. The clever Mikhian missed their aim and
+without trouble succeeded in protecting himself against all of them and
+was soon on the point of attacking his enemy. Like a regular tornado he
+pounced down upon his rival and at full gallop let his own hatchet fall
+on him. He cut the Arab through and through and threw him off his horse
+to the ground. Wishing to speedily arouse the dissatisfaction of the
+people, the moullahs (<i>i.e.</i>, priests) surrounded the corpse, read
+aloud the Khoran and filled the air with their hideous mournful
+lamentations and cries. But the nation, greatly delighted over the
+daring exploit of Solagge, remained perfectly insensible to their
+never-ceasing weeping and howling.</p>
+<p>With great signs of distinction was Solagge conducted into the
+palace, where the Sultan, after a most friendly and hearty reception
+and pleasant congratulations, rewarded his excessive chivalry with gold
+and precious stones and again offered him the position of a Pasha of
+Achaltsisk, but Solagge refused even a second time.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Remember thy wonderful strength and the extraordinary
+<span class="pagenum">[<a id="pb158" href="#pb158" name=
+"pb158">158</a>]</span>mightiness which thou wilt be able to dispose
+of!&rdquo; said the Sultan.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;O Sovereign!&rdquo; replied the famous hero, &ldquo;I
+sincerely thank thee for the honor thou bestowest upon me and the
+extreme confidence which thou hast in me, but know thou then that being
+inspired by the mercy of God with that serene strength which hath drawn
+unto me thine elevated attention, I nevertheless do not feel the least
+need in obtaining any other power, whatever it may be, besides the one
+which gives me the love of my fellow-citizens.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>And Solagge remained true to his word and passed his whole life in
+poor Mikhia, protecting the slighted, punishing the lawless, and never
+died, for even down to our days he lives with boundless glory in
+national songs and legends, blessed and adored by every generation, as
+a shining example of courage and uncorrupted and sincere love for his
+native land.</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div class="back">
+<div class="transcribernote">
+<h2 class="main">Colophon</h2>
+<h3 class="main">Availability</h3>
+<p class="first">This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no
+cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give
+it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License
+included with this eBook or online at <a class="exlink" title=
+"External link" href=
+"http://www.gutenberg.org/">www.gutenberg.org</a>.</p>
+<p>This eBook is produced by the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+at <a class="exlink" title="External link" href=
+"http://www.pgdp.net/">www.pgdp.net</a>.</p>
+<p>Scans of this work are available on the Internet Archive: <a class=
+"exlink" title="External link" href=
+"http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029936022">1</a> <a class=
+"exlink" title="External link" href=
+"http://www.archive.org/details/caucasianlegends00gulb">2</a> <a class=
+"exlink" title="External link" href=
+"http://www.archive.org/details/caucasianlegends00gulbrich">3</a>.</p>
+<p>Related Open Library catalog page: <a class="catlink" href=
+"http://openlibrary.org/b/OL23285166M">OL23285166M</a>.</p>
+<h3 class="main">Encoding</h3>
+<p class="first">Obvious typos in this book have been corrected, but
+the inconsistent transliteration of Georgian names and words has been
+left as is.</p>
+<h3 class="main">Revision History</h3>
+<ul>
+<li>2011-03-11 Started.</li>
+</ul>
+<h3 class="main">External References</h3>
+<p>This Project Gutenberg eBook contains external references. These
+links may not work for you.</p>
+<h3 class="main">Corrections</h3>
+<p>The following corrections have been applied to the text:</p>
+<table width="75%" summary=
+"Overview of corrections applied to the text.">
+<tr>
+<th>Page</th>
+<th>Source</th>
+<th>Correction</th>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e284">10</a>, <a class="pageref" href="#xd20e888">60</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">&ldquo;</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">[<i>Deleted</i>]</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e346">16</a>, <a class="pageref" href="#xd20e837">54</a>,
+<a class="pageref" href="#xd20e1611">121</a>, <a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e1781">141</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">[<i>Not in source</i>]</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">&rdquo;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e567">31</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">&rdquo;</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">[<i>Deleted</i>]</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e766">48</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">Alasana</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">Alazana</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e769">48</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">Plin</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">Plinii</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e801">51</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">artifically</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">artificially</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e890">60</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">&lsquo;</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">&ldquo;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e893">60</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">&ldquo;</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">&lsquo;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e1070">76</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">pleateau</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">plateau</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e1085">77</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">indiscribable</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">indescribable</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e1331">97</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">precipiece</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">precipice</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e1361">100</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">,</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e1598">120</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">Samsgrari</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">Samsgvari</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e1633">124</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">[<i>Not in source</i>]</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">&ldquo;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e1715">135</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">Ialone</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">I alone</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e1858">147</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">af</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">of</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e1891">150</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">wordly</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">worldly</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e1908">151</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">exhalted</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">exalted</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e1933">154</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">Kersourians</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">Khevsourians</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="width20" valign="top"><a class="pageref" href=
+"#xd20e1938">154</a></td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">Pankiss</td>
+<td class="width40" valign="bottom">Pankisse</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Caucasian Legends, by A. Goulbat
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Caucasian Legends, by A. Goulbat
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Caucasian Legends
+
+Author: A. Goulbat
+
+Translator: Sergei de Wesselitsky-Bojidarovitch
+
+Release Date: March 14, 2011 [EBook #35577]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAUCASIAN LEGENDS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net for Project
+Gutenberg (This file was produced from images generously
+made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                           CAUCASIAN LEGENDS
+
+
+                     Translated from the Russian of
+                               A. GOULBAT
+
+                                   By
+                  Sergei de Wesselitsky-Bojidarovitch
+
+
+
+                        Hinds, Noble & Eldredge
+             31, 33, 35 West Fifteenth St.   New York City
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+                                             Page
+           I. The Rain                          9
+          II. Bakarr I., Tsar of Georgia       15
+         III. The Incombustible Tulip          18
+          IV. Saint Nina                       37
+           V. The Diamond                      82
+          VI. Happiness Is Within Us           95
+         VII. The Tribute of Roses            109
+        VIII. The Lot of the Holy Virgin      118
+          IX. The Comet                       128
+           X. The Jewel Necklace              139
+          XI. St. Mourvanoss                  146
+         XII. Zesva                           153
+        XIII. The Tale of Mikhian             156
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE OF THE TRANSLATOR
+
+
+Last year the Georgian people celebrated the one hundredth anniversary
+of the annexation of its country to the dominion of the Great White
+Tsar. These past one hundred years have been an era of uninterrupted
+and prosperous development of this nation of chivalry and heroism as
+well as loyalty and devotion to a great and good cause. In the third
+century A. D., the Georgians were converted to Christianity by Saint
+Nina. Ever since they have been a mighty fortress of christendom
+amidst wild and fanatic Mahometan tribes. Many a time their loyalty
+to their faith was sorely tried by the unparalleled cruelty of the
+Turks and Persians. Their capital was destroyed again and again,
+their churches ransacked and they commanded to tread upon the holy
+images which they venerated from childhood upwards. But even in such
+a terrible moment the Georgians showed themselves worthy of their all
+glorious traditions and thousands found their death in the River Koura
+at Tiflis, their chosen capital. For centuries this little nation
+of heroes battled with the Infidels and great was their distress,
+almost overcome by the gigantic forces of savage enemies, when a
+protector appeared in the north and re-established law and order,
+confidence and happiness. Seeing that it was essential to assure a
+permanent security, the ruler of Georgia asked in the name of his
+people to be annexed to the Motherhood of Orthodox Nations.
+
+I here reproduce a translation from the Russian of the reply of
+Alexander I. Parlovitch, Emperor of all the Russias (1801):
+
+"Not to increase our forces, not for the gain and extension of ours,
+the mightiest empire in the world, do we take upon ourselves the
+burden of the administration of the Georgian kingdom. Worthiness,
+honor, and humanity alone place on us the holy duty to establish in
+Georgia a government which may found righteousness, safety, and give
+every one protection of the law."
+
+Those are the noble terms of one of Russia's noblest rulers, and
+upon them is based the policy of the administration in regard to the
+Georgians. The Georgians, being of the same faith as the Russians,
+sympathize with the latter and are nowadays both a bulwark of the
+orthodox church and of the true Russian conservative governmental
+spirit. In the wars of 1853-56 and 1877-78 they fully proved their
+perfect fidelity and chivalrous readiness to assist their great
+deliverers against the Turks. The men of Georgia are renowned for their
+heroism, while the women of that country are the most beautiful in the
+world. The chief occupations of the Georgians are: pasturing, farming,
+jewelry work, silk-manufacturing, and wine-growing. The Georgians,
+taken as a whole, receive a considerable amount of education, and
+their newspapers, several of which are published at Tiflis, are very
+good. The leading paper is the "Iveria" (i. e., Georgia). Tiflis,
+the traditional capital of Georgia, is a city of 180,000 inhabitants,
+among whom are 33,000 Georgians proper. A number of other tribes or
+nationalities such as the Imeretians, Gourians, Mingrelians, Wanetes,
+Khevsoures, etc., also belong to what is called the Georgian family
+of nations. The greatest poet of Georgia is Prince Kazbek. Among the
+grand old families we find the Orbelians, who trace their ancestry
+back to an emperor of China, the Chavchavadzes, the Growzinskys,
+Bgaration-Moukranskys, Amilakvaris, Tsitsianovs, and many others,
+all of whom have rendered their native land incomparable services and
+deserve the highest praise. The author of the legends which I have
+attempted to translate, is a native Georgian, Mr. A. Goulbat, now
+living in Central Russia and leading a literary life. He is filled
+with enthusiasm for his native land and its valiant inhabitants. I
+have tried as well as I knew how to translate the legends in the same
+spirit as the author wrote them in the original, which was Russian.
+
+
+                                    Sergei de Wesselitsky-Bojidarovitch.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CAUCASIAN LEGENDS
+
+
+I. THE RAIN
+
+A LEGEND OF THE 11TH CENTURY
+
+
+At the time of Tsar George I (the rulers of Georgia were called
+Tsars = kings), in the 11th century, there lived the famous general,
+Kaiours, belonging to the glorious Orbeliani family. It is known
+that these princes trace their ancestry from an emperor of China and
+more than once intermarried with our rulers, in consequence of which
+their position at the court of Georgia was an exceptionally pleasant
+one. It is necessary to add to this that the submission and zeal of the
+princes Orbeliani fully repaid this distinction. They occupied from
+generation to generation the post of Sparapet, that is, of general
+in chief of all the Georgian forces, and astonished the world with
+their bravery. When George went to war with the Greeks, Kaiours was
+taken prisoner, and as this took place during the battle of Shirimna,
+where a great many Georgian leaders, among them the generals Ratt
+and Zovatt, brothers of Kaiours, were lost, the Tsar for a long time
+thought that Kaiours had died together with them. It was only when
+the negotiations for peace began, that Emperor Vassilii the Second
+proposed to the Tsar to exchange Kaiours for fourteen fortresses,
+viz., for one in Tao, one in Baisiana, one in Artana, one in Kola,
+one in Djavaheta, in Shavhetta, and so on; and besides he demanded as
+hostage George's three-year-old son, the Tsarevitch-successor Bagrat.
+
+"I am so much indebted to the princely family of the Orbelianis that
+I would consent to give half my kingdom for them," answered the Tsar.
+
+At the end of the negotiations it was decided that the
+Tsarevitch-successor should remain as hostage at Constantinople
+until the Greeks had succeeded in introducing their administration
+in the above mentioned fortresses and in no case longer than three
+years. There were those who criticised the Tsar for giving away
+fourteen of the best fortresses in exchange for one man, but the people
+almost killed them. The general confidence in the warlike capacities
+of the princes Orbeliani was so boundless that many openly said:
+"Let only Kaiours come back and by him we shall not only regain
+possession of all our fortresses, but with the help of God we shall
+obtain the foreign ones!" There was no end to joy when he returned
+home. More than all rejoiced his twelve-year-old daughter Tamara. The
+captivity of the father was a great grief to her, as in his absence
+her mother and brother died. Seeing Tamara riding forth by herself to
+meet him, accompanied by an old gamdela (nurse) and several bitchos
+(young boys, servants), the hero Kaiours, the very glance of whom
+turned whole regiments to flight, cried like a child. Father and
+daughter tenderly embraced and for a long time could not speak.
+
+The cries of joy among the people ceased, all remembered the good
+princess and the pretty boy, who had accompanied her everywhere, and
+sadness darkened the general joyousness. Kaiours was the first one
+to recover. He addressed those who had come to meet him and invited
+them to his house, to feast with him. "Tamara tries by her courtesy
+to take the place of my princess," he said, "the Lord is not without
+mercy; during my captivity he gave me a son in exchange for the one
+whom he took away. Plinii," Kaiours says, turning to a handsome
+youth, standing behind him, "help thy sister and me to serve the
+guests." All looks were now fixed on Plinii; tall, well-built, with
+fine, regular features, he bore an unmistakable stamp of aristocratic
+descent. Feeling himself the object of general interest, he blushed
+and drooped his eyes, like our bashful young ladies, and this modesty
+at once disposed everybody in his favor.
+
+The old nobleman Alexander, whom for his bravery and warlike successes
+they all called "the Macedonian," sat down by Kaiours and began to
+speak thus: "Friend, thou hast rightly said that the Lord compensated
+thee for the loss of thy son by a fine youth, whose attachment and
+filial respect to you we all see and which dispose us in his favor,
+but we should also like to know who he is and why thou didst adopt
+him?" "During my captivity," answered Kaiours, "the Lord sent me a
+friend. He was a well-known dignitary, a favorite of the Emperor and
+did not need the friendship of the prisoner, nevertheless not a day
+went by that he did not visit me. We related to each other our war
+reminiscences and soon began to love each other like brothers. When I
+received news of the death of my wife and son, his friendly sympathy
+was my sole consolation. He told me about his life and thus I found
+out that he had lost his loving companion on the day of Plinii's
+birth. The boy is now eighteen years old and healthy, but not strong,
+and must be carefully looked after. Before my departure my friend
+fell ill and called me to him. 'I am dying,' he said, 'and thank God
+that this happens before thy departure, because I am going to hand
+over to your care my greatest treasure. Adopt Plinii instead of that
+son whom God took away from thee. The doctors think that his health
+needs a much warmer climate than ours.' I swore to love and treat
+him like my son and hope that the Lord will help me to fulfill my
+vow!" continued Kaiours.
+
+"Thou didst satisfy my curiosity on one point," said Alexander--"now I
+want to find out something else, but for this we must repair to some
+other place. My heart also grieves about the son, who by the will of
+the monarch is among the young men accompanying the Tsarevitch-heir
+to Greece. Although our separation will not exceed three years,
+yet it does seem an eternity to me." At these words the old men
+retired, and when they returned they were carrying bowls of horn,
+filled with wine. With a gay countenance they addressed the feasting
+crowd. "Friends," said Alexander, "congratulate me and help me to
+thank Kaiours, who gives me the very best he possesses: I asked
+the gift of the hand of his daughter for my boy." Numberless people
+offered their congratulations and the feasting continued far into the
+night. Kaiours and Alexander saw each other often, the latter always
+hastened to communicate any news about the son. In the meantime it
+was discovered that the young men who accompanied Bagrat were learning
+all European languages and sciences.
+
+Kaiours thought thus: "I gave my daughter an entirely Georgian
+education, she knows neither European languages nor those arts by
+which the women over there so attract young men; would she not appear
+strange to your son?"
+
+Quite unexpectedly was heard Plinii's sweet voice. "Allow me to say
+a word." The old men stared at him; he stood before them all red with
+emotion. "Speak!" was their unanimous answer.
+
+"My late father did not mind spending any sum for my instruction, they
+taught me everything that is to be learned in our country. I easily
+learned the sciences, and if you permit me I shall be only too glad
+to educate my sister, who herself has a great passion for learning."
+
+Permission was given, and from then on the young people were
+inseparable. Under Plinii's direction Tamara soon acquired great
+perfection in Greek. They studied together the poets, committing
+the finest parts to memory. Tamara's wonderful voice grew still
+grander when she learned from Plinii how to accustom it to the rules
+of music. A harp was obtained, and for whole hours at a time they
+rejoiced in song. To the young people days, weeks, and months went by
+with extraordinary rapidity, they were perfectly happy and for a long
+time could not imagine how they had become so dear to each other. Being
+confident in Kaiours's affection, they fearlessly announced to him
+their discovery. But as Kaiours had once given his word to Alexander,
+he did not consider it right to break it. The lessons were stopped and
+Plinii forbidden to visit Tamara except in the presence of her father.
+
+The young people's happiness suddenly turned to deep grief, which
+Kaiours, who loved them sincerely, secretly shared. After a few days
+of such torture, Plinii could not restrain his feelings and found
+occasion to have a secret interview with Tamara. With tears in his
+eyes he implored her to run away with him to Greece and there be
+married, but neither prayers nor tears could persuade her to become
+disobedient to her father.
+
+"As thy wife should be so superior to all others as thou art the most
+beautiful man in the world," said Tamara, "how canst thou wish to marry
+a runaway girl? No, Plinii, let us wait! God is omnipotent! He knows,
+sees and esteems everything in due measure. He knows very well whether
+we find it easy not to be able to see each other, and I am sure that
+if we do nothing to provoke him, he himself will find means to stop
+our separation; only this I pray thee, do not forget me and don't
+try to find an occasion to see me secretly."
+
+Morning and evening, day and night, Tamara prayed to God to make an
+end to their separation, and the Lord answered her prayer. Once upon
+a time, accompanied by an old nurse and a bitcho (young boy servant),
+she started on a pilgrimage to some distant monastery where there lived
+an old man of ascetic life. To him Tamara revealed her grief and the
+old man led her into his garden. There in the presence of all he began
+to pray for her, and suddenly a terrible cloud appeared, lightning
+was seen and fearful strokes of thunder were heard. Those who were
+present fell to the ground from fright. At last the storm was over.
+
+"Arise!" said the prior, "the Lord has heard us sinners and comforted
+Tamara!"
+
+"But where is she?" they asked.
+
+"There," answered the old man, pointing to a magnificent fragrant
+lily, which had suddenly appeared in the midst of his garden. "The
+Lord turned her into a flower," he continued.
+
+The people would not believe it. The nurse spread a rumor that the
+crafty abbot had hidden Tamara. Forgetting godly fear and fearing
+Kaiours's wrath, she insulted and cursed him. The boy servants, among
+whom there were many Mahometans, searched the whole monastery, all
+the surrounding woods and bushes, and not finding Tamara anywhere,
+they killed the holy old man and burned down the monastery. The
+ancient building stood in flames, also the stone enclosure, many a
+hundred year old tree, the huge library, in fact all the scanty good
+of the images. Alone the church and the lily into which Tamara had
+been transformed were spared.
+
+Upon hearing of what had occurred, Kaiours and Plinii hastened to the
+spot. In the church there was nobody, everything else represented
+a field of coal and ashes. Tamara was nowhere to be found. Only in
+the midst of all these ashes there grew a splendid, fresh, fragrant
+white lily.
+
+Plinii was the first to approach her and began to cry. Kaiours followed
+him and was very much startled. He noticed that when Plinii's tears
+fell on the coal surrounding the lily, her tender leaves grew quite
+yellow from jealousy; on the other hand when they dripped into the
+lily she grew red from joy.
+
+"Tamara, is it thou we see?" asked the father.
+
+Just at that moment there came up a little breeze and Kaiours and
+Plinii heard distinctly as though the leaves spoke:
+
+"It is I, father!"
+
+The inconsolable father could not stand the loss of his daughter and
+immediately died from grief, but poor Plinii cried so much and so long
+and so fervently prayed to God that he might be united with Tamara,
+that in the end the Lord transformed him to rain. I have heard that
+in bygone times whenever a dryness set in the inhabitants of the
+surrounding villages hastened to the abandoned church, around which
+lilies always grew in abundance, and picked whole baskets of them. They
+scattered the fragrant harvest in the fields and gardens and the young
+maidens sang Tamara's song. The lovely melodious composition was as
+fragrant and clean as the dear flower which they glorified. This song,
+indeed, is Tamara's very prayer, showing all her childish faith in
+God's almightiness. It ends with an invocation of Plinii, who, they
+say, always appears in the form of a warm, beneficial rain. I heard
+even that these lilies preserved a rare capacity, viz., sometimes
+to grow red, sometimes yellow, and our maidens thus concluded that
+these flowers could tell one's fortune. Each maiden notices one
+flower and after the rain goes to look for it. Is the lily yellow,
+the young girl entertains great fears as to the fidelity of her
+lover; is it red, she never doubts his attachment to her. Whether
+this quaint custom still prevails I don't know. I am always sorry
+when some such tradition becomes forgotten! In our ancient legends
+there was so much of the truthful, honorable and elevated that these
+circumstances alone rendered them most instructive.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+II. BAKARR THE FIRST, TSAR OF GEORGIA
+
+A STORY
+
+
+Bakarr the First ascended the throne after the death
+of his well-beloved and much-esteemed father, Mirian the
+Converter. Remembering the counsels of his dear, dear father, he
+turned all his glorious efforts towards converting and instructing
+those mountain inhabitants who had not submitted themselves to the
+peremptory orders of Mirian and had thus not appeared to be baptized
+with the rest of the grand old nation. Highly honorable in every way,
+simple in his manners, the ever-patient Bakarr finally succeeded in
+obtaining the long desired baptism of the wild unbelievers, without
+applying any forcible and dangerous measures. Having heard of his
+peacefulness of character, the Armenian Tsar thought it opportune to
+take the throne away from him and hand it over to Irdat, the son of
+the deceased Tsarevitch Revv and the Armenian Tsarevna Salomee. But
+Bakarr united all the qualities of a brave and excellent general
+with the greatest virtues of an earnest, peaceful Tsar. He therefore
+arranged an alliance with his dear nephew, the Persian King Kossrovve
+the Second, and jointly with him, in a fearful and hard-fought battle
+in the province of Djavakheta, completely defeated and destroyed
+the wretched Armenian army and turned it to disgraceful flight. The
+amply terrified Tsarevna Salomee begged the Emperor of Greece to be
+kind enough to explain to Bakarr that the Armenian Tsar had not acted
+upon her advice or desire.
+
+Willing to let each one of his loving subjects approach and debate
+with him, Bakarr on the other hand did not consider it in accordance
+with his sublime merit to have the neighboring sovereigns mix in and
+begin to reason about his own family affairs, and therefore he briefly
+replied to the great Greek Emperor thus: "Until in the family of the
+Georgian Tsar Bakarr the First there proveth to be one who is unable
+and too weak to properly reign, the throne will belong to it, and the
+children of Revv ought not to bring forth the slightest pretensions."
+To his ally, however, to Kossrovve the Second, he announced that the
+attack of the Armenian Tsar forced him to seriously look after the
+safety and education of the children of his brother and sister,
+whom Mirian willingly permitted to be married to Pkerose. Actually
+at the end of the war, the first active deed of Bakarr was the exact
+arrangement about the domains of Pkerose.
+
+Instead of Rana from Bardave on, given to Pkerose by Mirian, he begged
+Bakarr to give him Sammshvillde, to which the Tsar fully consented,
+constructing a direct line as far as the entrance of the Christavstvo
+(province) of Abbots. Deeply moved by the great-heartedness of the
+Tsar, Pkerose accepted Christianity and was baptized with his whole
+nation, but Bakarr occupied himself with thoroughly settling the
+widow and children of his brother Revv.
+
+He led them to Kouketka, and having made his way into Roustava, he
+handed over this country to the administration of his nephews Irdat and
+Bakourious with the title of kristaves, and under them their mother
+Salomee quietly lived in their company. This sovereign sacrificed
+his whole life to the betterment and thorough reforming of his great
+monarchy and distinguished himself by passionate uprightness. He
+considerably increased the churches and the church servants. By him
+was also founded the perfectly magnificent cathedral of Tsillkanny.
+
+He died in the year three hundred and sixty-four and was buried by the
+side of his father Mirian. Before dying he also, just like Mirian,
+hung his royal crown on the marvellous cross of Saint Nina, touched
+his son and successor Mirdat the Second with it, and afterwards
+placed the crown on the head of his son and openly proclaimed him
+his rightful heir. This solemn custom was strictly observed by all
+Georgian Tsars. Although Bakarr made absolutely no new acquisitions,
+yet his short but most wise administration had firmly united together
+all decaying, poorer, and mutually inimical parts of his government,
+and finally confirmed the actual preponderance of Christianity over
+all other religions, and therefore his reign was considered one of
+the very best and most blissful.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+III. THE INCOMBUSTIBLE TULIP
+
+
+In the second century B. C., Armenia was governed by Valarsass,
+the brother of the Persian Shah Arsass the Great. At that period
+the countries to the north of the Arabs were called Chaldea and
+Pontus. In the latter lived a young hero, Morphiliziy, who at the
+head of his followers could not only repel all attacks of Valarsass,
+but even in a decisive battle completely defeated him; thereupon he
+annexed also the Georgian frontier counties, among others Kaeounan,
+and was proclaimed Tsar (King) by his grateful subjects.
+
+It happened that just then Kaeounan was governed by John, a native
+of the city of Damascus, whom they therefore called Damassk, i.e.,
+the Damascian. He was a widower and possessed but one daughter,
+a perfect beauty, by the name of Nina. During the battle, Damassk,
+through his personal bravery, attracted Morphiliziy's attention,
+who challenged him to a duel. For a long time the old warrior's
+experience counterbalanced the hero's strength of the Pontitian, but
+in the end his old strength began to give way, his movements slackened
+their usual rapidity and he could not escape from Morphiliziy's horse,
+which transpierced him. Dripping with blood, he fell from the faithful
+steed. At that moment Morphiliziy jumped off his horse and tried to
+revive him with all his strength. The dying man opened his eyes.
+
+"Ask whatever favor thou wishest, old hero!" the conqueror
+exclaimed. "In thee I found the first man whose military adroitness
+excelled mine!"
+
+"Don't abandon my daughter," murmured John, and thereupon died.
+
+Entering Kaeounan, Morphiliziy first of all rushed to John's house
+and was astounded by Nina's beauty. "She shall be my wife!" he loudly
+broke out, and immediately appointed a day for the wedding.
+
+With fright the unhappy orphan heard of this decision. How could she,
+who so dearly loved her father, become the wife of his murderer.
+
+"Not for anything in the world," she repeated a thousand times in
+one hour, and upon pronouncing that sentence, her magnificent eyes,
+which were usually a very ocean of goodness and mildness, were filled
+with some terrible fire.
+
+We must notice that in those times it was customary among our noblemen
+to choose gamdelis among the Jewesses, for their daughters. John
+had of course followed the general custom, and little Nina, who in
+early childhood had lost her mother, loved her gamdela (nurse) with
+all the enthusiasm of her daring soul. All of the gamdela's tastes
+were Nina's. Her faith, her God were the same faith and the same God
+as her pupil's. Thus the nurse was the first person to come to hear
+of Nina's decision and was asked for advice. The old woman silently
+listened to her and long did not say a word, only the features of
+her face took a painful expression.
+
+"Why art thou so silent?" impatiently remarked Nina.
+
+"I am reflecting whether I shall tell thee still another cause for
+thy refusing Morphiliziy or whether it is better to say no more
+about it." At last with a sad smile she broke out and at the same
+time her piercing glance was fixed on Nina, who flew into a passion
+and turned away.
+
+"And so my supposition is true, thou dost love the aznaoure of Cicero!"
+
+Nina threw herself on the floor and hid her grieved face between the
+knees of the gamdela. The old woman caressingly touched her long hair
+with her wrinkled hands and began to think; at last she decided to
+reveal the result of her reflections.
+
+"Thou art so young that I am afraid to advise thee seriously. Could
+not a time well come when thou mayest be sorry to have made him thy
+master, who might be thy slave? Remember that Morphiliziy is a king,
+but Cicero does not even belong to the aristocracy. He is a simple,
+poor nobleman of such as thy father had many; were he alive such
+a marriage would hardly suit him. Besides thou art accustomed to
+luxury, while Cicero has absolutely nothing, also whatever thou hast
+thou canst never give away. The only means to unite you is for you
+to run immediately into the country of his forefathers and there be
+married. I tell thee openly: What disposes me in favor of Cicero is
+his constant, endless and boundless submission to thee. I noticed it
+long ago and have been watching him, but notwithstanding my experience
+and closest attention, I did not find a single instance in which he
+might be blamed."
+
+The hidden face of the young lady lit up with some roguish
+smile. Perhaps she thought that the nurse esteemed her sagacity
+too highly. Whatever may have been her feelings, the moment she
+raised her head from the knees of the old woman, all traces of her
+smiles vanished. She sat upon the floor at the nurse's feet and for
+a long time they silently glanced at each other; each one had her
+idea. Suddenly Nina quite unexpectedly threw her white hands around the
+neck of the old woman, hid her face on her shoulder and loudly cried.
+
+"Gamdela," she passionately said, "arrange it as thou didst just now
+propose, arrange it all if thou lovest me and dost not wish that
+I should die! I don't want, I cannot--no, I will not live without
+Cicero! For him I will give up with joy and distinction my riches
+or even the royal crown! What is all that to me if I am not to have
+him? Dost thou understand, dear nurse, that I love him more than I
+ever loved thee, or my father; that I love him more than whosoever in
+the world; that I love him as fishes do water. And thou sayest that
+he could be my slave--well, do I want such a thing? I myself desire
+to be his slave and do all he commands! I love him just because he
+is poor, unknown and a stranger to every one here!" and Nina again
+became hysterical.
+
+The poor gamdela did her best to quiet the young girl with caressing
+movements of her aged hands, she herself trembled from emotion, quietly
+cried and innerly prayed. In the end she succeeded in putting Nina
+to bed and herself called for Cicero, and with her first glance at
+the young man persuaded herself that she was not mistaken as to his
+boundless devotion to Nina. Yesterday still all fell in love with
+the handsome youth, in the best of health, but now he stood before
+her with a rawboned pale face and castdown eyes, even the lips grew
+white and their edges nervously jerked.
+
+The old woman with precaution informed him how matters stood, and
+immediately tried with all her might to restrain his boundless joy.
+
+When he had reflected a little, she ordered to prepare two riding
+horses for the hour of midnight and advised Cicero to wait at the
+Western Gates, whither she promised to bring Nina, dressed in men's
+clothes.
+
+Upon this occasion he was also given a belt, richly sewn with
+gold. Having done there everything that was necessary, the gamdela
+went to Nina and prepared her for the hasty departure. Midnight
+came. With silent steps two shades moved through the whole house and
+across the court. At the Western Gates the impatient cavalier was
+already waiting with an extra horse.
+
+Nina quickly mounted it, with a happy smile motioned to the dear old
+woman, and soon they disappeared in the darkness.
+
+However much the gamdela wished to remain at the gates, as long as
+the trampling of the galloping hoofs could be heard of those horses
+which took away with them, perhaps forever, all that was dearest
+to her in the whole world, common sense did not permit this and the
+nurse returned home and passed the remainder of the night in tears
+and prayer. At sunrise the house was filled with her lamentations.
+
+The frightened servants instantly answered her call and found her in
+the garden on the bank of the river. By her side lay Nina's dress and
+linen. Seeing people run, she motioned to them, and wringing her hands
+she explained to them that Nina was drowned. Old and young rushed to
+the river, not only the people of the household, but the whole town
+joined those seeking; nevertheless all efforts proved to be in vain.
+
+Morphiliziy's warriors upon hearing of what had taken place immediately
+informed their lord, and were all without exception ordered to go to
+search for Nina. Morphiliziy himself rushed to the garden and began
+to question the grief-stricken old woman.
+
+From her explanations, constantly interrupted by moaning, he understood
+that Nina long ago asked to go bathing, that the gamdela, fearing the
+swiftness of the river, had not given her permission, and that this
+day at sunrise the impatient girl had quietly slipped out into the
+garden while the nurse was sleeping and got what she desired. Awaking
+and beholding the empty bed, the gamdela immediately ran to the banks
+of the river, but found nothing but Nina's dress.
+
+Morphiliziy himself went into the water, turned over every bush and
+stone, swam beyond the town, but found nothing at all. Everywhere he
+met people who were on the same errand; the warriors searched, the men
+of Damask, the citizens, yes, all who could swim, were out working,
+but in vain. The grieved sovereign came up on the bank and declared
+that he would grant any reward to him who found Nina living or dead
+and brought her to him. A day went by--no news. And a second day went
+by; many of those on the lookout returned home with the discouraging
+news that they had not found the girl. The town again took its usual
+look. Morphiliziy alone did not sleep and thoughtfully sat on the roof
+of his house. The night was warm, with bright moonlight, and acted
+quietingly upon the unhappy Tsar. About midnight he beheld a shade
+approaching his house and began to look at it with anxiety. Soon he
+discovered that it was his favorite negro.
