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Then all at once commotion arose, and this sect became of such ill repute that still, strive and struggle as they may to escape from the curse and disgrace and dishonor of this deed, they are unable to do so. They will recount from the first manifestation of the Bab until the present time; but when the thread of the discourse reaches this event they are abashed and hang their heads in shame, repudiating the presumptuous actor and accounting him the destroyer of the edifice and the cause of shame to mankind. (30:1) Now after the occurrence of this grave matter all of this sect were suspected. At first there was neither investigation nor inquiry, but afterwards in mere justice it was decided that there should be investigation, inquiry, and examination. All who were known to be of this sect fell under suspicion. Baha'u'llah was passing the summer in the village of Afchih situated one stage from Tihran. When this news was spread abroad and punishment began, everyone who was able hid himself in some retreat or fled the country. Amongst these Mirza Yahya, the brother of Baha'u'llah, concealed himself, and, a bewildered fugitive, in the guise of a dervish, with kashkul in hand, wandered in mountains and plains on the road to Rasht. But Baha'u'llah rode forth with perfect composure and calmness from Afchih, and came to Niyavaran, which was the abode of the Royal Train and the station of the imperial camp. Immediately on His arrival He was placed under arrest, and a whole regiment guarded Him closely. After several days of interrogation they sent Him in chains and fetters from Shimiran to the jail of Tihran. And this harshness and punishment was due to the immoderate importunity of Haji 'Ali Khan, the Hajibu'd-Dawlih, nor did there seem any hope of deliverance, until His Majesty the King, moved by his own kindly spirit, commanded circumspection, and ordered this occurrence to be investigated and examined particularly and generally by means of the ministers of the imperial court.
(30:2)
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