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When the Bab reached Tabriz they brought Him after some days before the government tribunal. Of the learned doctors the Nizamu'l-'Ulama, Mulla Muhammad-i-Mamaqani, Mirza Ahmad the Imam-Jum'ih, Mirza 'Ali-Asghar the Shaykhu'l-Islam, and several other divines were present. They asked concerning the claims of the Bab. He advanced the claim of Mihdi-hood; whereon a mighty tumult arose. Eminent doctors in overwhelming might compassed Him on all sides, and such was the onset of orthodoxy that it had been no great wonder if a mere youth had not withstood the mountain of Elburz. They demanded proof. Without hesitation He recited texts, saying, "This is the permanent and most mighty proof." They criticized His grammar. He adduced arguments from the Qur'an, setting forth therefrom instances of similar infractions of the rules of grammar. So the assembly broke up and the Bab returned to His own dwelling. (14:2) The heaven-cradled Crown-Prince was at that time governor of Adhirbayjan. He pronounced no sentence with regard to the Bab, nor did he desire to interfere with Him. The doctors, however, considered it advisable at least to inflict a severe chastisement, and beating was decided on. But none of the corps of farrashes would agree to become the instruments of the infliction of this punishment. So Mirza 'Ali-Asghar the Shaykhu'l-Islam, who was one of the noble Siyyids, brought Him to his own house and applied the rods with his own hand. After this they sent the Bab back to Chihriq and subjected Him to a strict confinement.
(14:3)
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