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"O God, this is a letter which I wish to send to the King; and Thou knowest that I have not desired aught of him save the display of his justice to Thy people, and the showing forth of his favors to the dwellers in Thy Kingdom. And verily, by My soul, I have not desired aught save what Thou hast desired, neither, by Thy Might, do I desire aught save what Thou desirest. Perish that being which desireth of Thee aught save Thyself! And, by Thy Glory, Thy good pleasure is the limit of My hope, and Thy Will the extremity of My desire! Be merciful then, O God, to this poor (soul) Who hath caught hold of the skirt of Thy richness, and to this humble (suppliant) Who calleth on Thee, for Thou art indeed the Mighty, the Great. Help, O God, His Majesty the King to execute Thy laws amongst Thy servants and to show forth Thy justice amidst Thy creatures, that he may rule over this sect as he ruleth over those who are beside them. Verily Thou art the Potent, the Mighty, the Wise. (61:1) "Agreeably to the permission and consent of the King of the age, this Servant turned from the place of the Royal Throne toward 'Iraq-i-'Arab, and in that land abode twelve years. During the period of (His) sojourn (there) no description of His condition was laid before 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 Khan, 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 the (Royal) Presence that this Servant hath in view naught save peace and reform. And if some of the divine favors, which, without merit (on My part), have been graciously bestowed (on Me), do not become evident and apparent, this much (at least) will be known, that (God), in (His) abounding grace and undeserved mercy, hath not deprived this Oppressed One of the ornament of reason. The form of words which was set forth on the meaning of 'victory' is this: "'He is God, exalted is He.
(61:2)
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