The Shine Of Pain

“Give me your heart, but only – not divided” – 
Heard Tarial the words of Nestan-Djar.
Oh, how there was strong and deep her charm,
That just by her he was since left delighted.

Only by her he was since tortured, lighted,
For Nestan-Daredjan was all his flame,
And only lightning gives a strike the same – 
That she can’t help being to ashes blighted.

Oh, Nestan-Djar! Oh, Nestan-Daredjan!
The love of you was since like wind of madness.
Your lover was in flame, in whirl, in furnace endless…

But highest pain obtains the strongest shine:
It was such sang, as none have even thought that, 
By the bored heart of Rustavely, Shota.


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, October 25, 2001