A Traveler's Narrative
page 62
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toward `Iráq-i-`Arab, and in that land abode twelve years.
During the period of [His] sojourn [there] no description of His
condition was laid before the Royal Presence, neither did any
representation go to foreign states. Relying upon God did He
abide in that land, until a certain functionary came to `Iráq,
who, on his arrival, fell to designing the affliction of a company
of poor unfortunates. Every day, beguiled by certain of
the doctors of Persia, he persecuted these servants; although
nothing prejudicial to Church or State, or at variance with the
principles and customs of their countrymen had been observed
in them. So this Servant [was moved] by this reflection:
`May it not be that by reason of the deeds of the transgressors
some action at variance with the world-ordering counsel of the
King should be engendered!' Therefore was an epitome [of the
matter] addressed to Mírzá Sa'íd Khán, the Minister for
Foreign Affairs, that he might submit it to the [Royal] Presence,
and that it might be done according to that which the
Royal command might promulgate. A long while elapsed,
and no command was issued; until matters reached such a
state that it was to be feared that sedition might suddenly break
out and the blood of many be shed. Of necessity, for the
protection of the servants of God, a certain number [of the
Bábís] appealed to the governor of `Iráq. If [the King] will
consider what has happened with just regard, it will become
clear in the mirror of his luminous heart that what occurred
was [done] from considerations of expediency, and that there
was apparently no resource save this. The Royal Personage
can bear witness and testify to this, that in whatever land there
were some few of this sect the fire of war and conflict was wont
to be kindled by reason of the aggression of certain governors.
But this Transient One after His arrival in `Iráq withheld all
from sedition and strife; and the witness of this Servant is His
action, for all are aware and will testify that the multitude of
this faction in Persia at that time was more than [it had been]
before, yet, notwithstanding this, none transgressed his proper
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