+
+"Noy!" he cried out.
+
+"It is I, sire," replied the negro. "Let me immediately report."
+
+"Come up quickly!" and Morphiliziy's heart was suddenly bent and
+frosted and beat so hard that it caused pain. The hero put his hand
+on his breast in the hope of quieting its movements, but it went on
+most painfully and his momentary joy turned to fearful worry.
+
+In a moment Noy appeared before him. "Hast thou found her alive or
+dead?" he quickly asked.
+
+"Living," began Noy, "but...."
+
+"Well, where is she then?... a horse, let me have a horse this very
+moment!" shouted Morphiliziy, but the disappointed, almost terrified
+looks of Noy caused him to think the matter over.
+
+"Why art thou thus silent?" he impatiently asked the slave.
+
+"Sire ... she is not ... alone! She lives with ... a young man!"
+
+Morphiliziy turned his back upon the negro in order to hide the
+impression which these words had produced on him. He sat down on a
+stool and pointing to the carpet lying at his feet ordered Noy to
+relate everything in detail and without hurrying.
+
+"Sire," said the negro--"I wished to deceive thee! I wanted to escape
+bondage and return to the land of my forefathers. I thought of taking
+advantage of the general disorder, went into the stable, saddled thy
+horse, explaining that I was starting for the search, and while all the
+people were looking for Nina along the banks of the river, I started
+in the opposite direction--straight to the sea, where I dreamt of
+finding a ship and sailing away. At first I was unusually delighted,
+but little by little I began to be overpowered by the fear of being
+pursued. My horse flew like the wind and I induced it to go faster
+and faster. In the meantime my fear grew stronger at every step. It
+changed to terror--into some kind of despair; I no longer let the horse
+catch breath, but chased him like a crazy man. In the end his speed
+grew smaller. I became furious, tore the cloth and beat him without
+mercy. He still went on a little farther and beyond his strength,
+and then rolled into the dust. This was in a forest. I unsaddled and
+unbridled him, but he did not raise himself and so I continued my
+way on foot. Suddenly I overheard human voices; I stopped and began
+to listen. Evidently these were two persons in love with each other,
+and I had nothing to fear. I cautiously approached, continuing to
+hide myself in thick bushes and trying to look at those conversing.
+
+"To my surprise I beheld two young boys; they sat together and were
+eating. 'Must we ride still farther?' asked the younger one.
+
+"'I am very tired!'
+
+"'It is no wonder you are tired, my little soul,' replied the older
+boy, 'why, see! we did not leave our horses for about twenty-four
+hours; I do think it would be more sensible if we remained the night
+here; I shall light a fire as a guard against wild beasts, put under
+thee my bourka [a long black cape without sleeves commonly used all
+over the Caucasus], and watch while thou art asleep!'
+
+"'Ah! but if we made for the village thou too couldst rest?'
+
+"'No, my joy, I am more afraid for thee of Morphiliziy and his
+followers than of all the wild animals of this slumbering thicket. From
+the latter I can always save my bride, but from Morphiliziy it is
+only a wonder if we escape alive!'
+
+"I understood all, and impulsively retired. Why should I then run away,
+knowing that thou wouldst give me my freedom in any case. Returning
+to that spot whence I had descended to overhear their conversation,
+I suddenly came upon a little stream and sat down on its bank. My
+crazy race had quite exhausted my strength. I drew some bread from my
+pocket, picked off some wild figs and began to eat, reflecting how I
+should come home the quickest. Seeing where I was, there was no use
+of trying to return home on foot, but where should I find a horse.
+
+"Having finished my meal, I arose and went to that place where a few
+hours before I had abandoned your horse; to my greatest pleasure he
+was munching grass. I led him to the stream, let him drink, saddled
+him and put on the bridle. To ride him would have had no sense. After
+walking an hour he grew more lively, and I began to hope that he was
+recovering, especially as he suddenly joyfully raised his head and
+neighed. I imagined that in the distance some other horse answered
+likewise. I hurried in that direction; after a little while the horses
+again exchanged compliments, and guiding myself by their voices,
+I soon met a young cavalier on a fine Persian horse.
+
+"By his fashionable costume it was easy to distinguish him as one
+of the local aristocrats. I reverently bowed; he answered my salute
+and his eyes were fixed upon thy horse, which he fell in love with,
+like a connoisseur.
+
+"'Whither art thou, traveller?' he asked.
+
+"'I am from afar, sir, sent by my ruler upon a hasty and important
+affair and must walk the rest of the way for I am incapable of managing
+this horse.'
+
+"'It is the very best thoroughbred Arabian steed that I have ever seen;
+thou didst excessively tire it and thou wilt certainly ruin this jewel
+for good if you do not give him rest. I don't know thy master and don't
+wish to know his name, but even on his own land I cannot allow such a
+treasure to be ruined. Mount then my horse, gallop away to thy lord
+and tell him that thou didst leave his half-dead horse at the tavad
+of Bidandara's. If he wishes to sell him I shall pay any price he may
+demand; if he does not want to part with him, why then let him send
+back my horse and take back his own; at Bidandara's everybody finds
+hospitality--even animals,' and he got off his horse, took hold of
+and led away mine without listening to my exclamations of gratitude.
+
+"I gave him time to go a long way and then chased his horse still more
+mercilessly than thine. I knew that thou wilt give him the centuple,
+and therefore thought only how I could reach thee the soonest. Upon
+entering the town he fell and I ran the rest of the way on foot. What
+doest thou command me to do now?"
+
+"This moment thou wilt choose two of the best horses and lead them
+hither. We shall immediately start in pursuit; tell my lifeguards
+secretly to catch up with us. Let them have pity upon the horses
+and take plenty of wine and provisions with them, for thou must be
+quite hungry!"
+
+In a few minutes the two cavaliers rode out of town and later on they
+were followed by a whole detachment of warriors, trying to catch up
+with them. Morphiliziy was not riding very fast, but thinking. He
+remembered that still a short time before, when but a simple army
+commander, he had no other wishes besides military glory; all his plans
+seemed to have been successfully carried out when he was proclaimed
+King and his name passed from mouth to mouth, surrounded with all
+the glitter of the recent victory.
+
+The triumph over Damask, the most glorious warrior of his century,
+appeared to him as the height of blissfulness. He remembered also that
+unusual, up to this time new to him, feeling which suddenly arose in
+him upon beholding Nina.
+
+The very glance at this young girl, hardly out of her teens, drove out
+of his heart and imagination everything in which he up to this moment
+had prided himself--military glory and victories over Valarsass and
+the accession to the throne--all vanished somewhere in the distance,
+occupied some remote spot and was no longer of any interest to him. And
+to think that this child had made fun of him! This child had managed
+her nurse and servants and warriors and even him, Morphiliziy, the
+terrible, powerful and invincible conqueror! This little girl feared
+not his anger, was not frightened by his forces, did not tremble before
+his might. His warrior's renown, his monarchy, his personal charms
+had not won her. She was not at all excited or especially delighted
+over the impression she had produced upon the hero, and in just the
+same way she treated a little boy, whom he could knock down with one
+blow like some piece of paper!
+
+He resolved that Nina should be his wife however difficult it might
+be to obtain her hand. She did not wish his love--she did not see the
+need of his caresses--"then," thought he, "let her feel my strength,
+my might, my power--yes, my wrath!"
+
+These reflections were interrupted by the approaching
+warriors. Morphiliziy turned around; the moon lit up his pale face
+and sparkling eyes. The soldiers were frightened, never yet had they
+seen him look thus.
+
+"Give Noy wine and bread--he will eat on the way, but to you, my
+comrades in battle, I shall now unfold the secret of my soul. You know
+my whole life, you know very well that there is not a man who could
+boast of having conquered me; you know too that my very glance can
+put regiments to flight, that my name was sufficient to make kings
+and nations tremble, and now, when I reached the height of glory and
+power, I wanted to divide them with an orphan, I wanted to place her
+upon that throne for which I am indebted to your love and submission
+to me, I wished to proclaim her Tsaritsa and share with her my glory,
+my happiness, and my power! But she refused all these things, and me
+too, and ran off with a boy. Now...."
+
+Morphiliziy's speech was interrupted, he sighed deeply and continued:
+
+"We are out to pursue them. Think up some punishment worthy of their
+crime. What shall be done with her?"
+
+"Kill them both!" was the unanimous reply.
+
+"That is insufficient!" answered the Tsar.
+
+"Drown them in the river, where they betrayed their deception!"
+
+"Not enough!"
+
+"Have them burned alive!"
+
+"Still too good for them!"
+
+"Let them be torn to pieces by wild beasts!"
+
+"All this is very little!" replied Morphiliziy. "All this is quickly
+over and does not appease my desire for revenge. They must be captured
+alive and locked up one opposite the other, so that through the open
+windows of their dungeons they may see each other, and then I shall
+prepare my rival a spectacle that will wound him worse than fire,
+but afterwards I shall hand over to you Nina, and then there will be
+time to cut off their proud heads and throw them away to be eaten by
+the dogs!"
+
+The Tsar grew silent, his face became still paler, his eyes stared
+out worse than before; he was so terrible to look at, that even the
+fearless warriors could not glance at him and hardly approached his
+horse and Noy's, which they were hurrying on at full speed. The sun
+rose--they continued their ride, a whole day went by, the journey
+went on as before, and night overtook them again when they entered
+a forest. Noy announced that it was the same forest in which he had
+left the fugitives. The moon shone poorly from behind the eternal
+trees, it became necessary to get off the horses, which were left to
+the care of several warriors, but the others went on and soon found
+that little field of wild copse on which Cicero and Nina had rested,
+they even found the place where they had been sitting.
+
+The grass was trodden down, it bore the traces of spilt wine and crumbs
+of bread--one large shrub was cut down--but there were no branches.
+
+"They probably burned them in a wood-pile," remarked Noy.
+
+"Well, where then are the traces of the wood-pile?" replied
+Morphiliziy. Upon noticing that from the place where they stood onward
+the grass was trodden down and seemed to form a kind of road, all
+followed upon this track. By sunrise they left the forest and spread
+themselves out over a splendid meadow, which ended in a field. The
+track went on across the meadow to the very field, which was beginning
+to be worked by laborers.
+
+Morphiliziy dispatched one of his warriors to ask to whom this
+field belonged and whether they had not seen two boys on horseback
+yesterday. The soldier returned with a peasant.
+
+"This is the field of the tavad Bidandari, we are his men and did
+not work here yesterday, but we heard that our master had brought
+home some two youths, one of whom is ill, and to-day by the orders
+of the proprietor, my brother went for the znabar (a kind of doctor)
+on the seacoast."
+
+"Why, is it far to the sea?" asked Morphiliziy.
+
+"Six or seven agatches" (an agatche is a little more than six and
+less than seven versts).
+
+"What! is there no doctor nearer than that?" again asked Morphiliziy.
+
+"Why should there not be one? We have a doctor in the village who is
+immediately at the side of the patient when required, but the other
+one is cleverer because he takes advantage of the sea tide in order
+to collect plants, shells, insects, and little fishes, which our own
+doctors do not get a chance to use for their medicine."
+
+"Tell thy master that the owner of the Arab horse came to thank him
+for his favor, to pay his debt, and asks permission to come in."
+
+The peasant went off, but Morphiliziy ordered his warriors to return
+to the forest, and taking Noy with him, followed from afar the running
+laborer. He was very particular in explaining to Noy why he did not
+wish his name to be disclosed before the right time.
+
+Bidandari came out to meet his guest and led him to some gorgeous
+apartments where a number of fashionably attired servants surrounded
+the newcomer, offering elegant clothes, aromatic soaps, and every
+kind of luxury customary in those times. Having washed and dressed,
+Morphiliziy came into an adjoining room where a dinner was set. The
+host met him at the door with two large horns filled with old wine,
+which, joining hands, they drank at the same time, as a sign of
+friendship. Notwithstanding that Morphiliziy had eaten almost
+nothing for more than two days, the rare and numerous dishes did
+not dazzle him. He had to make an effort in order to pretend that
+he was eating. At the end of the dinner the host offered him to take
+a rest, but Morphiliziy said that before that he would like to talk
+with him alone: then Bidandari, who had not even looked as though he
+had recognized his sovereign, respectfully fell down on one knee and
+kissed the edge of the royal coat.
+
+"You recognized me, tavad?" said the surprised King.
+
+"Yes, your Majesty, but I did not dare to say this before the rest,
+because I did not know the reason you had for not speaking openly."
+
+"I came hither to carry out my revenge and I cannot do it without
+your help."
+
+"Pray tell, what is it you order?"
+
+"But this is against the laws of hospitality, in which your house
+has always glorified itself."
+
+"If it be impossible to receive satisfaction for being insulted
+otherwise--then give orders to kill me--in such a way at least I
+fulfil my duty as to you, like a faithful subject, obliged to defend
+the honor of his sovereign even to death and shall not be responsible
+for what occurs in my house after my death."
+
+"But, tavad, you forget that in such a case I fulfil my duty neither
+like a Tsar, nor like a guest, but of this let us speak later. The
+point of the affair is that in your own house my bride is hiding,
+disguised as a boy, and I want to take her immediately with me. It
+seems to me that by handing her over to me you do nothing offensive to
+the rules of hospitality; as to her companion, he has insulted my royal
+honor, and it is only natural that every true subject should himself
+chase him out of his house as soon as he learns about his crime."
+
+Bidandari sighed and his face took a sad expression.
+
+"I ask a favor of you, sire; sooner order that I be killed than that
+my guest receiveth the merited punishment and let me now tell you all
+that weighs on me. Before death one is permitted to put aside every
+etiquette and to speak with one's sovereign without the customary
+court formalities, thereupon I take the liberty of treating you like
+a brilliant warrior."
+
+"You forget, tavad, that I am very much obliged to you, and that you
+therefore have the right to demand anything you like of me except to
+pardon my rival. You yourself are a young and unmarried man, is it
+possible you do not understand my thoughts?"
+
+"Forgive me, sire, but I must again speak none but the bare truth! My
+meeting with your negro you already know about. Wishing to come home by
+the very most direct way, I went on a trail which by chance brought me
+up to two boys. The younger of them was shaking from malaria, he was
+pale and lay upon a bourka, but the older one sat by him in despair
+and wrung his hands. On this same little meadow two saddled and tired
+horses were feeding; by their exhausted look it was perfectly clear
+that the travellers came a long way. I came up from behind, and when I
+greeted them, the elder brother quickly jumped up and seized a kinjall
+(Caucasian knife or rather dagger), while the younger boy simply sighed
+and looked at me in a terrified way; he was evidently either too ill or
+too exhausted to make any kind of a movement. 'Fear nothing,' I said,
+'I came to offer you my hospitality, which you hardly have a right
+to refuse as you are on my lands.'
+
+"'Excuse me,' suspiciously answered the older one--'before I accept
+your kind offer, I should like to ask you where you took this horse
+from, which yesterday was still the property of the monarch?'
+
+"I explained it. The boy reflected. 'What dost thou think of, young
+man, accept quickly my offer, and together we shall carry the sick
+brother into a warm room, in which his illness will be over by morning,
+while here he may die from taking cold.'
+
+"The boy got frightened.
+
+"'Promise me not to hand us out to Morphiliziy alive or dead, and
+I will readily accept your invitation with gratitude; otherwise we
+should both prefer to die.'
+
+"I glanced at the sick boy, he evidently made an effort to smile and
+thus confirm his brother's words, but this smile lit up his face
+with such an inexpressible magnificence that I began to be very
+much puzzled--after all was it not a woman? I accorded the desired
+promise. We made litters of the branches of a soft coppice. I told
+them that I would send horses for their conveyance, but thy horse
+tied itself to the girdle and we safely brought our litter to the
+house. During the night the patient began to groan and constantly
+repeated:
+
+"'Darling Cicero, if they discover us--kill me, I wish to be neither
+a Tsaritsa nor anything else except thy wife!'
+
+"There was not the least doubt left by this time; this was a woman who
+had run away from some detested man together with her lover. Seeing
+that it was no longer possible to hide anything, Cicero related
+the whole story to me. They already loved each other, sire, when
+thou didst first see her. Perhaps thou wilt say that Cicero might
+perfectly well have conquered his attachment; taking into account
+that Nina was the object of this attachment--such a change was very
+improbable indeed. I say further that I myself was overtaken by such
+an extraordinary feeling of delight before this utmost perfection
+of beauty that I felt as though it was not worth living on earth if
+one could not possess Nina; and in consequence of all this, sire,
+thou dost partly fulfil my proper wish if thou dost order me to be
+executed as one bending down before thy will. To hand them out to
+you after my promise is beyond my powers."
+
+Morphiliziy walked up and down the room with huge steps and nervously
+twitching with his mouth.
+
+"I wish to see her!" he said.
+
+"Oh, monarch, be gracious! Before thy arrival here, a doctor had
+just attended upon her. She has a fever from terror, she frequently
+cries, saying:
+
+"'I am so tired that I cannot ride any farther! They pursue us--yes,
+they pursue us!' If she should see thee now, death would surely
+set in. As a satisfaction to thy offended pride, take away my life,
+which has become so painful to me. I am more guilty before thee than
+Cicero, because I dared to fall in love with thy bride, while he just
+worshipped a free girl and was fervently loved by her before thou
+didst enter the town and becamest our ruler. Thou didst permit me to
+request rewards for ordinary services; don't let Nina perish! Don't
+deprive her of that happiness of which she deprived thee, and even
+me!" Bidandari wished to bend a knee, but the Tsar did not allow him
+to take such a step.
+
+"We shall converse like young men of equal rank," said he. "Leave me
+alone; in a few minutes I shall call thee."
+
+Bidandari went out, but Morphiliziy again paced the floor. Within
+him a terrible combat was going on. On one side his deceived love and
+wounded pride demanded cruel revenge, on the other hand the elevated
+thoughts of his soul, his well-known love of mercy and chivalrous
+nobility of soul inclined him to follow Bidandari's advice. After
+walking a whole hour his bad intentions went away, and completely
+worn out from physical exhaustion as well as spiritual disturbance,
+he threw himself down upon the sofa and went to sleep with the firm
+resolution to pardon Nina.
+
+But alas! Ibliss (the devil) is always angered by any noble intention,
+be it of a Christian, be it of a heathen, and always exerts himself
+in finding ways of preventing their being carried out. And thus
+it happened also this time. He appeared to Morphiliziy in a dream
+under the form of Nina; she was sitting at the feet of Bidandari
+and gaily joked and laughed. Morphiliziy did his best to overhear
+their conversation and understood that they were laughing at his
+confidence. Bidandari boasted about his cleverness, but Nina laughed
+aloud.
+
+"I assured him that thou lovest Cicero--that once I came upon you by
+chance; and he believed it all like a stupid child. He allows Cicero
+to marry and lets you go to Rome, whither I shall soon follow you, and
+then only will he find out the true state of affairs. Thou must admit,
+my Nina, that I cleverly thought up all and am worthy of a reward!"
+
+Instead of answering, Nina threw herself on his neck and Morphiliziy
+saw and heard how the mouths joined together in kissing. He awoke
+trembling from furor. "Noy," he cried. The negro appeared.
+
+"Tell the warriors to bring me immediately, all chained, Bidandari,
+Cicero, and her! I shall instantly ride home alone! If I stay here but
+a minute longer I shall choke them all, and this is little! A horse,
+I say, a horse!"
+
+In a moment he was already riding off home, but at sunrise on the
+following day they brought to his house the three guilty ones. He came
+out on the roof, all wicked, dark, terrible! All his former noble
+feelings had disappeared for good, he gave himself up to the work
+of pitiless revenge. Silently he pointed to Nina and his house. The
+warriors understood and led her there. Cicero made a desperate
+effort to run after her, but the heavy chains and powerful arms of
+the soldiers held him fast. Then the Tsar pointed to Cicero and to
+the house situated opposite him. Cicero was led off there. Before
+him there remained but Bidandari.
+
+"Cut off his sly head!" shouted Morphiliziy, with such anger that a
+flame came out of his mouth at these words. The warriors fell upon
+Bidandari, but hardly had his head been divided from his body, when a
+wonder occurred. The day was bright and clear, without a single cloud
+in the sky, but at this moment an immense black cloud descended unto
+the corpse and hid him from the eyes of those standing about. All
+stared with the greatest attention. Little by little the cloud went
+off, but on the spot where Bidandari stood a magnificent white tulip
+grew up.
+
+"He is a witch!" cried Morphiliziy, and again the flame was seen
+coming out of his mouth and nostrils.
+
+"Bring the messenger of charms, the old gamdela, and knock her down
+before this cursed tulip!"
+
+When they cut off her head and the blood was spattered unto the tulip,
+its centre grew strikingly red with pale rosy stripes on the leaves,
+which rendered it still more beautiful.
+
+"Now," said Morphiliziy angrily, "drag Cicero to the window, stand
+by his side and don't let him turn his head. I should like him to
+see everything that is going to occur opposite!"
+
+And he roared like a madman, and the flame again came out of his
+mouth, nostrils and ears. "Away with the remaining people from here,"
+he shouted in conclusion. The square was instantly cleared.
+
+"Hand me Nina over here!" was Morphiliziy's last command as he
+entered the house and took a place at a window opposite the one to
+which Cicero was lashed. They brought up Nina, half dead from fear.
+
+"God of Israel! save me!" she cried out.
+
+"Nobody will save thee from me!" wickedly answered Morphiliziy,
+and seizing Nina and embracing her he brought her to the open
+window. Opposite, Cicero was making astounding but futile efforts to
+free himself from his chains.
+
+"Call to my God--Cicero! He is stronger than that man!" cried
+Nina. In this moment she glanced at her feet and fainted from
+terror. Morphiliziy was also astounded. He saw that her feet grew
+together and formed one black mass. He rashly tore her clothes off her
+body, but the transformation took place still faster; her whole body
+burned and grew black, and in a few minutes from her hands there jumped
+out a splendid butterfly and joyfully flew across the square to meet
+another one who had come out of Cicero's dungeon. Both of them hurried
+to the gamdela's body and to the white tulip and circled around them.
+
+How could one describe Morphiliziy's wrath? To express his anger he
+could no longer find any human words. Some horrible, fearful sounds
+came out of his mouth together with flames. With terror his warriors
+looked on as he threw himself about on the square and as his eyes
+flashed. Little by little he turned completely into a flame. Fiery
+tongues began to climb out of the window, slipped down to the
+square and everywhere rose into the air, hoping to burn the poor
+butterflies. In vain did they fly all over the place, everywhere the
+flame chased them, at last they hid themselves in the tulip, which
+hastened to shelter them with its leaves. The whole fury of the fire
+was now fixed upon the unhappy little flower. Just then the body of
+the gamdela was transformed into a shower. As much as Morphiliziy
+harassed his enemy, the faithful gamdela fought against him; thus,
+notwithstanding all the badness of Morphiliziy, he did not succeed in
+burning the tulip, but the white leaves only ornamented themselves with
+all the colors of the flame. In the end the nurse finally conquered
+her enemy. He went down into the ground and shows himself only when
+the Lord wishes to punish sinners.
+
+Oh, how dreadful he can then be! He shakes the whole earth,
+he tears to pieces its interior and forms deep precipices where
+formerly flourishing cities stood, lets whole villages fall to ruins,
+destroys hundred-year-old edifices, rips up gardens, fields, meadows,
+forests. In a word, Morphiliziy became a perfect subterranean fire
+and hourly curses new generations, while the good, faithful gamdela
+daily renders thanks to Him who turned her into a beneficent shower,
+without which men and beasts and plants and everything that is good
+on earth would perish.
+
+When danger had vanished the leaves of the tulip opened themselves,
+the butterflies hopped out and hastened to Damassek's house. There
+they took again their former aspect. They were married, sold off
+all of John's wares, and with incalculable riches went away to
+Rome. Before their departure they dug out the tulip and took it
+along with them. Cicero's country is also favored by heaven just like
+ours. There they purchased an elegant house, a magnificent garden,
+and the very best spot of this garden was reserved for the tulip. With
+their own hands they planted and took care of it, and soon the whole
+town delighted in the splendid flower, which, refreshed by frequent
+showers, grew in size. In a few years the whole garden became one
+field of tulips.
+
+Cicero's and Nina's numerous children played around them, while a
+shower refreshed them morning and evening. Nina and Cicero always
+went into the garden at that time, and with gratefulness kissed the
+bright leaves, remembering their dear gamdela whom people now bless
+the world over, as a reward for her faithfulness and love.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+IV. SAINT NINA
+
+A TALE
+
+
+The fourteenth of January is a day of great solemnity throughout
+Georgia. This is the fete of Saint Nina, who converted us to
+Christianity. Nina's father, Zavonlon, was, according to tradition,
+a relation of the great and holy martyr, George, who married Sossanna,
+the sister of Yovenalii, patriarch of Jerusalem, whose family came from
+Koloss. He and his sister became orphans in early childhood and went
+to Jerusalem, where Yovenalii accepted an appointment as secretary,
+while Sossanna entered the service of Sarah, a woman of Vifleem. In
+the meantime Zavonlon travelled from Kappadokia to Rome to be presented
+to the Emperor, and reached there just at the time when the Brandjis,
+who had revolted, appeared in the valley of Patalania. Zavonlon did
+not let them reach Rome, but turned them to flight, captured the Tsar
+and leaders, and handed them over to the Emperor. When, however,
+the monarch condemned them to death, they began to cry and implore
+Zavonlon to convert them to Christianity.
+
+"Lead us to the temple of thy God," they said, "before having us
+killed. Thou didst capture us and having sacrificed us to God thou
+wilt not be responsible for our death, magnanimous hero!"
+
+Then Zavonlon went to the patriarch and informed him of all that had
+taken place. Without saying a word to the Emperor, the patriarch,
+with the help of Zavonlon, baptized them, let them partake of the
+Holy Communion, and taught them the Christian faith. At sunrise on the
+following day the Brandjis rose, attired themselves in funeral robes
+and started for the place of execution. They prayed, thanked God,
+who had saved them by baptism, and said:
+
+"We are immortal even after death, because the Lord hath glorified
+us by giving us permission to partake of the Holy Communion. Yes,
+let His name now be glorified! now, henceforth, and evermore! Woe to
+our fathers, who died in ignorance and remained in the dark, we shall
+not taste the sorrowful, but the joyful fruit. Approach, executioner,
+and cut off our heads!"
+
+At these words they willingly stretched their necks under the
+sword. But Zavonlon, who could no longer stand this spectacle, rushed
+to the Emperor in order to implore his pardon for them.
+
+"I give them to thee; do with them whatever thou wilt!" said the
+sovereign. Zavonlon lost no time in returning to the spot of execution
+and succeeded in saving those sentenced.
+
+Thereupon they began to beg him to lead them home to their native land
+in order to preach there about the Faith of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
+and convert those desirous of leaving paganism. Zavonlon went to
+the patriarch, got some priests, and with the Emperor's permission
+departed, accompanied by the Brandjis. When they had but one more day
+of travelling before them, a rumor spread in their country that the
+Tsar was alive and meant to return with his courtiers. The sections
+of Kkhozamo, Kkhosa, Goakchladja or Gardadja, Kkhonebag, Kkhjirag or
+Kindtjag, Zadja, Zaza, Zarda, Zamra and Tkmoka hurried to meet them,
+and were reached on the banks of a great and deep river; the water
+was blessed and they entered it and came out at one special spot
+where a priest laid his hand on them.
+
+Zavonlon stayed with them till they were baptized and converted,
+put everything in perfect order, left the priests and went away,
+overwhelmed with gorgeous presents.
+
+"I shall take these treasures for the decoration of the tomb of the
+Lord," thought Zavonlon, and started for Jerusalem, where he gave
+everything to the poor. At that time Yovenalii (in monkhood he had
+taken the name of Zadass) was patriarch of Jerusalem, and made friends
+with Zavonlon, while Sarah of Vavilon recognized him and learned to
+cherish his capacities. Besides, she said to the patriarch: "Zavonlon
+is the father of the Brandjis (original inhabitants of Barcelona)
+whom he converted, and to whom he gave the Holy Baptism; he carried
+out the commands of God, and thinking the matter over, I counsel thee
+to let him marry thy sister Sossanna" (probably Susanna). Sarah's
+counsel was carried out and the young couple left for Colossus,
+Zavonlon's fatherland.
+
+Soon the bride gave birth to a daughter, Nina. When she was twelve
+years old her parents sold their whole property and settled in
+Jerusalem. Here Zavonlon was made a monk by the Patriarch German
+(because Sossanna's brother had already died), and became divorced
+from his wife. Pressing his daughter to his breast and covering her
+face with tears, he said:
+
+"My dear and only child, I leave thee an orphan, and recommend thee
+to our Heavenly Father, God, who nourishes all live beings, because
+He is the father of orphans and the Judge of widows. Fear nothing,
+my daughter, but try to imitate Mary Magdalen and the sisters of
+Lazarus in their love to God. If thou lovest Him as much as they did,
+He will also refuse nothing to thee." Having embraced her once more,
+he crossed the Jordan and started to preach the teachings of God among
+wild nations, where the only God, creator of all beings, knew that the
+time was ripe. Sossanna, on the other hand, by order of the patriarch,
+looked after the poor women, but was put in the service of Niapkhora,
+an Armenian woman from Doroim.
+
+She stayed two years at her house, learning the laws of God, because
+at that time there was nobody in all Jerusalem so well acquainted with
+the Old and New Confession and who had such a broad and enlightened
+mind. Niapkhora was honorable and truthful and imitated Abraham in
+hospitality. Her house was always open to all pilgrims coming to
+pray at the Tomb of the Lord. More than once she happened to receive
+Christians who had been Jews and had inhabited Georgia. From them
+Nina heard a story how, at the time of the Babylonian captivity,
+some Jews had settled down at Mtzkhet and how they yearly sent some
+of their people to the Easter celebrations at Jerusalem. They also
+told her that in the second year of Aderka's reign in Georgia, they
+found out about the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ through these very
+messengers. Within thirty years at Mtzkhet delegates arrived from
+the preosviashtchennik (clerical title) Anna with the following news:
+
+"He to whom the wise men brought presents is now grown up and teaches
+us a new faith; thereupon we are sending word to the Jews in order to
+find among them teachers of the law and to tell them: 'Come ye all,
+who uphold the law of Moses and clear up our perplexity! Let all those
+acquainted with law immediately leave the foreign lands and hasten
+with all possible speed to the fatherland, in order to confirm and
+guard the faith of our forefathers, carry out the laws of Moses,
+save the common folk from being dazzled by the new teaching, and
+furthermore, put the guilty one to death.' Elios, a man who was no
+longer young, of the tribe of the Levites, decided to go to Jerusalem,
+leaving his mother, a descendant of the high priest Ilia, to the care
+of his sister Sidonia, because the old woman herself said:
+
+"'Go, my beloved son, whither the Lord and his holy law call thee,
+but mind my remarks: thou as a man well instructed in law shouldst
+not allow them to have a godless intention. I beg thee--do not have
+a hand in spilling the blood of this man. Thou knowest that this is
+the carrying out of the ancient prophecies, believe this one with
+all thy heart as I believe in him!'"
+
+Together with Elios went a young Hebrew, Longinos, a warrior from
+Karssan, and they reached Jerusalem just at the time of the crucifixion
+of our Lord, as they arrived on a Friday.
+
+When they drew lots, a Greek tunic fell to the share of Elios, but
+Longinos received the garment of the Lord, which he carried back to
+Kontais (this garment used to hang in the centre of the church in
+a crystal vessel up to the time of Shah Abass, who sent it away to
+Russia). When they began to crucify our Lord, by chance the sound of
+the hammer and nails came to the mother of Elios, and she exclaimed:
+
+"Good-bye, kingdom of Israel! Unhappy ones--you are lost
+forevermore! By your craziness you kill your Vladyka and the
+Saviour of the world, and thus you become the wilful murderers of
+your Creator! Woe ye unhappy ones! There is no lamentation equal to
+your distress! Woe to me, because my ears have heard these mournful
+sounds!" and with these words she gave up her soul to God. When,
+however, Elios returned to Mtzkhet bringing the robe, Sidonia came
+out to meet him, and crying and weeping threw herself in his arms
+to tell him of her mother's death; and lo! she came to glance at the
+robe. She recognized it as having belonged to the Lord Jesus Christ,
+and the thought that her brother had helped along his death filled
+her heart with indescribable sorrow. Having placed on her breast the
+invaluable holy relic, she died.
+
+The news of her death spread all over Mtzkhet and reached the Tsar,
+who wished to see the dead woman. Coming to her body he was struck by
+the beauty of the robe, giving out a heavenly glow, and he wanted to
+put it on, but no power under the sun could tear the relic out of the
+arms of the deceased. Elios buried his sister together with the robe,
+and thus saved it from further attempts of the unbelieving.
