e 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 'Iraq, 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 Mirza Sa'id _Kh_an, 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 Babis] appealed to the governor
of 'Iraq. 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 'Iraq 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
bounds nor assailed anyone. It is nigh on fifteen years that all continue
tranquil, looking unto God and relying on Him, and bear patiently what
hath come upon them, casting it on God. And after the arrival of this
Servant in this city which is called Adrianople certain of this community
enquired concerning the meaning of 'victory.' Diverse answers were sent in
reply, one of which answers will be submitted on this page, so that it may
become clear before t