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CHAPTER XLII, 6-XLIV, 2.
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just as though they have slain an apostate (âshmôgh). 5. For every one who kills a flying ant (markis) it is as much good work as for any one who is reciting inward prayer for ten days. 6. Among the creatures of Aharman nothing whatever is more harmful than this; for, if it dies in the air (hava) it becomes a gnat, if it dies in the dust it becomes a worm, if it dies in the water it becomes a leech', if it dies among the excavators of flesh it becomes a venomous snake (mâr-i af'hai), and if it dies in dung it becomes creeping things. 7. For every one who kills á corndragging ant it is as much good work as for any one who recites the Hôrmazd Yast. 8. And for every one who kills many noxious creatures it is as much good work as for a priest who performs the ceremonial of the sacred beings; both good works are equal. 9. For every one who kills a mouse it is as much good work as if four lions are killed 10. Therefore, it is incumbent on every one to make an effort to kill a noxious creature.
CHAPTER XLIV. 1. The forty-fourth subject is this, that it is not desirable for those of the good religion, so far as they are able to manage it, to put a bare foot upon the grounds, because it is a sin, and injuryt occurs to Spendârmad , the archangel. 2. And they call that the sin of running about uncovered. 1 B29 has ‘hedgehog.'
Ants and mice (or rats) are considered noxious on account of the damage they do to certain crops and farmers' stores.
See Sls. X, 12. • Lp has only because injury.' See Chap. XXXIII, 2 n.
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