In the royal dynasty which preceded the Gilsháíán kings, there was no violation whatever of this code; but under later princes some disorder crept into its observance. They also say, that whenever they violated the commands, decrees, maxims, rules, and decisions of this covenant, they became associated with regret and repentance. Whenever a sovereign sustained any injury, it arose principally from inattention to this standard; and whenever a monarch lived in prosperity, it proceeded from his scrupulous observance of the most minute details of this code. The ancient sovereigns, that is, the _Abádíán_, the _Jaiyán_, the _Shaiyán_ and the _Yassánían_, who are the most renowned of kings, never lost sight of the Farhang Abád, that is, they did every thing according to its dictates: this code they also called _Hirbud Sár_, or “sacerdotal purity.” During this period no enemy arose, and no foe obtained the supremacy; the military and the rayas enjoyed undisturbed repose. Amongst the _Gilsháíyán_ kings, _Hushang_, _Tahmúras_, _Faridun_, _Minuchahar_, _Kaikobád_, _Kaikhusró_, _Lohorasp_, _Bahman_, _Ardashir Babágán_, and the others, had this code transcribed in secret characters, which they employed as mental amulets and spiritual charms. _Náshirván_ also, having procured a transcript of this law, kept it by him. Although all the sovereigns conformed to this rule, yet none observed it in so high a degree as the ancient sovereigns of the _Abádíán_, _Jaiyán_, _Shaiyán_, and _Yassáníán_ dynasties: as in the belief held by the _Yazdanians_, or “theists,” their dignity so far transcends that of the Gilsháíyáns, that we can institute no comparison between them. The Gilsháíyán princes also exerted themselves to prevent the slaughter of harmless animals; although the people did not pay the same respect to their orders as to those of the ancient sovereigns, yet, as compared with their successors, people were more exact in the performance of duty than in later periods.