His presumption led him to claim the authority of a prophet and he composed a work which he pretended had come down from heaven, affirming also that he was the Paraclete announced by the Messiah; Shá­púr, the son of Ardshír Bábagán favoured him. It was not long before his imposture was discovered and he was condemned to death, but he con­trived to escape by flight. For a time he remained in Kashmír and from thence entered India where his doctrines received some acceptance. From thence he went to Turkistán and China and resided chiefly in the eastern parts till his wanderings brought him to a mountain where he discovered a cave which was untrodden by human foot, and to this he brought provi­sions sufficient for a year. One day, in the course of conversation, he said to his followers: “I have been summoned to heaven where I shall remain for a twelve-month: be not troubled at my absence nor withdraw from the worship of God and the practice of virtue. At the end of the year, go, some of you, to a certain mountain and wait in expectation.” Previous to his concealment he had learnt the art of painting in which he had attained incomparable skill. After he had ascended the mountain, he painted some wonderful figures which are celebrated by the name of Artang, or Arzhang,* and at the time that he had said, he came forth with the book in his hand. Those who saw it were filled with amazement. He exclaimed: “This is not the work of mortals that ye should wonder; I brought it from heaven and it is painted by the angels.” This he brought forward as a witness of his prophetic mission and deceived the ignorant and credulous. He attempted to impose upon Bahrám Gor, the son of Hormuzd the son of Ardshír, but he failed in his purpose, and in this criminal venture staked and lost his life.