+
+These tales made a strong impression on Nina's soul, she often and
+long reflected how she might seek out the place where the robe was,
+and tried to obtain information from her governess. "My child," said
+Niapkhora, "I see that by thy strength thou are equal to a lioness,
+whose roar hushes up the growling of all quadrupeds. Thy capacity
+for penetration puts thee on a footing with the female eagle, who by
+her flying exceeds the male eagles and with her little eyes sees all
+creation; having beheld the booty she inspects it with her piercing
+glances, just as the fire experiments with the gold, and makes for it
+with spread-out wings. Such will be thy life. Thy voice will be heard
+all over the world and thy booty is to enrich God. Now I will explain
+it all to thee. Thou knowest that the immortal God had compassion for
+the mortal inhabitants of this world and came to earth in order to
+assemble around him the nations and save the whole world. His first
+good deeds were applied to the Hebrews, among whom he made the dead
+arise, made the blind see, and healed the sick. Astounded, they sent
+out messengers all over the world in order that the Hebrews might
+most rapidly assemble at a great council.
+
+"'We are perishing,' exclaimed the messengers, 'hurry, gather ye all!'
+
+"Then from all countries there came together people, educated in
+the laws of Moses--they came together to openly oppose themselves to
+the Holy Ghost and, namely, do what was necessary to the world. They
+crucified the Lord Jesus and drew lots to get his robe. The robe was
+handed over without quarreling to the Man of Mtzkhet. Thou knowest
+also that upon the burial of our Lord they placed guards at his
+tomb, but that he arose according to prediction, and in the tomb
+there remained nothing but the shroud, which the Apostle Luke took,
+but no one knows to whom he gave it. As to the vesture of the Lord,
+which was not found in the tomb, many conclude that the Apostle
+Peter took it without telling anything about its further fate. I in
+my turn am more inclined to believe what we heard from the Hebrews
+of Mtzkhet. The crosses are hidden here at Jerusalem, but this place
+is unknown to everybody until the Lord doth open it in times to come
+by his chosen messenger!"
+
+Hearing these words, Nina raised herself and thanked God and asked:
+"Well, where then is that land where the robe was discovered?"
+
+"The town of Mtzkhet is in Georgia. This is a mountainous land, the
+borderland of Armenia, and its inhabitants still continue to practise
+idolatry. The Chaldean magis have a strong influence over the people,"
+replied Niapkhora.
+
+At that time there arrived from Ethesus a woman who had come to visit
+and pay homage to the Holy Sepulchre and who stopped at Niapkhora's.
+
+"Is the Empress Helen still in the shade of unbelief?" asked Niapkhora
+of her.
+
+"I am her servant," answered the newcomer, "and know all her wishes,
+both open and hidden. She would like to become a Christian and be
+baptized."
+
+"Let me go to the sovereign," Nina began to ask of her mistress,
+"perhaps our Lord Jesus Christ!"
+
+"Let us first ask the blessing of our most holy Patriarch German,"
+answered Niapkhora, and went to him.
+
+Soon they called in Nina and placed her on the steps of the ambo;
+thereupon German put his hands upon her shoulders and having
+sighed from the depth of his soul, he said: "Vladyka, Immortal
+God! To Thee I commit this orphan, the daughter of a sister of
+one of Thy servants, and send her to preach Thy faith and announce
+Thy resurrection everywhere where Thou desirest it to be carried
+out! Heavenly Jesus! be Thou her companion during the journey, her
+protector in danger, a refuge, a leader and a teacher as Thou hast
+been from century to century to all those who feared Thy holy name!"
+
+That very night the Virgin appeared to St. Nina in a dream, to whose
+happy lot Iveria fell when she together with the apostles drew lots
+to see who should go to preach the faith of Christ in Georgia. In
+the hands of the Heavenly Queen there was a vineyard cross, which by
+her command was tied with some of Nina's hair. The Most Holy Virgin
+handed the cross to the sleeping girl and ordered her to go in her
+stead to convert the Iverian people. The Saint awoke with the cross
+in her hands and hastened to announce to her mother all that had
+occurred. With happy emotion Sossanna listened to her, kissed her,
+crossed herself, and blessing her, let her start out, commending Nina
+to the care of God.
+
+From her mother Nina went straight to the Ethesian woman, whom
+she began to hurry up to start out, as her heart was burning with
+impatience; and notwithstanding the uncertainty and length of the
+journey, her readiness to do everything to serve God was so great that
+she did not have the least fear; this ardor was not left unrewarded
+by the Leader of Hearts. He Himself appeared to St. Nina, quieted
+and strengthened her for the coming expedition.
+
+Having reached Ethesus, the Saint, in the house of her companion,
+found the Tsarevna Ripsime fleeing from the Diocletian torments
+together with fifty friends. Soon they were joined by three hundred
+maidens and Saint Gaiane, her nurse. Ripsime grew attached to Nina,
+because the Ethesian woman told her the latter's story, and the
+Saint took advantage of the kind feelings of the Tsarevna in order
+to instruct her still more in the faith; and in the course of this
+year she baptized the Queen, Gaiane, and seventy men of her suite.
+
+They passed two years together at the monastery of Poss-Rhoss. Just at
+that time Emperor Maximian sent his eunuchs everywhere to seek out the
+beautiful and good girls and bring them to him--without distinction
+of rank, extraction, or even religious belief.
+
+The messengers arrived at the monastery of Poss-Rhoss, beheld Ripsime,
+and struck by her unusual beauty, they did not yet decide to take her,
+but began to enquire about her family. Having found out that she was
+of royal rank, they considered her worthy of becoming Maximian's wife,
+painted her portrait and went away. Hardly had Maximian glanced at
+her portrait, when his heart flamed up with some strong passion. He
+announced that in the whole world there was no equal perfection of
+beauty, that Ripsime was worthy of becoming his wife, that their
+marriage should be celebrated with unheard of till then solemnity,
+and he immediately sent messengers to all parts of his immense
+monarchy so that each subject might come to take part in the nuptial
+festivities. In the meantime the saints trembled from fear because
+they knew that this Tsar was like a vessel of anger, sly like a
+snake in heaven, also not clean, and idolatrous. They imagined that
+the Tsarevna's portrait would cause them to be very much grieved,
+and having fasted a long time, they prayed to God and decided to
+rely on His holy mercy and secretly run away from this place. And
+thus the seventy sisters set out for Armenia, in the neighborhood
+of Vagkarshapat, and reached a splendid town called New Dovin, where
+the Tsar himself resided.
+
+Here they took up their quarters in poor huts, which surrounded
+the town from the north and west and were used for pressing out the
+grapes. Here with laborious work they earned their own living. Having,
+however, discovered that the Tsarevna Ripsime with her nurse and
+companions had disappeared in some unknown place, Maximian became
+perfectly furious and sent messengers to look everywhere for her.
+
+His ambassadors arrived at the court of Trdat, Tsar of Armenia,
+with the following letter: "The autocratic Emperor to his nearest
+brother, friend and comrade Trdat--I salute thee. Thy friendship
+is our most faithful ally; I inform thee above all that the sinful
+Christian nature is very harmful to us, because it forces the nations
+to disregard our mightiness and not respect our Majesty. Their religion
+consists of the following points: they serve a dead and crucified man,
+adore wood and consider it glorious to die for their Lord. Although
+they fear not the Jews, they nevertheless fear Him, whom the Jews
+killed and crucified. In their blindness they defame monarchs, scorn
+the gods, attribute absolutely nothing to the powerful brightness of
+the sun, moon, and stars--saying that these are the creations of the
+crucified. They anger the whole world to such a degree that fathers and
+mothers separate themselves one from another, not awaiting death. In
+vain do our commands and terrible tortures exterminate them, for
+they appear in still greater numbers! Having by chance seen a young
+Christian maid, I wished to marry her, but she, instead of desiring
+to be united with a Tsar, rebuked me like a dirty being and secretly
+ran off into thy lands. Investigate this affair, my dear brother,
+order a search to be made, and as soon as thou findest her with her
+companions, put to death the latter, but send splendid Ripsime hither,
+or if she pleases thee, take her, for thou wilt not find such a perfect
+beauty in all Greece. I hope that thou art in good health--adieu,
+serve the gods!"
+
+Having read the letter, Trdat began the search, and soon found the
+saints. Ripsime produced on him exactly the same impression as on
+Maximian and he also made up his mind to have her become his wife. But
+the Saint flatly refused him, and so he tortured her together with
+thirteen companions on the fifth of October; and Saint Gaiane and
+two others on the following day. The remaining succeeding in hiding
+themselves; among them was also St. Nina, who by God's instructions hid
+herself in the branches of a prickly rosebush, without flowers. Here
+she beheld a bright star coming down from the clouds; it served
+as a footstool to a deacon, in whose hands there was a censer;
+out of the latter there came such an abundant perfume that the sky
+really darkened. The deacon was accompanied by innumerable heavenly
+beings. This was the instant when the martyrs breathed their last
+breath, united themselves with the heavenly forces sent out after
+their souls, and together with them rose to heaven.
+
+"Lord Jesus!" exclaimed the Saint, "why dost thou abandon me with
+aspics and snakes?"
+
+In answer to this lamentation, a voice was heard from Heaven, saying:
+"Arise and start for the North, where there is a great harvest,
+but few workers!"
+
+And thus the fourteen-year-old child went out to convert a whole
+country. She guided herself by the voice of God and overcame all
+difficulties: the length of the journey and physical exhaustion,
+and the fear of wild animals and wicked people and the cold and
+hunger and want! She went as the apostles went; without a staff, and
+just like them, she conquered kings, converted whole nations, healed
+the sick and glorified the name of that God who had called to her:
+"Arise and go!" Without losing a moment's time she left for the North.
+
+The dear one constantly reminded her of the following words: "There
+is a great harvest but few workers!" and in this she seemed to think
+there was an explanation of the fact that on her fell the godly
+choice. Near Khertviss her strength began to fail. From continuous
+walking she had become quite lame and was forced to stop and go into
+winter quarters--enduring innumerable privations. In time her health
+was so much restored that she started again on her expedition.
+
+Having reached the frontier of Djavakhetta she stopped on the bank of
+Lake Pkaravno, known also under the designations: Pkdrnav, Paraban,
+Pkanavar, and Tanaravan; from this lake flows out a river called
+the Mtkouar of Djavakhetta, from which are to be seen high mountains
+covered with snow even during the summer months. They are the cause
+of much cold weather in all the neighboring towns and villages. Fear
+seized Saint Nina.
+
+"O Lord!" she cried out, trembling, "accept my soul!" and she fell
+to the ground. For two whole days she could not master her fright
+nor continue her journey. At last hunger forced her to ask for food
+of some poor fishermen trading on the lake and of the shepherds who
+guarded their herds on the banks of the lake.
+
+The latter often used to invoke their gods at night. These were called
+Armaz and Zaden, and the heathen inhabitants of the lake districts
+promised them rich sacrifices if they only guarded the herds from any
+possible evil. Hearing that their prayers were spoken in Armenian,
+to which Saint Nina was somewhat accustomed as she had served at
+Niapkhora's, she dared to ask them whither they had come.
+
+"I am an Akovanian from Elrbienik on the banks of the Lopatsh-Tskan"
+(this is the left arm of the Alasana, Plinii calls the inhabitants of
+this region Loubienis), said one of them.
+
+"We are Kakhetines from Sapourtzle and Kindsar near Mouknar," murmured
+two others.
+
+"But I am a Touissian from Rabatt," added a third one.
+
+"Here is one from the great city of Mtzkhet, where there lives a Tsar
+and where we have temples of our gods; in summer we all drive our
+herds to the banks of the Pkarnav, thus saving ourselves from the
+unbearable heat of our countries. The reason that the lake has so
+many names is that each of us pronounces its name according to his
+own language. In the autumn we disperse to our many homes to escape
+the cold of this district."
+
+"Where is Mtzkhet?" asked Nina with a fainting heart.
+
+"This river unites itself with another one which comes from Kola,
+changes its name to Mtkonar and flows to Mtzkhet."
+
+She looked at the sides of the river: it was an endless plain. She
+became frightened upon beholding its boundless limits. Having sighed
+over the great length of the coming journey, she put her head on a
+stone near the source of the river and fell asleep.
+
+In a dream there appeared to her a man of middle height with flying
+hair, and handed her a written roll, which ran as follows: "Carry this
+in all haste to the idolatrous Tsar of Mtzkhet!" Saint Nina cried
+bitterly and began to implore and pray: "O Lord! I am a woman, an
+adventurer, uneducated, I am unable to say much; now how in the world
+am I to go into a strange land to heathen nations--to a mighty Tsar?"
+
+Then the shining man unfolded the roll in which were written ten
+commandments as on the tablets of Moses, and gave them to St. Nina
+to read. She awoke with the roll in her hands. The following were
+the contents of the roll:
+
+I: Amen--I say unto ye, go on then, for this testament will be
+proclaimed all over the world, will go from mouth to mouth, and hardly
+will it be known when documents will appear to commemorate the event.
+
+II: Make no difference between men or women. III: As thou goest,
+instruct all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the
+Son and the Holy Ghost. IV: The world is the language of enlightenment
+and thy glory, O Israel! V: This good deed of heaven will be practised
+the world over. VI: He who accepts you, accepts Me and he who accepts
+Me accepts Him who glorified Me. VII: Mary loved the Lord exceedingly,
+for she always obeyed his commandments. VIII: Not cutting off the
+bodies of the murderers, the souls of those who are powerful shall
+not linger. IX: The speech of Jesus to Mary Magdalen: "Go, O woman,
+and announce my fraternity!" X: "Teach them to promptly and rigidly
+observe all these commandments and then I shall be with you, in all
+times and to the end of the world--Amen!"
+
+Having read the roll, Saint Nina became convinced that this apparition
+came directly from the Lord. She ardently prayed that the Lord might
+soothe her, and committing herself to his will, she immediately
+followed the course of the river. At first it flowed towards the West
+through wild and sterile countries. The journey became still more
+terrible through the number of wild animals filling these deserts
+with their fearful roaring, but not one of them attempted to approach
+and touch the protege of God. Only when the river turned to the East
+did they begin little by little to disappear. Driven on by fear she
+forgot exhaustion and went rapidly ahead, hardly stopping a minute to
+catch breath. Soon after the turn of the river Saint Nina overtook
+some travellers going to Ourbishi or Ouriat-Oubani (which means
+"Street of the Hebrews"), and joyfully followed them, but at Ourbishi
+a disappointment awaited her; instead of believers of the real God she
+found people who bowed down and adored fire, wood, and stone; her heart
+burned with indignation, but the Lord comforted her by instructing
+some Jews to give her a hospitable reception, which she made use of
+for about one month, when the following spectacle aroused her feelings:
+
+She beheld a great crowd of people going towards Mtzkhet, and as
+she heard from her host that there were Hebrews there, she followed
+the people in the distance and thus happened to reach her point
+of destination upon the fete of Armaz. Before reaching the bridge
+near Mogontka this large crowd stopped like one man to bow down to
+the fire, and Saint Nina cried bitterly at the loss of such a large,
+large number of human souls, ransomed by the most precious blood of our
+Lord Jesus Christ. On the sixth of August, 324 A. D., on the day of
+the Transfiguration of the Lord, Saint Nina, according to tradition,
+accomplished her first wonder. Upon that day appointed for the feting
+of the idol Armaz, it was the duty of the Tsar and Tsaritsa to take
+part in the ceremonies. From early in the morning numberless crowds of
+people, like flowers in the field, filled the streets, shouting and
+hurrying, each one trying to excel his neighbor in ornamenting their
+respective houses with carpets, fine shawls and other such articles,
+all along the road by which the royal cortege was to pass. First there
+arrived the Tsaritsa Nana, surrounded by the wives and daughters of the
+aristocracy. She was followed by the Tsar with a numerous suite. Songs
+of praises and blessings were heard among the crowd of the nation. With
+great pomp the procession ascended the mountain to adore their god,
+who was cast of clean gold, while at his side there stood two inferior
+gods of silver, who wore gold cuirasses and in their aquamarine eyes
+had artificially made rolling emerald pupils. These last idols were of
+human proportions and inside of them a mechanism was hidden, through
+which their hands (in which there were sharp swords) cut down all
+those who dared to approach the chief god without making a sacrifice,
+or all those who adored other and foreign gods instead. On the Roman
+bridge, Saint Nina joined the procession.
+
+"What in the world does all this mean?" she asked of a Jewess.
+
+"This is the god of gods--Armaz, who calls the people to do him
+homage. No other idol can compare with him, because each of us puts
+on his best garment to-day and holds a flag in his hand as a sign
+of joyousness."
+
+In the meantime the procession had reached its destination. The Tsar
+bowed down to the ground, surrounded by whole clouds of incense. The
+sacrificers offered their victims. The Tsaritsa, the nobility,
+innumerable hordes of people followed the example of their ruler to
+the greatest displeasure of the Saint, who with all her heart prayed
+to Him, who had made her glorious and lo! a short-breathed West
+wind came up, at first softly, then always stronger and stronger,
+and finally turned into an oragan.
+
+Losing their breath and feeling choked, the Tsar ran away and the
+sacrificers and the nation too, but the orcano turned into a perfect
+rain of stones--not allowing even half of those fleeing to seek
+shelter. Stones of such a size poured down that not every grown up
+man could raise them with both arms, and they continued to ransack
+the temple and idols, until all had been turned to ashes and dust.
+
+The heathens fled in terror; this mountain, such a short time before
+so crowded with people, had now been totally cleared of men and
+upon it sat only Nina, who was not at all terrified by the fearful
+spectacle. She saw in this a new proof of the all mightiness of her
+own God, and under his powerful protection she quietly lay down and
+peacefully fell asleep on a huge block of stone.
+
+The next day, by the order of the Tsar, one of the noblemen went to
+inspect the scene of the disaster of the preceding day. He beheld
+Saint Nina, concluded by her dress that she was a traveller from
+some distant land, and with customary Georgian hospitality, invited
+her to stop at his home. But his offer was by no means accepted by
+the Saint. She continued her journey along the banks of the river
+and finding on the road an eye of one of the gods, she took it along
+with her. Upon reaching the junction of the Koura and Aragva, where
+formerly there stood a town and a fortress, she resolved to take a
+rest and pass the night at that point of the cape, where till then
+there still remained the ruins of the church of Favora.
+
+At that time beautiful, well-shaped, high birches grew there, with
+magnificent shady branches. They were planted by Tsar Bartom, who
+often rested in their shade; this custom was long observed by the
+nobility and well-known men and almost every sunny day some one from
+the aristocracy passed the day under the branches of the birches. On
+one of these trees Saint Nina painted a cross and lived under it
+in constant prayer till the twelfth of August. On that day came to
+refresh herself with the coolness of the famous trees, the lady of
+the royal court Krokhana with her servant, a Greek woman. The latter
+by the order of her mistress asked the Saint who she was, what she
+was undertaking, and whether she did not need something. The Saint
+said that she was "Tevee," i. e., a prisoner of war (which does not
+mean that she was a servant, as some writers out of pure ignorance
+expressed themselves in describing her life) and did not tell of her
+real extraction. Krokhana immediately invited her to follow her to
+the palace, but the Saint refused even this invitation.
+
+Within three days, i. e., on the day of the Assumption of the
+Holy Virgin, she crossed the Mtkovar and entered the royal fruit
+gardens. Near the place where now stands the church of the Katholikoss
+(Patriarch) and a pillar erected by God, there lived in those times
+a guardian, whose wife Anastasia hastened to come out to meet the
+stranger. She embraced her like an old and dear friend, kissed her,
+washed off her dusty feet, rubbed her exhausted body with strengthening
+fragrant butter and having offered her bread and wine, asked her to
+take a rest and to recover after the long, long journey. Here the
+Saint remained nine months, frequently visiting Ourbishi, where some
+Hebrews lived, in the hope of finding out something more about the
+Lord's robe; and indeed the Lord blessed her attempts. She made the
+acquaintance of Abiatkar, the descendant of Elios, whom she quickly
+converted to Christianity together with all his family. "When she
+arrived," said Abiatkar in his tale, remembered in Georgian History,
+"I received a letter from Jewish priests in Antiochia, in which they
+expressed themselves thus":
+
+"The Lord divided the kingdom of Israel into three parts, which were
+owned by the Romans, Armenians, and Barbarians. There will be no more
+prophets; all that he told us through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost
+was fulfilled, we are scattered all over the world and our fatherland
+is occupied by the Romans. O Jews! let us now weep with our nation,
+for we offended God, the Creator of all beings."
+
+Looking over now the books in which Moses teaches us: "each one who on
+earth calls himself God shall be put to death!" Why is it possible then
+that we sinned in killing Jesus of Nazareth? We actually see that in
+ancient times, when our forefathers sinned before God and forgot Him,
+He lowered them to servitude and made them experience all the horrors
+of captivity; but when they turned again to Him and invoked Him, He
+saved them from need. From the scriptures we know that this happened
+seven times in ancient history. Now, then, when our fathers put their
+hands on the son of a poor woman, God deprived us of his mercifulness
+and support and lo! our government fell to pieces, we were separated
+from our temples and our nationality was forgotten. That was about
+three hundred years ago. The Lord does not hear our prayers and does
+not send us help, from which we conclude that perhaps this man was
+sent by God. Thus did they write me several times and aroused doubts
+in my soul, to explain which, I applied to Saint Nina. I asked her
+who was Jesus and why the Son of God became a simple man.
+
+Then Saint Nina opened her mouth and from it flowed out words of life
+as abundantly as the waves in the depth of the sea. From her very
+mouth I found out everything contained by the Christian books, and
+she explained to me their profound meaning. I felt like a man aroused
+from sleep, like a madman coming back to his senses. She filled my
+heart with pity for our forefathers, made me convince myself in the
+truths of the New Testament, and from her words I indeed recognized
+in him Jesus Christ, the Son of God, crucified, resurrected, and
+having come with glory; nay, I understood that He was the one who
+had been promised to those believing. I saw many other wonders yet,
+accomplished by Saint Nina at Mtzkhet in my time, and together with
+my daughter Sidonia was converted and received the Holy Baptism,
+being cleansed of all wickedness. I received that which the prophet
+David had vainly wished: I heard a choir of voices glorifying the New
+Testament, the object of his sighing; and we were favored with the
+permission to partake of the Holy Communion, of the body and blood
+of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb that perished for the sins of the
+world, the best and most compound of victuals. O Lord, strengthen
+this faith in my heart to my last breath! All that I shall after this
+relate, I myself heard, with my own ears from my mother, my father,
+or read in books, recording the words spoken by our ancestors."
+
+After this follows the story already known to us about the robe. On the
+tomb of Sidonia under a huge cedar grew up a fragrant bush loaded down
+by a numberless quantity of flowers and leaves, and from its branches
+a whole bush was formed, under which Saint Nina let herself down,
+not knowing how near she was to the aim of her desires. All nights
+she passed here in prayer, and lo! in one of these sleepless nights
+of prayer a shining man appeared to her and, pointing to the fragrant
+bush, ordered her to take up some earth under it to use for healing
+the sick. The next morning as usual Anastasia came to her, offering
+her wine, bread, fruits, and cheese. Having noticed that her eyes were
+filled with tears, Nina asked her the cause, and so found out that both
+she and her husband were deeply grieved by the fact that they had no
+children and attributed this misfortune to Anastasia's illness. The
+Saint immediately applied holy earth and Anastasia was cured.
+
+Let us now return to Abiatkar's tale. During that period Saint Nina
+saw one and the same dream three or four times in those few minutes
+in which she used to rest. A horde of blackbirds bathed itself in the
+river, came out of the water whiter than snow, and rushed towards
+a peach tree actually growing near her bush. In the apparition it
+appeared covered with wonderful buds and flowers. With great haste
+the birds gathered and all rivalled one another in bringing them to
+the Saint as to the owner of the garden; afterwards united around
+her in a circle and sang most marvellously.
+
+The Saint related all these events to my daughter Sidonia, who
+exclaiming very loud, expressed herself thus: "O Prisoner; thou
+that didst take off our chains! I know that thou art the reason of
+all that hath now taken place, that by thee we are made to discover
+and acknowledge the past spilling of the blood of the Heavenly Man,
+for that deed the Hebrews and their kingdom perished, they were
+deprived of their temples and a strange people took the place of
+their greatness. Jerusalem, O Jerusalem! how thou dost spread thy
+wings in order to protect under them nations from every part of the
+world, thy children only remained without shelter and are scattered
+one by one all over the earth! Now there comes to us here a woman,
+born in a foreign land, who makes over our whole kingdom!"
+
+Then addressing the Saint, she said: "That, which thou sawest,
+clearly predicts to us that this place has been changed by thee into
+religious gardens, in which thy pupils and followers whitened by thee
+like birds will eternally gather heavenly fruits, singing praises
+and glorifying God!"
+
+The Saint openly preached the message of Christ, telling the people
+that up till then they had been entirely misled. She pointed to the
+grape cross which had already accomplished many wonderful cures
+without applying any medicine, simply by holding it to the sick
+people. She was joined in her converting expedition by seven Jewish
+women whom she had baptized. Among them also my daughter Sidonia,
+and I myself helped them with all my strength, trying to deserve the
+glorious name of Paul, which the Saint had bestowed upon me upon my
+baptism. Knowing well the Jewish law, and being instructed by the
+Saint, it was easier for me to convert the unbelieving and some of
+them becoming rebellious, wished to assault me with stones; but Tsar
+Mirian sent out several of his attendants to deliver me from their
+arms, because the news of the glory of the wonders accomplished in
+Greece and Armenia came to him and so he did not prevent Saint Nina
+and her pupils from preaching the truth, which he sympathized with.
+
+But the devil, who had for a long time raged against the true
+believers, won the heart of the Tsaritsa Nana, who kept her husband
+from becoming a Christian. The fasts, vigilance, and prayers of the
+Saint astounded the heathens and they frequently asked her the cause
+of such actions.
+
+Filled with joy, she naturally took advantage of such moments to
+unceasingly preach to them the religion of Christ, and Anastasia
+and her husband zealously assisted her in such a time. Once they
+brought to the Saint a dying infant, whom all physicians considered
+absolutely incurable. The mother of the baby was a fierce adorer
+of idols and did not cease to injure the faith of Christ, and even
+prevented others from accepting the teachings of Saint Nina. Only
+the complete hopelessness forced her to apply to the wonderful girl.
+
+"I am not educated in human science," said the Saint, "but the Lord
+Jesus Christ, whom I serve is strong enough to heal him."
+
+And with these words she placed him on her foliage couch, on which,
+having knelt, she usually pronounced her long prayers and kept
+her almighty vigilance, and having crossed him with the vineyard
+crucifix, she sent him away, healthy and happy. But his mother, who
+now fervently believed in the Christian faith, loudly glorified the
+Lord Jesus Christ. A little later the Tsaritsa fell ill and they sent
+for the marvellous doctor to the palace.
+
+"I cannot go into a heathen house and therefore request the Queen
+to come to me," was the answer of the Saint. Nana submitted. Her
+son Revv and some ladies of the court were obliged to carry her in
+their arms. Numerous crowds of people accompanied the procession
+with visible curiosity and concealed their dissatisfaction; but this
+dissatisfaction turned to excessive joy when she was cured and with
+tremendous attention did the crowds of heathens listen to Sidonia,
+who had educated the Tsaritsa in the true faith; after that she was
+baptized by Abiatkar and returned to her husband, a fervent Christian.
+
+Here it will be opportune to tell why Tsar Mirian once upon a time
+was so much in favor of Christianity. Hardly any other monarch in the
+world could boast of such great success in war as Mirian; he conquered
+much and always had good luck, nowhere and never did he lose a single
+battle, and he justly deserved the term "the invincible." But that
+which seemed to all mere luck, was nothing less than the intention
+of God, leading him this road to learn the truth.
+
+In the year 312 the Persian Tsar Sapor sent a messenger to Mirian with
+a proposal to unite their forces and jointly attack Greece. Mirian
+consented, and soon their army, the number of which the contemporaries
+compare with grass in the fields or the leaves of the trees, fell
+upon the Emperor Constantine, who did not dare to oppose himself,
+and with sorrow saw how they ravaged one Greek province after another.
+
+The clergy encouraged its sovereign, assuring that the Lord would not
+let the unbelievers possess a Christian kingdom. A dream convinced
+Constantine still more in this idea. He hastened to become baptized
+and led his army by a flag on which was represented a cross of stars,
+surrounded, according to the apparition, with the words: "By this
+I conquer!"
+
+Soon the handful of Christians conquered the hordes of heathens at
+Andriansora. Both tsars with the remainder of their troops were
+turned to flight and pursued by Constantine who, following them
+on their heels, invaded their dominions. The Persian Tsar, having
+abandoned his ally, ingloriously fled, but Mirian defended the towns
+and fortresses in Georgia until all his generals had perished; then
+he sent an embassy to Constantine with peace proposals.
+
+Constantine, who feared a second invasion of the Persians, consented
+to peace only with the imperative condition that in case of a war
+with the Persians, Mirian should assist him with an army, but to
+make sure of the observance of this condition, he took Mirian's son
+Bakour as a hostage. Mirian's failure in the war with Constantine,
+the incomprehensible fear which had forced him to turn to flight,
+him, Mirian, whom all considered fearless and invincible and who up
+to this time had known no fear, gave him an exalted opinion of that
+God whom Constantine worshipped, and he frequently thought about His
+incomparable mightiness. The wars in which he was allied with Trdat,
+had led him astray, although, after the war with Constantine and the
+disaster at the fete of Armaz his faith in the religion of the false
+gods was very much shaken, but the furious opposition of the Tsaritsa
+Nana made also this second deep impression vanish.
+
+Now, however, when the newly converted woman wished to bring him to
+the light of truth, she was met with indifferent curiosity and cold
+inquisitiveness, instead of the former hearty interest. Mirian had
+already succeeded in forgetting that impression, which the victory
+of Constantine and complete fall of Armaz had produced upon him, he
+interrupted her fiery, persuasive speeches with the question how he
+came to see her healthy once more. The Tsaritsa spoke the truth. Her
+husband knew very well what a tremendous contrast there was between her
+experience and all then known means of curing, and he would not believe
+at all that the simple appliance of a cross could have as consequence
+a complete restoration to health. The court ladies, witnesses of the
+wonder, were then summoned to appear, and very naturally confirmed
+the words of the Tsaritsa. But the Tsar was not yet convinced.
+
+It was then ordered that any one of the eye-witnesses should be
+called up, and lo! a whole crowd of people came to testify the truth
+of what had taken place. Among others there was also Abiatkar, to
+whose tale we shall now return: "The sovereign noticed me and began
+to inquire about the Christian teachings. He knew much in the Old and
+New Testament, and thus I had to explain rather than merely relate,
+and so it was easier to converse with him than with the uneducated
+heathens. After that time he often sent for me.
+
+Once he told me that in the Book of Nebrotk the following version
+was written: "During the construction of the tower of Kaskinie in the
+city of Khagkan (Babylon), Nebrotk heard a heavenly voice, which said
+to him: 'I am Michael, to whom the Lord confided the administration
+of the East, go thou out of this town, for the Lord does not wish
+that thou shouldst see that which He hid from human eyes. Leave
+the building, for otherwise God will certainly destroy it. In the
+future there will come a Heavenly King, whom thou dost want to see,
+and although He will be hated by the cursed nation, the fear of His
+name will cleanse the earth of all sins, kings will renounce their
+thrones in order to live in poverty. He will look upon thee with
+mercy in disastrous times and will save thee!'"
+
+I did my best to convince the sovereign that this is the confirmation
+of that which we have already read many a time in the Old and New
+Testaments. He agreed with me, but continued to adore the idols and
+the fire, notwithstanding the prayers of the Tsaritsa, who constantly
+persuaded him to be baptized. The devil held him still another year
+in his claws after Nana had been converted. On that account I could
+not convert even a single heathen, while Saint Nina daily converted
+dozens of people, untiringly preaching to the people the truth. She
+continued to pretend that she was a prisoner of war, not telling anyone
+whence she came and whither she intended to go. Much time went by,
+the Tsar interfered with the Saint and remained deaf and dumb to the
+prayers of the Queen; and the visits of Abiatkar did not lead to the
+desired result. He conversed whole hours with him and every time let
+him depart unpersuaded in the truth.
+
+Once there arrived from Khorossan a courier of the Sossanid family,
+with messages from the Shah of Persia who suddenly fell ill. The
+Tsaritsa Nana sent for Saint Nina, who again refused to come to the
+house of the idolatrous Tsar and requested the sick man to repair
+to her house. King Mirian, who was not yet fully convinced of the
+mightiness of the Christian God and had not entirely renounced his
+former religion, wished himself to accompany his dying guest, whom
+they bore in their arms.
