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EPISTLES OF MÂNUSKIHAR.
seemed so to you before, between when you have been in Pârs and this time when in Sirkân, it was not well considered with those acquainted with the religion, the wise and the high-priests, and not even reported. 3. If not conceived by you before, then what learned acquaintance with the religion was acquired by you in Sarakhs1 and Shiraz, about which you are enlightened? 4. And before it was to be well considered amid observation and meditation what high-priest was obtained by you in Shirâz, who, when it was well considered with him, in completely securing himself, kept you away from deliberation to be decided with me and other priestly men and high-priests?
5. If not decided by you in Pârs on account of breaking away from me, that is as though you yourself understand that I am to keep, in my own person, not even in the rank of discipleship unto you, but in that which is like servitude; and my coming3, which is on your account, is even an accumulation of harm and distrust (tars) which you have amassed for yourself by having written and acted, and has made me suffer sorrow (vidvarinido) in my own 6. If it had been shown to me by you that person. it would be the preservation of the religion, it would then have incited me to accept it steadfastly. 7. If,
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1 A town in the extreme north-east of Khurâsân, between Nishahpuhar and Marv, but nearer the latter city. When in this town Zâd-sparam probably came in contact with the Tughazghuz mentioned in Chap. I, 12.
2
Jinserts the words 'by you, and through your good consideration it was more properly undeceiving, if done, then.'
* Referring to his intended visit to Sirkân, mentioned in Chaps. VI, 4, 6, VII, 3, Ep. I, xi, 4.
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