Zoroaster Hymns of the
Zend Avesta
Words by Zoroaster, or Zarathustra
The Divine Songs of Zoroaster and seeks
Translation by C. Bartholomae, from I. J. S.
Taraporewala
Ahunavaiti hymn
Chapter 28
1. WITH OUTSPREAD hands in petition for that
help, Life-giver, I will pray for the works of
the holy spirit, you the Right, whereby I may
please the will of decent thought and the
Ox-soul.
2. I who
would serve you, Life-giver and Good Mind, do
you give through righteousness the blessings of
both worlds, the bodily and that of the Spirit,
which set the faithful in felicity.
3. I who
would praise you as never before, Right and
decent thought and the Life-giver, and those for
whom Piety makes an imperishable dominion to
grow; come to my help at my call.
4. I who
have set my heart on watching over the soul, in
union with decent thought, and as knowing the
rewards of the Life-giver for our works, will,
while I have power and strength, teach men to
seek after Right.
5.
Righteousness, shall I see you and decent
thought, as one that knows? (Shall I see) the
throne of the mightiest Life-giver and the
following of that the Life-giver? Through this
word (of promise) on our tongue will we turn the
robber horde to the Greatest.
6. Come
with decent thought, give through righteousness,
Life-giver, as the gift to Zoroaster, according
to your sure words, long enduring mighty help,
and to us, Life-giver, whereby we may overcome
the enmity of our foes.
7.
Righteousness, grant the reward, the blessing of
decent thought; Piety, give our desire to King
Vishtasp and to me. Life-giver and King, grant
that your prophet may command a hearing.
8. The
best I ask of you, best, Life-giver (Lord) of
one will with the best righteousness, desiring
(it) for the hero Frashaostra and for those
(others) to whom you will give (it), (the best
gift) of Good Mind through all time.
9. With
these bounties, Life-giver, may we never provoke
your wrath, Life-giver and Right and Best
Thought, we who have been eager in bringing you
songs of praise. You are they that are the
mightiest to advance desire and the dominion of
blessings.
10. The
wise whom you know as worthy, for their right
(doing) and their good thought, for them do you
fulfill their longing for attainment. For I know
words of prayer are effective with you, which
tend to a good object.
11. I
would thereby preserve Right and decent thought
forever, that I may instruct, teach me,
Life-giver, from your spirit by your mouth how
it will be with the First Life.
Chapter
29
1. TO YOU wailed the Ox-soul, "For whom did you
fashion me? Who created me? Violence and rapine
(and) savagery has oppressed me, and outrage and
might. I have no other herdsman than you;
prepare for me then the blessings of pasture."
2. Then
the Ox-Creator asked of the Right: "Have you a
judge for the Ox, that you may be able to
appoint him zealous tendance as well as fodder?
Whom do you will to be his lord, who may drive
off violence together with the followers of the
Lie?"
3. To
him the Right replied: "There is for the Ox no
helper that can keep him away. Those yonder have
no knowledge how right-doers act towards the
lowly". (The Ox-Creator): "Strongest of beings
is he to whose help I come at call".
4.
(righteousness) "the Life-giver knoweth best the
purposes that have been wrought already by
demons and by mortals, and that shall be wrought
hereafter. He, Life-giver, is the decider. So
shall it be as he shall will."
5. (The
Ox-Creator) "To the Life-giver with outspread
hands we two would pray, my soul and that of the
pregnant cow, so that we two urge the Life-giver
with entreaties. Destruction is not for the
right-living, nor for the cattle-tender at the
hands of liars."
6. Then
spake the Life-giver himself, who knows the law
with wisdom: "There is found no lord or judge
according to the Right Order for the Creator has
formed you for the cattle-tender and the
farmer."
7. This
ordinance about the fat has the Life-giver, one
in will with Right, created for cattle, and the
milk for them that crave nourishment, by his
command, the holy one. (The Ox and Cow:) "Whom
have you, decent thought, among men, who may
care for us two?"
8. (Good
Mind:) He is known to me here who alone has
heard our commands, even Zoroaster Spitama; he
willeth to make known our thoughts, Life-giver,
and those of the Right. So let us bestow on him
charm of speech.
9. Then
the Ox-soul lamented: "That I must be content
with the ineffectual word of an impotent man for
my protector, when I wish for one that commands
mightily! When ever shall there be one who shall
give him (the Ox) effective help?"
10.
(Zoroaster:) Do you, Life-giver, grant them
strength, and righteousness, and decent thought,
that dominion, whereby he (the Savior) could
produce good dwellings and peace. I also have
realized you, Life-giver, as the first to
accomplish this.
11.
"Where are Right and decent thought and
dominion? So, you men, acknowledge me, for
instruction, Life-giver, for the great society."
(The Ox and Cow:) "the Life-giver, now is help
ours, we will be ready to serve those that are
of you."
Chapter
30
1. NOW I will proclaim to those who will hear
the things that the understanding man should
remember, for hymns to the Life-giver and
prayers to decent thought; also the felicity
that is with the heavenly lights, which through
Right shall be beheld by him who wisely thinks.
2. Hear
with your ears the best things; look on them
with clear-seeing thought, for decision between
the two Beliefs, each man for himself before the
Great consummation, bethinking you that it be
accomplished to our pleasure.
3. Now
the two primal Spirits, who reveal themselves in
vision as Twins, are the Better and the Bad, in
thought and word and action. And between these
two the wise ones chose aright, the foolish not
so.
4. And
when these two Spirits came together in the
beginning, they created Life and Not-Life, and
that at the last Worst Existence shall be to the
followers of the Lie, but the Best Existence to
him that follows Right.
5. Of
these two Spirits he that followed the Lie chose
doing the worst things; the holiest Spirit chose
Right, he that clothes him with the massy
heavens as a garment. So likewise they that are
fain to please the Life-giver by dutiful
actions.
6.
Between these two the demons also chose not
aright, for infatuation came upon them as they
took counsel together, so that they chose the
Worst Thought. Then they rushed together to
Violence, that they might enfeeble the world of
men.
7. And
to him (i.e. mankind) came dominion, and Good
Mind, and Right and Piety gave continued life to
their bodies and indestructibility, so that by
your retributions through (molten) metal he may
gain the prize over the others.
8. So
when there cometh their punishment for their
sins, then, Life-giver, at your command shall
decent thought establish the dominion in the
Consummation, for those who deliver the Lie,
Life-giver, into the hands of Right.
