hen the torture gave no result, they [first] photographed him
(the executioners on his left and on his right, and he sitting bound in
fetters and chains beneath the sword with perfect meekness and composure),
and then slew and destroyed him. This photograph I sent for, and found
worthy of contemplation, for he was seated with wonderful humility and
strange submissiveness, in utmost resignation.

Now when His Majesty the King had perused certain passages and become
cognizant of the contents of the epistle, he was much affected at what had
taken place and manifested regret, because his courtiers had acted hastily
and put into execution a severe punishment. It is even related that he
said thrice, "Doth anyone punish [one who is but] the channel of

[Pages 61-80]

correspondence?" Then the Royal Command was issued that their Reverences
the learned doctors and honorable and accomplished divines should write a
reply to that epistle. But when the most expert doctors of the capital
became aware of the contents of the letter they ordained: "That this
person, without regarding [the fact] that he is at variance with the
Perspicuous Religion, is a meddler with custom and creed, and a troubler
of kings and emperors. Therefore to eradicate, subdue, repress, and repel
[this sect] is one of the requirements of the Well-established Path, and
indeed the chief of obligations."

This answer was not approved before the [Royal] Presence, for the contents
of this epistle had no obvious discordance with the Law or with reason,
and did not meddle with political or administrative matters, nor interfere
with or attack the Throne of Sovereignty. They ought, therefore, to have
discussed the real points at issue, and to have written clearly and
explicitly such an answer as would have caused the disappearance of doubts
and the solution of difficulties, and would have become a fulcrum for
discussion to all.

Now of this epistle sundry passages shall be set forth in writing to
conduce to a better understanding [of the matter] by all people. At the
beginning of the epistle was a striking passage in the Arabic language
[treating] of questions of faith and assurance; the sacrifice of life in
the way of the Beloved; the state of resignation and contentment; the
multiplicity of misfortunes, calamities, hardships, and afflictions; and
falling under suspicion of seditiousness through the machinations of foes;
the establishment of His innocence in