A Traveler's Narrative
page 14
brightened by the remembrance of Thy countenance and My
soul is as a rosegarden from the perfume of Thy nature."
In short, after He had remained for three months in the
Castle of Chihríq, the eminent doctors of Tabríz and scholars
of Ádhirbayján wrote to Tihrán and demanded a severe
punishment in regard to the Báb for the intimidation and
frightening of the people. When the Prime Minister Hájí Mírzá
Aqásí beheld the ferment and clamor of the learned doctors in
all districts of Persia, he perforce became their accomplice and
ordered Him to be brought from Chihríq to Tabríz. In the
course of His transit by Urúmíyyih the governor of the district
Qásim Mírzá treated Him with extraordinary deference, and a
strange flocking together of high and low was apparent. These
conducted themselves with the utmost respectfulness.
When the Báb reached Tabríz they brought Him after some
days before the government tribunal. Of the learned doctors
the Nizámu'l-`Ulamá, Mullá Muhammad-i-Mamaqaní,
Mírzá Ahmad the Imám-Jum'ih, Mírzá `Alí-Asghar the
Shaykhu'l-Islám, and several other divines were present.
They asked concerning the claims of the Báb. He advanced
the claim of Mihdí-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'án, setting forth therefrom instances of similar
infractions of the rules of grammar. So the assembly broke up
and the Báb returned to His own dwelling.
The heaven-cradled Crown-Prince was at that time governor
of Ádhirbayján. He pronounced no sentence with regard
to the Báb, 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
[Previous Page] [NextPage] [Jump to a Page] [Whole Text]
[Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá] [Bahá'í Writings] [Notes on Writings]