+
+"Through what power dost thou effect thy cures?" said the Tsar,
+turning to the Saint. "Art thou not a daughter of Armaz, dost thou
+not belong to the number of the descendants of Zaden, notwithstanding
+that thou callest thyself a stranger? Dost thou not secretly bow down
+before them and seek their moral support? And do they not give thee the
+power of healing, which nourishes thee wherever thou art? I know that
+thou didst convert people to the faith of a foreign God for the sole
+sake of trying their fidelity afterwards. Glory to our gods, who have
+disclosed the truth to me! I shall respect thee as I do the governess
+of my children and cover thee with honors in this mighty city, where
+thou didst hide thyself under the pretense of being a prisoner, but
+display no more before me and do not speak about the Christian faith.
+
+"Our great gods only are the actual healers of the world! The sun
+shines because they illuminate it, they send down rain, give fertility
+to the earth and nourish blessed Georgia. Armaz and Zaden know all
+secrets. Gatz and Gaim, the ancient gods of our forefathers are worthy
+of the confidence of all mortals! If thou wilt cure this mtvar I will
+shower riches upon thee, make thee a citizen of Mtzkhet and a servant
+(mere priest) of Armaz. Although they (the idols) were destroyed by
+an unusual storm and hail of stones, yet the spot where we adored
+them did not perish. Ytkrondjan--the Chaldean God and our Armaz
+are constantly fighting. It is known that our god once directed the
+sea against his enemies and that is the reason why they now revenge
+themselves by letting this disaster occur just as the rulers of the
+earth constantly do. Carry thou out then, my order!"
+
+"O King!" answered Saint Nina, "as the representative of our Lord
+Jesus Christ and the prayers of His All-holy Mother and all saints
+existing, I am sent by God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Father
+of all great and small beings, from man down to the last degrees of
+insects, through His indescribable mercy, like a piece of coal out
+of the stove of His goodness in order that thou shouldst learn to
+believe in and reach heavenly heights, the sunny world, the depths
+of the sea, earthly magnitude! Find out and acknowledge now thou,
+O Tsar, Him who covers the sky with clouds, who fills the air with
+the sound of thunder and shakes all creation, who lights up the sky
+with lightning, makes the tops of mountains slip off or turns them
+into volcanoes! Before His voice the foundations of earth tremble and
+mountains disappear like sea-waves! Know thou all this and admit thou
+the invisible God, living in heaven, who has sent His Son begotten of
+Him, to earth in the form of a mortal man, who having accomplished
+everything His Father wished Him to do, rose to Heaven in sublime
+glory. Dost thou not see that this, the eternal, only and true God
+looks after the needs of the humble and turns His face away from the
+proud? O Tsar! the time is already approaching when even thou shalt
+know and recognize God and verily shalt behold the wonder of light,
+which there is in this town. I am speaking of the Lord's robe; and
+the sheepskin of Illina, and many other treasures indeed, are hidden
+here, which God will point out to thee. I shall cure thy archimage
+just as I healed thy wife in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ and
+by the strength of His honest cross. The Tsaritsa already informed
+thee that she recovered from her illness only after she had sincerely
+renounced the idol-worship. Now her mind has broadened out and with
+ardor she does everything that is ordered in the Christian law--nay,
+that other people may learn from her righteous way of living!"
+
+Then, upon the command of the Saint, they placed the image facing the
+East. The Tsaritsa fell down on her knees and began a prayer under
+the cedar while the Saint raised the hands of the sick man towards
+Heaven and ordered him to loudly repeat thrice:
+
+"Renounce thou Satan! Bow thou down before my Lord Jesus Christ,
+the Son of God!"
+
+But from great weakness the sick man could not speak. Then the Saint
+began to implore God to restore him to health, with tears and great
+lamentations, and her pupils stood by her side.
+
+One day and two nights she continued her prayers, and when at last
+the invalid had repeated the holy words for the third time, the
+badness of his soul suddenly abandoned him, he became a healthy man
+and a Christian, together with his family and servants and glorified
+the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost! Mirian began to fear the
+wrath and revenge of the Persian Tsar and wanted to have the Saint
+immediately executed--alone the desperate lamentations and tearful
+supplications of his beloved wife could cut short his anger, and
+dissatisfied, he decided to seek distraction in hunting. This is how
+Sidonia, daughter to Abiatkar, and pupil to Nina, relates the event:
+
+"On Saturday, July the twentieth, a royal hunt was appointed in the
+direction of Mouknar. The devil disturbed the royal heart, awakening
+in him the old love for idols and fire, and so he firmly resolved
+to exterminate all Christians with the sword. Four of his nearest
+councillors accompanied him upon the hunt, and to them he turned and
+made the following speech:
+
+"'We are worthy to be punished by our gods for forgetting their glory
+and permitting Christian witches to preach their law and teachings
+in our country. Through their witchcraft they accomplish wonders,
+but not at all by the might of their God. I have now made up my mind
+that all those who pay homage to and adore the Crucified shall perish
+by the sword, and furthermore, I insist that an effort shall be made
+to increase the love of serving the gods, the real rulers of Kartla
+(the native word for Georgia). I shall propose to my wife to abandon
+the faith of the Crucified, and if she doth not fulfil my order,
+I shall forget her love for me and have her put to death with the
+rest!'" With joyfulness the heathens listened--it seemed to them as
+though the monarch's speech had come out of their own hearts. They had
+long reflected about such an event, but did not dare to express their
+thoughts, knowing the attachment of the sovereign for his wife. Now
+they strongly supported his views and encouraged him in his actions.
+
+In the meantime they had already passed Moukkvar and Mirian ascended
+the high mountain Tekkhotk (in Armenian Tkakoutk) in order to look
+at Kaspii and Ouplis Tzikke. When, however, he reached the tiptop,
+although this was just at noon, the sun suddenly disappeared before
+his eyes and day turned to night. An impenetrable fog covered all the
+surroundings and the Tsar himself not noticing this, rode a long way
+off from his followers. An unusual thought weighed upon him.
+
+Surprised, he wished to ask whether all the rest were also in
+the fog or whether he alone was dazzled, but nobody answered his
+questions. In vain he rode over the mountains covered with bushes,
+his horse constantly stumbled and fell, the trees scratched his
+face and tore his clothes, the Tsar was involuntarily trembling,
+while his exhausted and tortured horse at last succumbed to fatigue
+and rose no more, thus depriving its reckless rider of any hope of
+saving his life. Then he remembered his former doubts and understood
+Whose hands were pushing him down.
+
+"I called to the gods, but they did not help me!" he exclaimed. "Now I
+shall turn to Him who was crucified on the cross, whom Nina preached
+about and with whose help she succeeds in healing men. Is He not
+strong enough to deliver me from this disaster? I am already fully
+in the darkness of terrible sin and do not know whether this darkness
+has come for all, or whether I alone am punished with blindness.
+
+"If Thou wilt save me, God of Nina, then I pray to Thee, lighten
+up darkness and show me where my palace stands! I will accept the
+religion of Thy name, I will erect and glorify the wooden cross, I
+will build a temple of prayer, following the teachings of Saint Nina,
+and become a true Christian."
+
+With hearty and sincere repentance in his heart, he swore to become
+a Christian, and hardly had he succeeded in closing his lips when
+his eyes opened. The sun shone for him with all its gloriousness,
+he climbed off the fallen horse and stopping at the place where he
+had had the vision, he raised his hands towards the East and exclaimed:
+
+"Thou art the King of kings and the God of gods announced and
+proclaimed by Saint Nina! Let Thy name be glorified by all people in
+Heaven and on earth. Thou didst deliver me from peril and didst open
+my eyes; now I found out that Thou wishest to save, comfort and draw
+me towards Thee, according to the words of Thine arch-angel. Blessed
+be the Lord! On this spot I shall erect a cross, yes, I will glorify
+Thy holy name and let the remembrance of this marvellous event be kept
+upright for centuries and centuries to come." Having taken precise
+notice of the spot he went away, but in the meantime his attendants,
+who had been everywhere vainly looking for him, came together to
+discuss what was to be undertaken next.
+
+"Yes, let all my nation glorify the God of Nina!" suddenly rang out
+the Tsar's voice, "for He is the Eternal God and to Him alone is due
+glory from century to century!"
+
+They gave a fresh horse to the King and he rode home very happy,
+and best of all--both mentally and physically cured!
+
+In the meantime the Tsaritsa had already heard the report that
+Mirian had disappeared and a little later she received news that he
+was already returning. With great haste she rushed out to meet her
+beloved husband and an innumerable crowd of people followed after
+her. They arrived together at Kindsa, which lies in Gkartk.
+
+As to Saint Nina, she was pronouncing her usual prayer in the rose
+bush, and several of us were there with her. Gradually as the Tsar
+approached the whole nation began to be greatly moved and excited,
+because he shouted in a loud voice:
+
+"Where is the stranger, who, from now on, will be my mother, because
+her God saved me from death?"
+
+Having found out already that she was praying, the Tsar branched off
+on a side road and his suite followed him. Before reaching the rose
+bush Mirian left his horse and coming up to the Saint, he humbly
+bowed to her, saying:
+
+"Now make me worthy of invoking thy God, who has indeed been my
+saviour!"
+
+Having taught him a little, Nina on the very spot ordered him to bow
+down towards the East and adore the Lord Jesus Christ.
+
+But the people, who did not understand the point of the whole affair,
+began to be rebellious, seeing the Tsar and Tsaritsa humbly kneeling.
+
+On the next day Mirian dispatched ambassadors to Rome to the Emperor
+Constantine, with a request to speedily send some priests to baptize
+the nation, and with a letter from Saint Nina to the Empress Helena,
+informing her of the wonders which had been performed on Tsar Mirian
+near Mtzkhet, through the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ. The
+day the Tsar was converted the Saint sent to Saint Gregory Nansien
+asking for instructions as to what she should do next. By his advice
+she personally destroyed the new idol Armaz, which they had already
+succeeded in placing on a mountain beyond the Koura, and to which
+the people daily bowed at sunrise, climbing up to the roofs of their
+houses and turning their faces towards the sun. In its place she
+erected a cross on a hill near Mtzkhet, beyond the river Aragva. But
+as this cross was roughly made, the people kept away from it until
+the Lord had glorified it. While expecting the arrival of priests,
+the Saint and her followers preached the word of God day and night,
+untiringly preparing the nation before being baptized, and they went
+from Klardjet to the land of the Alanes and from the Caspian gates
+to the land of the Massajettians, while the remaining pupils of the
+Saint spread all over Georgia.
+
+The Tsar had already become an active and energetic Christian before
+the return of the ambassadors. He said to the Saint: "I am burning
+to construct a house of God, let us now choose the site!"
+
+"Let thy mtavares (provincial governors) solve that question and have
+it arranged so that thou and the nation will draw the utmost profit
+out of it," replied Saint Nina.
+
+"No!" said the King, "I love thy rose bush and wish to sacrifice
+everything in order to erect a temple on that spot. I shall have
+my vineyards, great cedars, fruit trees, and fragrant flowers cut
+down. Dost thou not remember how in thy vision the black birds became
+so white that it was blinding, and having perched themselves on the
+vineyard trees, filled the air with heavenly songs? Now we will turn
+this visible vineyard into an invisible one, giving us eternal life,
+and let us build in it a house of worship and prayer before the
+arrival of the Greek priests!"
+
+Immediately they began to get the materials together. For the church
+seven pillars were necessary. Thereupon a great cedar was cut down
+which furnished six pillars, while the seventh was made out of a
+large pine. When the wooden walls had been erected they fixed the
+six pillars, each one in a place specially prepared for it, while
+the seventh, which was unusually large and was meant for the cupola,
+they could by no means lift from the ground. They hastened to report
+this to the Tsar, who ordered all the people to make for the building,
+and he himself went there too. In this affair all then known means of
+raising weights were used, but neither the numberless arms, nor any
+possible art could succeed in obtaining the desired result. And Tsar
+and people asked each other with the greatest surprise: "What can this
+mean?" And having labored till night they went back to their houses
+in great sorrow. Saint Nina, however, with twelve of her followers,
+remained by the pillar, washing it with her tears and praying and
+groaning. About midnight a terrifying vision began; we saw how the
+mountains of Armaz and Zaden were trembling as though somebody were
+shaking them in order to block up the course of both rivers. Mtkouar
+returned and inundated the town, by reason of which the air was filled
+with cries, lamentations and groaning, while the Aragva flowed towards
+the fortress and its waves dashing against the fortress walls, made
+such a fearful noise that we ran away in terror, but the Saint shouted:
+
+"Do not be afraid, sisters, the mountains still stand in their places
+and the rivers have not altered their course, and the nation quietly
+sleeps. Although that which you beheld did not happen in reality,
+yet this was not a mere dream, for the mountains of unbelief were
+thoroughly shaken up in Georgia, for the rivers of innocent children's
+blood, which flowed in honor of the idols, dried up, for legions of
+demons, chased out of this region by the mightiness of the Cross are
+pitifully combatting, seeing how their waves of wrath cannot carry
+out anything nor harm the fortress of Christ's faith. Come back and
+let us pray!"
+
+Then all these sounds quieted down and everywhere one could distinguish
+silence once more. The Saint stood up with raised hands and prayed that
+what had been begun by the Tsar should not be destroyed. But before
+dawn the vision repeated itself, and this time more terrifying than
+ever: it seemed as though an immense and terrible army had attacked
+the city from three different sides.
+
+Having forced the gates open it completely filled the
+streets. Everywhere a fearful emotion had spread, shrieking and
+murdering took place. Pools of blood flowed at every corner. In some
+places the people threw themselves upon the enemy with arms in their
+hands; some of them from terror and confusion turned against their
+own countrymen. Here one was killing the other--there a second one was
+expiring, a third one's heart was perfectly broken by the lamentations
+of his family. Suddenly a loud, loud voice was heard:
+
+"The Persian Tsar Kkhouara! The king of kings Kkhouaran Kkhouara has
+ordered that the sharpness of the sword should spare the Jews!" Only
+upon hearing this cry did I begin to come back to my senses, but
+just like ten of my companions, I could not exactly remember how
+affairs stood. We were still imagining warriors turning around us
+with swords in their hands, who knocked down and killed everybody
+and everything. And once more a cry was heard: "Tsar Mirian is taken!"
+
+Then the brave worker of Christ's vineyard said: "I know that he
+who is shouting is in great distress. Give thanks unto God, for the
+enemy is overcome and Georgia saved, and this very place too!" She
+cheered us up like an experienced doctor, like a sincere teacher,
+like a great apostle! Afterwards fearlessly throwing herself upon
+this regiment of robbers and destroyers, she angrily asked them:
+
+"Where then is the Persian King Kkhoua and Kkhouaran-Kkhonafa? Only
+yesterday you left the land of Sab and hurried hither with a terrible
+and most numerous army in order to destroy the city and exterminate
+the inhabitants. Ye Northern and Western winds, chase them away into
+the dark mountains and bottomless precipices, for He arrived before
+whom you turn to flight!"
+
+With these words she raised her hand and made the sign of the cross.
+
+Instantly all fell to pieces and were swept off, great silence set in
+and we all began to congratulate her upon the glorious victory and
+thank God for the happy and favorable end of such a terrible vision
+and for His revealing to the Saint through this event the future
+flourishing state of the country. When, however, it began to grow
+light, the other women fell asleep, while I, Sidonia, could see how
+the Saint continued praying, raising her hands to Heaven. Suddenly
+there stood before her a youth, shining with indescribable brightness,
+dressed in a fiery-blazing garment and said three words to her, from
+which the Saint fell down with her face on the ground. The youth
+stretched out his hands towards the pillar, raised it and put it in
+the right place. In my astonishment I approached and asked: "Why,
+mistress, what is this?"
+
+"Bow down thy head!" she replied, and wept from fear. A little later
+she rose, ordered me to get up too, and we left this place together.
+
+In the meantime our sisters had waked up and actually saw that the
+pillar, which had seemed to them enveloped in flames, was coming down
+from Heaven and was approaching its destination. When it was within
+twenty loktays of the ground it stopped. Hardly had daylight appeared
+when the Tsar, tortured with impatience and anxiety, hastened to the
+building which he was burning to see finished. From a distance it
+seemed to him that the strokes of lightning were rising to Heaven. He
+hurried on. In the end, unable to conquer his curiosity, he actually
+ran. His whole suite and innumerable hordes of people rushed after
+him, doing their best to speedily reach and help to put out the fire
+in the burning edifice, and lo! a wonderful spectacle now presented
+itself to the eyes of all present.
+
+The extraordinary illumination was not caused by a fire as supposed:
+it came from the pillar, blazing with light. Softly did it come down
+from Heaven, supported by the arms of two angels, placed itself in the
+right spot, and was firmly fixed without the help of human hands. O,
+how great was the general delight! Happiness and emotion spread all
+over Mtzkhet.
+
+The Tsar, Tsaritsa, dignitaries, and people without distinction of
+rank or class, shed tears of emotion, all glorified God and praised
+Saint Nina, for great wonders were accomplished on that day. In the
+first place a blind-born Hebrew, who approached the pillar, which
+had been placed by God, began to see. Secondly, the sepetsouli (i.e.,
+page) Kha Mazaepouki had been entirely paralyzed for eight years. His
+mother took him in his bed and had it carried to the shining pillar,
+afterwards turning to Saint Nina, she said in an imploring voice:
+"Look, O mistress, at my dying baby, I know that He about whom thou
+dost preach is the God of gods!"
+
+Then the Saint moved up to the pillar and having put her hand on the
+boy, said to him: "Thou dost believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God,
+who hath come to save the world? Be healthy and from this very day
+on glorify God, who hath cured thee!" And the boy got up in perfect
+health, and Tsar and nation were seized with fear. All the sick
+hastened to the spot and were healed, but as many could not stand
+the wonderful light coming out of the pillar, the Tsar ordered to
+have it covered with wood, which, nevertheless, of course did not
+prevent the people from approaching the pillar and getting cured.
+
+The work of completing the church was immediately taken in hand,
+and it was arranged so that the pillar should be left in its above
+mentioned place. In the meantime the ambassadors of Tsar Mirian had
+already related to the Emperor Constantine and the Empress Helen, his
+mother, about the conversion of their sovereign to the faith of the
+true God, and this filled their hearts with joy, for Mirian offered
+them his friendship and help in conquering and destroying the Persians.
+
+They hastened to send Bishop John (upon the advice given by
+the Antiochian patriarch Evstafii) and with him two priests and
+three deacons. Upon this occasion Constantine wrote a letter of
+congratulation to Mirian, filled with blessings and expressions of
+thankfulness to God, and sent him some gorgeous presents, but above
+all an invaluable gift--namely: the image of Rouiz with five hundred
+pieces of holy relics. The Empress Helen also wrote a letter in which
+she highly praised the resolution of Mirian and encouraged him. The
+arrival of the bishop, priests, and deacons at Mtzkhet was a day of
+general feasting, for Tsar as well as people were equally thirsting
+to be baptized.
+
+Immediately a proclamation was sent to all the kristavs, military
+commanders, and dignitaries of the monarchy to gather around the Tsar,
+and all started for Mtzkhet. Thereupon began the general baptizing:
+Saint Nina baptized the Tsar and the priests the Tsaritsa and princes.
+
+Bishop John on the other hand blessed the Mtkouar, and together
+with the deacons having found a place near the bridge Mogoutka,
+opposite the house of the priest Elios, he baptized in these waters
+all dignitaries and courtiers; that is the reason why this spot is
+called Mtkavartka-Sanatklavi, i.e., "the place where the Mtkavares
+were baptized."
+
+Farther down the river, both priests, the deacon and the bishop,
+after having baptized the nobility and dignitaries, baptized the
+people, who hurried towards them as much as possible--begging to
+quickly receive the great favor. Just so the prophecies of St. Nina,
+who was constantly and uninterruptedly repeating to them that he who
+does not let himself be baptized, would never behold the real light,
+awakening in them the greatest enthusiasm. Thus nearly all Georgians
+and fifty Hebrew families from the house of Varrava were christened.
+
+To the Hebrew-Christians the Tsar granted the suburb of Tsikhe
+Dide. This was in the year 327.
+
+Alone the mountain inhabitants and Mirian's brother-in-law, Pkeros,
+who had received the province of Ran as a dowry from his bride,
+beginning from Bard, did not pay attention to the Tsar's summons and
+remained heathens, having respectfully remarked to the Tsar that his
+power over them could not be extended to their form of religion. When,
+through His great mercifulness, the Lord deigned to show to the holy
+Tsaritsa His living cross, Tsar Mirian hastened to send to the Emperor
+Constantine the Bishop John, asking him for a piece of the wood of
+the holy living cross. To this request he joined the wish to have
+many priests, in order to send them out not only into all provinces,
+but also to each single city of his government to educate, enlighten,
+and baptize the people all over Georgia.
+
+At that time an invitation was also sent to architects, for it took a
+great many to erect and establish churches throughout the kingdom. The
+Emperor received the ambassador with great rejoicing and handed him
+the pieces of the holy living wood on which had lain the holiest legs
+of the Saviour of the world, and two nails from the Lord's hands. The
+pieces of the holy living wood are called Nerkveli in Georgian. Emperor
+Constantine handed great riches to Bishop John, ordering him to erect
+a church with this money in the newly converted country, but to divide
+up the remaining treasures among the other Georgian churches. He also
+sent with him many priests and architects and having flattered and
+complimented the envoy and bishop, allowed them to start for home.
+
+Having reached the province of Eroushatk, they left there one architect
+and a priest, ordering them to establish and erect a church, and giving
+them the necessary sum for that undertaking. The priest besides was
+given charge of the most holy nails, which were to be kept in this
+temple. When they again arrived at Mangliss, they did the same thing,
+leaving the holy Nerkvelis, and then soon reached Mtzkhet. But Mirian,
+who had been awaiting their arrival with such impatience, was deeply
+grieved by the fact that they had been staying out longer on the
+way than he had expected them to do, and besides--had left in the
+provinces both invaluable holy relics; but Saint Nina comforted him
+by the following words: "Quiet down, O Tsar! It was necessary that
+everywhere on their route they should proclaim and firmly establish
+the name of the Lord--while thou in the grand capital art in possession
+of quite as great a treasure, viz., the robe of the Lord!"
+
+Then the Tsar sent for Abiatkar, and with him came quite a large number
+of Jews. When, however, he asked them questions about the robe they
+related how it was under the wonder-working pillar and added to this
+the whole report of Sidonia, which we have already told.
+
+"Blessed be Thou, O Lord Jesus Christ, son of the living
+God!" exclaimed the Tsar, raising his hands toward Heaven, "merciful
+and charitable in saving us from the devil and the land of darkness
+and having built this church, nay, having brought Thy robe hither
+from the most holy city of Jerusalem to spare it from the hands of the
+Jews, who hath not acknowledged Thee and to hand it over to our care,
+to a foreign and strange nation, honoring and fearing Thee with all
+their heart!"
+
+Immediately the church was begun, first commencing with the
+court. "Let the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed," said
+then Saint Nina, "and of God the Father, who hath sent His son, who
+leaving the all-shining heavenly regions, came down to earth, was
+without doubt born of the seed of David, of the branch of Joachim,
+of the most holy and most pure Virgin and her thou didst make the
+cause of our salvation, earthly enlightenment and glory of Thy people
+O Israel! Of her was born the God man, the light of all believing,
+the image of God, baptized with water and with the Holy Ghost, was
+crucified and interred, rose on the third day--going up to His Father,
+whither he comes with glory, for He is worthy of all glory, honor,
+and adoration, together with the Father and the Holy Ghost now,
+henceforth and evermore! Amen."
+
+When all were really and successfully baptized, the royal son Revv
+reminded them about the famous tree, which grew in the court and had a
+marvellous power to heal even the most desperate mortal wounds. It was
+noticed more than once that even the snakes, when wounded by mortal
+shots, if they ate the leaves of this tree or the buds falling from
+it, immediately were healed.
+
+Having found out about this, Bishop John said: "This land was really
+and truly destined by God to have the holy faith introduced in it, and
+by His godly attention this marvellous tree grew up and was preserved
+to our days. Now, however, when the might of Christ had been spread
+all over Georgia, it does seem advisable to make a cross out of it,
+which will be an object of veneration for the whole country!"
+
+And so, on Friday the twenty-fifth of March, three hundred and
+thirty A. D., the Tsarevitch Revv, together with the bishop and
+masses of people, set forth to cut down the tree, the branches of
+which, notwithstanding that it was in the winter season, were quite
+green. This tree was so beautiful that having cut it only slightly,
+one hundred men took it up in their arms together with its branches
+and leaves and carried it into the town, where they placed it near
+the church.
+
+To the general astonishment it really kept its freshness and beauty
+during thirty-seven days, as though it had been replanted with a root
+or been constantly refreshed by living water. When, however, all the
+bushes were covered with leaves and the fruit trees with flowers, on
+the first of May, a Saturday, Tsar and people entered the church and
+with ardor and joyfulness made crosses out of it. The following day at
+sunrise a cross of stars descended from Heaven, and having let itself
+down to the church, seemed to have turned itself into a crown of stars
+which remained visible to the whole nation until sunset. Then two stars
+started forth from it: one flew towards the East and the other towards
+the West, while the cross, keeping its heavenly glitter and beauty,
+quietly directed itself to the spring which had been created by the
+tears of Saint Nina, and having gone up by the river Aragva to a stony
+plateau, rose to Heaven. As this vision repeated itself daily and was
+seen by all the people, the Tsar asked the Saint to explain its reason.
+
+"Send thou," she said, "into the highest mountains in the East and
+West, to follow up and watch the direction which the stars take and,
+there where they stop we shall each time erect a cross to glorify
+our Lord Jesus Christ!"
+
+The Tsar lost no time in ordering guards placed on the summits of the
+mountains. This was on Friday, and Saturday, according to custom, at
+sunrise the wonder again repeated itself. The next day arrived the men
+who had been keeping guard on the Kvobtka-Tkavv, and said to the Tsar:
+
+"The star stopped just above the mountain Tkkot and then went down
+into the Caspian Sea and disappeared." But others who had also kept
+guard on the Keretk, said:
+
+"We beheld a star which came straight to us and stopped in the village
+of Bode." Thereupon Saint Nina said:
+
+"Take both these crosses and establish one on the mountain Tkkot as God
+hath instructed ye, while the other ye shall give to the servant of
+God--Salome, who will plant it in the town of Oudjarmo, because Bode
+or Bondi is a simple hamlet with few inhabitants and thus should not
+be put on a footing with a capital, which has a large population, and
+so Bondi, too, will soon see that it is a place pleasing to God." The
+words of the Saint were most punctually and correctly carried out on
+the seventh of May.
+
+In consequence of the marvellous heavenly apparition, a third cross,
+taken up by men and preceded by Saint Nina, was solemnly carried to
+the foot of the stony plateau.
+
+There the Saint, the King, and the people passed a whole night praying
+at the spring which had been created by the tears of Saint Nina. At
+that spot many wonders and cases of healing took place too. The day
+following they ascended the mountain to the top of the rocky plateau
+(now known by the designation Djouar), the Saint gave the example and
+after her Tsar and people, rich and poor, the prominent and religious
+fell down with their face resting on the ground and prayed to God
+with many tears and great lamentations, so that the mountains were
+filled with the sounds of crowds praying. Then the Saint, having put
+her hand upon the stone, said to the bishop:
+
+"Come thou and make the sign of the cross on this stone."
+
+As soon as the Saint's command had been executed, the holy cross
+was well fastened to a rock by the hands of the Tsar and his
+family. Innumerable crowds of people bowed down before the cross,
+praising and blessing the Son of God and believing with all their
+hearts and souls in Him and in the Holy Trinity. Even the most
+distinguished Mtavares did not leave the holy church, the fiery
+pillar and the holy cross, and were witnesses of the perfectly unusual
+wonders and most marvellous cures.
+
+The Sunday of the Easter Full-moon was chosen by Mirian for celebrating
+the holy cross, and this custom was observed all over Georgia up to
+the governor-generalship of Yermolow.
+
+On the first Wednesday after the fete of the Holy Trinity, a new
+wonder occurred. A fiery cross showed itself above the cross on Mount
+Djuarr, while above it there seemed to be a crown, consisting of twelve
+stars. Besides, the mountain gave out an indescribable fragrance. This
+vision was seen by everybody, and many of the unbelieving were
+baptized on that memorable day, while the faith of the Christians
+was very much strengthened, and they loudly glorified God. At the
+cross still another wonder took place. A light seven times brighter
+than the sun was lowered from Heaven unto the cross and angels went
+up and down this apparently fiery road--as the sparks fly from the
+bursting crater. Even the very mountain was shaken as though a strong
+earthquake were taking place during the wonderful apparition.
+
+This wonder called forth general surprise, and all those present
+praised God more and more, and as such wonders repeated themselves
+daily before the eyes of the whole nation, people from every town and
+village of the kingdom streamed in to bow to the cross. At that time
+the Tsarevitch, a grandson of Mirian and the only son of the crown
+prince Revv, was taken with a hopeless illness, but his father placed
+him in front of the cross and with tears in his eyes, said:
+
+"If thou, O holy cross, wilt heal my son, I will erect a shrine
+for thee!"
+
+And the child came back to life and was taken home by his
+father--restored to perfect health. The Tsarevitch immediately returned
+with the greatest joy in order to thank God and begin to carry out
+his solemn promise. Soon a marble chapel was built, into which Revv
+daily came to give thanks unto God, and used to bring rich gifts. Ever
+since that moment a still greater number of the weak and sick were
+attracted by the holy cross, and having been cured, they joyfully
+glorified our Lord Jesus Christ and the strength of His honorable
+cross. A blind youth who had fasted for fully seven days and had been
+praying as long before the cross, got back his sight and glorified God.
+
+A woman who had the misfortune of having the devil in her for eight
+whole years, was deprived of the power of reasoning and here tore
+her clothes to pieces and became idiotic--there became greatly
+weakened. For twelve days they held her in front of the cross; in
+the end the Lord healed her and she returned home, healthy in body
+and soul, lauding God and honoring His holy cross. It happened that a
+little baby fell from a certain height and was instantly killed. His
+mother put the breathless corpse near the foot of the cross and from
+morning till evening unceasingly prayed with tears constantly in
+her eyes.
+
+"Woman!" they said to her, "take him away and bury him, for he is dead,
+and thy prayers will be of no use!"
+
+But she continued praying and loudly lamenting without giving up hope
+throughout the night, the next day and a third day, and lo! to the
+seventh day.
+
+On this seventh day, however, in the evening, the baby came back to
+life and was carried off living and healthy by his mother, who did
+not cease to praise and thank God. Such great wonders persuaded many
+fruitless husbands to resort to the strength of the holy cross, and
+having begged with real faith, they became the fathers of numerous
+families and daily came to adore the cross and bring gorgeous
+presents. Not only the sick who personally came to pray at the foot
+of the cross were successfully cured, but also the warriors combatting
+far, far away from Djouar, if they only implored the help of the cross,
+became able to defeat their enemies and unharmed returned to Mtzkhet
+to justly glorify God. Many infidels, when in great need, addressed
+the cross with prayers and receiving salvation from destruction,
+hastened to Djouar to give thanks unto God and be baptized. Besides
+these already mentioned, masses of other suffering people were healed
+and the unhappy comforted by invoking the holy cross, created by
+the almightiness of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, and
+to them is due all glory, honor, and veneration, now, henceforth,
+and evermore. Amen.
+
+At that time Saint Nina, the Tsar, and the nation received a message
+from the patriarch from Rome. Just then, too, arrived a deacon from
+the land of the Brandjees in order to congratulate Saint Nina and
+ask her to pray for them. He also brought a letter from his Tsar to
+Saint Nina, whose father had baptized all Brandjees. At Jerusalem
+and Constantinople a report was spread that the sun of truth was now
+shining in Georgia and Jee--from all possible regions they sent letters
+asking to give precise details of the wonders which had happened
+at the pillar and the rose bush and of the extraordinary cases of
+cures. Having carefully inquired about all this, the brandja-deacon
+glorified God and went home with numerous letters containing the longed
+for statements. Then the Tsar spoke thus to the Saint and the bishop:
+
+"It is my wish with the power of the sword to force the mountain
+inhabitants as well as my brother-in-law Pkheros to serve the Son of
+God and to oblige them to venerate and respect the honest cross!"
+
+"God doth not order thee to convert them with the sword!" was their
+unanimous answer. It is thy duty to convert them after having pointed
+out to them with the help of the New Testament and the cross--the road
+of truth leading to life eternal and how to be thankful to the Lord,
+who lightens up the terrible darkness of their souls.
