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6
DÂDISTÂN-I DINIK.
now there are pontiffs (radânŏ), priests, high-priests, judges, and also other religious leaders of those of the religion in various quarters. 7. Moreover, the other priests and spiritual1 men here enumerated have well considered the commentary (zand) of the text (mânsar) which is muttered, are acquainted with opinions explaining the religion, and are, in many places, the cause of preferring good works; with whom also, on account of their understanding and knowing about such opinions, the sacred beings are pleased.
8. The desires expressed, and the good wishes as to what is mine and has happened to me, which you ordered to write, are likewise marks of friendship and kind regard, and owing to them a like measure of friendship and kind regard becomes your 2 own.
9. As to that which you ordered to write in much friendship and commendation and profusely about me-as regards the administration of the realm (kêshvar dastôbarth), of the unity without counterpart (da digarih), and the singleness co-extensive with any duality-if the writing of that, too, were owing to your friendship, even then it seemed to me disquieting, owing to this being so much praise. 10. If in these times and countries there be an understanding of the time and a boasting about any one, if it be graceful as regards him who is a leader of the religion (dinô pêsûpâî) of long-continued faith, I consider it not suitable for myself3. 11. Though
1 See p. 5, note 4.
2 All MSS. have 'thy.'
Although he was himself the 'director of the profession of priests' of Pârs (see Chap. XCIV, 13), an office which was then equivalent to that of 'leader of the religion' (see Chap. XLV, 5).
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