9. So
may we be those that make this world advance,
Life-giver and you other the Life-givers, come
here, vouchsafing (to us) admission into your
company and righteousness, in order that (our)
thought may gather together while reason is
still shaky.
10. Then
truly on the (world of) Lie shall come the
destruction of delight; but they who get
themselves good name shall be partakers in the
promised reward in the fair abode of decent
thought, of the Life-giver, and of Right.
11. If,
you mortals, you mark those commandments which
the Life-giver has ordained—of happiness and
pain, the long punishment for the follower of
the lies and falsehood, and blessings for the
followers of the Right—then hereafter shall it
be well.
Chapter
31
1. MINDFUL of your commands, we proclaim words
unpleasant for them to hear that after the
commands of the Lie destroy the creatures of
Right, but most welcome to those that give their
heart to the Life-giver.
2. If by
reason of these things the better path is not in
sight for choosing, then will I come to you all
as judge of the parties two whom the Life-giver
knoweth, that we may live according to the
Right.
3. What
award you givest through the (holy) Spirit and
through the Fire and have taught through
righteousness, to both the parties, and what the
decision is for the wise, this you tell us,
Life-giver, that we may know, even with the
tongue of yours own mouth, that I may convert
all living men.
4. If
righteousness is to be invoked and the
Life-giver and the other the Life-givers and
Ashi and Armaiti, seek for me, Good Mind [1],
the mighty dominion, by the increase of which we
might vanquish the Lie.
[1.
Boyce: "seek by the best purpose (vahishta
manah)..." This is an excellent example of the
continuous juxtaposition in the Gathas of the
Amesha Spentas as divinities and things.]
5. Tell me therefore what you, you Right, have
appointed me as the better portion, for me to
determine, to know and to keep in mind, you
decent thought—which portion they envy me. Tell
me of all these things. the Life-giver, that
shall not or shall be.
6. To
him shall the best befall, who, as one that
knows, speaks to me Right's truthful word of
welfare and of immortality; even the dominion of
the Life-giver which decent thought shall
increase for him.
7. About
which he in the beginning thus thought, "let the
blessed realms be filled with Light", he it is
that by his wisdom created Right. (Those realms)
that the Best Thought shall possess those do you
exalt, Life-giver, through the Spirit, which,
Life-giver, is ever the same.
8. I
recognize you, Life-giver, in my thought, that
you the First are (also) the Last—that you are
Father of Good Mind;—when I apprehend you with
my eye, that you are the true Creator of Right
[righteousness], and are the Lord to judge the
actions of life.
9. Yours
was Armaiti, yours the Ox-Creator, (namely) the
Wisdom of the Spirit, Life-giver, because you
didst give (the cattle) choice whether to depend
on a husbandman or one who is no husbandman.
10. So
she chose for herself out of the two the
cattle-tending husbandman as her lord to guard
the Right, the man that advances decent thought.
He that is no-husbandman, Life-giver, however
eager he be, has no part in this good message.
11. When
you, Life-giver, in the beginning didst create
the Individual and the Individuality, through
your Spirit, and powers of understanding - when
you didst make life clothed with the body, when
(you madest) actions and teachings, whereby one
may exercise one's convictions at one's
free-will;
12. Then
lifts up his voice the false speaker or the true
speaker, he that knows or he that knows not,
(each) according to his own heart and mind.
Passing from one to another Armaiti confers with
the spirit in whom there is wavering.
13.
Whatever open or whatever secret (acts) may be
visited with punishment, or whether a person for
a little sin demands the highest punishment,—of
all this through righteousness you are aware,
observing it with your flashing eye.
14.
These things I ask you, Life-giver, how will
these come and happen—the dues, that in accord
with the records are appointed for the
righteous, and those, Life-giver, for the
followers of the lies and falsehood,—how shall
these be when they come to the reckoning.
15. This
I ask, what penalty is for him who seeks to
achieve kingdom for a liar, for a man of ill
deeds, Life-giver, who finds not his living
without injury to the husbandman's cattle and
men, though he does him no injury.
16. This
I ask, whether the understanding man, who
strives to advance the dominion over the house,
or district, or land through Righteousness,
shall become like you, Life-giver, when will he
be and how will he act?
17.
Which is the greater—what the follower of
Righteousness or what the follower of lies and
falsehood believe? Let him that knows inform the
wise; no longer let him that knows nothing
deceive. Be to us, Life-giver, the teacher of
decent thought.
18. Let
none of you listen to the words and commands of
the follower of the lies and falsehood; for he
brings house and clan and district and land into
misery and destruction. Resist them with weapon!
19. To
him should we listen who has understood
Righteousness, to the wise Healer of Life the
Life-giver, who can or will establish the truth
of the words of his tongue, when through your
red Fire, Life-giver, the assignment (of
rewards) is made to the two parties.
20.
Whosoever cometh over to the Righteous, far from
him hereafter shall be long age of misery (and)
darkness, ill-food, and crying of woe. To such
an existence, you followers of the Lie, shall
your own Self bring you through your (own)
action.
21. The
the Life-giver by virtue of his absolute
lordship will grant a perpetuity of communion
with Haurvatat and Ameretat, and with
Righteousness, with Khshathra, and with Good
Mind, to him that in spirit and in action is his
friend.
22.
Clear it is to the man of understanding, as one
who has realized it with his thought. He upholds
Righteousness together with good dominion by his
word and deed. He will be, Life-giver, the most
helpful helper to you.
Chapter
32
1. (ZOROASTER) - And his blessedness, even that
of the Life-giver, shall the nobles strive to
attain, his the community with the brotherhood,
his, you demons, in the manner as I declare it.
(The Representatives of the Classes)—As your
messengers we would keep them far away that are
enemies to you.
2. To
them the Life-giver, who is united with decent
thought, and is in goodly fellowship with
glorious Right, through dominion, made reply: We
make choice of your holy good Piety
[Armaiti]—may it be ours.
3.
(Zoroaster)—But you, you demons all, and he that
highly honors you, are the seed of Bad
Thought—yes, and of the Lie and of Arrogance,
likewise your deeds, whereby you have long been
known in the seventh region of the earth.
4. For
you have brought it to pass that men who do the
worst things shall be called beloved of the
demons, separating themselves from decent
thought, departing from the will of the
Life-giver and from Right.
5.
