as
nominally a prisoner (for the drastic firmans of Sultan
'Abdu'l-'Aziz were never repealed), yet in reality He showed forth
such nobility and dignity in His life and bearing that He was
reverenced by all, and the Rulers of Palestine envied His
influence and power. Governors and Mutasarrifs, generals and local
officials, would humbly request the honor of attaining His
presence--a request to which He seldom acceded.

On one occasion a Governor of the city implored this favor on the
ground of his being ordered by higher authorities to visit, with a
certain general, the Blessed Perfection. The request being
granted, the general, who was a very corpulent individual, a
European, was so impressed by the majestic presence of Baha'u'llah
that he remained kneeling on the ground near the door. Such was
the diffidence of both visitors that it was only after repeated
invitations from Baha'u'llah that they were induced to smoke the
narguileh (hubble-bubble pipe) offered to them. Even then they
only touched it with their lips, and then, putting it aside,
folded their arms and sat in an attitude of such humility and
respect as to astonish all those who were present.

The loving reverence of friends, the consideration and respect
that were shown by all officials and notables, the inflow of
pilgrims and seekers after truth, the spirit of devotion and
service that was manifest all around, the majestic and kingly
countenance of the Blessed Perfection, the effectiveness of His
command, the number of His zealous devotees-all bore witness to
the fact that Baha'u'llah was in reality no prisoner, but a King
of Kings. Two despotic sovereigns were against Him, two powerful
autocratic rulers, yet, even when confined in their own prisons,
He addressed them in very austere terms, like a king addressing
his subjects. Afterwards, in spite of severe firmans, He lived at
Bahji like a prince. Often He would say: "Verily, verily, the most
wretched prison has been converted into a Paradise of Eden."

Surely, such a thing has not been witnessed since the creation of
the world.

Life at Bahji

Having in His earlier years of hardship shown how to glorify God in a
state of poverty and ignominy, Baha'u'llah in His later years at Bahji
showed how to glorify God in a state of honor and affluence. The offerin