A Traveler's Narrative
page 54
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were appointed quarters in a guesthouse on the part of the
glorious Ottoman monarchy. And at first the utmost attention
was paid to them in every way. On the third day, because of
the straitness of their quarters and the greatness of their numbers,
they migrated and moved to another house. Certain of
the nobles came to see and converse with them, and these, as
is related, behaved with moderation. Notwithstanding that
many in their assemblies and gatherings continued to condemn
and vilify them saying, "This sect are a mischief to all
the world and destructive of treaties and covenants; they are a
source of trouble and baleful to all lands; they have kindled a
fire and consumed the earth; and though they be outwardly
fair-seeming yet are they deserving of every chastisement and
punishment," yet still the Bábís continued to conduct themselves
with patience, calmness, deliberation, and constancy,
so that they did not, even in self-defense, importune [the
occupants of] high places or frequent the houses of any of the
magnates of that kingdom. Whomsoever amongst the great
He [Bahá] interviewed on His own account, they met, and no
word save of sciences and arts passed between them; until
certain noblemen sought to guide Him, and loosed their
tongues in friendly counsel, saying, "To appeal, to state your
case, and to demand justice is a measure demanded by custom."
He replied in answer, "Pursuing the path of obedience
to the King's command We have come to this country.
Beyond this We neither had nor have any aim or desire that
We should appeal and cause trouble. What is [now] hidden
behind the veil of destiny will in the future become manifest.
There neither has been nor is any necessity for supplication
and importunity. If the enlightened-minded leaders [of your
nation] be wise and diligent, they will certainly make inquiry,
and acquaint themselves with the true state of the case; if not,
then [their] attainment of the truth is impracticable and impossible.
Under these circumstances what need is there for
importuning statesmen and supplicating ministers of the
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