Thereby you defrauded mankind of happy life and
immortality, by the deed which he and the Bad
Spirit together with Bad Thought and Bad Word
taught you, you demons and the liars, so as to
ruin (mankind).
6. The
many sins by which he has succeeded in being
famous whether by these it shall be thus, this
you Know by the Best Thought, Life-giver, you
who are mindful of each person's deserts. In
your dominion, Life-giver, and that of
Righteousness, shall your decision thereon be
observed.
7. None
of these sins will the understanding commit, in
eagerness to attain the blessing that shall be
proclaimed, we know, through the glowing
metal—sins the issue of which, Life-giver, you
know best.
8. Among
these sinners, we know, Yima was included,
Vivanghen's son, who desiring to satisfy men
gave our people flesh of the ox to eat. From
these shall I be separated by you, Life-giver,
at last.
9. The
teacher of evil destroys the lore, he by his
teaching destroys the design of life, he
prevents the possession of decent thought from
being prized. These words of my spirit I wail to
you, Life-giver, and to the Right.
10. He
it is that destroys, who declares that the Ox
and the Sun are the worst things to behold with
the eyes, and has made the pious into liars, and
desolates the pastures and lifts his weapon
against the righteous man.
11. It
is they, the liars, who destroy life, who are
mightily determined to deprive matron and master
of the enjoyment of their heritage, in that they
would prevent the righteous, Life-giver, from
the Best Thought.
12.
Since they by their lore would pervert men from
the best doing, Life-giver uttered evil against
them, who destroy the life of the Ox with shouts
of joy, by whom Grehma and his tribe are
preferred to the Right and the Karapan and the
lordship of them that seek after the Lie.
13.
Since Grehma shall attain the realm in the
dwelling of the Worst Thought, he and the
destroyers of life, Life-giver, they shall
lament in their longing for the message of your
prophet, who will stay them from beholding the
Right.
14. To
his undoing Grehma, and the Kavis, have long
devoted their purpose and energies, for they set
themselves to help the liar, and that it may be
said, "The Ox shall be slain that it may kindle
the Averter of Death to help us."
15.
Thereby has come to ruin the Karapan and the
Kavi community, through those whom they will not
have to rule over their life. These shall be
born away from them both to the dwelling of
decent thought.
16. ...,
who have power, Life-giver, on him who threatens
to be my undoing, that I may fetter the men of
the Lie in their violence against my friends.
Chapter
33
1. ACCORDING as it is with the laws that belong
to the present life, so shall the Judge act with
most just deed towards the man of the Lie and
the man of the Right, and him whose false things
and good things balance (in equal measure).
2. Whoso
worketh ill for the liar by word or thought or
hands, or converts his dependent to the
good—such men meet the will of the Life-giver to
his satisfaction.
3. Whose
is most good to the righteous man, be he noble
or member of the community or the brotherhood,
Life-giver—or with diligence cares for the
cattle, he shall be hereafter in the pasture of
Right and decent thought [Righteousness and Good
Mind].
4. I who
by worship would keep far from you, Life-giver,
disobedience and Bad Thought, heresy from the
nobles, and from the community the Lie, that is
most near, and from the brotherhood the
slanderers, and the worst herdsmen from the
pastures of the cattle; —
5. I who
would invoke your Obedience as the greatest of
all at the Consummation, attaining long life,
and the dominion of decent thought, and the
straight ways into Right, wherein the Life-giver
dwells.
6. I, as
a priest, who would learn the straight (paths)
by the Right, would learn by the Best Spirit how
to practice husbandry by that thought in which
it is thought of; these Two of yours,
Life-giver, I strive to see and take counsel
with them.
7. Come
here to me, you Best Ones, here, Life-giver, in
your own person and visibly, Right and decent
thought, that I may be heard beyond the limits
of the people. Let the august duties be manifest
among us and clearly viewed.
8.
Consider my matters whereon I am active, decent
thought, my worship, Life-giver, towards one
like you, and Right, the words of my praise.
Grant, welfare and immortality, your own
everlasting blessing.
9. That
Spirit of yours, Life-giver, together with the
comfort of the Comrades Two, who advance the
Right, let the Best Thought bring through the
Reform wrought by me. Sure is the support of
those two, whose souls are one.
10. All
the pleasures of life which you holdest, those
that were, that are, and that shall be the
Life-giver, according to your good will
apportion them. Through decent thought advance
the body, through dominion and Right at will.
11. The
most mighty the Life-giver, and Piety, and Right
that blesses our substance, and decent thought
and dominion, listen to me, be merciful to me,
when to each man the recompense comes.
12. Rise
up for me, Life-giver, through Armaiti give
strength, through the holiest Spirit give might,
Life-giver, through the good Recompense [�d�,
offering], through the Right give powerful
prowess, through decent thought give the reward.
13. To
support me, you that seest far onward, do you
assure me the incomparable things in your
dominion, Life-giver, as the Destiny of decent
thought. Holy Armaiti, teach the Daenas about
the Right.
14. As
an offering Zoroaster brings the life of his own
body, the choiceness of good thought, action,
and speech, to the Life-giver, to the Right,
Obedience, and dominion.
Chapter
34
1. THE ACTION, the word, and the worship for
which you, Life-giver, shall bestow immortality
and Right, and dominion of welfare - through
multitudes of these, Life-giver, we would that
you shouldst give them.
2. And
all the actions of the good spirit and the holy
man, whose soul follows the Right, do you set
with the thought (thereof) in your outer court,
Life-giver, when you are adored with hymns of
praise.
3. To
you and to Right [Righteousness] we will offer
the sacrifice [myazda, i.e. offering] with due
service [veneration], that in (your established)
dominion you may bring all creatures to
perfection through decent thought. For the
reward of the wise man is for ever secure,
Life-giver, among you.
4. Of
your Fire, Life-giver, that is mighty through
Right, promised and powerful, we desire that it
may be for the faithful man with manifested
delight, but for the enemy with visible torment,
according to the pointings of the hand.
5. Have
you dominion and power, Life-giver, Right and
decent thought, to do as I urge on you, even to
protect your poor man? We have renounced the
robber-gangs, both demons and men.
6. If
you are truly thus, Life-giver, Right and decent
thought, then give me this token, even a total
reversal of this life, that I may come before
you again more joyfully with worship and praise.