+
+Saint Nina, together with the bishop, left for the mountain regions,
+and the Tsar ordered the kristav (most likely district governor)
+to accompany them. Upon arriving at Tsorbanne, they called together
+the mountaineers, inspected Dsrbin, Tchartal, Tkkhela, Tsilkammy, and
+Gorangor. They assembled the Tchartalians, who were almost like wild
+beasts, the Fkholians, the Gondamakavians, and to all these tribes
+they preached about the holy cross of Christ. But they did not want
+to listen, and so the royal kristav drew his sword and destroyed
+their idols and subjected them.
+
+From there they went into Yaletia (the present Mtaletka) and taught
+the nations of Tionet and Ertso (in Armenian Erdzoitk), who received
+them well and were baptized, but the Fkholis (nowadays the Pchaves),
+settled over to Doushet. The remaining mountain inhabitants also
+refused to become Christians, for which the Tsar doubled their taxes
+and thus forced them to emigrate. It is true later on, Saint Avive,
+bishop of Nekretsa, converted several of them to Christianity, while
+the rest are even to this day infidels. Saint Nina started for Ranne
+in order to enlighten Pkeros, but as she approached Kouket and reached
+Bondi, she was obliged to make a longer stop. Kakhetians streamed
+there in great number, questioned her and many became persuaded in the
+correctness and truthfulness of her teachings. At Bondi, however, she
+fell ill. Hardly had the news of this deplorable event reached Revv and
+Salome, who lived at Oudjarmo, when they hastened to the Saint and also
+informed the Tsar and Tsaritsa. The sovereign gave orders that Bishop
+John should bring over the Saint, but she really preferred to remain
+where she was, and so the Tsar set out for Bondi with a numerous suite.
+
+The whole nation rushed to the invalid, whose glance was illuminated
+with true heavenly brilliancy. With love and veneration did the true
+believers cut off little bits of pieces from her garment and covered
+their souvenir with kisses. The Tsaritsa and the princesses crowded
+around her, showering blessings upon her, and with tears and sorrow
+they looked forward to their separation from their teacher, protector,
+and healer. The Princess Salome, Kherosh Avrizounelle (in Armenian
+Perojavr Sounetsi), the kristaves and mtavares began to implore the
+Saint to relate her life to them, saying:
+
+"Who art thou? How didst thou come into our kingdom to save us? Who
+was thy instructor? O mistress, do let us know the history of thy
+life! Why shouldst thou speak of captivity--O thou happy, happy
+Tsaritsa, who hast delivered us from the burdens of captivity? For
+through thee we found out that the Son of God had been predicted
+by prophets, that after Him the work of spreading the new faith was
+carried out by twelve apostles, and as many as seventy-two pupils. But
+of all this immense number, thou alone wert given and sent unto us
+by God. Why in the world dost thou then call thyself a prisoner and
+foreigner?" Then the Saint continued:
+
+"Children of the Faith, Tsaritsa and princesses--all ye who are
+surrounding me, I now see that you may be compared with the ancient
+women in their faith and love to Christ. You desire to know the
+biography of His insignificant servant. I consent, for I feel that my
+end is approaching and I shall sleep the eternal sleep in which she
+who gave birth to me is already resting. Take ye then the inkstand and
+write up the history of my life, so that your children shall discover
+how great your faith in God was, how constant and unchangeable your
+love to me and what wonders you were allowed to be witnesses of."
+
+Then the Princess Salomee and Kherosh Avrizounelle began to record
+the events, while the Saint related to them all that we have here
+undertaken to describe. She advised the Tsar to replace Bishop John by
+the priest Jacob when the time should come. John held a final mass,
+and Nina received from his hands the Holy Communion, after which she
+gave up her most righteous soul to the Lord of Heaven and earth,
+in the fifteenth year after her arrival in Georgia, in the year
+of our Lord three hundred and thirty-nine. Her death caused great
+sorrow and mourning in Mtzkhet and Oudjarmo. They buried her at Bondi
+(the present Sidjack) in accordance with the sworn oath which she had
+received from the Tsar. As this was at that period a little known and
+unimportant village, the Saint had evidently chosen it from extreme
+humility. The Tsar and his noblemen were deeply grieved by this choice,
+but of course did not venture to oppose her last will.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+V. THE DIAMOND
+
+A LEGEND
+
+
+At the time of Tsar Artchill the First, who was married to Marion,
+the daughter of the Greek Emperor Julian (363 A. D.), many Greeks
+settled over into Georgia, among them the painter Martin. To his
+care the inner ornamentation of the church of Stephan Tsminda (i.e.,
+of Saint Stephen) was left. This great house of worship had been
+planned and constructed at Mtzkhet by the all honorable Artchill,
+near the gates of the Aragva, near the towers and bastions erected
+in its neighborhood for national defence. Martin was a perfectly
+honorable and reliable man and very clever and gifted in the execution
+of his orders. The paints which were at his disposal assumed such a
+marvellous, nay overwhelming resemblance with reality, that several
+of the saints represented by them appeared as though they were alive,
+and astounded faithful and esteemed believers many hundred years after
+his death. On one of the walls he had undertaken to reproduce the
+apparition of the most Holy Virgin to Saint Nina. The latter was seen
+down on her knees stretching out her arms and receiving a holy cross
+made of fine vineyard branches. The fear, happiness, love to God and
+perfectly boundless submission to His holy will were expressed not
+only in the character features of the Saint, but in every movement,
+nay, in every fold of her garment. The union of all these various
+thoughts was above picturesque sciences and naturally called forth
+the amply justified astonishment of the contemporaries of Martin and
+of the very latest visitors to the temple. Yes, indeed, the Greek
+Martin was a great, great artist. And therefore he loved his art so
+much that it seemed dearer to him than all the world put together,
+with the exception of his daughter Poullkheria.
+
+At the period when our tale begins, the portrait of Saint Nina was
+already carefully finished off, and the artist was applying himself
+over the figure of the most Holy Virgin. As humble as he was clever
+and ingenious, he alone, it appeared, did not notice the beauty of
+his productions, and while just then all those standing about were
+filled with amazement and extreme delight, he sighed while comparing
+his master works with those shining, marvellous, indescribable, and
+exceptionally extraordinary pictures which his poetic imagination
+seemed to behold moving as it were in the air, and which were so
+dear to his elevated soul. How in the world should he represent the
+features of the most Holy Virgin?
+
+That was a question which tortured him day and night. Every time
+he reflected about them he thought he could see the sweet, short,
+dear face of his daughter, and with terror in his heart he attempted
+to drive away this imaginary apparition. It seemed to him like some
+wicked, harsh, impossible insult. Again he did his best to find a
+proper type which would have nothing earthly about it, and once more
+that same loving and beloved little face of Poullkheria presented
+itself to him. At last in perfect despair he went to the Katholikoss
+(this fully corresponds to the rank of a patriarch), John the Second,
+imploring counsel and prayer. One day and two nights they fervently
+prayed together near the holy djouar (thus was named the place near the
+fountain of tears of Saint Nina, not far from the cross erected in that
+very vicinity; djouar in reality means cross). On the second morning
+the Katholikoss ordered the painter to immediately return to his home.
+
+"Lay thyself down at the feet of our great converter," said he,
+"and go to sleep, for I do heartily believe that in a dream thou art
+destined to see namely those features in which the most Holy Virgin
+must be represented!"
+
+Martin went to the place appointed, fulfilled the command of John,
+and a third time saw the features of Poullkheria; she appeared to
+him with some especially magnificent heavenly radiance.
+
+"But how shall I reproduce this astonishing light?" murmured the
+painter, and began to strictly observe the fasts and pray like the
+ancient prophets and other true servants of the Lord. For a whole week
+he constantly went through all the different religious services and
+ate nothing, nor did he drink anything. On Saturday, after partaking
+Communion, he took a meal and lay down with the intention of sleeping
+under the portrait.
+
+In the dream he beheld already the heavenly Tsaritsa, viz., just as
+it was customary and necessary to reproduce her. Hastily he jumped
+up and drew out on the wall with charcoal the all glorious and all
+impressive picture. This was the very first representation of the kind,
+and it completely satisfied and pleased the artist himself! The worry
+which had long been weighing down on him was changed into inexpressible
+happiness and good fortune, and he hurried to the holy djouar (cross)
+where with tears he thanked and sang praises unto God. The following
+day just at sunrise Martin rose, awoke Poullkheria and led her off
+with him. Hardly had he arranged her as was his desire, when an
+unknown youth came up to them.
+
+"Old man!" he said, respectfully bowing, "I also want to work on
+the image of the Heavenly Queen, instruct me how it is necessary
+to dispose of thy colors." With great incredulity Martin stared at
+him. The gorgeous garment, the graceful movements showed plainly
+that he was a man not accustomed to hard labors. "It is not at all
+easy to teach how to apply the colors," he answered. "Take off thy
+expensive and most elegant robe and thy delicate hands will not
+stand difficult, exhausting work." The youth nevertheless insisted,
+and Martin having rapidly explained to him what to do, began the work
+and soon forgot him and Poullkheria and all creation, and was utterly
+absorbed in his magnificent inner world. In the meantime Poullkheria
+followed the newcomer. He was a tall, well-built, handsome youth,
+broad-shouldered with a slender waist, which was pinched in by a
+fine gold belt with decorations of highly precious stones, and how
+these various-colored stones played and shone and reflected! when
+he had placed it on a huge marble piece and he easily and quickly
+arranged on it a heavy stone, which her father moved from place to
+place--very slowly and only gradually. The youth did not pay the
+very least attention to her--he was evidently worried and pulled
+down by some outside event. Deep sighs from time to time came out
+of his breast, and in the end Poullkheria remarked that a tear fell
+unto the edge of the marble slab. It now really seemed as though he
+as well as Martin had wandered off into some unknown world and had
+forgotten everything earthly. Martin painted without interruption for
+seven hours; and in a like manner, without taking any rest, worked
+the sweet newcomer. Glancing at their indefatigable application,
+Poullkheria became frightened and feared that her posing might never
+come to an end, and so began to weep most bitterly. The features of
+her face suddenly assumed another look and thus her father began to
+be thoughtful and remember all that had taken place.
+
+"Enough, my poor darling child!" he said with delicacy, and addressed
+the youth. Immense spots of paint and butter were now to be seen
+on various parts of his costly attire, his hair was indeed in the
+greatest disorder and his face red from exhaustion. Martin really
+did not know how he should thank and reward him.
+
+"Tell me at least thy name, thou good youth!" he said, turning to
+the boy.
+
+"Mirdat."
+
+"Why--is it possible?"
+
+"Be silent!" interrupted the youth and went out, but Martin looked
+after him with inexpressible astonishment. Only in this moment did
+he recognize in him the Tsarevitch-successor, the great and famous
+victories of whom the whole East was talking. Yesterday only he had
+returned from a victorious expedition to Rome, and they were convinced
+that he would soon start out again. How was it possible that during
+these very few days of rest he wished to take upon himself such a
+tiresome and dry work? Afterwards he thoroughly inspected what he
+had achieved and was perfectly overcome by the number and variety of
+colors and shades arranged and used by him.
+
+"If he accomplishes his new war as rapidly as the first, I shall have
+enough colors left up to the time of his return," reflected Martin,
+and gayly and joyfully went home with his dear little daughter,
+who all along the route questioned him about Mirdat. Having dined in
+haste and slept a little, Martin once more continued his labors and
+was steadily busy until sunset.
+
+Thus the undertaking went on day after day with the difference only
+that Mirdat no more appeared. It seems that he had left for Movakanne
+and soon after had pacified it for his father. It is not useless to
+relate what happened to Mirdat upon his first expedition.
+
+The provinces of Ranna, Movakanne and Aderbadaganne since the most
+remote times belonged to Georgia, and only during the reign of Tsar
+Mirdat the Fourth, grandfather of our hero, they came under the control
+of the Persians. Satrappe Barzabode administrated them. Having taken
+Ranna, the Tsarevitch-successor Mirdat wished to call out Barzabode in
+a duel. Barzabode took up his quarters in an abandoned tower beyond
+the city, but Mirdat surrounded it from evening on--supposing that
+during the night it would be impossible for him to slip out and escape,
+and so he resolved to give rest to his exhausted and wornout warriors
+till morning. In the night he made an inspection tour of his brave
+camp, and passing quite close to the tower on the grassy slopes,
+he overheard a sweet conversation. He stood still and paid close
+attention. The sweet voice, hardly hearable, pronounced the word:
+"Batono!" ("Sir.")
+
+He raised his head and almost fainted from extreme astonishment and
+delight: on the roof there stood a girl of indescribable beauty. The
+moon was shining on her and gave her long, regular features some secret
+mysteriousness and unusual charm. And suddenly her coral mouth opened,
+and from it poured out a low, inspiring and enchanting speech. She
+implored the young military commander to save her from the clutches
+of her very old father.
+
+"Who and what can dare to oppose itself to thee? Thou dost conquer
+towns and provinces. Thy powerful army defeats and submits even hero
+princes. Whomsoever or whatsoever thou mayest look at in this world,
+thou canst always consider it thine own, for it doth not come within
+thy reach only when thou dost not wish it so. Thou hast wonderful
+beauty, common sense, mind, strength, and bravery, while I never
+had anything except a dear father. He prided himself in his warlike
+glory--thou didst darken it! He had won for himself the entire
+confidence of the Shah, thou didst destroy it. He boasted about the
+invincibility of his warriors, while thou didst conquer and baffle
+them. Thou above all didst have my way of looking at things and my
+imagination. Thy all powerful type did victoriously enter my soul
+and doth drive out from it the poor, terribly degraded character of
+my old father!"
+
+And at these solemn words the beauty fell down on her knees. "O do
+not tear him away from me!" she murmured, reproachingly, stretching
+out her arms towards him.
+
+"There will be no duel!" unexpectedly said Mirdat; he turned around
+and quickly went to his tent. This young lady was the daughter of
+Barzabode, Sagdoukta. From that moment onwards Mirdat loved her with
+all the mightiness and emotion of his hero-prince's heart, and there
+was deep, deep grief and depression in his soul. Was it possible to
+suppose that the Tsar would permit him to marry the daughter of that
+satrame, to whose care certain provinces had been intrusted and who
+of late had been deprived of the right of administrating them?
+
+Having reflected a little he made up his mind to leave a comparatively
+small number of warriors in the places which he had but just
+successfully conquered, while with the remaining soldiers he returned
+to his father in order to ask for fresh instructions. Everywhere they
+met and received the young conqueror with great ceremony and delight;
+radiant faces were surrounding him, the joyful cries of the people
+filled his ears, while in his heart it was all dark and heavy. With
+unbelievable effort he finally forced himself to answer the general
+and most hearty greetings constantly showered on him with a caressing
+smile, and on the following day, when he safely reached his beloved
+home, he immediately went to continue and work for the glorification
+of the most Holy Virgin, invoking her assistance and protection. The
+same was his object when he reached his native town after his second
+great victorious campaign in Movakanne. But this time Martin, who
+had already succeeded in finishing the expression of the face of the
+Heavenly Queen and having spent some time in reproducing her garment,
+now took the matter more easily, and indeed, frequently watched and
+glanced at his busy assistant. Having noticed the running tears of
+his daughter, he let Poullkheria go home, and turning to him, asked
+him what might be the cause of his great sorrow.
+
+"Thou hast helped me so much," said Martin, "that I should really
+like to render thee some good service, good youth; perhaps my old age
+makes me fit and enables me to give thee some highly useful counsel."
+
+"Thy grey hair testifies that already long, long ago the time went by
+when thou wert excited and moved by those thoughts and plans which
+called forth my tears. Nobody except the most Holy Virgin is strong
+enough to make my terrible grief go by, viz., because I love with
+all my heart a splendid girl to whom the sovereign will never give
+me his consent to be married."
+
+Saying these words Mirdat went, with a painful expression on his
+face, but Martin understood this most simple clear explanation quite
+differently, and through this mistake he let his most honest and
+loyal soul almost perish. This soul was perfectly clean, enlightened,
+free of sin, and shining like the most costly diamond.
+
+And so once upon a time, during a dream, some heavenly angels cut
+out the soul and brought it to the Lord. "O, Vladyka!" they said,
+"look thou at this brilliant diamond--this is the soul of the Greek
+man Martin, who hath given up his whole life to the glorification of
+Thy name. There is not one vice which can possibly obtain admission
+to or seek refuge in it, for it doth entirely belong to Thee! Looking
+at it and admiring it, we are frequently thinking that upon the death
+of Martin this diamond will be fully worthy of ornamenting Thy holy
+throne."
+
+The sweet, sweet angel voices quieted down, while from the depths of
+the earth the devilish laughing and ridiculing were heard. "Why dost
+thou so rejoice--miserable Satan?" asked the guarding angel by order
+of the Eternal God.
+
+"Very soon this diamond will be spoiled, darkened, and I shall become
+the happy possessor of it!" replied the devil. Thereupon,the good
+angels began to bitterly cry, but the Lord comforted them. He gave
+commands that the soul should again be placed and fixed in the body
+of the sleeping painter, and also informed the angels that in case
+Martin should ever happen to listen to and obey the sly devilish
+instructions and thus have his soul darkened, that they should
+find means to bring it back to God, although it be by the heavy,
+nay distressing, road of worldly grief and tears.
+
+And quickly the angels descended into the church of Stephen Tsminda
+(that is of Saint Stephen) and put the blinding diamond back into
+the slumbering Martin, but after them Satan came up and began
+to persuade the Greek that his daughter had completely won the
+heart of the Tsarevitch and that he himself would become a royal
+father-in-law. And thus at last vanity stained the diamond with dark
+and dirty spots, its shining lightness began to go out more and more,
+while the perfectly extraordinary and marvellous beauty seemed to
+be covering itself with a dark skin, and Martin daily continued to
+give himself up to worthless vain thoughts. And see, the diamond was
+decaying and would soon lose all of its unusual qualities. In the
+meantime Mirdat conquered and pacified Aderbadaganne.
+
+"What dost thou wish me to give you as a reward for thy highly
+valuable services?" asked the delighted, enthusiastic Artchill. Mirdat
+reverently fell down on one knee and kissing the lower end of the royal
+garment, asked for permission to be married to the daughter of the
+conquered satrappe. The loving father replied with an amused smile: "As
+long as thou didst administrate Ranna, Movakanne, and Aderbadaganne,
+Sagdoukta seemed to have hold of thy heart, and it seems to me that
+the very best way for thee to get out of this dangerous position is
+to claim the honor of obtaining her hand!"
+
+Immediately an embassy was dispatched to Barzabodus, who received
+it with indescribable joy and delight. Sagdoukta, supplied with a
+most gorgeous trousseau and dowry, was conducted to Mtzkhet where
+the marriage ceremony was performed and the innumerable fetes
+connected with it continued for many days. The Tsar gave his son
+the city of Samshrilde with the province surrounding it. Besides
+through her beauty, Sagdoukta distinguished herself still more
+by her very remarkable mind and, which was in those times rare,
+a general education.
+
+Mirdat sent for the very wisest and most learned men of his age, living
+in Samshvillede and intrusted them with translating into Georgian
+the holy New Testament, and thoroughly explaining it to the Tsarevna
+Sagdoukta, who already fully believed in our Lord Jesus Christ, and
+having gone through and accepted the holy baptism, intended to have
+a cathedral of Zion erected at Samshvillede. For the planning of the
+inner walls a most precise and talented artist was necessary.
+
+Mirdat just then remembered his old friend Martin, and sent some
+attendants to look for him. But when their point of destination
+was reached, he was no longer among the living. He had succeeded
+in finishing his work in the church of Stephen-Tsminda at the time
+of the last campaign of the Tsarevitch in Aderbadaganne, received a
+right royal reward from Artchill, but instead of returning to Greece
+as would have seemed natural, he remained at Mtzkhet, hoping to bring
+them to a favorable issue.
+
+He daily went to the merchants of gorgeous weavings, chose the most
+precious objects, and composed of them a most valuable and rich
+costume for his Poullkheria.
+
+The very most talented and experienced tailors under his personal
+direction were employed in ornamenting with and sewing on these
+garments precious stones of one exquisite color, and besides
+that jewels. Trying first one thing, then another on his beloved
+Poullkheria, for whole hours at a time he watched and interested
+himself in her superhuman beauty, and with full confidence displayed
+before her the pictures of her future greatness. On hearing all these
+compliments and glorious prophecies the shining eyes of Poullkheria lit
+up with still greater joyfulness. Her clean heart could not understand
+or appreciate the many foolishly vain thoughts and intentions of
+her father. She loved Mirdat, indeed, not because he just happened
+to be the son of a King, but on account of his bravery, goodness and
+perfect honesty. That was why, notwithstanding exceedingly powerful
+temptations, the soul of Poullkheria remained as neat, without a sin
+and immaculate as when she had not had such notions; but Martin's
+soul daily lost its splendor and became covered all over with dark,
+dark spots.
+
+In the end Mtzkhet was bursting with joy, for a report spread from
+one quarter to another that Aderbadaganne had been successfully taken
+by storm. Triumphant receptions were now universally prepared for the
+great victor, and young and old rushed into the street with colored
+flags or flower branches in their hands. Poullkheria in her newest
+attire, and by her very side Martin, stood on the steps of the church
+of Stephen-Tsminda (i.e., of Saint Stephen).
+
+When the powerful procession came up to them, the Tsarevitch got
+off his horse and went into the empty temple. Martin, unnoticed,
+followed on after him and clearly beheld how he went straight to
+the finished image of the most Holy Virgin and having fallen on his
+knees was fervently praying. When, however, the prayer being over, the
+Tsarevitch rose, Martin ran up to him and quickly whispered in his ear:
+
+"This great day the Tsar, my master, will not refuse thee anything."
+
+But the Tsarevitch, persuaded that he alone was in the church, was
+evidently and most visibly struck and moved by this unexpected witness
+of his all hearty and sincere prayer. He did not recognize Martin, did
+not remember even his words, but hastened with all his might to go out
+of the church, while Martin thought that his own affairs were taking
+an unusually pleasant turn and greatly rejoiced. A few days went by,
+on the large square of the city a glashatai (kind of herald) made his
+appearance with a number of trumpeters, and having called together
+the people, they formally announced to them the coming marriage of
+the Tsarevitch-successor Mirdat to Sagdoukta, the daughter of the
+Persian satrappe (probably district governor) Barzabode.
+
+A slight noise was heard, and a moment thereafter a cry which was
+sharp enough to tear one's soul to pieces and which attracted general
+attention. On the ground lay Poullkheria, not showing any signs of
+life. A thin, pale colored rivulet of young boiling blood was slowly
+coming out of her mouth. Kneeling before her was Martin, who, indeed,
+was giving himself every possible trouble to stop the abundant flow
+of blood. Somebody out of the crowd was desirous of running to help
+her, but he looked back with a really terrified glance, and like
+a regular madman, having seized her in his vigorous arms, rushed
+off with her to Stephen Tsminda. Here he placed her at the foot of
+that wonderful picture for the execution of which she had served as
+a model and completely lost his senses. And, nay!--he actually saw
+how the cupola moved and opened itself, and how two angels gradually
+approached Poullkheria. In their hands there was just as grand a kind
+of a white transparent, indescribably magnificent garment as the one
+which dazzled their eyes.
+
+Instantly they took off the costly robe and clothed her in the attire
+which they had brought along. Poullkheria came back to life and looked
+around with the greatest astonishment as the rays of the sun, one after
+another, reflected upon the opening of the cupola, and approaching
+slowly, the angels came down, who quickly and intelligently drew
+out two wings from them, quite as beaming with light as their own,
+and made them grow on to Poullkheria, and having manoeuvred with
+them several times, the new angel without the least trouble raised
+herself from the earth and joyfully did the angels of the Almighty
+God sing a marvellously, nay extraordinarily, sweet greeting song to
+their dear new companion in arms, inviting her to fly off with them
+to the Throne of God.
+
+The new angel departed from the house of worship with a last, tender
+parting glance and having beheld her father, she began to implore the
+angels to also take him with them into the World of Life Eternal. The
+angelic song now stopped, their faces were darkened with sorrow,
+and painfully they announced that willingly they would have prepared
+for him at first a more desirable spot in the all glorious and all
+wonderful domains of Heaven, but that he threw away his splendid chance
+by wicked and useless vanity. The tears ran down in floods from the
+eyes of the former Poullkheria, and these tears of hers, as clean
+and fresh as the morning dew, dropped down unto the face of him who
+had died and brought him again to life and this time to a happier one.
+
+Martin jumped up, being fully aware of and perfectly ready to
+acknowledge his sinfulness. Abundant tears of remorse came out of
+his eyes and two more angels appeared on earth.
+
+They gathered these tears and washed out with them the wicked, sinful
+soul of Martin and the dark, dark spots of vanity on this most precious
+of diamonds grew quite white. When, however, the diamond again acquired
+its former harmless and utterly immaculate look, they radiantly bore
+him up to the throne of God, where he is shining and enlightens with
+a marvellous talent and adroitness those artists who are working for
+the glory of God, but Poullkheria guards their shining, clean souls
+from any sinful or irreligious infection.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+VI. HAPPINESS IS WITHIN US
+
+A LEGEND
+
+
+In the fifth century (458 A. D.) the Ossians stole and led off the
+sister of the Georgian Tsar Vachtang the First, known under the name
+of Gourgasslan (the lion wolf). The then three-year-old princess
+was called Mikrandoukta. When, however, Vachtang had conquered and
+pacified the Ossians, killed their commander-in-chief, Great Bagkatar,
+and seven of his brothers, and brought the sister safely home, he
+also took with him as a captive the very youngest of the Bagkatorian
+brothers, Mirian, whom he had left alive upon the repeated prayers
+of Mikrandoukta. The boy, who had been a playmate of the Tsarevna,
+was appointed page and grew up at the royal court.
+
+As he grew older his attachment for Mikrandoukta constantly increased,
+but he never so much as ventured to reveal to her his thoughts and
+feelings, neither by his speech, nor his looks, but used to go to an
+out of the way spot of the royal garden and there began to bitterly
+cry. Gradually, however, as he became a man, his wooings took a more
+refined form and were frequently put down in exquisite verses. A
+large number of little pieces of poetry are in circulation among the
+people under the name of "Wooing of the Knight," for when he reached
+his fourteenth year, the Tsar made him his body-knight. His comrades
+were of course jealous of this exceptional distinction and heartily
+congratulated him, but he, deeply grieved by the final departure of
+the princess, went into his favorite resting place; there a song came
+out of his lips, which for whole ages was known and went down from
+generation unto generation.
+
+
+    THE SONG OF THE BODY-KNIGHT
+
+    (Literal Translation)
+
+
+    "Why did they lead me into the high royal palace,
+    To thee as thy page,
+    Thy most winning eyes
+    Did fill my soul with burning fire.
+
+    "Although I descend from a powerful Vladyka
+    And am now at least the Tsar's favorite knight,
+    Nevertheless I cannot even testify my love to thee
+    Nor exchange words with thee through sweet, sweet glances.
+
+    "It is as though a mighty fortress was separating us
+    So fearfully high and immobile,
+    And my humble glance does not dare to penetrate
+    E'en to the grand old royal window.
+
+    "In love, however, I am thy slave, O dear princess,
+    I am quite able to pick up a quarrel with the king,
+    For I do pride myself in having just as fiery a soul,
+    Nay, just as great a heart.
+
+    "Both of us are still in life's early stages
+    And the same blood runs in our veins,
+    And if I cannot boast of such great royal fame
+    I may at least be proud of my strength and powerful determination."
+
+
+And, as though wishing to give his powerful strength a fair trial,
+the youth struck out with his fist against the stone and lo! the rock
+began to shake and split. When he looked at his fist he noticed that
+there was blood on it, and thereupon Mirian was more downcast and
+depressed than ever before.
+
+"What possible use can my hero prince's strength be to me when my
+heart is harder than stone?" he exclaimed, and again tears flowed
+down his face.
+
+And so from the mixture of tears with dripping hero-blood, a little
+spring formed itself, which flows at the edge of a precipice--then
+again it makes its way through high, high stone blocks, like a wild
+animal and, having successfully overcome them, it cries and hops
+about like a child. Mikrandoukta did not at all share the intense
+attachment of Mirian and took no notice of it. Attaining her growth she
+married the Shah of Persia. On the day of her departure Mirian came
+to his little spring, fixed the sword between two stones and threw
+himself against it with such violence that the sharp blade went right
+through him. His youthful body slipped into the water, but the burning
+blood swelled the little rivulet and gave it a marvellous power of
+resistance. To this well known spot from that time onward, all true
+lovers streamed in, and if anybody has a really good chance over
+the turbulent, fairy-like stream, he will take to writing excellent
+verses and his love will be crowned with the most complete success;
+if, however, he expects and awaits inspiration, he must certainly
+give up all hope forever and his passion will, alas! slow down and
+come to nothing.
+
+The first man who experienced these strange feelings and went through
+the whole thing was the negro Nebrotk. He fell deeply in love with
+his mistress, and even went so far as to venture to open his secret
+to her. The incensed and very frightened mistress immediately ordered
+that he should be drowned. They threw the unhappy "darky" in the
+stream of tears of the stremiannoy (body-knight) and went off; he at
+first lost consciousness, but later came back to his senses and came
+out on the opposite bank, completely cured of his useless passion. As
+he still felt uneasy and could not think of daring to return to his
+mistress, he built a little log house for himself on the bank of
+that ghastly precipice near which flowed the rivulet, and not knowing
+what to do with himself he wrote down the whole history of his life,
+then investigated the source and course of the remarkable stream and
+registered that too.
+
+Having thoroughly established himself in this most interesting region,
+he began to look after all those who happened to approach these
+important domains of fate, invited the travellers and pilgrims to
+his house, asked each one the story of his or her life and diligently
+and carefully recorded them. Soon a whole bouquet of most varied and
+entertaining tales was gotten up, reminding one of the all famous
+Arabian stories, and I can only regret that my memory prevented me
+from remembering but very few of them. I can understand very well all
+that Nebrotk relates about himself. Once upon a time, in the night
+he was awakened by some sweet, sweet singing, and having hastened
+to rise and go out, he smelt a strong and remarkable fragrance. He
+turned and peeped right into the precipice.
+
+The moon was lighting up its bottom; the enormous rocks glistened
+like pure silver and gold, while the water shone like the finest
+diamonds. With great satisfaction--nay, delight--he glanced at this
+heavenly picture, and suddenly his eyes were fixed on and could easily
+distinguish two human heads on the surface of the water. He began
+to pay more attention; a very handsome youth--a negro--and quite as
+beautiful and splendid a white girl were standing in the water up to
+their throats, and having lifted their arms high out of the water, they
+were playing with some wonderful, bright, gleaming threads. Correctly
+these nets were fastened and refreshed with clean, clear water,
+and they seemed to stay in the air without any sign of motion.
+
+Later he distinguished the following details: These nets of threads
+were fastened to an immense leaf of some sea plant and in this massive,
+fairy-like floor, which was all aglow with emeralds and gold, there
+stood a figure exceeding all human beauty. The whole scene was wrapped
+in a slight watery fog and a soft moonlight. The longer Nebrotk paid
+attention and looked at the surprising spectacle the more easily he
+succeeded in making out that all the charm of this extraordinary scene
+was concentrated in the form of a perfectly magnificent woman. In
+her hands there was some kind of a long feather, consisting entirely
+of sun rays, with which in the course of her sweet swim she reached
+and touched the different plants and flowers, and indeed, as though
+subjected to her peremptory commands, they gave out an indescribable
+fragrance and each little flower united with the marvellous choir which
+had gently awakened Nebrotk and sang softly, sweetly, beautifully.
+
+Nebrotk got perfectly passionate, so anxious was he to understand the
+contents and exact meaning of this fragrant, flowery little song, and
+holding his breath, he began to take the greatest pains and was enabled
+to hear: "Astkchicka! O Astkchicka! O Astkchicka! O Astkchicka!"
+
+That struck him as most peculiar, and having once more fixed his
+eyes on the head of the woman, he beheld a glistening, darling little
+star. This was exactly Astkchicka, i.e., Venera, whom the Tsar Vachtang
+the First had chased out of all his temples and houses of worship,
+and her adorers as well as her sacrificers and those who had been
+so benefited by her--all without exception had to abandon her in the
+deepest grief and disappointment. Then, however, she found two tender
+lovers. He was an adventurer, viz., a fisherman, but she the daughter
+of a very wealthy gardener. The goddess promised them her complete
+protection, and they without further reflections threw away their
+only property, i.e., their garments, and naked they went into the
+water in order to construct something for their kind benefactor. And
+see! the expelled goddess decided to rise and establish herself
+near the interesting "rivulet of the tears of the body-knight"
+(stremiannoy), and to that spot she directed her numerous admirers.
