________________
338
EPISTLES OF MÂNOSKİHAR.
allotted unto the priest 1; for if he were impure (palisto) there would be no one whatever who would properly perform the purification as it is necessary.
5. Then it has become indispensable for you to perform the purification, for that operation-so suitable for the discreet where he who has been by the dead ?,' so that he has become polluted, and even 'the stars and moon and sun shine upon his life discontentedly'-is just as fit for the exalted when there is great 'propitiation of fire, water, earth, cattle, righteous males, and righteous women' thereby. 6. So great is its value that where there is no purification of the body it is not possible to purify the life and soul; and when there is a man in a realm who is able to perform it, that man is not justifiable except when he shall perform it.
7. Finally, when that pre-eminent operation is being accomplished, over which there is in revelation and the perfect information due to revelation that supreme control which you are so disputing in the religion-which even through your trifling (khardako) in the name of authority is becoming a struggle (patkâr-yehevân)-then, though it may not be possible for you to perform it yourself, it should thereupon be the duty of some one of your disciples to perform it in your sight, so that you may be aware of the rite, even apart from the great resources in that most learned (aztam) acquaintance
Who is to purify him finally with the Bareshnům ceremony. . Referring to Vend. IX, 161-163, quoted at length in Ep. I, iv, 3.
: Reading mahisto, but it can also be read Magdayasto, • Mazda-worshipping.'
Digitized by
Digitized by Google