7. Can
they be true to you, Life-giver, who by their
doctrines turn the known inheritances of decent
thought into misery and woe [usheuru?]. I know
none other but you, Right, so do you protect us.
8. For
by these actions they put us in fear, in which
peril is for many—in that the stronger (puts in
fear) (me) the weaker one—through hatred of your
commandment, Life-giver. They that will not have
the Right in their thought, from them shall the
Good Abode be far.
9. These
men of evil action who spurn the holy Piety,
precious to your wise one, Life-giver, through
their having no part in decent thought, from
them Right shrinks back far, as from us shrink
the wild beasts of prey.
10. The
man of understanding [or good will] has
instructed (people) to cling to action of this
decent thought [Good Mind], and to the Holy
Piety [Spenta Armaiti], creator, comrade of
Right [Righteousness]—wise that he is, and to
all hope, Life-giver, that are in your dominion,
Life-giver.
11. And
both your (gifts) shall be for sustenance, even
nectar and ambrosia. Piety linked with Right
shall advance the dominion of decent thought,
its permanence and power. By these, Life-giver,
do you bless the foes of your foes.
12. What
is your ordinance? What willst you? What of
praise or what of worship? Proclaim it,
Life-giver, that we may hear what ordinances
Destiny will apportion. Teach us by Right the
paths of decent thought that are blessed to go
in, -
13. Even
that way of decent thought, Life-giver, of which
you didst speak to me, whereon, a way well made
by Right, the Daena of the future benefactors
shall pass to the reward that was prepared for
the wise, of which you are determinant,
Life-giver.
14. The
precious reward, then, Life-giver, you will give
by the action of decent thought to the bodily
life of those who are in the community that
tends the pregnant cow, (the promise of) your
good doctrine, Life-giver, that of the wisdom
which exalts communities through Right.
15. the
Life-giver, make known to me he best teachings
and actions, these decent thought and Right the
due of praise. Through your dominion,
Life-giver, assure us that mankind shall be
capable according to (your) will.
Ushtavaiti hymn
Chapter 43
1. TO EACH several man, to whom the Life-giver
ruling at his will grant after the
(petitioner's) will, I will after his will that
he attain permanence and power, lay hold of
Right - grant this, Piety, - the destined gift
of wealth, the life of the decent thought,
2. and
it shall be for him the best of all things.
After his longing for bliss may one be given
bliss, through the provident most holy spirit,
Life-giver, even the blessings of decent thought
which you will give through Right all the days
with joy of enduring life.
3. May
he attain to that which is better than the good,
who would teach us the straight paths of
blessedness in this life here of the body and in
that of thought - true paths that lead to the
world where the Life-giver dwells - a faithful
man, well-knowing and holy like you, Life-
giver.
4. Then
shall I recognize you as strong and holy,
Life-giver, when by the hand in which you
yourself do hold the destinies that you will
assign to the liar and the Righteous, by the
glow of your Fire whose power is Right, the
might of decent thought shall come to me.
5. As
the holy one [spenta] I recognize you,
Life-giver, when I saw you in the beginning at
the birth of Life, when you madest actions and
words to have their meed—evil for the evil, a
good destiny for the good—through your wisdom
when creation shall reach its goal.
6. At
which goal you will come with your holy Spirit,
Life-giver, with dominion, at the same with
decent thought, by whose action the settlements
will prosper through Right. Their judgments
shall Piety proclaim, even those of your wisdom
which none can deceive.
7. As
the holy one I recognized you, Life-giver, when
decent thought came to me and asked me: "Who are
you? to whom do you belong? By what signs will
you appoint the days for questioning about your
possessions and yourself?"
8. Then
I said to him: "To the first (question),
Zoroaster am I, a true foe to the liar, to the
utmost of my power, but a powerful support would
I be to the Righteous, that I may attain the
future things of the infinite dominion,
according as I praise and sing you, Life-giver.
9. As
the holy one I recognize you, Life-giver, when
decent thought came to me. To his question, "For
which will you decide" (I made reply). "At the
gift of adoration to your Fire, I will bethink
me of Right so long as I have power.
10. Then
show me Right, on whom I call. (the Life-giver:)
"Associating him with Piety, I have come here.
Ask us now what things are here for you to ask.
For your asking is as that of a mighty one,
since he that is able should make you as a
mighty one possessed of your desire."
11. As
the holy one I recognized you, Life-giver, when
decent thought came to me, when first by your
words I was instructed. Shall it bring me sorrow
among men, my devotion, in doing that which you
tell me is the best.
12. And
when you saidest to me, 'To Right shall you go
for teaching', then you didst not command what I
did not obey: 'Speed you, ere my Obedience come,
followed by treasure-laden Destiny, who shall
render to men severally the destiny of the
two-fold award.'
13. As
the holy one I recognized you, Life-giver, when
decent thought came to me to learn the state of
my desire. Grant it me, that which none may
compel you to allow, (the wish) for long
continuance of blessed existence that they say
is in your dominion.
14. If
your provident side, such as an understanding
man who has the power would give to his friends,
comes to me by the dominion through Right, then
I will bestir myself to set myself in opposition
against the foes of your Law, together with all
those who are mindful of your words.
15. As
the holy one I recognized you, Life-giver, when
decent thought came to me, when the best
Tushna-Matay taught me to declare: "Let not men
seek again and again to please the liars, for
they make all the righteous enemies."
16. And
Zoroaster himself, Life-giver, chooses each one
of your holiest Spirit, Life-giver. May Right be
embodied full of life and strength! May Piety
abide in the dominion bright as the sun! May
decent thought give destiny to men according to
their works!
Chapter
44
1. THIS I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver -
as to prayer, how it should be to one of you.
the Life-giver, might one like you teach to a
friend such as I am, and through friendly Right
give us support, that decent thought may come to
us.
2. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver - whether
at the beginning of the Best Existence the
recompenses shall bring blessedness to him that
meets with them. Surely he, Right, the holy one,
who watches in his spirit the transgression of
all, if himself the benefactor of all that
lives, Life-giver.
3. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver. Who is by
generation the Father of Right, at the first?
Who determined the path of sun and stars? Who is
it by whom the moon waxes and wanes again? This,
Life-giver, and yet more, I am fain to know.
4. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver. Who
upholds the earth beneath and the firmament from
falling? Who the waters and the plants? Who
yoked swiftness to winds and clouds? Who is,
Life-giver, creator of decent thought?
5. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver. What
artist made light and darkness? What artist made
sleep and waking? Who made morning, noon, and
night, that call the understanding man to his
duty?
6. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver - whether
what I proclaim is verily the truth. Will Right
with its actions give aid (at the last)? will
Piety? Will decent thought announce from the
dominion? For whom have you made the pregnant
cow that brings good luck?
7. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver. Who
created together with dominion the precious
Piety? Who made by wisdom the son obedient to
his father? I strive to recognize by these
things you, Life-giver, creator of all things
through the holy spirit.
8. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver. I could
keep in mind your design, Life-giver, and
understand aright the maxims of life which I ask
of decent thought and Right. How will my soul
partake of the good that gives increase?
9. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver - whether
for the Self that I would bring to perfection,
that of the man of insight, the Lord of dominion
would make promises of the sure dominion, one of
your likenesses, Life-giver, who dwells in one
abode with (Right) and decent thought.
10. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver. The
Religion which is best for (all) that are, which
in union with Right should prosper all that is
mine, will they duly observe it, the religion of
my creed, with words and action of Piety, in
desire for your (future) good things,
Life-giver?
11. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver - whether
Piety will extend to those to whom your Religion
shall be proclaimed? I was ordained at the first
for this by you; all others I look on with
hatred of spirit.
12. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver. Who among
those with whom I would speak is a righteous
man, and who a liar? On which side is the enemy?
(On this), or is he the enemy, the liar who
opposes your blessings? How shall it be with
him? Is he not to be thought of as an enemy?
13. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver - whether
we shall drive the Lie away from us to those who
being full of disobedience will not strive after
fellowship with Right, nor trouble themselves
with counsel of decent thought.
14. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver - whether I
would put the Lie into the hands of Right, to
cast her down by the words of your lore, to work
a mighty destruction among the liars, to bring
torments on them and enmities, Life-giver.
15. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver - if you
have power over this to ward off from me through
Right, when the two opposing hosts meet in
battle according to those decrees which you will
firmly establish. Whether is it of the two that
you will give victory.
16. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver. Who is
victorious to protect by your doctrine (all)
that are? By vision assure me how to set up the
judge that heals the world. Then let him have
Obedience coming with decent thought to every
man whom you desirest, Life-giver.
17. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver - whether
through you I shall attain my goal, Life-giver,
even attachment to you, and that my voice may be
effectual, that welfare and immortality may be
ready to unite according to that promise with
him who joins himself with Right.
18. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver - whether I
shall indeed, Right, earn the reward, even ten
mares with a stallion and a camel, which was
promised to me, Life-giver, as well as through
you, the future gift of welfare and immortality.
19. This
I ask you, tell me truly, Life-giver. He that
will not give the reward to him that earns it,
even to the man who fulfilling his word gives
him (what he undertook) - what penalty shall
come to him for the same at the present? I know
that which shall come to him at the last.
20. Have
the demons ever exercised good dominion? And I
ask of those who see how for the demons' sake
the Karapan and the Usij give cattle to
violence, and how the Kavi made them continually
to mourn, instead of taking care that they make
the pastures prosper through Right.
Chapter
45
1. I WILL speak forth: hear now and listen now,
you from near and you from far that desire
(instruction). Now observe this in your mind,
all of you, for he is revealed. Never shall the
false Teacher destroy the Second Life, the liar,
in perversion by his tongue into evil belief.
2. I
will speak of the Spirits two at the first
beginning of the world, of whom the holier spoke
thus to the enemy: "Neither thought, nor
teachings, nor wills, nor beliefs, nor words,
nor deeds, nor selfs, nor souls of us two
agree".
3. I
will speak of that which the Life-giver, the
all-knowing, revealed to me first in this
(earthly) life. Those of you that put not in
practice this word as I think and utter it, to
them shall be woe at the end of life.
4. I
will speak of what is best for the life. Through
Righteousness I have come to know, Life-giver,
who created it (the life), the father of active
decent thought: but his daughter is the
good-working Armaiti. The all-observant the
Life-giver is not to be deceived.
5. I
will speak of that which (he), the Holiest
declared to me as the word that is best for
mortals to obey; while he said: "they who for my
sake render him obedience, shall all attain to
welfare and immortality by the actions of the
Good Spirit" - (he) the Life-giver.
6. I
will speak of him who is the greatest of all,
praising him, Right, who is bounteous to all
that live. By the holy spirit let the Life-giver
listen, in whose Adoration I have been
instructed by decent thought. By his wisdom let
him teach me what is best,
7. Even
he whose two awards, whereof he ordains, men
shall attain, who so are living or have been or
shall be. In immortality shall the soul of the
righteous be joyful, in perpetuity shall be the
torment of liars. All this does the the
Life-giver appoint by his dominion.
8. Him
you shouldst seek to win for us by hymns of
adoration (in your mind): "Now indeed have I
seen it with my eye, (the Kingdom) of the good
spirit and of (good) action and word, since I
have learnt to know the the Life-giver through
Right". Let us offer him homage in the House of
Song [Heaven].
9. Him
you shouldst seek to propitiate for us together
with decent thought, who at his will maketh us
weal or woe. May the the Life-giver by his
dominion bring us to work, for prospering our
beasts and our men, so that we may through Right
have familiarity with decent thought.
10. Him
you shouldst seek to exalt with prayers of
piety, him that is called the Life-giver for
ever, for that he has promised through his own
Right and decent thought that welfare and
immortality shall be for us in his dominion
strength and perpetuity in his house.
11.
Whoso therefore in the future lightly esteemeth
the demon and those mortals that lightly esteem
him - even all others save that one who highly
esteemeth him, - to his shall the holy Daena of
the future deliverer, as lord of the house, be
friend, brother or father, the the Life-giver.
Chapter
46
1. TO WHAT land shall I go to flee, whither to
flee? From nobles and from my peers they sever
me, nor are the people pleased with me [......],
nor the liar rulers of the land. How am I to
please you, Life-giver?
2. I
know why, Life-giver, I have been unable (to
achieve) anything. Only a few herds are mine
(and therefore it is so) and because I have got
but few people. I cry to you, see you to it,
Life-giver, granting me support a friend gives
to friend. Teach me through the Right what the
acquisition of decent thought is.
