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XLV
THE WEDDING OF TARIEL AND NESTAN BY P'HRIDON
1439. He placed for the maid and the youth a throne white and coral-hued, prettily sprinkled with red and yellow gems; for Avt'handil one of mingled yellow and black; they came, they sat down. The spectators, I ween, were impatient[1] for them.
1440. The minstrels came forth; the sound of sweet singing was heard. They made the wedding; the presentation of soft silk stuffs was multiplied by P'hridon, the good entertainer, not an abashed host. A smile, a tooth-glimpse, beautifies Nestan-Daredjan.
1441. They brought out incomparable gifts from the wealthy[2] P'hridon: nine[3] pearls in size like a goose's egg; also one gem like to the sun with augmented ray; before it at night a painter could have painted a picture.[4]
1442. Likewise he presented to each a necklace[5] to throw over the neck, of gems cut into spheres, of whole jacinths. He also brought a tray[6] scarcely to be held in the hand, a gift for the lion Avt'handil from the generous P'hridon.
1443. That tray is full of plump pearls; he gave all to Avt'handil, with not unseemly words. The house was filled with brocade and soft cloth of gold; Tariel the proud gave thanks with sweet words.
1444. For eight days P'hridon made measureless wedding festivities, every day they offer priceless presents prepared; day and night lute[7] and harp ceased not to sound. Behold a youth[8] and a maiden worthy each of other have attained each other.
1445. Tariel one day spake to P'hridon words of the
