That saw the quenching of thy quickening light,
Thou sun of Georgia, yet thy dazzling rays
Still lighten up the darkness of our night.
“Thine all-o’erpowering sword, whose mighty blows
Scatter’d like chaff the bravest of the brave,
Shall never more affright thy country’s foes—
Georgia’s fame lies buried in thy grave.”
Orbeliani had a warm heart for the poor and suffering, and his “Lopiana the Fisherman” and “Bokuladze the Musha” (a musha is a carrier of heavy burdens) are masterpieces in their way.
While Orbeliani’s eyes are ever turned regretfully to the past, Akaki Tsereteli (born 1840) looks hopefully forward to the future:—
“Ah no! our love is not yet dead,