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CHAPTER IV, 54-62.
63
versation, and co-operation were requested by her from him ; she also whined (dandido): 'I am Spendarmad 1.'
58. And Zaratust spoke thus : 'She who is Spendarmad was fully observed by me in the light of a cloudless day, and that Spendarmad appeared to me fine behind and fine before and fine all round (that is, in all positions she was handsome); do thou turn thy back, and I shall know if thou art Spendarmad:
59. And the fiend spoke to him thus: 'O Zaratůst of the Spitâmas ! where we are, those who are females are handsome in front, but frightfully hideous behind; so do not make a demand for my back.' 60. After she had protested a third time, the fiend turned her back, and she was seen by Zaratûst behind in the groin; and when matter was exuded, it was full of serpents, toads, lizards, centipedes, and frogs.
61. And that triumphant saying, the Yathâ-ahûvairyô, was uttered aloud by Zaratůst; then that fiend was annihilated, and Kêshmakthe Karap rushed forth. 62. And he grumbled in leaving, thus : The misery which is here below is such as I have obtained, because, owing to thee, I thought that thy sacred beings were more joyful than any heroes who through defeat go to hell; I proceed more joyfully than the sacred beings, as regards the life in the body, so that I fully deceive the life in thy body, and thou art fully deceived by me as regards thine.'
1 The female archangel Bountiful Devotion, in whose special charge are the earth and virtuous women; see Sls. XV, 5, 20-24.
? See Chap. II, 44, 45.
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