d His surpassing mercy, to
abolish, through the force of Our utterance, all disputes, war, and
bloodshed, from the face of the earth. Under all conditions We have, in
spite of what they have said, endured with seemly patience, and have left
them to God. In answer to this particular imputation, however, We have
replied, that if that which he affirmeth be true, it behooveth him to be
thankful to Him Who is the Lord of all being, and the King of the seen and
unseen, for having raised up in Persia One Who, though a prisoner and with
none to help and assist Him, hath succeeded in establishing His ascendency
over that land, and in drawing from it a yearly revenue. Such an
achievement should be praised rather than censured, if he be of them that
judge equitably. Should anyone seek to be acquainted with the condition of
this Wronged One, let him be told that these captives whom the world hath
persecuted and the nations wronged have, for days and nights, been
entirely denied the barest means of subsistence. We are loth to mention
such things, neither have We had, nor do We have now, any desire to
complain against Our accuser. Within the walls of this prison a highly
esteemed man was for some time obliged to break stones that he might earn
a living, whilst others had, at times, to nourish themselves with that
Divine sustenance which is hunger! We entreat God--exalted and glorified be
He--to aid all men to be just and fair-minded, and to graciously assist
them to repent and return unto Him. He, verily, heareth, and is ready to
answer.

Glorified art Thou, O Lord my God! Thou seest what hath befallen this
Wronged One at the hands of them that have not associated with Me, and who
have arisen to harm and abase Me, in a manner which no pen can describe,
nor tongue recount, nor can any Tablet sustain its weight. Thou hearest
the cry of Mine heart, and the groaning of Mine inmost being, and the
things that have befallen Thy trusted ones in Thy cities and Thy chosen
ones in Thy land, at the hands of such as have broken Thy Covenant and Thy
Testament. I beseech Thee, O my Lord, by the sighs of Thy lovers
throughout the world, and by their lamentation in their remoteness from
the court of Thy presence, and by the blood that hath been shed for love
of Thee, and by the hearts that have melted in Thy path, to protect Thy
loved ones from the cruelty of such as have remained unaware of the
mysteries of Thy Name, the Unconstrained. Assist them, O