Yasna 53 (Vahishtoishti Gatha)

That best prayer has been answered, the prayer of Zarathustra Spitâma, that Ahura Mazda might grant him those boons, (the most wished-for) which flow from the good Order, even a life that is prospered for eternal duration, and also those who deceived him (may He likewise thus grant him) as the good Faith's disciples in word and in deed.

And may Kavi Vîstâspa, and the Zarathustrian Spitâma, and Frashaostra too with them, offer propitiation to Mazda in thought, word, and deed, and Yasna confessions as they render Him praise, making straight paths (for our going), even that Faith of the Saoshyant which Ahura will found.

(The master of the feast.)

And him will they give Thee, O Pourukista, Haêkat-aspid and Spitâmi! young (as thou art) of the daughters of Zarathustra, him will they give thee as a help in the Good Mind's true service, of Asha's and Mazda's, as a chief and a guardian. Counsel well then (together), with the mind of Ârmaiti, most bounteous and pious; and act with just action.

(She answers.)

I will love and vie with him, since from (my) father he gained (me). For the master and toilers, and for the lord-kinsman (be) the Good Mind's bright blessing, the pure for the pure ones, and to me (be) the insight (which I gain from his counsel). Mazda grant it, Ahura for good conscience for ever.

(The priestly master of the feast.)

Monitions for the marrying I speak to (you) maidens, to you, I who know them; and heed ye my (sayings): By these laws of the Faith which I utter obtain ye the life of the Good Mind (on earth and in heaven). (And to you, bride and bridegroom), let each one the other in Righteousness cherish; thus alone unto each shall the home-life be happy.

[Thus real are these things, ye men and ye women!] from the Lie-demon protecting, I guard o’er my (faithful), and so (I) grant progress (in weal and in goodness). And the hate of the Lie (with the hate of her) bondsmen (?) I pray from the body, (and so would expel it). For to those who bear Vayu, (and bring him to power), his shame mars the glory. To these evil truth-harmers by these means he reaches. Ye thus slay the life mental (if ye follow his courses).

But yours be the recompense, (O ye righteous women!) of this great cause. For while lustful desire heart-inflamed from the body there beyond goeth down where the spirit of evil reaches (to ruin, still) ye bring forth the champion to help on the cause, (and thus conquer temptation). So your last word is 'Vayu'; (ye cry it in triumph).

And thus let the sinners by these means be foiled; and consumed be they likewise. Let them shriek in their anger. With good kings let (our champion) deliver the smiter (as a captive in battle), giving peace to our dwellings, and peace to our hamlets. Let him charge those deceivers, chaining death as the strongest; and swift be (the issue).

Through false believers the tormentor makes Thy helpers refusers; (those who once helped our heroes shall no longer give succour). The estranged thus desires, and the reprobate wills it, with the will that he harbours to conquer our honour. Where is then the Lord righteous who will smite them from life, and (beguile) them of license? Mazda! Thine is that power, (which will banish and conquer). And Thine is the Kingdom; and by it Thou bestowest the highest (of blessings) on the right-living poor!