________________
SELECTIONS OF ZÂD-SPARAM, 1, 15-24.
159
20. By this formula he (Aharman) was confounded, and he fell back to the gloom?; and Adharmazd produced the creatures bodily for the world; first, the sky; the second, water; the third, earth ; the fourth, plants; the fifth, animals; the sixth, mankind ? 21. Fire was in all, diffused originally through the six substances, of which it was as much the confiner of each single substance in which it was established, it is said, as an eyelid when they lay one down upon the other.
22. Three thousand years the creatures were possessed of bodies and not walking on their navels; and the sun, moon, and stars stood still. 23. In the mischievous incursion, at the end of the period, Adharmazd observed thus : What advantage is there from the creation of a creature, although thirstless, which is unmoving or mischievous ?' 24.
"As is the will of the living spirit (as is the will of Adharmazd) so should be the pastor (so excellent should he be) owing to whatsoever are the duties and good works of righteousness (the duties and good works should be as excellent as the will of Adharmazd). Whose is the gift of good thought (that is, the reward and recompense good thought gives, it gives also unto him) which among living spirits is the work of Adharmazd (that is, they would do that which Adharmazd requires); there are some who say it is thus : Whose gift is through good thought that is, the reward and recompense which they will give to good thought, they would give also unto him); Atarô-pâd son of Zaratûst said that by the gift of good thought, when among living spirits, they comprehend the doing of deeds. The sovereignty is for Allharmazd (that is, the sovereignty which is his, Adharmazd has kept with advantage) who gives necessaries (or comfort, or clothing) to the poor (that is, they would make intercession for them).'
Additional phrases are sometimes inserted, and some words altered, but the above is the usual form of this commentary. · Bund. I, 22.
Bund. I, 28.
Digitized by Google