CHAPTER 1. [Religious disputes and the need for spiritual guidance]

IN THE NAME OF GOD 1. They say that, once upon a time, the pious Zartosht made the religion, which he had received, current in the world; (2) and till the completion of 300 years, the religion was in purity, and men were without doubts. 3. But afterward, the accursed evil spirit, the wicked one, in order to made men doubtful of this religion, (4) instigated the accursed Alexander, the Roman, who was dwelling in Egypt, so that he came to the country of Iran with severe cruelty and war and devastation; (5) he also slew the ruler of Iran, (6) and destroyed the metropolis and empire, and made them desolate.

7. And this religion, namely, all the Avesta and Zand, written upon prepared cow-skins, and with gold ink, was deposited in the archives, in Stakhar Papakan, (8) and the hostility of the evil-destined, wicked Ashemok, the evil-doer, brought onward Alexander, the Roman, who was dwelling in Egypt, and he burned them up. (9) And he killed several Dasturs and judges and Herbads and Mobads and upholders of the religion, and the competent and wise of the country of Iran. (10) And he cast hatred and strife, one with the other, amongst the nobles and householders of the country of Iran; (11) and self-destroyed, he fled to hell. 12. And after that, there were confusion and contention among the people of the country of Iran, one with the other.

(13) And so they had no lord, nor ruler, nor chieftain, nor Dastur who was acquainted with the religion, (14) and they were doubtful in regard to God; (15) and religions of many kinds, and different fashions of belief, and skepticism, and various codes of law were promulgated in the world; (16) until the time when the blessed and immortal Ataropad-i Marspendan was born; on whose breast, in the tale which is in the Denkard, melted brass was poured. (17) And much law and justice were administered according to different religions and different creeds; (18) and the people of this religion deposited in Shaspigan were in doubt. 19. And afterward, there were other magi and Dasturs of the religion; (20) and some of their number were loyal and apprehensive.

(21) And an assembly of them was summoned in the residence of the victorious Frobag fire; (22) and there were speeches and good ideas, of many kinds, on this subject: (23) that "it is necessary for us to seek a means, (24) so that some one of us may go, and bring intelligence from the spirits; (25) that the people who exist in this age shall know (26) whether these Yazishn and Dron and Afrinagan ceremonies, and Nirang prayers, and ablution and purifications which we bring into operation, attain unto God, or unto the demons. (27) and come to the relief of our souls, or not." 28. Afterward also, with the concurrence of the Dasturs of the religion, they called all the people to the residence of the Frobag fire.

(29) And from the whole number they set apart seven men who had not the slightest doubt of God and the religion, (30) and whose own thoughts and words and deeds were most orderly and proper; (31) and they were told thus: 'Seat yourselves down, (32) and select one from among you, who is best for this duty, and the most innocent and respected.' 33. And afterward, those seven men sat down; (34) and, from the seven, three were selected; and from the three, one only, named Viraf; (35) and some call him the Nishapurian. (36) Then that Viraf, as he heard that decision, stood upon his feet, (37) joined his hands on his breast, and spoke (38) thus: 'If it please you, then give me not the undesired narcotic (39) till you cast lots for the Mazdayasnians and me; (40) and if the lot come to me, I shall go willingly to that place of the pious and the wicked, (41) and carry this message correctly, and bring an answer truly.' 42.

And afterward, the lots of those Mazdayasnians and me were drawn; (43) the first time with the word 'well-thought,' and the second time with the word 'well-said,' and the third time with the word 'well-done'; each of the three lots came to Viraf.