+
+Having seen Nebrotk, Astkchicka waved with her all shining feather, and
+from the motions she made, a bridge really and truly formed itself. She
+came down to earth, and having turned around to look, she again waved
+with her feather. On one side there was a bush of yellow roses, on the
+other side one of white roses. Their buds were instantly transformed
+and actually turned out as garments for her loving servants who were
+hastening after her. Thereupon she slowly returned to the hut of
+humble Nebrotk and with a new motion of her bewitching feather changed
+it into a perfectly marvellous, brilliant, nay, most elegant royal
+palace. Nebrotk stood like one struck by lightning. With a clever but
+sly smile upon her beautiful face, Astkchicka ordered her servants to
+lead him off to the stream and put him down on the estrade abandoned
+by her. But hardly had these orders been complied with and fulfilled
+when the pillars of the estrade gave way and broke down together
+with the negro. The terrible, yes frightful, cry of the drowning man
+perfectly silenced the sweet chorus of the flowers. The servants were
+frightened and anxiously looked at the water, and after a short time
+a half god came out of it; he was white with a golden crown imperial,
+in which only the fiery black eyes reminded one of the drowned negro.
+
+All four settled down in the fairy-like palace and were blessed
+with indescribable happiness. This was indeed a kingdom of love,
+unhindered and unrestrained by any laws. Nebrotk perfectly adored
+Astkchicka, and the fisherman Naboukodonozor the gardener woman
+Roussoudanna. The host was quite in love with the goddess and the
+servant with the gardenkeeper, although both were merely common
+negro slaves. But even in the fairy-like palace under the protection
+of the very goddess of love, there happened to be a spot especially
+designed for animated secret conversations between lovers. In one of
+these unhappy moments the conditions and peculiar qualities of the
+stream became known to Naboukodonozor, and the fear that the magic
+force of the water should influence Roussoudanna found a refuge in
+his soul. It is of course well known to all of you that suspicion
+is the enemy of love. Naboukodonozor seriously began to think that
+Roussoudanna had fallen in love with him. Seeking the reason of
+this imaginary adoration he suddenly came upon the idea that she
+was occupied in involuntarily comparing his black skin with the most
+godly white complexion of Nebrotk, and in consequence of this horrid
+supposition his heart began to be filled with emotion and passion,
+while after passion came ungratefulness to Astkchicka and a very
+revolutionary spirit; afterwards she transformed Nebrotk, who had
+really done absolutely nothing for her, into a half god, while the
+latter, who had successfully brought her to this enchanting resort,
+she simply abandoned and left a negro and slave.
+
+And during the night he walked along the bank of the stream and sang a
+song of his great grief, and suddenly the old cedars, the high, high
+peach trees, the grand old nut trees composed a beautiful chorus and
+an all powerful song, blowing everything before it like a huge wave,
+reached the palace and suddenly awakened the goddess--but Nebrotk
+quietly went on sleeping and heard nothing. Stepping lightly,
+Astkchicka softly and cautiously went out to the rivulet, where
+Naboukodonozor, with his back turned towards her, was bitterly crying,
+and blushing terribly, she knocked him over and sent him flying into
+the water.
+
+Without a word or motion did Naboukodonozor enter the water, and just
+so he came out--more magnificent even than Nebrotk, and throwing
+himself at the lovely feet of the goddess he covered them with
+kisses. Astkchicka did not at all object to such proceedings, but
+did not let him get out of sight, and it seemed very evident that she
+also was in love with him. The slave, encouraged by the concessions
+of his mistress, seized the godly hands and began to kiss them just
+so madly. Suddenly, however, Astkchicka roughly pulled them away,
+passed them around his neck and having given him a kiss on his lips,
+she instantly disappeared. Some wonderful extraordinary fire ran over
+the whole body of poor Naboukodonozor from this rare, but dangerous
+kiss. A new feeling got hold of him, viz., a boundless desire inspired
+him to run off to the goddess, but the very thought that she was able
+to treat, nay, caress, Nebrotk in the same affectionate way, completely
+kept him from making a fool of himself. He threw himself on the ground
+and tried with all his might and main to extinguish the burning fire
+which was raging inside of him, rolling in the soft sweet grass and
+mercilessly treading down the highly fragrant flowers, while the moon
+seemed to be offended with its greatest favorite and bashfully hid
+itself behind a massive cloud. The perfect and impenetrable darkness
+at last forced the crank to come back to his senses; he then went
+home exasperated, most dissatisfied, and wicked in his intentions.
+
+Roussoudanna was quietly sleeping and knew of nothing that had taken
+place in the night, and what must have been her astonishment, when in
+the morning she beheld Naboukodonozor with a pure white complexion
+and golden hair. Upon the question what had occurred to him, he
+passionately replied that he had just gone to a stream, let himself
+down into the water and had come out in the very state she saw him.
+
+"Pay attention and be careful to remain faithful to me," she
+jokingly said, and went out to gather fruit for the "dejeuner" of the
+goddess. After a while Nebrotk also woke up and asked Naboukodonozor
+the same question.
+
+"I followed in thy steps and see! the result has proved to be the
+same," was his short answer. Nebrotk looked at him rather suspiciously,
+and unwilling to believe the truth of the story, he went to the goddess
+to inquire about the affair and to see how matters were getting on
+in general.
+
+"I came to a decided conclusion that it was most unkind and unjust
+not to do for my real savior what I had deigned to do for thee,"
+was the godly reply, which made Nebrotk very uneasy and filled his
+heart with renewed passion.
+
+Roussoudanna wept and wept, Naboukodonozor got terribly provoked,
+Nebrotk was deeply impressed and full of emotion, while Astkchicka
+vainly exhausted all her eloquence in trying to explain that her
+palace was a refuge for independent love, not subjected to any laws
+whatsoever. General dissatisfaction, suspicion, grief, and tears
+were alternately seen and heard in the fairy-like palace. Poor, poor
+Roussoudanna could not dry her eyes. Once upon a time, going to look
+for fruit, she went out of her way and got completely lost. The sun was
+already quite red when she sat down to take a rest after such a hard,
+steep walk. Her dark, undecided intentions and thoughts concerned
+again Naboukodonozor and the magic conditions and qualities of the
+rushing stream, and her grieved feelings turned against the goddess.
+
+"Why under the sun do they call thee the benefactor of men?" she
+passionately exclaimed. "Thou didst win and encourage us with the
+promise of thy protection as long as thou didst need us, but now that
+the situation has changed thou tookest my lover Naboukodonozor away
+from me and thus why should we help thee to escape and lighten the
+king's terrible wrath?
+
+"In all probability his God is far stronger than thou, when thou
+runnest away from him.
+
+"O Christian God, save me!" rang out from the grieved soul of
+Roussoudanna.
+
+"O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy upon us!" Such was the
+exclamation of an old man's voice, and indeed unhappy Roussoudanna
+soon beheld an old man approaching her and making his way among the
+trees and bushes.
+
+"What is the matter with thee, my dear child?" he kindly asked, coming
+up to her. Roussoudanna naturally said that she had lost her way, that
+she was very much exhausted and did not know how to continue her route.
+
+Thereupon the old man led her to his home. He lived somewhere in the
+immediate neighborhood, not at all far off, in the grotto of a high,
+high rock where he nourished himself with the milk of wild goats
+and with dates. With the greatest pleasure he placed before her his
+whole stock of provisions, brought her a pitcher of water, carefully
+arranged the sofa of leaves and inviting her to take a good rest,
+he went out. Having refreshed herself, Roussoudanna began to watch
+him most attentively through the gate of the grotto and there she saw
+that he had walked a little way off and then had fallen on his knees
+and begun to pray. She witnessed how his good, kindly face suddenly
+lit up with some marvellous, perfectly heavenly, happy, and joyful
+expression, and she ardently desired to find out from the poor, but
+grand old man, what this sudden, really indescribable joy meant in
+the course of his long, laborious, honorable life.
+
+At last the old man finished his fervent prayer and began to gather
+dates; having got together a huge pile, he gayly carried them into
+the grotto. The guest met him at the entrance.
+
+"I thought that perhaps you would not have enough to eat with just
+those dates which you found in my poor dwelling house," said the
+kind-hearted host, turning to her, "and see here, I am bringing thee
+some more still," and he put down the deliciously sweet fruits right
+before her.
+
+Roussoudanna, perfectly astounded by such unusual and unheard of
+goodness and thoughtfulness, thanked the old man with tears in
+her eyes.
+
+"What does thy painful grief consist in?" he asked--and continued
+thus: "It is possible that the needs of life have been weighing down
+on thee?"
+
+"Oh no, wise, dear old man, I have never known what it is to be
+in need."
+
+"Well then, did not some severe illness pull thee down and mercilessly
+deprive thee of thy strength?"
+
+"I am in perfect health and have a strong constitution."
+
+"Perhaps some dreadful worries did not give thee rest."
+
+A (the woman). B (the hermit).
+
+A: "I really have nothing to be worried about."
+
+B: "Then did not regularly and faithfully carried out duties exhaust
+thee?"
+
+A: "No, dear hermit, for I was living in a fairy-land palace from
+which the following torments were entirely excluded: need, worry,
+work, and illness."
+
+B: "Worldly attractions and habits may have led thee off the good
+track and restrained thy liberty?"
+
+A: "We were by no means subjected to any such rules, nor even to
+etiquette."
+
+B: "It is possible that the laws of your palace were extremely severe
+and therefore made you feel very depressed?"
+
+A: "But really, we acknowledged no laws."
+
+B: "Well then, perhaps the wealthy proprietor of the palace abused
+his might and compelled you to do certain disagreeable things which
+were unjustifiable?"
+
+A: "Not in the least, for Astkchicka was sole mistress and
+administrator of the palace."
+
+B: "There now remains but one supposition, viz., that she united such
+people as would naturally perfectly hate one another?"
+
+A: "Why, not at all, we all gathered around her in the mighty name
+of love."
+
+B: "Ah, aha, I understand the matter," the old man unexpectedly broke
+out, "you came together over there in the name of love and it is most
+strikingly evident that there is some defect about your love."
+
+A: "Thou art wrong, old man," energetically rang out of Roussoudanna's
+mouth as she suddenly interrupted him. "I can bear witness and prove
+that nobody ever and so strongly loved his dear ones as I loved my
+excellent darling Naboukodonozor!"
+
+The grave hermit glanced at her quite differently--yes,
+suspiciously. "My child," was his brief reply, "that which the idol
+worshippers falsely call love, is by no means that holy feeling which
+we understand under that term. Their love is one of those innumerable
+examples of self-worship and vanity."
+
+Roussoudanna's face was all red from blushing, while her eyes were
+filled with tears.
+
+"Oh no, that cannot be so," she exclaimed with a trembling voice,
+"with the greatest joy would I suffer any possible privations,
+every imaginable torture, in order to give him pleasure and satisfy
+his desires."
+
+The hermit sighed deeply. "Is it possible then," he said with a
+doubtful, inquiring tone, "if thou dost indeed truly love thy fellow
+men and women, that nobody in this wide world is either capable or
+strong enough to put an end to thy unhappiness? Relate to me now
+what the real source of thy misfortune came from and in what manner
+it was able to assume such tremendous dimensions."
+
+"Naboukodonozor, whom I love more than anybody or anything in the
+world, got to loving another woman!"
+
+"Well, what of it?" quietly asked the old man, "is this the only
+cause of thy great sorrow? How can one call it unhappiness if this
+made his fortune and rendered him contented?"
+
+"Some would have thought that she might like such a course of events
+instead of regretting it."
+
+"What is the matter with thee, O wise hermit?" She was perfectly
+overwhelmed with joy!
+
+"Now, my dear woman, rely ye simply on me, for I will undertake to
+explain it all right to thee, as for me, it was a source of sorrow
+and doubt."
+
+"O thou remarkable man, dost thou really not understand that for me
+this circumstance was worse than all the tortures of poison?"
+
+"But thou only just a short time ago didst assure me that the very
+height of happiness for thee was to stand every privation, nay, all
+sufferings, simply in order to give him pleasure and act in accordance
+with his wishes and aims."
+
+Thereupon the hermit again opened his mouth and sang songs of praise
+and thankfulness unto God, the Almighty Master of Heaven and earth; and
+see! his happiness was founded on love, but on love to a being, a being
+which was perfect. He always submitted his love to the righteous laws
+of God; this was not a senseless inspiration, but an action free of
+any earthly, foolish bonds, of elevated and religious aims and seeking
+nothing but rest and comfort for the moment--going always by the road
+of honesty, truth and veneration of all that is upright and good!
+
+His love was trying to perfect itself, approach if possible that
+greatest example of utmost perfection which was shown to us by our
+Lord Jesus Christ.
+
+"Happiness is a sweet, sweet little flower," said he, "which is quite
+unable to grow among unrighteousness, unfairness and wilfulness--only
+by the lawful way of Christian love to God, veneration and love to his
+neighbors, can he strive to live properly and give those magnificent
+fragrant flowers, for which you are all constantly looking and which
+you are as yet unable to find. Following out the orders of my God it
+will be easy to find happiness, for His perfect and most merciful
+laws restrain the will of the individual man only there, where it
+proves necessary for his thrift and condition in general. Thou, it is
+true, didst live in a fairy-land palace, from which all illnesses,
+needs, worries, and labors had been excluded. You did not fear nor
+obey any legal authorities, nor laws, nor customs. It was love that
+firmly united you all. Well, tell me then, were you indeed happy
+and successful?"
+
+"Oh! no, not at all!" answered Roussoudanna. And once more the old
+man tenderly addressed her and convinced Roussoudanna, baptized her,
+and taking a staff, at the top of which a cross was reproduced, he went
+off with her to the fairy-land palace. Reaching the rivulet they beheld
+Nebrotk gathering the necessary fruit. With despair and terror did he
+inform them that Astkchicka now considered Naboukodonozor her husband,
+while he was forced to serve his rival and nobody paid any attention
+to--yes, had utterly forgotten the existence of Roussoudanna. Then she
+asked him to sit down and told the inhabitant of the castle all that
+had happened to her, and in her young voice the speech about perfect
+endless and eternal love sounded still more convincing. Love is eternal
+when it is well planned and arranged, it is endless if free of sin
+and perfect if subjected to the almighty laws of the eternal God,
+Father of Heaven and earth.
+
+All were deeply impressed, and now the hermit continued the speech and
+told them about the all-powerful strength of God, before whose serene
+appearance all false, worthless gods take to flight, and about His
+extreme wisdom and knowledge, rapidity of decision, mercifulness and
+righteousness, and see! Nebrotk immediately wished to be converted
+and baptized. At the end of his powerful and persuasive discourse,
+the old man simply touched the fairy-land palace with his staff and
+in a few seconds it completely disappeared like an apparition. Then
+he instructed Nebrotk and Roussoudanna in real Christian love and
+in the obligations of married life and then performed for both the
+wedding ceremony, and having fervently prayed to the Creator they all
+together went to work erecting a perfectly new log house for the young
+married couple, in which the happy mortals passed many blissful years,
+writing down the stories and tales of the various travellers. Some
+of them I shall perhaps tell you of another time. To my sorrow my
+memory did not preserve that artistic, yes, clever way of relating,
+which this little collection of legends more and more clearly explains
+to one--bringing us over and over again to the great truth.
+
+"Happiness is within us." The imperfection of Nebrotk and Roussoudanna
+came at first from the imperfection of their mutual love, which loves
+itself as much as the beloved. Then, however, gradually as they were
+taught to love their neighbor more than themselves, yes to love him so
+much as not to offend each other and not grumble and growl over little
+defects and mishaps which regarded their personalities alone and from
+which the neighbors should not suffer, did they teach themselves and
+conceive how well it was to rejoice over the blissfulness of others,
+to think only about others, to wish to seek pleasure and happiness only
+for others and to put all their energy and delight in the contentment
+and comfort of others; this great happiness finally made its beneficent
+way into their souls and admitting everything they said.
+
+"Happiness is within us--" and then they needed no more fairy-land
+castle, from which all cares, illnesses, needs, and labors were
+banished. They found time and also strength to live an actual and true
+life among all its turmoils and difficulties, to know how to guarantee
+one's shining happiness, and then they heard not the fairy-land
+song of the flowers, the fragrant song of the youngsters saved by
+them for a joyful, diligent, and Christian life, and they rejoiced
+in the song of thankful young people, who by their example of love,
+had been saved from many a sorrow and suffering. These young people
+had thoroughly learned how to live a happy life and this chorus did
+not stop as long as they lived on earth.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+VII. THE TRIBUTE OF ROSES
+
+A LEGEND
+
+
+In our most blessed and favored country, where the sun shines so
+brightly, where the flowers have such a sweet, sweet fragrance, where
+the birds sing so melodiously, long ago in bygone times, when neither I
+nor my father nor my forefathers had been born, there lived a young and
+splendid couple in the Aule of Mokde [Note of the Translator: Aule is
+the common term for a very small village or rather mountain hamlet in
+the Caucasus.] They were always most hospitable and everybody praised
+them, but the Lord, who always delights in seeing the religious and
+the poor well treated, fully rewarded them and abundantly furnished
+them with rich presents, thus clearly showing them his appreciation
+for their good deeds. They had everything that could be desired:
+youth, beauty, good health, riches, and reputation, they sincerely
+loved one another and their inner happiness was as great as their
+outer appearance and great success. Their children were healthy,
+clever, good and lovely to look at. Their elder son, little Timitch,
+distinguished himself especially through his strength and ability;
+he was endowed with most fiery eyes, once sparkling like flashes of
+lightning, then again as soft and innocent as the eyes of a young
+mountain goat.
+
+For nine years the happy husband and wife lived thus, when suddenly
+between the aules of Mokde and Khamki a very bloody strife ensued and
+led to much destruction of life and property. During this strife,
+when the father of Timitch was mercilessly killed as well as his
+brothers and sisters, while the mother was taken prisoner and led off
+as a captive, Timitch himself was saved by some inexplicable wonder
+and soon became the favorite and greatest pride of the whole aule. In
+the meantime his mother, who was still a beautiful and youthful woman
+[in our country the women can be married at the early age of twelve]
+was sold and taken away to Turkey, where her wonderful appearance was
+the chief ornament of the Sultan's harem. In this select collection
+of beautiful and highly attractive women, her good looks and sweet
+disposition cast a dark shadow over all the rest--just as our bright
+sun dims all other planets.
+
+The Sultan got perfectly wild with delight over her, and he incessantly
+showered most precious weavings, gorgeous carpets and splendid stones
+of one color and priceless shawls--in a word everything that the rich,
+rich East could produce lay at her graceful feet. Nevertheless in
+the midst of all these flatteries and endless temptations she always
+remained faithful to her husband. It needed a marvellous mind and
+character like hers, while utterly refusing to fulfil the wishes of the
+Sultan, to still remain the governess of his heart and the immediate
+object of his kind and thoughtful attention. In these proceedings a
+lucky circumstance firmly assisted her--viz., the fact that she had
+been preparing herself to become a mother already four months before,
+when she happened to be taken prisoner. The loving and enchanted
+Sultan decided to patiently await the birth of the baby, which was
+foreign to him, and then marry his unusual captive, who was of royal
+blood and thus fully had the right to be an empress. The nearer she
+approached the time when a child should be born, the gayer the future
+Sultana became, so that those surrounding her really imagined that
+she had forgotten her husband. But oh, how terribly mistaken they
+were! Indeed, the eventful day came and a daughter Tousholi was born.
+
+When they brought her the baby she long looked at it and tears came
+in floods out of her magnificent eyes, afterwards she made the sign
+of the cross on it and gave orders that it should be carried off.
+
+"Call Samson to me," she said. Samson was the eunuch, given
+and attached to her personal service by the Sultan and who had
+faithfully done his duty by her side. She knew how to win his esteem
+and confidence, especially as he was himself a Christian (of course
+quite secretly). When he arrived she ordered him to take up the opakalo
+(probably a kind of Eastern fan) and protect her, while sleeping, from
+uncomfortable and noisy flies; but she did not want to sleep--this
+was simply a sly device to make everybody leave her apartment and get
+out. She profited by this occasion to tell Samson the following facts:
+
+"Samson, to thee I trust the new-born daughter Tousholi, promise me if
+possible secretly to make a Christian of her, as sincere and earnest
+in her belief as thou thyself. Among all these unbelievers thou wert
+not a slave to me, but a true and faithful friend and a tender and
+thoughtful brother. By the almighty mercifulness of God I am destined
+to live not much longer, for I hope to-day already to be able to unite
+myself with my dear husband, while thee I ask to take the place of this
+dear orphan's parents. Thou knowest my whole history, my strength does
+not enable me to speak to thee as freely as I should like. For the sake
+of the outward appearance I shall leave Tousholi nominally to the care
+of the Sultan, and I am convinced that at first everything will go
+right with you. When, however, your situation changes, I hope indeed
+that you may find means to return to Mokde and look up my first-born
+child, whose natural obligation it is to be the powerful protector
+of his defenceless sister and her very aged educator, but now give
+me my little kindjall (Caucasian dagger)--fear nothing, I shall not
+cut myself open, for I have not even the strength to do that."
+
+Samson placed in her now feeble hands the handsomely ornamented little
+kindjall, artistically decorated with precious stones and fastened to a
+most gorgeous girdle. This was the wedding present of her husband and
+she never left it out of her sight. The submissive old man, through
+his tears beheld how the face of the sick woman suddenly lit up and
+how, her eyes flashing with some extraordinary fire, she bravely
+pulled the little kindjall out of the sheath and put its thin blade,
+which was as sharp as the tongue of a snake, up to her lovely mouth.
+
+"She sincerely kisses it," thought Samson, and quieted himself; but
+the precious little kindjall had yet another resemblance with the
+tongue of a snake, of which the faithful servant knew nothing. It
+was indeed poisoned!
+
+Having heroically swallowed the deadly poison, the sick woman
+commanded Samson to instantly inform the Sultan that she desired to
+see him. The all-powerful adorer of this Christian heroine immediately
+made his appearance and was utterly distressed when he saw the signs
+of approaching death already marked on her magnificent features. In
+his anger against those standing about, he threatened them with
+perfectly atrocious punishment if they did not that moment find
+doctors able to bring his favorite back to life. In the meantime
+with a weak but expressive and comprehensible movement of her hand,
+the patient showed that she desired to be left alone with him. All
+the rest disappeared in a second and she broke out thus:
+
+"My minutes are counted, I am dying, not paying you back in any way for
+your innumerable marks of kindness to me, and nevertheless I wish to
+ask yet another favor of you: be a father to my new-born daughter! It
+is my firm and irrevocable wish that my true and ever-faithful
+Samson shall stay by her and bring her up in none but my own dear
+religion; when, however, you are tired of her, simply send them to
+Mokde to my son Timitch, and even if he be no longer living, I am
+fully convinced that the excellent daughter of my loving husband
+will always find protectors and friends among the good and kindly
+inhabitants of Mokde." With these serene words she breathed her last
+breath. The tremendous fury and utter despair of the Sultan went
+beyond any description. The court body-doctor and the arifa (i.e.,
+the lady who administrates the harem) were hung without delay, but
+Samson and his sweet little pupil were given very fine and expensive
+apartments with magnificent board.
+
+Every ten days the old man was obliged to bring little Tousholi to
+the Sultan, who having tenderly caressed her and given riches to the
+faithful servant, let them retire, giving the strictest orders that
+those who surrounded them should never hinder, trouble, or disturb
+them in any way. Thus three long years easily went by. The childish
+features of the face of Tousholi now acquired a most striking
+resemblance with the marvellously beautiful features of her late
+mother. The courtiers began to notice repeatedly that the Sultan
+after a time had fallen in love with her, was earnestly reflecting
+about something and frequently sighing. Thus the visits, which used
+to last but a few minutes, now became very long indeed, while little
+Tousholi, with her childish caresses, gained the affection of the
+Sultan more and more. Immediately two parties sprang up: the first,
+wishing to make Tousholi their excellent instrument in order to get
+the upper hand and overrule the Sultan, and thus naturally, constantly
+and unceasingly chanting her praises and flattering her to the skies;
+the second, which had resolved to make her perish and from this reason
+never letting one occasion go by without trying to snap at her and
+pull her down from her exalted position.
+
+During the fearful struggle of these two desperate parties, Tousholi's
+childhood went by and she was already a grown-up maiden, when the
+kind-hearted Sultan died. His successor by chance belonged to the
+dangerous and inimical party, and so the sharp and careful Samson
+began to energetically demand to be allowed to go away to Mokde. The
+permission to start for the home journey was given with great joy and
+satisfaction, and very soon they had already arrived at Mokde. Here
+there was no difficulty in finding out Timitch. He was known by young
+and old alike. The old servant silently took from Tousholi's baggage
+that precious girdle with the kindjall, which he had handed to her
+mother just a few hours before her untimely death and passed it to
+Timitch, drawing his attention to a splendid all-sparkling round
+tablet. On it were inscribed the dear names of his glorious parents.
+
+"This is the remarkable girdle which was always around the waist of
+my all-beloved mother!" cried out the youth.
+
+"Well, say now I prythee where is she staying? How can I possibly
+reward thee--oh, thou grand old man? Art thou sent by her?"
+
+"I verily came to this memorable village by her sacred will,"
+reverently answered Samson. "While dying she ordered me to lead thy
+sister to thee and hand her over to thy mighty care and protection."
+
+"What, my sister? Well, well, is it possible that not all sisters
+and brothers perished together with their splendid father?"
+
+Saying this he closely looked at the young girl and was evidently
+struck and impressed by her perfectly unusual beauty.
+
+"The resemblance with your mother ought to be sufficient to convince
+you of the truth of my words."
+
+Afterwards innumerable questions and answers were mutually
+exchanged. The old man and Tousholi settled down in the house of
+Timitch and Samson heartily rejoiced, seeing soon how the youngsters
+became friends. But nevertheless there was nothing to rejoice
+about! The twenty-year-old Timitch, fiery, not given to reflections,
+unaccustomed to restrain himself in any way, was entertaining such
+intentions as would make Samson's hair stand on end if he thoroughly
+understood their meaning. What is there strange in the fact that the
+twelve-year-old Tousholi was unable to guess at the thoughts of her
+brother and firmly trusted him in everything with all her simple
+childish sincerity of soul. The passionate attraction of Timitch
+grew not with days, but with hours, and once during a promenade,
+without being at all disturbed by the presence of grave old Samson,
+he actually went as far as to tell her of his peculiar intentions.
+
+Samson, astonished and disapproving the plan, threw himself in between
+the young people and was stupefied when seeing a dagger pointed
+towards him, but the terrified Tousholi speedily hid herself near
+a precipice. Seeing the immediate danger, the dying faithful Samson
+cursed the wicked and lawless boy, and lo! suddenly a great wonder
+took place.
+
+Timitch was transformed into a wind and began to crazily blow
+and whistle over the precipice, but the submissive and ever loyal
+servant was turned into a gigantic rose bush, in the midst of which
+a rose of unusual size was growing and constantly blooming. By the
+will of God, angels with marvellous, all-glorious singing slowly let
+themselves down into the precipice, majestically lifted out from it
+the magnificent body of Tousholi and carefully placed it in the very
+centre of the superb rose, the all-fragrant leaves of which gradually
+closed up and thus buried inside of them the deceased. Attracted by
+the all-glorious angelic singing, the faithful inhabitants of Mokde
+ran together in crowds to the rose and many of them clearly saw how the
+angels gracefully interred Tousholi in the rose. But Timitch could by
+no means quiet down; with anger and greatest passion he threw himself
+upon the rose bush and wished to break it down, but the more he shook
+the lovely branches, the closer and firmer did they stick to the rose
+and the better did they defend her from his unjustified attacks and
+depredations. When, however, he finally succeeded in carrying off the
+tender, tender leaves of the rose, Tousholi was no more to be seen,
+for her body had completely evaporated in the marvellous fragrance.
+
+The religious inhabitants of Mokde enclosed the beloved holy rose with
+a very massive stone wall, called this spot Tousholi, and yearly when
+the first beautiful rose came out they celebrated a fete, which has
+quite a character of its own and is popularly known as "the tribute
+of roses."
+
+The ceremony consists of the following points: Every young girl
+gathers a tremendous full bunch of rose leaves and standing one
+behind the other, they await the exit of the very oldest man in the
+village. He comes out, dressed in a white suit and bearing in his hand
+a white flag, the point of which is richly decorated with roses and
+covered with sweet little bells, while at the end a large wax candle
+burns. Putting himself at the head of the procession, the old man
+gives a solemn signal and the procession duly and martially directs
+itself towards Tousholi; behind it at a considerable distance followed
+young people, leading sheep and bringing along with them the customary
+offerings, i.e., horns, balls, hatchets, silks, etc. The procession
+winds around Tousholi three times with beautiful singing in which is
+described in detail all that we have mentioned above--then the girls
+in their turn enter through the great fence and put down in a certain
+place their splendid fragrant offerings, softly adding:
+
+"Saint Tousholi, help and assist me! Holy Samson, shield and protect
+me from the cursed Timitch and all of that kind!"
+
+On the top of a pretty mound, formed by the magnificent rose leaves,
+the old man solemnly fixes his standard, saying: "Saint Tousholi,
+make me wise, Holy Samson, help me to guard and defend all these
+tender maids from the cursed and all-hated Timitch and all those who
+follow his wicked example!"
+
+After this earnest speech the old man sits down at the foot of
+the graceful flag, while at his own feet the young girls settle
+down. Then the young people enter the enclosure and kneeling on one
+knee pronounce a most reverential greeting discourse to the hermit
+and the maidens and then they turn about and face an opposite corner,
+where they curse Timitch who hath wickedly cast a dark shadow over
+their beloved aule; afterwards they cut up the sheep and gayly feast
+with all those present. When I was but a very small boy I happened to
+be in this place and was favored with seeing with my own eyes one or
+two roses inside the enclosure, which it appears is existing even in
+our advanced and enlightened days. These roses are really unusually
+large in size, but nevertheless neither a grown-up girl nor even
+a new-born youngster can possibly find place inside the flower. I
+understand that at that time they used to say with regret, that the
+fete of "the tribute of roses" did not repeat itself yearly! Thus
+little by little ancient customs disappear and antique amusements
+are superseded by new ones, which are not always successfully chosen;
+only grim Timitch never changes, for he is quite as restless now as
+ever before, here moves and weeps like a child, there makes a row,
+yes rebels like a robber and lawlessly destroys whole buildings. His
+dislike for roses never ceases, and as soon as he sees a sweet little
+flower he immediately begins to blow around it with impatience and
+anger until he hath scattered the beautifully fragrant leaves far and
+wide over the country. Now the story of Tousholi is already forgotten,
+but her name, among the Chechenzes, is given to all such interesting
+places, where they go to make sacrifices and fervently pray.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+VIII. THE LOT OF THE HOLY VIRGIN
+
+A TRADITION
+
+
+When, by the special wish of the Lord, the apostles drew lots to
+decide who was to go out into foreign lands and preach the gospel of
+Christ, the enlightenment of Georgia fell to the share of the Holy
+Virgin. The Lord appearing to her exclaimed: "My mother, taking
+into account thy desires, I have come to the conclusion that this
+nation is more worthy than all others to have a place in the list of
+heavenly joys and blessings. Send thou then into this fine country,
+which hath fallen to thy lot, Andrew the First and hand him thy
+picture, which, from being placed against thee, represents thine holy
+face!" Then the Most Holy Mother of God announced to the apostle:
+"My dear pupil Andrew, I am very much grieved by the fact that the
+faith of the name of my son is not being preached nor advanced in the
+country, whose enlightenment hath fallen to my lot. When, however,
+I desired to start out for the journey my son and my God appeared
+to me and ordered that I should send to my separate province with
+thee my image and His, so that I should be the real cause of the
+conversion of these people and be their everlasting and ever tender
+helper and protector." "Most holy one, yes, let at all times the
+will of thy Godly son and thine be carried out and fulfilled to the
+satisfaction of all the world." Then the most Holy Virgin washed her
+face and having pressed it well against a platter, she left on it her
+reproduction with her predicted son in her arms. Having handed the
+image to Saint Andrew, she said: "Yes, may the mercifulness and the
+overwhelming help of Him who was born of me be with thee everywhere
+where thou choosest to go. I myself will invisibly help to increase
+the complete success of thy preaching tour and my province of future
+enlightenment will always remain under my constant, nay, never ceasing
+care and protection." The holy apostle, having thereupon fallen at
+the feet of the most Holy Virgin, thanked her with tears in his eyes
+and joy in his heart, went to preach the faith at Trebizond, taking
+along with him Simon the Canonite. But here they did not remain long
+and continued their journey to Edjis. Seeing the perfect craziness
+of those stupid inhabitants, who were more like entirely senseless
+animals, the apostle directed himself towards Georgia, and arriving
+in Great Adtchara, began his holy work; for even here the inhabitants
+did not profess the faith of the only true and real God and committed
+deeds which were so shameful that it is unsuitable even to refer to
+them in any imaginable way. They showered many indignant insults upon
+the apostle, who simply and most patiently bore them all with the help
+of God and by being occupied in constant prayer before the image of the
+most Holy Virgin--and lo! the Lord fulfilled the ardent desire of his
+heart and brought the inhabitants upon the righteous way, but on the
+spot where the reproduction of the mother of our God was standing,
+there appeared an abundant and truly splendid fountain flowing to
+this day, and in which the saintly apostle baptized the inhabitants,
+who had gathered there from all the surrounding towns and villages.
