5
the signs
To him I, Zarathushtra, then answered foremost: 'Torments in very deed the faithless will I send, But to our saints would be a joyous power', Since with full care I toil, Thy Realm awaiting,[1] While I my woven[2] praise [2] to Thee shall blend.
Yea, I conceive Thee bounteous, Ahura Mazda, When the true loyal came, my mission's[3] call to ask[3], Saying 'what aim hast thou? what wilt thou gain in this?' Then for Thy Fire praise-offering I besought him, Planning Thy Law's advance[3]; this be my task[3]!
search me
Do Thou Thy Holiness revealing teach me, Since with the zealous[4] joined to rise[4] I seek.[4] Ask Thou yet questions, such that Thou[5]mayst[5] search[4] us, For questions Thine are thus as of the mighty, As when their mighty wish Thy rulers speak.
prepared
Yea, I conceived Thee bounteous, Ahura Mazda, When the true Loyal came with spirit[6] blest[6], And with your words my soul I first instructed; Woes that devoted one[7] 'midst foes forewarned me, Yet will I that fulfil named by Thee best!
- ↑ rhythmically supplied to fill out the sense.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 see the word-for-word
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 rhythmical and explanatory, see the word-for-word.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 see the word-for-word
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 literally, 'that we may be asked of Thee'; or it may mean, 'ask Thou the questions which are to be asked by us'; 'inspire our prayers': see the word for word and Comm., p. 517.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 'with the Good Mind' (for 'good-minded one'), the orthodox, holy, and 'well-affected' citizen inspired by the good mind.
- ↑ so more safely, but the original will bear the finer sense 'my heart's devotion,' so, perhaps even more literally.
