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So likewise during the period of their sojourn in 'Iraq certain functionaries of foreign governments were desirous of intimacy, and sought friendly relations (with them), but the Chief would not agree. Amongst other strange haps was this, that in 'Iraq certain of the Royal Family came to an understanding with these (foreign) governments, and, (induced) by promises and threats, conspired with them. But this sect unloosed their tongues in reproach and began to admonish them, saying, "What meanness is this, and what evident treason; that man should, for worldly advantages, personal profit, easy circumstances, or protection of life and property, cast himself into this great detriment and evident loss, and embark in a course of action which will conduce to the greatest abasement and involve the utmost infamy and disgrace both here and hereafter! One can support any baseness save treason to one's country, and every sin admits of pardon and forgiveness save (that of) dishonoring one's government and injuring one's nation." And they imagined that they were acting patriotically, displaying sincerity and loyalty, and accounting sacred the duties of fidelity; which noble aim they regarded as a moral obligation. So rumors of this were spread abroad through 'Iraq-i-'Arab, and such as wished well to their country loosed their tongues in uttering thanks, expressing approval and respect. And it was supposed that these events would be represented in the Royal Presence; but after a while it became known that certain of the Shaykhs at the Supreme Shrines who were in correspondence with the court, yea, even with the King, were in secret continually attributing to this sect strange affinities and relations, imagining that such attempts would conduce to favor at the Court and cause advancement of (their) condition and rank. And since no one could speak freely on this matter at that court which is the pivot of justice, whilst just ministers aware (of the true state of the case) also regarded silence as their best policy, the 'Iraq question, through these misrepresentations and rumors, assumed gravity in Tihran, and was enormously exaggerated. But the consuls-general, being cognizant of the truth, continued to act with moderation, until Mirza Buzurg Khan of Qazvin became consul-general in Baghdad. Now since this person was wont to pass the greater portion of his time in a state of intoxication and was devoid of foresight, he became the accomplice and confederate of those Shaykhs in 'Iraq, and girded up his loins stoutly to destroy and demolish. Such power of description and (strength) of fingers as he possessed he employed in making representations and statements. Each day he secretly wrote a dispatch to Tihran, made vows and compacts with the Shaykhs, and sent diplomatic notes to His Excellency the Ambassador-in-chief (at Constantinople). But since these statements and depositions had no basis or foundation, they were all postponed and adjourned; until at length these Shaykhs convened a meeting to consult with the (Consul-) General, assembled a number of learned doctors and great divines in the (mosque of the) 'two Kazims' (upon them be peace), and, having come to an unanimous agreement, wrote to the divines of Karbila the exalted and Najaf the most noble, convoking them all. They came, some knowing, others not knowing. Amongst the latter the illustrious and expert doctor, the noble and celebrated scholar, the seal of seekers after truth, Shaykh Murtada, now departed and assoiled, who was the admitted chief of all, arrived without knowledge (of the matter in hand). But, so soon as he was informed of their actual designs, he said, "I am not properly acquainted with the essential character of this sect, nor with the secret tenets and hidden theological doctrines of this community; neither have I hitherto witnessed or perceived in their demeanor or conduct anything at variance with the Perspicuous Book which would lead me to pronounce them infidels. Therefore hold me excused in this matter, and let him who regards it as his duty take action." Now the design of the Shaykhs and the Consul was a sudden and general attack, but, by reason of the noncompliance of the departed Shaykh, this scheme proved abortive, resulting, indeed, only in shame and disappointment. So that concourse of Shaykhs, doctors, and common folk which had come from Karbila dispersed.
(49:3)
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