Zend Avesta Part 03

Author(s): L H Mills
Publisher: Oxford

Page 15

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THE GÂTHAS, ETC.
seen from the occasional word for word renderings given. Beyond the Gâthas, I have omitted the curves oftener. I have in the Gathas, as elsewhere, also endeavoured to impart a rhythmical character to the translation, for the reason above given, and foreign readers should especially note the fact, as well as my effort to preserve the colour of original expressions, otherwise they will inevitably inquire why I do not spare words. To preserve the colour and warmth, and at the same time to include a literal rendering, it is impossible to spare words and syllables, and it is unwise to attempt it. Non-specialists may dislike the frequency of alternative renderings as leaving the impression of indecision, while, at the same time, a decision is always expressed by the adoption of a preferred rendering. The alternatives were added with the object of showing how nearly balanced probabilities may be, and also how uninportant to the general sense the questions among specialists often are.
In transliterating, I have followed the plan used in the preceding volumes to avoid confusion, but since the first volume was published, great progress has been made in this particular, and in a separate work I should have adopted a different arrangement. As to other unimportant variations from the preceding volumes in matters of usage and fashion, I trust that no one will dwell on them for a moment. As regards the usual and inevitable differences of opinion on more serious questions, see the remarks in the Introduction". I would also state that I have often avoided rendering identical passages in identical language, as irksome both to reader and writer. I have also not invariably cited the obviously preferable variations of text which have been adopted, and which are so familiar to the
1 Chiefly as to , , , , , , , , ; but I write , b 7.
? As in Aramaiti, Vohu Manah, &c. I also write Neryosangh, and in a sew places Gatha a), Ahunavaiti(1), &c. I regret not to have written Mazdâh everywhere.
3 Where I differ from Professor Darmesteter, I desire to be considered as merely proposing alternative renderings. I have therefore omitted a mass of references to the previous volumes as unnecessary.
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