3. When,
Life-giver, shall the sunrisings come forth for
the worlds winning of Right, through the
powerful teachings of the wisdom of the future
Deliverers? Who are they to whose help decent
thought shall come? I have faith that you will
yourself fulfill this for me, Life-giver.
4. The
liar stays the supporter of Right from
prospering the cattle in district and province,
infamous that he is, repellent in his actions.
Whoso, Life-giver, robs him of dominion or of
life, he shall go before and prepare the ways of
the good belief.
5. If an
understanding man should be able to hold one who
comes over from his vow and his ties of faith,
himself having brought him thereto, and living
according to the ordinance, a righteous man
(converting) a liar - then shall he, when he is
sure of him, tell it to the nobles, that they
may protect him from injury, Life-giver.
6. But
whoso when thus approached should refuse his
aid, he shall go to the abodes of the company of
the liar. For he is himself a liar, who is very
good to a liar, he is a righteous man to whom a
righteous man is dear, since you have created
men's Selves in the beginning, Life-giver.
7. Whom,
Life-giver, can one appoint as protector for one
like me, when the liar sets himself to injure
me, other than your Fire and your Thought,
through actions of which two the Right will come
to maturity, Life-giver? In this lore do you
instruct my very self.
8. Whoso
is minded to injure my possessions, from his
actions may no harm come to me! Back on himself
may they come with hostility, against his own
person, all the hostile (acts), to keep him far
from the Good Life, Life-giver, not from the
ill!
9. Who
is it, the faithful man he, who first taught
that we honor you as mightiest to help, as the
holy righteous Lord over action? What your Right
made known, what the Ox-Creator made known to
Right, they would fain hear through your Good
Mind.
10.
Whoso, man or woman, doeth what you, Life-giver,
know as best in life, as destiny for what is
Right (give him) the dominion through decent
thought. And those whom I impel to your
adoration, with all these will I cross the
Bridge of the Separator.
11. By
their dominion the Karapans and the Kavis
accustomed mankind to evil actions, so as to
destroy Life. Their own soul and their own self
shall torment them when they come where the
Bridge of the Separator is, to all time dwellers
in the House of the Lie.
12. When
among the laudable descendants and posterity of
the Turanian Fryana the Right ariseth, through
activity of Piety that blesseth substance; then
shall decent thought admit them, and the
Life-giver give them protection at the
Fulfillment.
13.
Whoso among mortals has pleased Spitama
Zoroaster by his willingness, a man deserving of
good fame, to him shall the Life-giver give
Life, to him shall decent thought increase
substance, him we account to be a familiar
friend with your Right.
14.
Zoroaster, what righteous man is your friend for
the great covenant? Who wills to have good fame?
It is the Kava King Vishtasp at the
consummation. Those whom you will unite in one
house with you, these will I call with words of
decent thought.
15. You
Haechataspa Spitamas, I will declare to you so
that you can discern the wise and the unwise.
... Through these actions you shall acquire
Right according to the primeval laws of the
Life-giver.
16.
Frashaoshtra Hvogva, go you thither with those
faithful whom we both desire to be in
blessedness, where with Right is united Piety,
where the dominion is in possession of decent
thought, where the Life-giver dwells to give it
increase.
17.
When, Jamaspa Hvogva, when I recount your wrongs
not your successes, (and) with your obedience
the prayers of your loyalty, (before him) who
shall separate the wise and the unwise through
his prudent counselor the Right, even he,
Life-giver.
18. He
that holds to me, to him I promise what is best
in my possession through the decent thought, but
enmities to him that shall set himself to devise
enmity to us, Life-giver and the Right, desiring
to satisfy your will. That is the decision of my
understanding and thought.
19. He
who accomplisheth for me, even Zoroaster, in
accordance with Right that which best agrees
with my will, to him as earning the reward of
the Other Life shall be that of two pregnant
cows, with all things whereon his mind is set.
These things will you bring to pass for me who
best know how, Life-giver.
Spentamainyush hymn
Chapter 47
1. FOR HIS holy Spirit and for Best Thought,
deed, and word, in accordance with Right the
Life-giver with dominion and Piety shall give us
welfare and immortality.
2. The
best (work) of this most holy Spirit he fulfills
with the tongue through words of decent thought,
with work of his hands through the action of
Piety, by virtue of this knowledge: he, even the
Life-giver, is the Father of Right.
3. You
are the holy Father of this Spirit, which has
created for us the luck-bringing cattle, and for
its pasture to give it peace (has created)
Piety, when he had taken counsel, Life-giver,
with decent thought.
4. From
this Spirit have liars fallen away, Life-giver,
but not the Righteous. Whether one is lord of
little or of much, he is to show love to the
righteous, but be ill to the liar.
5. And
all the best things which by this Holy Spirit
you have promised to the righteous, Life-giver,
shall the liar partake of them without your
will, who by his actions is on the side of Ill
Thought?
6.
Through this holy Spirit, Life-giver, and
through the Fire you will give the division of
good to the two parties, with support of Piety
and Right. This verily will convert many who are
ready to hear.
Chapter
48
1. WHEN AT the Recompensings the Right shall
smite the liar, so that what was long since made
known shall be assigned to eternity to demons
and men, then will it exalt with your blessings,
Life-giver, him who prays to you.
2. Tell
me, for you are he that knows, Life-giver: -
shall the Righteous smite the liar before the
retributions come which you have conceived? That
were indeed a message to bless the world.
3. For
him that knows, that is the best of teachings
which the beneficent the Life-giver teaches
through the Right, he the holy one, even
yourself, Life-giver, that knows the secret lore
through the wisdom of decent thought.
4.
Whoso, Life-giver, makes his thought (now)
better, (now) worse, and likewise his Self by
action and by word, and follows his own
inclinations, wishes, and choices, he shall in
your purpose be in a separate place at last.
5. Let
good rulers rule us, not evil rulers with the
actions of the Good Lore, Piety! Perfect you for
man, you most good, the future birth, and for
the cow skilled husbandry. Let her grow fat for
our nourishing.
6. She
(Armaiti) will give us peaceful dwelling, she
will give lasting life and strength, she the
beloved of decent thought. For it (the cattle)
the Life-giver made the plants to grow at the
birth of the First Life, through Right.
7.
Violence must be put down! against cruelty make
a stand, you who would make sure of the reward
of decent thought through Right, to whose
company the holy man belongs. his dwelling place
shall be in your House, Life-giver.