+
+He blessed and ordained the deacons and priests, explained to them in
+detail the holy principles of the faith as well as the church laws and
+successfully constructed there a church in honor of the Holy Virgin
+Mary. When, however, he wished to leave, the adoring people stopped
+him with the following remarkable words: "If thou art actually going
+away, leave us at least the image of the Mother of our God as a place
+of refuge and protection in case of trouble and need." Then the Saint
+ordered made a platter of just the same size as the image and put
+them together.
+
+Immediately the reproduction was transferred to the new slab without
+any injury to the former image. Immediately afterwards, the apostle
+handed the newly made image to the inhabitants, who, having received
+it with joy, placed it with great honors in their fine church, where
+it hath remained to the present day. Then they said good-bye to
+the splendid apostle, thanking him for his many good deeds, kissing
+him with true love and affection, and with him they sent one of the
+newly converted by the name of Matata. Going through the valley of
+Kkeniss-Tskall he led Saint Andrew up to the summit of a mountain, on
+which the Saint formally erected a cross in honor of our blessed Lord
+Jesus Christ and that was the reason why this exceptionally favored
+mountain began to be universally called "Rouiss-Djouar," which means,
+"the iron cross."
+
+After that they went down into the valley of Odzrche and soon reached
+the frontiers of Samtske, where they took up their headquarters in
+the village of Mount Zaden. Seeing that the inhabitants over there
+bowed down to and wickedly worshipped idols, they sincerely prayed
+to the image, which had triumphantly accompanied them everywhere and
+instantly all idols fell and were broken to pieces. Then they continued
+their route to Astbour, which was formerly called Tchoukall-tchett
+(the river of lilies) in Armenian and really lies just opposite
+Sakrisse, and arranging themselves, they settled down to rest near an
+idolatrous temple, nowadays Dzvel-Eklesia. At that time this country
+was administrated by a widow by the name of Samsgvari, which means
+"frontier," who had but one son and he too had just died among
+the depressed and mourning subjects of his mother. That same night
+from the guarding fortress a powerful light was seen over that spot
+where the image of the Mother of our God was placed, and at sunrise
+people were immediately sent to find out who was there and what their
+business was. Returning to the city, the envoys announced to Samsgvari,
+that it was the light from the reproduction of some wonderful Virgin,
+whom two foreigners had evidently brought with them; that they knelt
+and prayed before this strange image and that they preached the faith
+of a new God, who could make the dead rise.
+
+The widow immediately sent for the saints and questioned Andrew:
+"Who are thou, whence didst thou come and what in the world is the new
+faith about which thou speakest so much, for verily I say unto you,
+up to this time nothing approaching it in the very least has ever
+been heard of?"
+
+"I arrived from Jerusalem," energetically answered the apostle,
+"and am the servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, who doth make the dead
+rise again. I preach about Him as about God and the King of all
+kings. Know ye then that He who believeth in Him and lets himself
+be baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost
+will receive all he asketh for with true faith and will be healed of
+every illness." Upon hearing these sounding words, Samsgvari fell at
+his feet with tears in her eyes and cried out:
+
+"Oh, have thou pity for my widowhood and terrible unhappiness and with
+the strength of thy God bring back my only son to life. I will duly
+carry out and fulfill to general satisfaction everything that thou
+commandest me to do, without uttering the slightest objection, only
+in order that I may behold again my dear son alive, for he is the only
+descendant of our great family, for I have really no other children."
+
+"Well, if thou believest in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only
+true God, He will certainly give thee all that thou dost ask of Him
+with faith." Then the widow with tears of joy said to the Saint: "O
+servant of the only real and true God, I do sincerely believe in Jesus
+Christ, of whom thou preachest and whose holy name thou announcest to
+the world at large. I, however, beg thee to increase my strength of
+belief in Him, the Saviour of the world." Having heard these sincere
+words with pleasure, the apostle chased away the musicians and the
+curious, leaving only Samsgvari and her relations, and taking the
+image of the most Holy Virgin, he placed it on the corpse of the
+little child and falling on the ground he began to pray, the tears
+abundantly streaming down the fine features of his fervent face, and
+with many sighs he stretched out his arms towards the image and then
+rose, took the little boy by the hand, and truly! the boy seemed to
+awake as though from sweet slumber, and Saint Andrew handed him over
+to his mother.
+
+All those present were silent--so struck were they with surprise,
+while the widow, seeing her beloved son restored to life, was filled
+with utmost joy, jumped up and threw herself at the feet of the Saint,
+gratefully thanking him and covering his knees with tears. She, with
+all her heart, believed in the Lord Jesus and was baptized with her
+son and all his household. Afterwards she sent out her servants to
+all the Samtsetskian mtavares with official letters, containing the
+following passages:
+
+"I, Samsgvari, the widow of your kristav, do joyfully announce to you,
+my brethren, a most happy event for all nations, for there arrived
+from a strange land, a man who preacheth the faith of a new God,
+the reproduction of whom made my blessed son arise from the dead;
+hasten ye therefore, so that we may choose the only true and sincere
+faith and decide whom it becomes us to obey and adore." Having heard of
+this wonder, the Meskhians rushed in from every spot of the monarchy
+in such numberless crowds that they actually filled the whole valley
+of Sakriss, and they all stared with perfect astonishment at the
+risen son of Samsgvari. But the sacrificers of Artemis and Apollo,
+the temple of which was situated in that part of the country, firmly
+resolved to oppose themselves to the Saint and cried out:
+
+"Artemis and Apollo are great gods," and after them many of the people
+shouted the same, while others nevertheless exclaimed: "We must all
+necessarily submit before such an unusual wonder!" Rebelling and
+quarrelling in every way began to make itself felt. In the end it was
+decided to open the gates of the temple, to solemnly place the holy
+image between the idols, to set up proclamations on both sides of the
+gates, place guardians and pass the night in religious prayers. "Pray
+all you want to your false gods," said the faithful followers of
+Him whose religion conquereth all others, "we, however, will pray
+to our only real and true God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and at sunrise
+we shall see: if your gods get the upper hand and are victorious, we
+will follow your example. If, however, they are defeated by our God,
+then let all present give praises unto Him the Only one."
+
+Having carried out everything according to the agreement, at very
+sunrise they opened the doors of the temple and beheld the idols,
+fallen and broken to pieces in the dust, while the image of the
+Mother of our God was surrounded with glitter and light like the
+sun. Then they understood the importance of the new religion and the
+whole nation unanimously exclaimed: "Great is the God of Christians,
+preached about by the holy apostle Andrew," but the sacrificers begged
+the Saint to forgive them their sin of unbelief, and all having assured
+him of their repentance, were baptized in the name of the Father and
+of the Son and of the Holy Ghost and loudly sang praises unto God,
+who had safely saved them from the deadly grasp of the merciless devil.
+
+Then Saint Andrew made up his mind to go into other wild countries
+and preach the principles of the New Testament, but the widow
+and the nation implored him not to go away from them until he had
+successfully taught them all the laws of the faith. Every single day
+the nation gathered in tremendous crowds and the apostle carefully
+explained to them the rules and details of the religion and all the
+necessary church rules, consecrated for their service a bishop, many
+priests and deacons and again started for his great and dangerous
+mission. Samsgvari and the nation renewed their ardent entreaties,
+but the Saint tenderly replied to them:
+
+"My dear children, do not lead me into temptation, for my duty calls
+me and prescribes to me to render also other cities and villages
+happy." "Well, if thou must absolutely abandon us," they mournfully
+answered, "so leave us at least the image of the most Holy Virgin
+to strengthen our never-ceasing confidence in the new faith and
+as a means of mutual protection." "This image," said Saint Andrew,
+"formed itself from simply being touched by the body of the Mother
+of our God," and he went on explaining to them how by the extreme
+condescension of the Lord the apostles drew lots to find out where
+each one should go to preach and that Samtsketia fell to the share
+of the Virgin Mary. He joyfully related how instead of herself she
+had sent her portrait into the provinces belonging to her sphere of
+enlightenment as a means of confirmation and protection to the true
+believers and promised that she would always be with them in spirit
+and soul now, henceforth and evermore. Messkhi and Samsgvari, having
+found out that they were under the spiritual regency of the Heavenly
+Tsaritsa, were filled with indescribable joy, but the desire to be
+able to possess her image made them still more radiant.
+
+With tears of emotion in their eyes they solemnly placed it in a small
+church, which had been speedily constructed and consecrated in the name
+of the Holy Atskourian Virgin. Nowadays they usually call this church
+"Dzvelle-Ekletsia," that is "ancient church," as the present edifice
+is built of stones which had served to construct the first church and
+stands on exactly the same spot. Then Saint Andrew went to preach
+the Holy Gospel in Nigalia, Djavakhetia, Artakanna and Kola, where
+he remained very long, enlightening the depraved unbelievers. From
+there he directed himself to Klardjetta, then to the land of Parthia,
+Armenia, and for the fete of Easter safely arrived at Jerusalem.
+
+When, however, Tsar Aderke discovered that the Kartlians and
+Messkhians had finally abandoned the faith of their forefathers,
+he sent several kristaves to them, who by force officially obliged
+many to return to a regime of darkness and falseness. Nevertheless
+some true and faithful followers succeeded in concealing images and
+crosses and loudly praised God that the apostle was no longer in their
+presence. The Tsar, however, grew very angry against the kristave of
+Klardjette for his not having held up the Saint, who, passing Easter
+Day together with the remaining apostles, again bravely started on a
+large preaching tour in Georgia. Crossing the lands lying near Fao as
+the Choroke, he thoroughly inspected the villages, preaching everywhere
+and to everyone the Holy Gospel of Christ, and soon reached Svanetia.
+
+Here at that time a woman reigned, who accepted the apostle's saintly
+blessing with false and pretended good feelings. Matata with the
+remaining pupils stayed in these domains, but Saint Andrew and
+Saint Simon went farther to Ossetia, where they got to the town
+of Posstaphore and from there they soon successfully arrived at
+the Bosphorus, where with the almighty and conquering help of God
+they were favored with the gift of being able to accomplish many
+wonders, and converted to the only real and true faith and baptized
+tremendous numbers of people. Afterwards they went back to Abkhazetia
+and farther to the city of Sebasst, the present Tikkoum, where many
+more unbelievers were also converted to the religion of Christ. Here
+Saint Andrew left Simon the Canaanite with several good pupils and
+continued his route to Djivetta, peopled by a wild vile nation, filled
+to overflowing with disgraceful sinfulness, love of cruelty and without
+any religious feeling whatever. They actually did not want to listen
+to him and unanimously made up their minds to kill him, but lo! the
+Lord protected his faithful servant, ordering him to instantly depart
+from the wretched creatures. But this nation remained in unbelief
+to this day. The tomb of Simon the Canaanite is in Nikopsia, between
+Abkhezethe and Djikerk, on the frontier of Greece. Having confirmed the
+Abkhazians and Megroes in the new faith, Saint Andrew left entirely
+for Skythia. Soon afterwards Tsar Aderke died and the kingdom of
+Georgia was divided among his two sons Bartomme and Kartamme.
+
+During their rigid administration in the year 70 A. D., a rumor began
+to gain ground that the inhabitants, who were under the supreme
+authority of Rome, absolutely refused to submit themselves to the
+Emperor Vespasian and energetically rebelled. The Emperor ordered
+his son Fitt to persuade the Jews to quiet down, but they did not
+cease to make a fearful row and locked themselves up with their
+army in Jerusalem. Then the Romans surrounded this town and began
+to mercilessly besiege it. The besieged were suffering from terrible
+hunger and diseases and the nation from despair began a terrific civil
+war. In a short time there perished such a quantity of Hebrews, that
+they threw one hundred thousand corpses out of the town; besides that
+the streets and houses were filled to overflowing with dead people. In
+the end the Romans made their way to Jerusalem, ruined it completely
+and destroyed the temple, so that according to the holy words of the
+Saviour, not one stone remained on top of another.
+
+Ever since then the Jews have overrun every part of the world and
+no longer have any own fatherland. Many of them arrived at Mtzkhet
+and settled down with their compatriots, among whom were also the
+sons of Varrava, delivered by the Hebrews instead of Jesus Christ,
+when they were invited to let one of their prisoners free. During the
+reign of the grandsons of Bartome and Kartaume the kings Azork and
+Armazeli, the latter found out about the existence in his monarchy of
+the miloti of the prophet Ilia and instantly gave orders to look for
+it among the Jews, but the Lord did not allow this extreme treasure
+to fall into the hands of the ruthless pagans, his searchings finally
+turned out to be vain attempts and to all questions the Hebrews simply
+answered that it was concealed in the earth near a magnificent cedar,
+which had grown over the tomb of Sidonia. Consequently Saint Nina more
+than once commanded Abiatkar to question his father where it indeed
+was situated, but the old man every time gave one and the same answer:
+
+"The spot, where is hidden this holy garment, about which in its time
+the true believers will sing praises unto God, is like the place on
+which Jacob beheld the staircase leading up to Heaven."
+
+This was the only occasion when they seriously disturbed the
+Hebrews, all the remaining time, however, before and afterwards,
+they constantly received and treated them exactly according to the
+rules of true Eastern hospitality and made them feel quite at home
+in their new fatherland. In the year one hundred and eighty-six
+A.D., Revv ascended the Georgian throne. The word "reva" signifies
+"conqueror," but the nation gave this serene sovereign a designation
+still more suited to him and still more honorable, for they rightly
+named him "the just sovereign," for his very first great public act
+was the repression of privateering and robbing in the army and the
+prohibition to bring children to be offered to the gods.
+
+Although Revv the Just was himself an idolator, yet he did have some
+kind of a vague idea of the New Testament of our Lord Jesus Christ,
+highly esteemed His true followers and even strictly forbade to chase
+the Christians, who had held their own in small numbers among the
+worthy descendants of the most enlightened apostles. These little
+marks of attention were sufficient to support Christianity, which
+stood high in the eyes of many men in the country. From this bright
+moment onwards the number of Christians began undoubtedly to increase,
+although of course slowly, but every year so that by the arrival of
+Saint Nina they were already forming a considerable and by no means
+to be despised class.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+IX. THE COMET
+
+A LEGEND
+
+
+On a steep, steep mountain path, leading directly to the monastery
+of John of Zadenne, a young girl was slowly walking. Her lovely sweet
+hands were all covered with blood as she was holding on with all her
+might and main to the prickly bushes; it being absolutely necessary
+to stick to them, so as not to fall into a deep abyss. Having safely
+reached a little square she stopped in order to quiet down and catch
+her breath; for in front of her another just as difficult ascent was
+awaiting her and she felt that it was her duty to rest and save her
+remaining strength. Having stood a while, she cautiously sat down and
+began to look at the path by which she had dared to come. Far in the
+distance one could see a horseman. The well trained horse like a cat
+hung on to the mountain, taking advantage of the most insignificant
+little trail or plateau and of every imaginable hardly noticeable
+highland road. Small stones rolled away from under its feet, the dry
+old branches of many a bush trembled and broke with a sharp cracking
+sound while the horse galloped--approaching always nearer and nearer
+the terribly exhausted woman-traveller.
+
+Coming up with her, the rider reverently bowed. He also intended to
+let his faithful horse have a good rest on the little plateau and
+naturally he began a conversation with the sitting maid. From what
+she told him, he found out that she was called Salougvari and that
+she undertook this pilgrimage, wishing to pray at the sacred tomb of
+a most holy, saintly hermit for the restoration of her dying mother's
+health. The young people went on talking for some time and the gallant
+rider offered her to continue her journey, holding on to the tail
+of his horse. This means of mountaineering is considered by us in
+Georgia the very safest and far less exhausting than all others. When
+they reached the summit he rode into a deep thicket, growing on the
+edge of the mountain, on which stood a monastery; the horseman's way
+of treating her changed completely and his extraordinary speeches
+terrified Salougvari. She, having abandoned the tail of the horse,
+in an instant ran off to the monastery and like a frightened little
+bird made her way into the church.
+
+The glances of all those praying turned with astonishment to the
+runaway wanderer and this unusual surprise grew still greater, when
+after her a horseman bounced in on a foaming steed and with his hat on
+his head and not paying the slightest attention to the solemn church
+service simply began to search with his piercing looks for poor,
+poor Salougvari, who had taken refuge at the very tomb of the famous
+saint. Having beheld his fellow-sojourner, he rashly knocked against
+his horse and with one bold bound, he arrived close by her side.
+
+In that memorable moment, the ground suddenly shook and actually
+opened itself, swallowed up the fiery and insulting horseman and again
+majestically closed itself up with such marvellous rapidity that those
+present were struck as though by lightning and could not utter a word.
+
+It is of course well known that somewhat below the monastery in the
+very mountain the temple of Zadenne was cut out, which soon became
+the permanent residence of demons, and indeed these latter rogues,
+daily coming out of their horrid dwelling places, very much disturbed
+Saint John and his numerous scholars until he gave orders that the
+entrance into the vast abandoned cave-region should be firmly barred
+and closely blocked up. Our bold horseman had the most peculiar--yes
+wonderful feeling in the neighborhood of this whole temple or house
+of worship. Upon a height there stood the gigantic reproduction of
+a handsome old man sitting on a massive throne, between his feet lay
+a ring-formed snake--the true symbol of eternity--while in his hand
+he held lightning. This was all artistically cut out in marble. The
+elegant crown, which decorated the wise brow of the old man, had
+still preserved some signs of pure gold; here and there precious
+stones were shining. This was decidedly the kingdom of coldness and
+of some secret magic-like half-darkness. The light was able to shine
+in only through the opening holes of the mountain and through the
+holes yet left between the perfectly immense stones with which the
+entrance was surely and safely barred.
+
+Having thoroughly recovered after his strange incident and quite
+unexpected fall, Aderke (it was thus they called the horseman)
+began to carefully inspect and search the cave. His attention was
+especially drawn by one spot, shining like a diamond. It appeared
+that this was a tremendous piece of mountain salt, on which a ray
+of light which had managed to get through one of the mountain holes
+was gayly playing. Other such pieces were falling down in long, long
+divisions from the cupola-like, vaulted ceiling. Thirst was torturing
+Aderke. Thinking that this was simply ice, he began to direct all
+his efforts towards successfully breaking off a respectable piece,
+but notwithstanding his most desperate jumps, he could not accomplish
+anything. Then he naturally imagined that from the sides of the cave
+much lower down he might be able to get something and began to go
+around it in a circle, trying to find here or there some possible
+opening, on which he might firmly stand and make his way. Passing
+close by a great piece of salt, he overheard some very distant voice
+which was singing a soft, marvellous song. Aderke began to listen
+most attentively.
+
+"Powerful sire," called out the extraordinary secret voice, "I have
+been awaiting thee for many years, dispel thou as quickly as possible
+this darkness and lead me forth into the region of freedom. Oh! have
+pity upon me!--I implore to be given freedom only with the exalted
+aim of submitting to thee, to serve and wait upon thee, to love thee
+tenderly, yes, to be thine ever obedient slave. Thou didst happen to
+come hither, pursuing a most handsome mortal being; look now at my
+features; you can plainly distinguish them through my dark prison. The
+more the extreme brilliancy of my subterranean dwelling darkens her
+dreadfully poor saklia (hut) the more the glitter of my beauty darkens
+her exceptional charms. She did not even venture to look at thee,
+for she feared thy caresses. I, however, did not take my eyes off
+from thee from the time that thou didst fall to the feet of mighty
+Zadenne, I constantly admire thee with a perfectly passionate glance,
+I love thee, I call thee to my side: come, oh come thou quicker!"
+
+Wild with excitement and deeply impressed by that most passionate song,
+Aderke entirely forgot his unhappiness, forgot also the thirst which
+was torturing him, he began to stare more closely at the salt masses
+and through their transparent grim old walls he began to be able
+to distinguish the tender outlines of a young and pretty woman. He
+knocked with his vigorous fist against the cold, cold mineral wall,
+but the powerful blow did not leave the slightest trace; then he pulled
+out his kindjall and thrust out his arm still stronger against the
+salt shapes, which were almost turning to stone. It slightly trembled;
+Aderke now turned to the pedestal of the idol, detached from it a large
+piece of fine marble and using it instead of a vigorous hammer, began
+to diligently knock it as hard as possible against the long handle
+of the kindjall. The opening evidently made considerable progress.
+
+In the meantime, through the little opening which had been made in
+the pedestal, there slipped out a lizard, after it a snake, then a
+flying mouse and finally a little devil. Coming out of their wonderful
+ambuscade, they were all of exceedingly small proportions, but these
+proportions grew larger and larger every minute. The lizard seemed to
+possess a perfectly formless human face, the snake had wings grown
+on to its body, the mouse seemed to have the head of an owl with
+a tremendous beak and fiery sparkling eyes. The little devil, far
+smaller in size than the rest, cleverly jumped at the mass of marble
+which was nearest to Aderke and by a well known signal ordered them
+to begin the furious attack. First the lizard moved and trumpeted
+with some kind of an awful, not human voice.
+
+"Let thou go my prisoner, insolent adventurer, or else we shall
+jointly cut thee up in pieces!"
+
+Aderke, astonished by such reasoning, turned around. The unusually
+enormous lizard stood on its hind legs and seemed to be all prepared to
+attack and swallow him up. The flying mouse made a noise and waved with
+her big wings, howling out some terrific metallic sound; the snake
+stretched out and slipped up to him with perfectly awful hissing,
+while the beastly little devil joked and insulted him above his head
+and filled the air with unbearable, bad odors. Aderke, seeing what was
+coming, bravely pulled out the sword and daringly struck at the snake,
+who was just making ready to spring at and wind itself around his feet.
+
+The excellent sword cut it right through, but unfortunately without
+doing it the very least harm. It quickly set to gathering together its
+fearful rings and went back to the idol. Aderke energetically rushed
+after it and fainted from terror. From the pedestal sprang out one
+after another innumerable and varied poisonous monsters, one more
+terrific--yes, fearful, than the next. Then there were also people
+with snakes' heads and snakes with birds' wings and birds with fishes'
+tails and fishes with heads of living people. All these awful monsters
+hastened to abandon their ambuscade, crowded and pushed each other,
+slipped over each other, quarrelled in a most undignified manner,
+bit each other, struck and scolded each other; here one monster was
+hissing, there a second one was making a violent speech, a third one
+let out from his mouth such a horribly disturbing whistle that the
+cold ran over one's whole body. In the midst of this tremendous row a
+human cry of distress reached Aderke; he turned around. The lizard was
+doing his best to widen out the opening which he had forced through,
+while the snake with an evil meaning and aggressive hissing hastened
+to occupy each newly opened little crack. Aderke wanted to run and
+help the poor, poor woman-prisoner, but the flying mouse threw itself
+towards the entrance and having spread out its wings guarded with
+its own body its outrageous comrades. In the meantime the remaining
+monsters seized Aderke by the legs and would not allow him to budge
+a step from the place where he stood. Thereupon he bravely drew out
+his pistol and with a sharp and rare shot smashed to pieces the salt
+block. At this moment the monsters unanimously took hold of him and
+he of course lost consciousness, so that he did not see how out of
+the blazing brilliant niche formed by his pistol shot, a splendid
+young woman rushed forth to meet him.
+
+Before her the monsters reverently stepped aside. "Away with you!" she
+cried out in a most commanding voice. "Take him up cautiously and carry
+him after me," pointing to Aderke, she ordered some strange bear with
+birds' legs and with a crane's beak to carry out her commands. The
+monster instantly submitted to the explicit instructions and,
+continuing to respectfully follow her imperious commands, he went in
+with his burden, up the steps of the pedestal to the very idol and
+placed Aderke at its feet. "Now," said the young woman, "your power
+over me has ended, having got back all my former freedom, I have
+also regained all my past influence and power. Tram, tram----tara,
+all to your respective places!" she continued in a most decisive
+tone, and the horrible monsters one after another rushed back to
+the high pedestal. When they had taken up their proper positions,
+she bent down and raised the piece of marble thrown away by Aderke
+and cleverly----yes, powerfully, barred the entrance. After that she
+again went up to the idol, fell down on her knees and said: "Great
+Zaden! Here you have a gift fully worthy of you as a grateful reward
+for my happy deliverance. If it pleases your serene majesty that I
+should not go away from this, thine abandoned temple, trying with
+all my energy to be equal to the task of replacing your former most
+numerous servants, so for my sake give me back this dead man, call
+him back to life, start up in his heart a sincere attachment to me and
+we shall both be your constant, loyal and ever watchful servants. The
+heavy stone eyelids of the idol opened themselves, its eyes sparkled,
+and from this momentary sparkling Aderke instantly came back to life
+and was able to stand on his feet. At the same time the idol with a
+terrific crash and shaking fell to pieces and disappeared in the dust.
+
+"Who art thou--magnificent creature?" was his first question.
+
+"Let us go into my transparent dwelling place," she replied, "I shall
+place thee on my exquisite crystal sofa and quietly entertain thee
+with my interesting stories and dear caresses."
+
+They jointly went into the niche. Through the sweet little opening
+a small, small ray of light streamed in and perfectly marvellously
+played upon a smooth, salty ceiling, showering down millions of
+beautiful sparks and blazing with all the colors of the rainbow. The
+beauty sat down, put Aderke's head on her lovely knees and while he
+was endeavoring to fall asleep, she told him her whole history.
+
+"I am the daughter of the Moon and of Zaden, they call me Aipina. My
+father actually decided that I should appear to the glance of people
+only to prophesy some peaceful event, the rest of the time I am
+ordered to remain secretly hidden in the grim walls of his temple,
+which at that time was a place of general worship and sacrifice. The
+people used to crowd about here from morning till night with very
+rich offerings. Numerous sacrificers burnt their offerings, while
+their female companions in long white garments sitting on golden
+seats prophesied the future. But notwithstanding all this excitement
+it was stupid for me, and one fine night, when my mother had covered
+everything with her soft, magic, fairy-like light, I wilfully managed
+to get out of the temple and flew into the sky, blazing with my highly
+brilliant tail. Mother became frightened by my daring to commit such
+an act and hastened to hide herself. Then I alone began to gayly run
+up and down on the horizon, busily chasing the many stars and pushing
+them on with my tail. Among the heavenly lighters a most astounding
+and terrific plot came up and they hurried to get me out of the way
+as quickly as possible, and my father angrily informed me that my
+perfectly crazy undertaking had made him fail.
+
+"It came to pass just so, for on that day a poor, poor monk arrived
+and settled on the mountain. Zaden of course ordered the monsters to
+instantly chase him out of the dwelling which he had chosen, but the
+hermit by some marvellous sign of his hand deprived them entirely of
+any strength. Many pilgrims, who had arrived from afar with offerings
+to pay their sincere respects to Zaden, upon seeing the newcomer on
+a height, peacefully sitting between wild snakes, naturally went up
+to him in a wide circle and spared no time or strength in order to
+satisfy his intense curiosity. He, however, took full advantage of
+this to make them give up the faith of their forefathers and instruct
+them in some religion, the chief peculiarity of which was hatred of
+our old, old gods.
+
+"In the end the unceasing attacks of the monsters began to bore the
+monk: he therefore gathered all his hearers and together with them
+strongly barred the grand entrance of the temple and quietly left the
+place. Through inexperience I had at first wickedly laughed at his
+great efforts: what use was it when Zaden, at his own will guiding
+and directing thunder and lightning, used to smash their edifices to
+pieces in no time at all, while the old man in going away touched the
+hard stones with the same marvellous movement of the hand which had
+destroyed the power and strength of the monsters, and Zaden immediately
+felt that his godly qualities and peculiarities began to abandon him
+forever. As a punishment for my most stupid volunteering, he deprived
+me of the shining form of a comet and transformed me into a woman, whom
+he commanded to guard the poisonous monsters. They hastened to fix me
+in this salt wall, but Zaden, who grew weaker every minute, in a last,
+but tremendous, outbreak of wrath worked out the following decision:
+
+"'Thou wilt be entirely in the power of these awful monsters until
+thou art able to find a mortal man who delivereth thee, and then they
+will again fully obey thee!' This was the last sign, not only of his
+power, but also of the life of my father; ever since then he turned
+himself into a breathless idol and sat immovably on his marble throne
+for several centuries. Through the holes of the fallen house of public
+worship the water flowed unto his most royal crown and meanly washed
+away from it the highly precious ornaments. Lizards climbed over
+his face, the flying mice quite fearlessly sat down on his powerful
+shoulders and hands, the snakes wound around his legs! He remained
+insensible to everything and not strong enough to protect and defend
+himself. I must say I had an awfully stupid, dull time. Days, months,
+years, even centuries went by and actually nobody appeared. I had
+already quite given up all hope when kind fate led thee hither. Now
+we must absolutely find means to get out of this place. I for my part
+know that from this temple there leads a subterranean passage to the
+numerous catacombs with which this mountain is overfilled and from
+them we can go wherever it pleases us."
+
+"But who will show us this passage?" asked Aderke.
+
+"I have a good friend among the monsters; it is the bear with the
+crane's nose. During all the long and dreary years of my unjust
+confinement he daily nourished me. With his long, long beak he managed
+to make a little opening in my dark dwelling, looked for and gathered
+the hives of wild bees, who had taken refuge in the holes around here,
+and fed me with their honey. He was at first a man of the same faith
+as our enemy the hermit and chanced to be banished hither for having
+ridiculed some servant of his God."
+
+At these words Aipina struck the palm of her hand; the bear took away
+a stone and climbed out; then she informed him of the object of the
+whole undertaking and he, having warned them that the way would be long
+and exceedingly tiresome, hastily entered their cave and attentively
+and vigorously began to try with his beak where the mass of salt was
+thinnest. When, however, such a place had been successfully found,
+he and Aderke pushed against it with their whole weight and after
+long and repeated attempts they pierced a rather small hole, through
+which it was very evident that they should have to go.
+
+First the bear slipped through, after him Aipina and Aderke. The
+passage was cut out in the rocky part of the mountain and was so close
+and small that it was necessary to go one behind the other and to
+stoop over. Having advanced a little farther they joyfully came out
+on a small square with a much higher cupola-like ceiling. Through a
+little crack a dim ray of light was seen. They sat down to rest and
+having looked about somewhat they came to notice something gleaming,
+yes, burning like gold. This turned out to be a fine glass vessel with
+four pretty handles. It was of gold color with thin white patterns
+and filled to overflowing with ancient Greek silver coins.
+
+"The first thing found is naturally due to thee," said Aipina in a
+very gracious tone. And the bear having taken up the vessel on his
+long thin beak again set forth on his journey. It was necessary to
+follow on by just so narrow and low a passage--only fully twice as
+long--as the first. It led them into a large round cave, which was
+exceedingly high. At the very top there was a rather large opening,
+through which the light could easily penetrate. At the side of one
+wall stood a wooden grave without a roof, and in front of it an
+old, old candlestick of red clay. To the tremendous surprise of our
+travellers, the whole room was illuminated by the fine blue flame of
+a very rare wick. They went nearer and saw that in the tomb there
+lay a hermit, very likely a saint, because his body was splendidly
+preserved. "Let us take a rest," said the exhausted Aipina, sitting
+down on the floor. The bear slowly lowered his vessel to her feet,
+but Aderke did not let his eyes lose sight of the deceased, as though
+he was trying hard to remember some familiar features, and suddenly
+he succeeded in his mental researches and with awful screeching and
+jumping threw himself on the bare floor in front of the grave.
+
+"Forgive me, oh, Holy God," he cried out, "forgive me that severe
+insult which I inflicted upon thee in my state of craziness and
+for which I have been so cruelly punished." And with most sincere
+and hearty repenting he prayed to God and the Saint to pardon his
+terrible sin. Aipina heard him with eyes and mouth wide open, but
+on her the words of Aderke produced quite a different impression. He
+understood how fearfully he had offended God and his proud heart was
+filled with perfect remorse.
+
+He fell down on his knees by the side of the monster and wept
+bitterly and long over his wicked actions and earnestly implored to
+be pardoned. The all-merciful God accepted the tears of both great
+sinners and sent them a deliverance which was quite as marvellous as
+the punishment. An unusual light was shining into the cave and in a
+second blinded the praying men; when, however, they again began to
+be able to distinguish the different things, Aipina was no longer
+to be seen, but on the spot where she stood there shone a blindingly
+magnificent comet.
