A Traveler's Narrative
page 24
riding, the others being on foot. Abbás-Qulí Khán recognized
him from the top of a tree afar off, and with his own hand
discharged several bullets. At the third shot he threw him from
his feet. He was borne by his followers to the fort, and there
they buried him. Notwithstanding this event [the troops]
could not prevail by superior force. At length the Prince made
a treaty and covenant, and swore by the Holy Imáms,
confirming his oath by vows plighted on the glorious Qur'án,
to this effect: "You shall not be molested; return to your own
places." Since their provisions had for some time been exhausted,
so that even of the skins and bones of horses naught
remained, and they had subsisted for several days on pure
water, they agreed. When they arrived at the army food was
prepared for them in a place outside the camp. They were
engaged in eating, having laid aside their weapons and armor,
when the soldiers fell on them on all sides and slew them all.
Some have accounted this valor displayed by these people as a
thing miraculous, but when a band of men are besieged in
some place where all avenues and roads are stopped and all
hope of deliverance is cut off they will assuredly defend themselves
desperately and display bravery and courage.
In Zanján and Nayríz likewise at the decree of erudite
doctors and notable lawyers a bloodthirsty military force attacked
and besieged. In Zanján the chief was Mullá Muhammad-`Alí
the mujtahid, while in Nayríz Siyyid Yahyá
of Daráb was the leader and arbiter. At first they sought to
bring about a reconciliation, but, meeting with cruel ferocity,
they reached the pitch of desperation; and, the overpowering
force of the victorious troops having cut off every passage of
flight, they unclosed their hands in resistance. But although
they were very strong in battle and amazed the chiefs of the
army by their steadfastness and endurance, the overwhelming
military force closed the passage of flight and broke their wings
and feathers. After numerous battles they too at last yielded to
covenants and compacts, oaths and promises, vows registered
[Previous Page] [NextPage] [Jump to a Page] [Whole Text]
[Writings of `Abdu'l-Bahá] [Bahá'í Writings] [Notes on Writings]