488 Translation of the Vichitra Ndtak. [No. 6. 



So those who knew me not, invoked and prayed to my false messen- 

 gers. Some with bended knee adored the Sun, some the winds of 

 Heaven, and some Fire. 



Some hewed idols from the rocks, and fell down and worshipped 

 them. Others prayed to the mighty ocean, and many with frightful 

 ceremonies offered their devotions to death. 



Those whom I sent to witness of me, bore false testimony of them- 

 selves ; setting aside my instructions, they disseminated doctrines of 

 their own. 



They would not acknowledge me, neither was I even slightly 

 remembered of them. And men became prouder and more arrogant 

 daily, making for themselves gods of stone. 



I then sent religious devotees, who turned against me like their 

 predecessors : verily every clever man, who was born, invented and 

 spread abroad some new tenets of his own. 



So that none believed in the true God, none understood my 

 creed. Mankind was confused with ignorance and folly, and animo- 

 sities raged in the hearts of men, as forests are fired by a single 

 spark. 



Sects arose in every direction, and many were the creeds which sin 

 imagined, and vanity taught, but the people were mad, for no one 

 recognized me. 



I then sent the Rikhis, who false to the trust imposed upon them, 

 scattered abroad the seeds of their own impure doctrines, which took root 

 in the hearts of men, so that they forgot me, all, save a few. Brahm 

 thereupon composed the four Veds, which pleased the world greatly, 

 and were much esteemed. A faithful few clung to me, disregarding 

 even the poetic influence of the Veds. 



Aye ! and those who cared n6t for the Veds, neither for the Koran, 

 but putting their trust in me, believed, were saved from many evils 

 which distressed those who had no god to protect them. 



Those who heeded not false doctrines, but clung in patient hope to 

 me, were received into heaven, and will never more be separated from 

 their God. 



Those who indulge the foolishness of caste, and claiming exclusive 

 privileges, forsake my path, are condemned to inhabit earth, in various 

 forms, and at last their portion will be hell. 



