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Let us proceed with our original topic. For eleven years and somewhat over, Baha'u'llah abode in 'Iraq-i-'Arab. The behavior and conduct of the sect were such that (His) fame and renown increased. For He was manifest and apparent amongst men, consorted and associated with all parties, and would converse familiarly with doctors and scholars concerning the solution of difficult theological questions and the verification of the true sense of abstruse points of divinity. As is currently reported by persons of every class, He used to please all, whether inhabitants or visitors, by His kindly intercourse and courteous address; and this sort of demeanor and conduct on His part led them to suspect sorcery and account Him an adept in the occult sciences. (53:1) During this period Mirza Yahya remained concealed and hidden, continuing and abiding in his former conduct and behavior, until, when the edict for the removal of Baha'u'llah from Baghdad was issued by His Majesty the Ottoman monarch, Mirza Yahya would neither quit nor accompany (Him): at one time he meditated setting out for India, at another settling in Turkistan; but, being unable to decide on either of these two plans, he finally, at his own wish, set out before all in the garb of a dervish, in disguise and change of raiment, for Karkuk and Arbil. Thence, by continuous advance, he reached Mosul, where, on the arrival of the main body, he took up his abode and station alongside their caravan. And although throughout this journey the governors and officials observed the utmost consideration and respectfulness, while march and halt were alike dignified and honorable, nevertheless was he always concealed in change of raiment, and acted cautiously, on the idea that some act of aggression was likely to occur. (53:2) In this fashion did they reach Constantinople, where they were appointed quarters in a guesthouse on the part of the glorious Ottoman monarchy. And at first the utmost attention was paid to them in every way. On the third day, because of the straitness of their quarters and the greatness of their numbers, they migrated and moved to another house. Certain of the nobles came to see and converse with them, and these, as is related, behaved with moderation. Notwithstanding that many in their assemblies and gatherings continued to condemn and vilify them saying, "This sect are a mischief to all the world and destructive of treaties and covenants; they are a source of trouble and baleful to all lands; they have kindled a fire and consumed the earth; and though they be outwardly fair-seeming yet are they deserving of every chastisement and punishment," yet still the Babis continued to conduct themselves with patience, calmness, deliberation, and constancy, so that they did not, even in self-defense, importune (the occupants of) high places or frequent the houses of any of the magnates of that kingdom. Whomsoever amongst the great He (Baha) interviewed on His own account, they met, and no word save of sciences and arts passed between them; until certain noblemen sought to guide Him, and loosed their tongues in friendly counsel, saying, "To appeal, to state your case, and to demand justice is a measure demanded by custom." He replied in answer, "Pursuing the path of obedience to the King's command We have come to this country. Beyond this We neither had nor have any aim or desire that We should appeal and cause trouble. What is (now) hidden behind the veil of destiny will in the future become manifest. There neither has been nor is any necessity for supplication and importunity. If the enlightened-minded leaders (of your nation) be wise and diligent, they will certainly make inquiry, and acquaint themselves with the true state of the case; if not, then (their) attainment of the truth is impracticable and impossible. Under these circumstances what need is there for importuning statesmen and supplicating ministers of the Court? We are free from every anxiety, and ready and prepared for the things predestined to Us. 'Say, all is from God' is a sound and sufficient argument, and 'if God toucheth thee with a hurt there is no dispeller thereof save Him' is a healing medicine."
(53:3)
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