8. Is
the possession of your good dominion,
Life-giver, is that of your Destiny assured to
me the Life-giver? Will your manifestation, you
Right, be welcome to the pious, even the
weighing of actions by the Good Spirit?
9. When
shall I know whether you have power, Life-giver
and Right, over everyone whose destructiveness
is a menace to me? Let the revelation of decent
thought be confirmed to me; the future deliverer
should know how his own destiny shall be.
10.
When, Life-giver, will the nobles understand the
message? When will you smite the filthiness of
this intoxicant, through which the Karapans
evilly deceive, and the wicked lords of the
lands with purpose fell? [1]
11.
When, Life-giver, shall Piety come with Right,
with dominion the happy dwelling rich with
pasture? Who are they that will make peace with
the bloodthirsty liars? To whom will the Lore of
decent thought come?
12.
These shall be the deliverers [[Saoshyants]] of
the provinces, who exert themselves, decent
thought in their action, Righteousness, to
fulfill their duty, face to face with your
command, Life-giver. For these are the appointed
smiters of Violence.
NOTES:
[1] Martin Schwartz tr: "When will they ban(ish)
the filth of that ditch/reciprocity-gift whereby
... the karapans commit plunder", 'thus Yasna
48.10 contains no reference to intoxication, let
alone condemnation of haoma.' Flattery: 'the
passage ... has nothing remotely to do with
sauma.' (Flattery & Schwartz, Haoma and
Harmaline, 1989, pp. 105, 6.)
Chapter
49
1. EVER HAS Bendva been for me the greatest
obstacle, I who desire to give satisfaction to
those who are neglected, Right, Life-giver. With
good Ada come to me, support me firmly. Prepare
for him (his) ruin, decent thought.
2. The
perverter of this Bendva has long time impeded
me, the liar who has fallen away from Right. He
cares not that holy Piety should be his, nor
takes the counsel with decent thought,
Life-giver.
3. And
in this belief (of ours), Life-giver, Right is
laid down, for blessing, in the heresy the Lie,
for ruin. Therefore I strive for the fellowship
of decent thought, I forbid all intercourse with
the liar.
4. They
who make the increase of violence and cruelty
with their tongues, the foes of cattle-nurture
among its friends; whose ill deeds prevail, not
their good deeds: these (shall be) in the house
of the demons, (the place for) the Self of the
liar.
5. But
he, Life-giver, - happiness and satiety be his
who links his own Self with decent thought,
being through Right an intimate of Piety. And
with all these (may I be) in your dominion,
Life-giver.
6. I
beseech you two, Life-giver and the Right, to
say what are the plans of your will, that we may
discern how we might teach the Religion of such
as you, Life-giver.
7. And
this let decent thought hear, Life-giver, let
the Right hear, do you also listen, Life-giver,
which men of the brotherhood, what noble is it
according to the Law who brings to the community
fame.
8. On
Frashaoshtra do you bestow the most gladsome
fellowship with the Right - this I ask you,
Life-giver - and on myself the hold on what is
good in your dominion. To all eternity we would
be your messengers.
9. Let
the helper hear the ordinance, he that is
created to bring deliverance. The man of right
words is no regarder of fellowship with the
liar, if they that are partakers of Right are to
make their Selves partake in the best reward at
the Judgment, Jamaspa.
10. And
this, Life-giver, will I put in your care within
your House - the decent thought and the souls of
the Righteous, their worship, their Piety and
zeal, that you mayst guard it, you mighty
dominion, with abiding power.
11. But
these that are of an evil dominion, of evil
deeds, evil words, evil Self, and evil thought,
liars, the Souls go to meet them with evil food;
in the House of the Lie they shall be meet
inhabitants.
12. What
help have you, Right, for Zoroaster that calls
on me? What have you, decent thought?—for me who
with praises seeks your favor, Life-giver,
longing for that which is best in your
possession.
Chapter
50
1. (ZOROASTER:) Can my soul count on anyone for
help? Who is there found for my herd, who for
myself a protector, indeed, at my call other
than the Right and yourself. the Life-giver, and
the Best Thought?
2. How,
Life-giver, should one desire the luck-bringing
cattle, one who would fain it would come to him
with the pasture? (the Life-giver:) They that
live uprightly according to the Right among the
many that look on the sun, those whom they stand
in judgment, I will settle in the dwellings of
the wise.
3.
(Zoroaster:) So this (reward) shall come to him
through the Right, Life-giver, (this reward)
which by the dominion and decent thought he
promised, whomsoever by the power of his Destiny
prospers the neighboring possession that now the
liar holds.
4. I
will worship you with praise, Life-giver, joined
with Right and Best Thought and dominion, that
they, desired of pious men, may stand as Judges
on the path of the obedient to the House of
Song.
5.
Assured by you, Life-giver and Right, are the
pointings of the hand - since you are
well-disposed to your prophet - which shall
bring us to bliss, together with visible
manifest help.
6. The
prophet Zoroaster, Life-giver, who lifts up his
voice in worship, as friend of Righteousness -
may the Creator of Wisdom teach me his
ordinances through decent thought, that my
tongue may have a pathway.
7. For
you I will harness the swiftest steeds, stout
and strong, by the promptings of your praise,
that you may come here, Life-giver, Right, and
Good thought.
8. Ever
with verses that are recognized as those of
pious zeal I will come before you with
outstretched hands, Life-giver, before you, you
Right, with worship of the faithful man, before
you with all the capacity of decent thought.
9. With
those prayers I would come and praise you,
Life-giver and you Right, with actions of decent
thought. If I be master of my own destiny as I
will, then will I take thought for the portion
of the wise in the same.
10.
Those actions that I shall achieve and those
done aforetime, and those, decent thought, that
are precious in your sight, the rays of the sun,
the shimmering uprisings of the days, all is for
your praise, you Right and the Life-giver.
11. Your
praiser, Life-giver, will I declare myself and
be, so long, Right, as I have strength and
power. May the Creator of the world accomplish
through decent thought its fulfillment of all
that most perfectly answers to his will.
Vohukhshathra hymn
Chapter 51
1. THE GOOD, the precious dominion, as a most
surpassing portion, shall Right achieve for him
that with zeal accomplishes what is best through
his actions, Life-giver. This will I now work
out for us.
2.
Before all, Life-giver, assure me the dominion
of your possession, Right, and what is yours,
Piety. Your (dominion) of blessing give through
decent thought to him that prays.
