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CHAPTER 1, 7-16.
the praise of a leader (sardâr), raised by agreeable voices, is uttered about me, yet I am not pleased when they extol my greatness more than that of their own leader; for my wish is for that praise which is due to my own rank and similar limits, and seems suitable to me; and humility in oneself is as correct as grandeur among inferiors.
12. That which is about the lengthy writing of questions, as to your worldly circumstances (stihânthâ) and worldly affairs, has also shown this, that I should write a reply at a time in which I have leisure. 13. That is more important on account of your well-expressed questions and boldness about ambiguous answers, and your ardent desire for the setting aside of time; for the setting aside, or not beginning, of a reply is implied. 14. But owing to the perplexing struggle on account of the fiend there is little leisure for quick and searching thought, and owing to that which is undecided there is little for indispensable (frêzvâniko) work.
15. As to a reply at a period of leisure time, the occurrence of the time appointed is manifested in everything, apart even from the kind regards of friendship, and the collection of information whereby, owing to my little leisure, it is declared unto you. 16. And I have, too, this confidence, that your questions are written with religious faith and desiring religious decision; and in the reply the statement of reasons from revelation (dinô) is manifold, for
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1 This translation of mâno-advâzikŏ-âkhezako is somewhat doubtful.
* Or 'prodigious.'
That is, awaiting the high-priest's judicial and ecclesiastical decision.
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