THE PARSEES.
FROM THE ZEND AVESTA.
Of all and every kind of sin which I have committed against the creatures of Ormazd, as stars, moon, sun, and the red-burning fire, the Dog, the Birds, the other good creatures which are the property of Ormazd, if I have become a sinner against any of these, I repent.
"If a man gives bad food to a shepherd Dog, of what sin is he guilty?"
Ahura Mazda[4] answered:
"It is the same guilt as though he should serve bad food to a master of a house of the first rank."
"The dog, I, Ahura Mazda, have made self-clothed and self-shod, watchful, wakeful, and sharp-toothed, born to take his food from man and to watch over man's goods.
"I, Ahura Mazda, have made the dog strong of body against the evil-doer and watchful over your goods, when he is of sound mind."