Though the host, Joqola, is Muslim, and his guest, Zviadauri, is Christian, the poem refers only very vaguely to their differing religious and cultural traditions.

Joqola and Zviadauri meet by accident in a damp forest – the ensemble, holding treelike poles and swaying in shadow to a sad mountain melody, remains one of Synetic's most mystical images – where both are hunting for deer.

გადმოხრილიყვნენ მთანიცა, ხელ-პირს იბანდენ წყალზედა; Veiled in the gloom of night The sweet face of Kisteti Appears, among hills around, A rocky throne among cliffs.

მხოლოდ მდინარის ხმა ისმის, დაბლა მიქანავს ხველითა და უფსკრულს დასცქერს პირიმზე მოღერებულის ყელითა… It shrouds it like an enchantment, No weapon can pierce it, No prayer can charm it away, Nor any hand remove it.

Only the river's noise is heard, Raging downwards, roaring, While beauty stares into its depths Her neck bent, gracefully… See this for English translation by Lela Jgerenaia: Vazha-Pshavela (1861–1915) - Host and Guest The first film version of the poem as a feature was produced in 1967.