Describing the people of Baha, the Most Sublime Pen hath sent down these words:  “These, verily, are men who if they come to cities of pure gold will consider them not; and if they meet the fairest and most comely of women will turn aside.”  Thus hath it been sent down by the Most Sublime Pen for the people of Baha, on the part of Him Who is the Counsellor, the Omniscient.  In the concluding passages of the Tablet to His Majesty the Emperor of Paris (Napoleon III) these exalted words have been revealed:  “Exultest thou over the treasures thou dost possess, knowing they shall perish?  Rejoicest thou in that thou rulest a span of earth, when the whole world, in the estimation of the people of Baha, is worth as much as the black in the eye of a dead ant?  Abandon it unto such as have set their affections upon it, and turn thou unto Him Who is the Desire of the world.”

God alone—­exalted be His glory—­is cognizant of the things which befell this Wronged One.  Every day bringeth a fresh report of stories current against Us at the Embassy in Constantinople.  Gracious God!  The sole aim of their machinations is to bring about the extermination of this servant.  They are, however, oblivious of the fact that abasement in the path of God is My true glory.  In the newspapers the following hath been recorded:  “Touching the fraudulent dealings of some of the exiles of Akka, and the excesses committed by them against several people, etc....”  Unto them who are the exponents of justice and the daysprings of equity the intention of the writer is evident and his purpose clear.  Briefly, he arose and inflicted upon Me divers tribulations, and treated Me with injustice and cruelty.  By God!  This Wronged One would not barter this place of exile for the Most Sublime Habitation.  In the estimation of men of insight whatsoever befalleth in the path of God is manifest glory and a supreme attainment.  Already We have said:  “Glory to Thee, O my God!  But for the tribulations which are sustained in Thy path, how could Thy true lovers be recognized; and were it not for the trials which are borne for love of Thee, how could the station of such as yearn for Thee be revealed?”

Such abasement hath been inflicted that each day they spread fresh calumnies.  This Wronged One, however, cleaveth to seemly patience.  Would that His Majesty the Shah of Persia would ask for a report of the things which befell Us in Constantinople, that he might become fully acquainted with the true facts.  O Shah!  I adjure thee by thy Lord, the God of Mercy, to look into this matter with the eye of fairness.  Is there to be found a just man who will judge in this day according to that which God hath sent down in His Book?  Where is the fair-minded person who will equitably consider what hath been perpetrated against Us without any clear token or proof?