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of the heavenly powers (? planets) protect me. If I come not hither in three years, then will it beseem thee to mourn and wear funeral garb.[1] I will give thee a letter, whoever is my courtier[2] must obey thee."
III
AVT'HANDIL'S LETTER TO HIS VASSALS[3]
164. He wrote as follows: "My vassals, my instructors and some my pupils, faithful, trusty and tried, attentive to my behests like shadows, hearken to my letter all assembled!
165. "Give ear! I, Avt'handil, earth beneath your feet, write this unto you; with mine own hand have I written this epistle. For a little while I have preferred roaming to drink and song;[4] for bread[5] and meat I shall trust to my bow and thumb.
166. "I have in hand a certain matter which makes me journey to a far country; I depart alone, and this year shall I travel. I ask you only this: I beseech you let me find the realm unshaken[6] by the foe.
167. "I have appointed Shermadin to be lord in my stead; until he learn of my life or death he will shine upon you all like the sun; he will make the rose to be frosted and not fade, he will cause all misdoers to melt away like wax.[7]
168. "You know, too, how he has grown up with me like a brother and like a son; you must obey him as if he were Avt'handil; let him make to sound the trumpet,[8] do everything as I have hitherto done; if I come not at the time appointed, mourning and not laughter will be seemly to you."
