At a time when the forces of Prince Mihdi-Quli Mirza had
besieged the fort of Tabarsi, We resolved to depart from Nur and lend Our
assistance to its heroic defenders. We had intended to send Abdu'l-Vahhab, one
of Our companions, in advance of Us, and to request him to announce Our
approach to the besieged. Though encompassed by the forces of the enemy, We had
decided to throw in Our lot with those steadfast companions, and to risk the
dangers with which they were confronted. This, however, was not to be. The hand
of Omnipotence spared Us from their fate and preserved Us for the work We were
destined to accomplish. In pursuance of God's inscrutable wisdom, the intention
We had formed was, before Our arrival at the fort, communicated by certain
inhabitants of Nur to Mirza Taqi, the governor of Amul, who sent his men to
intercept Us. While We were resting and taking Our tea, We found Ourselves
suddenly surrounded by a number of horsemen, who seized Our belongings and
captured Our steeds. We were given, in exchange for Our own horse, a poorly
saddled animal which We found it extremely uncomfortable to ride. The rest of
Our companions were conducted, handcuffed, to Amul.
- Baha’u’llah (Quoted by
Nabil in ‘The Dawn-Breakers’, translated and edited by Shoghi Effendi)