3. Let
your ears attend to those who in their deeds and
utterances hold to your words, Life-giver and
Right, to those of decent thought, for whom you,
Life-giver, are the first teacher.
4. Where
is the recompense for wrong to be found, where
pardon for the same? Where shall they attain the
Right? Where is the holy Piety, where Best
Thought? your dominions, where are they,
Life-giver?
5. All
this (I) ask, whether the husbandman shall find
cattle in accordance with Right, he that is
perfect in action, a man of understanding, when
he prays to him, who has promised to the Wise
the true Judge, in that he is Lord of the two
destinies...
6. Even
he, Life-giver, who through his dominion
appoints what is better than good to him that is
attached to his will, but what is worse than
evil to him that obeys him not, at the last end
of life.
7. Give
me, you that didst create the Ox and Waters and
Plants, welfare and immortality, by the Highest
Spirit, Life-giver, strength and continuance
through decent thought at the (Judge's)
sentence.
8. Of
these two things will I speak, Life-giver, - for
one may speak to the wise, - the ill that is
threatened to the liar, and the happiness of him
who clings to the Right. For he, the prophet, is
glad of every one who says this to the wise.
9. What
recompense you will give to the two parties by
your red Fire, by the molten metal, give us a
sign of it in our souls - even the bringing of
ruin to the liar, of blessing to the Righteous.
10.
Whoso, other than this one, seeks to kill me,
Life-giver, he is a son of the Lie's creation,
ill-willed thus towards all that live. I call
the Right to come to me with good destiny.
11. What
man is friend to Spitama Zoroaster, Life-giver?
Who will let himself be counseled by Right? With
whom is holy Piety? Or who as an upright man is
intent on the brotherhood of decent thought?
12. The
Kavi's wanton did not please Zoroaster Spitama
at the Winter Gate, in that he stayed him from
taking refuge with him, and when there came to
him also (Zoroaster's) two steeds shivering with
cold.
13. Thus
the Self of the liar destroys for himself the
assurance of the right Way; whose soul shall
tremble at the Revelation on the Bridge of the
Separator, having turned aside with deeds and
tongue from the Path of Right.
14. The
Karapans will not obey the statutes and
ordinances concerning husbandry. For the pain
they inflict on the cattle, fulfill on them
through their actions and judgments that
judgment which at the last shall bring them to
the House of the Lie.
15. When
Zoroaster has promised to the men of his
brotherhood, (which) in the House of Song the
Life-giver has first attained, for all this I
have looked through your blessings, decent
thought, and those of Right.
16. Kavi
King Vishtasp has the creed which the holy the
Life-giver with Right has devised, together with
the dominion of the Brotherhood, and the path of
decent thought. So be it accomplished after our
desire.
17. The
fair form of one that is dear has Frashaoshtra
Hvogva promised to me: may sovereign the
Life-giver grant that she attain possession of
the Right for her good Self.
18. This
creed Jamaspa Hvogva chooses through Right,
lordly in substance. This dominion they (choose)
who have part in decent thought. This grant me,
Life-giver, that they may find in you,
Life-giver, their protection.
19. The
man himself, Maidyoi-Maungha Spitama, has set
this before him after conceiving it in his own
self. He that would see life indeed, to him will
he make known what in actions by the
Life-giver's ordinance is better during (this)
existence.
20. Your
blessings shall you give us, all that are one in
will, with whom Right, decent thought, Piety,
and the Life-giver (are one) according to
promise, giving your aid when worshipped with
reverence.
21. By
Piety the man becomes Holy. Such person advances
Right through his thinking, his words, his
action, his Self. By decent thought the
Life-giver will give the dominion. For this good
Destiny I long.
22. He,
I ween, that the Life-giver knoweth among all
that have been and are, as one to whom in
accordance with Right the best portion falls for
his prayer, these will I reverence by their own
names and go before them with honor.
Vahishtoishti hymn
Chapter 53
1. (ZOROASTER) - The best possession known is of
Zoroaster Spitama, which is that the Life-giver
will give him through Right the glories of
blessed life to all time, and likewise to them
that practice and learn the words and actions of
his Good Religion.
2. Then
let them seek the pleasure of the Life-giver
with thoughts, words, and actions, to him praise
gladly, and seek his worship, even Kava King
Vishtasp, and Zoroaster's son, the Spitamid,
with Frashaoshtra, making straight the paths for
the Religion of the future Deliverer which the
Life-giver ordained.
3. Him,
Pouruchista, you scion of Haechataspa and
Spitama, youngest of Zoroaster's daughters, has
(Zoroaster) appointed as one to enjoin on them
the fellowship with decent thought, Right, and
the Life-giver. So take counsel with your own
understanding, with good insight practice the
holiest works of Piety.
4. (Jamaspa):
Earnestly will I lead her to the Faith, that she
may serve her father and her husband, the
farmers and the nobles, as a righteous woman
(serving) the righteous. The glorious heritage
of decent thought ... shall the Life-giver give
to her for all time.
5.
(Zoroaster): Teachings address I to maidens
marrying, and to you (bridegrooms) giving
counsel. Lay them to heart and learn to get them
within your Selves in earnest attention to the
Life of decent thought. Let each of you strive
to excel the other in the Right, for it will be
a prize for that one.
6. So is
it in fact, you men and women! Whatever
happiness you look for in the follower of the
(...) that will be snatched away from his
person. To them the liars, crying 'woe', shall
be ill-food, paradise shall be lost to them that
despite righteousness. In such wise you destroy
for yourselves the Spiritual Life.
7. And
to you shall accrue the reward of the
Brotherhood - in so far as the most faithful
zeal is in your flesh and blood - there where
the spirit of the liar, cringing and cowering,
shall fall down into destruction. If you
separate yourselves from the Brotherhood, then
will 'woe!' be your word at the end of things.
8. So
they whose deeds are evil, let them be deceived,
and let them all howl, abandoned to ruin.
Through good rulers let him bring death and
bloodshed on them and peace from these (their
assaults) to the happy villagers. Grief let him
bring on those, he that is the greatest, with
the lord of death; and soon let it be.
9. To
men of evil creed belongs the place of
corruption. They that set themselves to contemn
the worthy, despising righteousness, forfeiting
their own body. - Where is the Righteous Lord
who shall rob them of life and freedom? yours
the Life-giver is the dominion, whereby you can
give to the right-living poor man the better
portion.