According to this sect there are seven worlds: the first is absolute existence and pure being, which they call _Arang_[315] or “divinity;” the second is the world of intelligences, which they call _Birang_ or “the empyreal;” the third is that of souls, called _Alrang_ or the angelic; the fourth that of the superior bodies, or _Nirang_; the fifth, the elementary or _Rang_; the sixth the compounds of the four elements, or _Rang-a-Rang_: but according to the Sufís all bodies, whether superior or inferior, are named _Málk_ or region; the seventh is _Sarang_, which is that of man or of human beings: but in some Parsi treatises they term these seven regions the seven true realities: however, if the author were to describe minutely the articles and ceremonies of this sect, their details would require so many volumes, that contenting himself with what has been stated, he now proceeds to describe some of their most distinguished followers of later times. [228] Here begins the translation of David Shea. [229] _Serúsh_ or _Serósh_, is derived from the Zend, and signifies properly _sí-roz_, that is “thirty days, a month.” To the adorers of the stars, Serósh is the name of an angel who presides over the 17th day of the month; according to their religion, he is moreover the most active of the celestial spirits; as king of the earth, he passes every day and every night three times through his empire; his throne is the summit of the world; all light, all intelligence, he purifies and fertilizes the earth, blesses and protects mankind, strikes the evil spirits; in short, he is adored equal to the supreme being. (_See Zend Avesta, par Anquetil du Perron_, _I._ 2. P. _pp._ 80, 156, 228, 404, 415; _II._ 320, 330, 223, 235, 237).――A. T. [230] The text given by Gladwin (_see the New Asiatic Miscellany_, _vol. I. p._ 93), and the manuscript of Oude, have no negative before خجسته; the sense would therefore be: “if his words had been plausible, but the deeds bad.” The edit. of Calcutta gives the sense as above.――A. T. [231] Gladwin translates this passage as follows (_ibid._, _p._ 94): “If a deserving soul produces good words and deeds,” which is in accordance with the text he followed, and with that of the edit. of Calcutta; but Shea’s translation is justified by the manuscript of Oude, which has: بي پسنديده اقوال فرّخی افعال.――A. T.