+
+Aderke glanced at the bear--he had been transformed into a very
+handsome youth, in his hands, under the rays of the comet, burned
+and played with various colored fires the remarkable, ancient glass
+vessel. In an instant the comet began gradually to draw nearer to the
+opening in the vaulted ceiling. The gleaming windings of her long,
+long tail safely guided both the astonished persons and attracted them
+after her. Soon they had successfully completed the march through the
+long and narrow entrance road of the cave and began to rise higher
+and higher until they had triumphantly reached the summit of the
+mountain. Then the comet let herself down to the doors of that same
+temple, in which Aderke had so terribly misbehaved on his arrival in
+the said region. Aipina was again transformed into a simple woman and
+began to request Aderke that he should make her a slave and servant of
+the omnipotent God who had accomplished such great deeds of creation.
+
+In the meantime the sunrise service was just beginning and the
+monks began to come out of their cells to celebrate their morning
+devotions. The first stroke of the bell was then heard. Aderke and his
+faithful companion took off their caps and reverently made the sign of
+the cross. In this minute to them came up the monk who usually stood
+at the tomb of the Saint, when poor Salougvari had taken speedy refuge
+near it. He found out Aderke and furiously looked at him. But the
+most humble and submissive speech of the really repenting man quickly
+quieted his anxious feelings. Aipina was converted and really and truly
+became the wife of Aderke, while his comrade in the hour of trial,
+who had made use of his fortune in order to buy up a very extensive
+vineyard near the poor saklia (hut) of Salougvari, happily married
+her and took over into his house her widowed mother. All three lived
+long and happily and very frequently visited Aderke and Aipina, who
+were by no means behind them in sincerity of love and perfect harmony.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+X. THE JEWEL NECKLACE
+
+
+It was the twenty-second of December, the day of our holy
+"Fate-decider" Anne. In a poor saklia (native hut) not far from
+the road leading into town there sat a very young, beautiful girl,
+surrounded by a number of children. She was bitterly crying. On
+this day the father of this unhappy family died in jail; and that
+same terrible day, when he was taken away from his home and locked
+up against his will, the poor mother breathed her last breath. For
+what reason they had imprisoned him, the children did not know. They
+tenderly loved their father and in their true childish imagination
+it seemed to them as though he could not be wrong in any department
+of life whatever. The last time that they had seen him, he informed
+them that people would come and punish him even before the fete, and
+so they diligently prayed for his deliverance and salvation to the
+holy martyr Anastasia--and, behold! on the day of her celebration,
+she cut the cords and bands which prevented him from enjoying the
+blessings of home life and delivered him forever from prison as well
+as from the terrible punishment.
+
+"Zenobi!" remarked one of the children, "I want to eat." "Sit ye
+all down," replied the young girl, rising and drying her mournful
+tears. She covered the table with a simple blue cloth with white
+flowers and placed on it a star-formed vessel, on which a whole
+mountain of rice was seen.
+
+"Pray ye first and then eat to your hearts' content," she said.
+
+"But thou, darling, wilt thou not join our company?" asked the
+older boy.
+
+"I will eat afterwards; just now I have no time, but I will readily
+eat up all you leave!"
+
+Zenobi forced herself to smile although tears were really choking
+her; this was all the food which remained in their house, they had
+no money whatever--how and with what were the children to be fed
+the next day? That was the question which constantly came into her
+mind and kept her from being quiet. Wishing to conceal her worry,
+she went out--but her brother took advantage of her absence in order
+to somewhat restrain the appetite of the children.
+
+"Leave something for Zenobi," said he, "for I believe she has eaten
+nothing since morning; all the bread which was left she divided among
+us without keeping a single piece for herself."
+
+Noticing also that the quantity of rice was constantly diminishing,
+he assumed a more decided tone:
+
+"Enough!" he suddenly broke out, rising from his chair. "Pray ye to
+God and go out to play in the street, the sun is shining in all its
+wonderful glory--lose no time while it is warm and comfortable!" and
+taking the smallest of the children by the hand, he read aloud the
+after-dinner prayer and went out.
+
+"Zenobi!" he cried, coming out, "we have all finished." The young girl
+entered the room, hastily crossed herself and with anxiety sat down
+and began to eat the rice, but she had not succeeded in swallowing the
+first morsel, when the door of the saklia opened itself and a poor,
+poor hermit came in.
+
+"In the name of the Infant Jesus let me get rested, refresh myself
+and have something to eat!" said he. Zenobi immediately rose; hunger
+was torturing her, but she did not hesitate for a moment to offer
+him her forlorn repast.
+
+"Yes, may God be blessed, who hath sent a guest even to our poor
+saklia for such a great celebration!" she answered; "eat--while I
+prepare thee a comfortable bed," and having done everything to make
+the foreign traveller feel as much at home as possible, she went out
+into the street, in order to keep the children quiet during the sleep
+of the wise old man.
+
+After two hours he came out, sat down along by the saklia on a huge
+stone which took the place of a bench, and pleasantly called the
+children. His touching, caressing voice and his great good eyes
+instantly won him forever the sincere love of the dear children,
+they gayly ran up to him, while he pulled a small apple from his
+pocket and a Sitzevian handkerchief.
+
+"If you bring me four quills from this fine thorn-bush," said he,
+pointing to a very large bush growing within a few steps from the
+saklia, "I will arrange a very nice and amusing toy for you."
+
+Within a minute the children stood again before him--this time their
+hands full of quills. The hermit thereupon took up four of them and
+fastened with their help the corners of the large handkerchief to
+the apple--afterwards wound a handkerchief around the whole concern
+and threw it so high into the air that it really looked like an
+insignificant little dark point. The children in amazement did not
+lose sight of this point and soon beheld a small balloon lowering
+itself in their direction; the air filled out the handkerchief,
+giving it thus the look of a small air balloon, which, gracefully
+flying between earth and sky, gradually descended to their poor
+home. There was no end to the children's delight, each one of them
+wished to toss the dear toy higher than the first.
+
+While they were going through various exercises, running and making
+a lot of noise, Zenobi sat down at the side of her delightful guest
+and began to ask him from what place he came.
+
+"I, my child, come from the capital," he said; "to-day there is an
+unusual commotion over there. The heralds proclaimed on all the city
+squares that the sovereign would spare no reward to him who would
+bring the best imaginable necklace into the palace and that by the
+Fete of Circumcision of the Lord.
+
+"In the nation a report is being spread that the only daughter of the
+widower-Tsar took some kind of a most terrible disease which not even
+the most experienced or energetic doctor is able to define or heal
+in any way. Something extraordinary, unseen, unheard of! Heavy bands
+were tying down the young Tsarevna by the hands and legs and deprived
+her of free movements, so that she actually resembled a corpse much
+more than a live being.
+
+"In this night she had had a very remarkable dream--as though some
+powerful voice had promised her to cut the bands which kept her down,
+upon the Day of the Circumcision of the Lord, if by that day she had
+succeeded in finding a necklace for her magnificent neck which by
+its splendor exceeded all ornaments of the kind until then known."
+
+Saying this, the old man rose. "I should like to reach that house
+to-day," he said, "it is high time to set forth for the journey;
+but how can I express my gratitude to thee, my dear child, for thy
+wonderful hospitality?
+
+"Well, do not despise these lavashees (little breads), and may the
+Lord increase every kind of food in your most hospitable house."
+
+"Amen," said Zenobi with all her heart, taking up the lavashees and
+looking back at the departing hermit. A little later she began to
+assemble the children around the house.
+
+"Thanks to our guest you will have very dainty lavashees for supper
+this evening," she said to them, entering the saklia.
+
+But what must have been her complete surprise when she saw her
+star-formed vessel standing on the table and filled to overflowing
+with rice. There was so little of it left when she had offered her
+dinner to the stranger; where then had this veritable mountain of
+rice come from? She stared at her older brother and their astonished
+eyes soon met each other.
+
+"Isn't all this wonderful! How quickly the saintly blessing of the
+wise hermit was fulfilled," said he, and, falling down on their knees,
+the whole family began to pray most ardently and afterwards joyfully
+sat down to their well deserved and this time plentiful supper. In
+front of each child lay a fresh lavash (roll), on which Zenobi had
+thoughtfully piled up a large amount of rice. Having eaten the rice,
+each one ate a lavash too and all were perfectly satisfied, but there
+yet remained some rice and lavashees. Zenobi gathered the remains and
+the next morning the dish was again as full as ever and there were
+enough lavashees for all. Thus the wonder repeated itself for eight
+days in succession, but on the Eve of the Circumcision of the Lord,
+the dish looked just the way it did when they took it off the table,
+neither rice nor lavashees had increased. Zenobi decided to lay up
+what was left for dinner and let the children go to walk without a
+breakfast. In order to induce them not to think of melancholy events,
+she wisely reminded them of the excellent toy which the dear old
+traveller had left with them. They immediately ran off to find the
+handkerchief and indeed had a very hard time; in the end Zenobi
+herself started out for the search and managed to find it in some
+remote, dark corner.
+
+It was filled with something heavy and she naturally imagined that
+it must be rice. Delighted by this thought, she quickly placed the
+handkerchief on the table and untied it; inside of it there was a
+magnificent, blindingly beautiful jewel necklace! The children stood
+around in a circle, their little mouths opened as wide as possible.
+
+"Let us run this minute to the town," exclaimed the older boy, "I say,
+let us run, Zenobi, dear, we will still succeed to get the necklace
+to the palace before midnight!" And taking each other's hand, brother
+and sister ran on the road with what they had found by accident. The
+town was not very far; by noon they were already on the palace square,
+in the very centre of which a long, long table was erected.
+
+On it they opened and inspected the necklaces which various people
+brought and the Royal officials carefully put down in a large book
+the names of the strangers interested. These were extremely numerous
+and our poor little acquaintances hardly had the patience to wait for
+their turn to come. The official unbelievingly looked at their humble
+attire and the poor, insignificant handkerchief. Having placed the
+object on the table, he nevertheless untied the handkerchief.
+
+A cry of complete astonishment rang out from the mouths of all those
+present, and before the poor orphans had time to think the matter over,
+they were already standing in the bedroom of the suffering Tsarevna
+and saw how the Tsar, her father, with a trembling hand placed the
+necklace on his invalid daughter's neck. Then turning to them, he
+naturally asked who they were and where under the sky they had found
+such an unheard of and extraordinary treasure.
+
+Zenobi with true childlike straightforwardness related all that
+had taken place to the Tsar, who patiently listened to her simple,
+yet most pathetic speech, in which one could clearly make out her
+warmest faith in God and her thankfulness and gratitude to the holy
+martyr Anastasia; he actually felt very much moved and sweet tears
+were to be seen in his great eyes.
+
+"Take my guests," he said to those near him, pointing to Zenobi and
+her brother, "feed them, let them drink and appease their aroused
+feeling and great anxiety, but when they are rested, clothe them in
+the finest costumes and bring them hither."
+
+Then he ordered his aides-de-camp to bring the image of the all-holy
+Fate-decider and having placed it on the pillow of the little
+princess, he gave orders that the prayers for her speedy recovery
+and convalescence should begin.
+
+By order of the King, the doors of the palace were solemnly thrown
+open and all who desired to pray were allowed to enter the enormous
+precincts of the bedroom. The number of those praying increased hourly;
+not long before midnight the chamberlains and ladies of honor of His
+Majesty the King conducted our dear little acquaintances, attired
+in gorgeous costumes, which gave still greater charm and beauty to
+their natural handsomeness and grace. The grieved Tsar made a sign,
+indicating his wish that they should stand in a line with him;
+all eyes were fixed on Zenobi, who, not noticing anything special,
+quietly fell down on her knees and instantly began to pray with all
+her heart and soul.
+
+Exactly at midnight the Tsarevna raised her head and happily looked at
+the loyal people who had been praying for her; then made the holy sign
+of the cross--then actually sat up in bed! The King rushed towards
+her and took her up in his arms. The child put her arms around her
+father's neck and sweet, sweet tears flowed out of the eyes of both,
+and how open-heartedly and sincerely they sang, together with the
+people present, a true song of praise to the holy martyr Anastasia! At
+the end of the prayer, the Tsar led the Tsarevna to Zenobi and said:
+
+"After God and His holy servant thou must certainly thank her,
+whom He chose to be the instrument of thy precious recovery, yes,
+may she take the place of thine all-beloved late mother!"
+
+All present naturally hastened to bring their loyal and dutiful
+congratulations to the Tsar and his bride, but the little Tsarevna
+quite overwhelmed Zenobi with caresses and kisses.
+
+Immediately some noblemen were sent after her brothers and sisters,
+who from that time onwards lived at the palace and were educated
+together with the dear little princess.
+
+Zenobi, however, having become Queen never forgot the poor, the
+religious and the queer, and the Lord blessed her with the birth of
+a son, who immediately became heir-presumptive to the throne. The
+reign of her husband was most peaceful and happy, and having lived
+to an advanced age in model mutual accord, the reigning sovereigns
+died both on the same day, reminding their son never to forget the
+Only Real and True Faith, the Faith of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+XI. SAINT MOURVANOSS
+
+A STORY
+
+
+Mourvanoss was the first saint in our highly honorable royal family,
+later on so abundant in holy martyrs, preachers and leaders. In the
+year three hundred and ninety-three A.D. the Georgian King Varaz
+(ovenne)-Bakarr was favored with the birth of a son Mourvanoss,
+the birth of whom had been predicted to his mother by angels. This
+mother was namely the grand-daughter of Revv, the son of Mirian
+and daughter of Trdat, that is to say third cousin of her husband
+the Tsar Varaze-Bakarr, the grandson of Bakarr the First and son to
+Mirdat the Third. Bakarr the First loved very much his dear nephews,
+especially the younger of them, Bakourious. The son of Bakarr the
+First, Mirdat was almost the same age as Trdat and the cousins
+frequently passed the time together, their children grew up under
+the shelter of this friendship and did not notice how their childish
+friendship went over into love. Although the parents had absolutely
+nothing against the marriage, yet the youthful Tsarevna was always
+tormented by the thought that they were not acting in accordance
+with the holy laws of the church, which strictly forbade marriage
+between two third cousins. Most honorable, good, simple, merciful,
+helping everybody in case of need or unhappiness, she as Tsaritsa
+still went on tormenting herself with the acknowledgment of her sin
+and, see! the Lord really wished to quiet and comfort her and as a
+sign of forgiveness sent angels, who announced to her that He blessed
+her marriage by the birth of a saintly baby.
+
+While still at his mother's breast, Mourvanoss regularly observed the
+fasts, refusing to suck the breast on Wednesdays and Fridays. Hardly
+had he learned to talk when he earnestly began to commit to memory what
+he had heard in the church and gradually as he grew older instructed
+himself always more and more in the holy scriptures.
+
+When Varaze-Bakarr died, Mourvanoss and his brothers and sisters
+were children, and as guardian over them they chose the uncle Trdat,
+having also handed over to his administration the kingdom until the
+coming of age of the children of Varaze-Bakarr and his daughter, who
+had already died, while, however, the younger son of Varaze-Bakarr,
+Faremanne, from his second wife, was being educated at the home of
+the kristav of Sammeshvillde. Notwithstanding his very advanced age
+Trdat reigned most wisely; he was a thoroughly God-fearing, sensible
+and cautious man. Thanks to his extreme wisdom the Persians were
+completely conquered, the righteous state of affairs again introduced
+into the country and many churches restored and newly erected.
+
+Under him died the well-known Bishop Yovv and was superseded by
+Tlia. Although he of course paid tribute to the Persians, yet
+he understood how to get back from them Rousstave where he then
+triumphantly built a church. He also finely restored Nekreziy.
+
+Mourvanoss was already fifteen years old, when the Greek Emperor,
+Theodosius the Younger, came upon the throne and the relations between
+Greece and Persia became worse and worse.
+
+The new Emperor fearing that other nations might unite and make common
+cause with his enemies, offered Trdat an alliance, to assure which he
+demanded some one of the children of Varaze-Bakarr as hostage. Good
+Trdat, who equally loved all his grandsons, was in the greatest
+confusion, while reflecting whom he should select, when to him appeared
+Mourvanoss and energetically announced that he was going to Greece,
+where he had long desired to be, as it was the centre and capital of
+the whole Christian world, and with general consent and approbation he
+started off for Constantinople. There he devoted himself to fasting,
+praying and preaching, rebuking the tremendous worldly splendor with
+which the Emperor constantly surrounded him.
+
+To drown unnecessary gossip he clothed himself in a vlassianitsa of
+most ordinary goat wool. To the general astonishment of the people he
+soon acquired a complete and perfect knowledge of the Greek and Syrian
+languages and ardently studied philosophy. The Lord now rewarded him
+with the exceptional gift of being capable of healing the sick. Thanks
+to his petition the remains of the martyrs, who had suffered torment
+and death in Persia, were safely transported into old Georgia. Once
+upon a time, on the eve of the Most Holy Baptism of the Lord, intending
+to pass the whole night in devotion and prayer, Mourvanoss ordered
+his servant to bring him some butter for the little lamp.
+
+But he brusquely answered him: "Thou art a royal son and, instead of
+reigning as it becomes one of thy rank, thou livest as a monk without
+eating a morsel from one Sunday to another," and he did not go for
+the desired butter. But the Tsarevitch filled the little lamp with
+water instead of butter, and, lighting it, accomplished with this
+marvellous light his holy, holy prayers. Seven whole days and nights
+the wonderful light did not once go out, and during that period our
+Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the Saint to invisibly accompany and
+protect him everywhere. With the help and favor of God the Tsarevitch
+carried out many wonders, healing the sick with the water of his
+little lamp. The Emperor namely had a eunuch who used to like to come
+and pray together with the Saint.
+
+The Tsarevitch thought of leaving the Imperial Court accompanied by
+the eunuch, but Theodosius, having heard of the plan, sent a guard
+to watch them. Nevertheless through the almighty mercy of God they
+succeeded in avoiding being closely observed by them and during the
+night ran away. An all-shining holy pillar went in front of them,
+guiding them and illuminating their road.
+
+Upon the appearance of the pillar the following words were heard
+coming out of it: "He who doth follow me will never fall into the
+region of darkness and unbelief!"
+
+Finding a respectable vessel, they after a few days arrived in a port
+then unknown to them, where they were immediately locked up in the
+local prison. But that same night a terrific earthquake with perfectly
+awful noise took place there and many, many people perished through
+it. To the commandant of the city appeared a perfectly unknown man,
+the very voice of whom reminded one of tremendous rolls of thunder.
+
+"Deliver thou this minute the true servants of God!" he called out,
+"otherwise this wicked town will be turned to ashes."
+
+The frightened official immediately had the prisoners led out and
+freed and they started off for Jerusalem, where at that time there
+lived the runaway from Rome captive, Tsar Pipinoss, with his wife
+Malienoss. They were very religiously inclined, had entirely given
+up all worldly habits and pretensions, became monks and lived at
+Jerusalem in two different monasteries, which they themselves had
+erected. They caressingly received the newcomers. Having rested a
+little, the saints went to the tomb of the Lord, where they also
+became monks. Mourvanoss was named Peter and the eunuch John.
+
+Who can possibly describe their charitable deeds! They shone like
+illuminators, instructing and converting all and everything simply
+by the splendid example of their own lives! They constructed two
+monasteries and connected with these a house of refuge of strangers
+for Georgians and Greeks, where the Tsarevitch humbly waited upon
+travellers, and while occupied with such actions he reached his
+twenty-fifth year. This monastery was named after the most Holy
+Virgin. At this time the devil suddenly pounced down upon him in the
+disguise of a stranger and began to argue with and insult the Saint
+for having renounced all his rights to the crown and for having humbly
+served his own servants, but the righteous hermit Peter soon found
+out with whom he had to do and angrily chased him out of the hospice
+of strangers. Then our Lord Jesus Christ for a second time appeared
+to him and drew his attention towards the sky, where the Saint now
+beheld a temple, in which fully fifty tsars of indescribable beauty
+were singing hymns unto God and glorifying His Holy Name. In the
+number of these select Christian worshippers the Lord also promised
+to add the Tsarevitch Mourvanoss.
+
+He was sixty-five years old when the patriarch of Jerusalem,
+Anastasius, made him a full priest. He went off into a desert, where
+on the banks of the Jordan he founded yet another monastery.
+
+John accompanied him everywhere. Here he successfully healed a man
+possessed with the devil, and delivered John from a tumor which
+had formed itself on his face and threatened to deprive him of his
+sight. When, however, John once more fell ill and suffered from some
+deadly disease, the Saint implored that his life might be prolonged
+for still twelve years.
+
+He then visited and inspected all the Egyptian and Skithian
+monasteries and returned to his own monastery with a hospice for
+travelling strangers. At the time of hunger, he by the strength of
+his righteous prayers filled the monastery dwellings with bread and
+berries and the cellars with butter and wine.
+
+In that year good John peacefully died and he was solemnly interred in
+the monastery of the most Holy Virgin, which is to this day known under
+the designation of "the monastery of the Georgians." Soon afterwards
+the Bishop of Mayum died and the inhabitants having called together
+a meeting, unanimously chose Peter the Georgian to be bishop in the
+place of the deceased, and the patriarch fully approved their choice,
+but the most humble Peter, not knowing how to avoid such a high honor,
+thought of throwing himself down from an elevated spot in order
+to break either a hand or a leg and so appear disqualified for the
+election unless he should possibly succeed in hiding himself by flight.
+
+Then the Lord appeared to him a third time with a quantity of angels
+and ordered him to accept the bishopric. Many a time the good and
+God-fearing people in Mayrounne heard the voice, which before had
+announced various news to the Saint. At the time of a great dryness the
+holy prayers of the Bishop brought down innumerable wonders. Fruitless
+parents were comforted by the birth of children; the sick were healed
+and recuperated, fruitless trees were instantly covered with fruit;
+fishermen who until then had always been unsuccessful in their
+attempts, now pulled out of the water laden nets. The Lord besides
+all this favored him with the exalted gift of becoming a prophet and
+enabled him thus to see the saintly souls in Heaven. Bishop Peter was
+already eighty-one years old, when the all-holy fathers Tsaya and
+Zenomme died and the ever-fortunate Bishop saw their sacred souls
+rising to Heaven. The all-reverent Peter had been obliged to stand
+much in the course of his life from the monophysites, through whose sly
+proceedings he was for a short time deprived of his righteous pulpit,
+to the great grief of the true believers. Emperor Leo Frakiisky had
+hardly ascended the throne, when he hastened to restore the Mayioun
+bishop in his rightful position. But he did not long keep his throne,
+for he soon felt the approach of his death and announced these solemn
+news to all those who belonged to his parish.
+
+At that time Father Athanasius was favored with a superb vision: the
+saints were praying to the Lord that he should order them to bring
+up to their heavenly abode the all-holy bishop Peter, who had done so
+exceedingly much in converting thousands and thousands of unbelievers
+to the one True and Holy Faith!
+
+Within ten days the wish of the saints was carried out. The Saint
+passed these ten days in constant prayer, on the tenth day he conducted
+a communion service, communed himself and also many true followers,
+blessed the enthusiastic crowd and having tenderly parted with all
+his dear folks he returned to his cell, where he serenely died and
+was borne to Heaven by the mercy of the Almighty God on the second
+day of December.
+
+Many righteous and holy followers saw his soul carried by saints
+preceded by the holy martyr Peter of Alexandria, and heard their
+praises and songs of "Glory to God." Many till then incurable were
+healed simply by being brought up to and placed against his holy
+body. The holy Roman Pope Gregory Diologue dedicated a magnificent
+funeral oration to his precious memory in his all-famous book.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+XII. ZESVA
+
+
+Two horsemen were giving chase to some wild goats. Quickly did their
+most daring horses run, but still faster did the light little goats
+save themselves by flight, jumping across narrow gorges with one bound,
+springing on small plateaus, and in a word as though favored with
+having wings they seemed to fly through bushes and low shrubs. Now,
+however, they made for a very high mountain covered with bushes and
+forests and rapidly found their way among green branches and blooming
+trees, ascending higher and higher. The pace of the pursuit of the
+horsemen considerably slowed down as the various plants were every
+now and then the cause of unexpected delays, while their victims,
+the goats, were able to catch breath between each long jump and thus
+got on rather well and without much difficulty.
+
+The comparatively large horses were of course forced to go out of
+their way in order to avoid knocking up against trees, which barred
+the trail, and even where the grass had been smoothed out the animals
+went rather quietly and the energetic horsemen saw themselves more
+than once obliged to cut and bend down massive branches which formed
+the chief impediment in the whole undertaking. When after long and
+renewed attempts they safely reached the summit of the mountain, the
+goats had completely disappeared, and looking in various directions
+in order to discover the hiding place of the fugitives, the plucky
+horsemen cast their glances at that part of the mountain at the foot
+of which spread itself out like a fairyland the perfectly magnificent
+valley of Alazana. And how beautiful she looked on this rare sunny day,
+all shining with soft sweet rays, separated from each other by a large
+number of various colored shades, one more perfect and exquisite than
+the other.
+
+Now she would seem to take a bath in some pale, rosy waves, produced
+by an unknown marvellous battery of light, then again she so dazzled
+in precious gold and finally blazed with emeralds and the branches of
+its quite innumerable vineyards. There was also the sea of clusters,
+which could be distinguished through its little fruit garden, and
+like gigantic flower bushes they concentrated in themselves an amazing
+variety of flowers from the very most conspicuous to the darkest and
+palest. In astonishment did the hunters stop. Till then none of the
+Toushines had known about the existence of the highly blessed and
+favored Kakhitia. Being illuminated and showing all of her blinding
+beauty, she indeed seemed to them a perfect paradise and attracted
+forever their exultant glances. And the hunt and goats and everything
+else was forgotten. They stood there in perfect adoration of this
+unusual perfection of beauty and being unable to resist any longer
+the force which drew them nearer and nearer to the happy land, they
+descended into the gorge of Pankisse. On the River Bazzarisse-Tskali
+they chanced to come upon a detachment of Tartar frontier guards,
+who immediately surrounded the newcomers, and having dealt with them
+in the most insulting and truly shameful manner, again chased them
+into the mountains from which they had come. Arriving at home, the
+indignant Toushines made a halt near that river, where the nation
+usually assembled when it was necessary to decide some important
+affairs. Here did they also announce the facts of their perilous
+adventure and demand a revenge. Soon by the summons of the Elder
+there came together not only the Toushines, but also the Pchaves and
+Khevsourians, called in to give their advice.
+
+They all unanimously decided to take terrible revenge for the insult
+inflicted on their countrymen. The Pchaves and Khevsourians promised
+their assistance and with general consent the whole army was divided
+into two parts. One division was to conceal itself in the gorge of
+Pankisse, while the other should direct itself towards the Baktrionan
+fortress, which was situated to the east of Alazana and was in those
+remote times considered a very powerful fortification. Nowadays we can
+judge of it only by its ruins, which, however, all testify its past
+grandeur and mightiness. It was impossible to cross the river otherwise
+than over the bridge, which the sly Tartars covered with ashes in order
+to always find out the exact number and direction of new arrivals. But
+this ingenious slyness was not long hidden from the searching eye
+of Zesva, the valiant leader of the detachment. He ordered to stop
+the horses near the outer gates and, riding at full speed across the
+bridge, he succeeded in hiding himself in a valley before the Tartars
+found time to appear. The latter, guiding themselves by the direction
+of the traces, started in pursuit of their antagonists, but with every
+step getting farther and farther away from those to capture which was
+their intense desire. In the meantime the night came on and, profiting
+by the darkness, the Toushines reached the foot of the very fortress
+without being noticed by anyone. Having ordered his warriors to rest,
+Zesva, without breaking the silence, took up a hammer, covered it
+with cow-hair felt, unloaded from his horse a very large maprasha
+(i.e., a pair of sacks tied unto the steed) filled with strong iron
+tusks and knocked the first great nail into the battlements of the
+fortress, and standing upon it and reaching as high as possible he made
+a second one stick, and thus he continued until he had made himself a
+kind of ladder of iron hooks to the tip-top of the high rampart wall,
+whence he jumped down and in a flash threw open the heavy gates.
+
+Like a rushing stream did the Toushines make their way into the
+fortress, while the first rays of the rising sun were falling upon
+the grim old fortifications. The Tartars, half asleep, ran out
+into a field, but in vain for now they were met by the Pchaves and
+Khevsoures, who had ventured out from the gorge of Pankisse. The
+Tartars, surrounded on all sides, were exterminated to the last one
+and the field of honor of Allavanne, on which the glorious fight had
+taken place, was from now on known under the name of "Gatzvetila"
+(from the word "gatsveta"--"they are killing").
+
+The magnanimous and lion-hearted Zesva handed out all the rich booty
+of this ever-memorable day to his faithful allies, i.e., the Pchaves
+and Khevsoures, while Gatzvetila became the common property of all
+Toushines. Nowadays this historic spot is known under the designation,
+"Field of Allavanna." Some people pretend that this name comes from the
+Georgian word "ali," i.e., "flame," as on this field, after the fire of
+the battle, the Tartar blood went on smoking for a long time; others
+say this name originates from the Kshtinskian words "al" = vladyka and
+"va" = here. This latter supposition, it seems to me, must be nearer in
+approaching the truth, as Allvani was one of the country palaces of
+Tamara, the ruins of which were not kept, although traditions confirm
+the existence of a palace on the above-mentioned field.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+XIII. THE TALE OF MIKHIAN
+
+A LEGEND
+
+
+A wonderfully gorgeous reception was being prepared at the Turkish
+Court. The Sultan had taken it into his head to brilliantly celebrate
+and entertain the all-famous hero-prince Solagge, a Mikhian by descent,
+who had just arrived in his domains. At the door the Vizir met the
+guest with open arms and explained to him what a fortunate concurrence
+of circumstances it had been that had granted Turkey the chance of
+beholding him within their borders. Solagge wanted to reply, but the
+Vizir, without listening to him, continued his pompous speech and
+thus obliged his guest to hold his tongue. The Vizir had received
+instructions from the Sultan to seek out means under pretense of
+friendship and veneration in order to have the famous hero perish,
+and so the sly Ottoman official proposed that he should fight a duel
+with an Arab giant and boxer, promising in reward for victory the
+position of a Pasha of Achaltsisk. Solagge refused the reward, not
+wishing to abandon little Mikhia, to serve which he had devoted his
+whole life, but the duel he accepted, and so the Vizir personally
+brought him a rare and expensive horse with a golden saddle, gold
+stirrups, etc., saying: "Here you have a steed worthy of a future
+Pasha of Achaltsisk." On a Friday the whole town came together on a
+well-known square. Proudly did the Arab rival parade on his foaming
+horse. Solagge reverently bowed to him, but the former, instead of
+replying, simply rushed at his antagonist with a hatchet in his hand.
+
+Notwithstanding the perfectly unexpected attack, Solagge all the same
+succeeded in repelling him, but a second and even a third hatchet
+came flying after the first. The clever Mikhian missed their aim and
+without trouble succeeded in protecting himself against all of them and
+was soon on the point of attacking his enemy. Like a regular tornado
+he pounced down upon his rival and at full gallop let his own hatchet
+fall on him. He cut the Arab through and through and threw him off his
+horse to the ground. Wishing to speedily arouse the dissatisfaction
+of the people, the moullahs (i.e., priests) surrounded the corpse,
+read aloud the Khoran and filled the air with their hideous mournful
+lamentations and cries. But the nation, greatly delighted over the
+daring exploit of Solagge, remained perfectly insensible to their
+never-ceasing weeping and howling.
+
+With great signs of distinction was Solagge conducted into the palace,
+where the Sultan, after a most friendly and hearty reception and
+pleasant congratulations, rewarded his excessive chivalry with gold
+and precious stones and again offered him the position of a Pasha of
+Achaltsisk, but Solagge refused even a second time.
+
+"Remember thy wonderful strength and the extraordinary mightiness
+which thou wilt be able to dispose of!" said the Sultan.
+
+"O Sovereign!" replied the famous hero, "I sincerely thank thee for
+the honor thou bestowest upon me and the extreme confidence which thou
+hast in me, but know thou then that being inspired by the mercy of
+God with that serene strength which hath drawn unto me thine elevated
+attention, I nevertheless do not feel the least need in obtaining
+any other power, whatever it may be, besides the one which gives me
+the love of my fellow-citizens."
+
+And Solagge remained true to his word and passed his whole life
+in poor Mikhia, protecting the slighted, punishing the lawless, and
+never died, for even down to our days he lives with boundless glory in
+national songs and legends, blessed and adored by every generation,
+as a shining example of courage and uncorrupted and sincere love for
+his native land.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Caucasian Legends, by A. Goulbat
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