ny proof or trustworthy evidence from him. Thou didst ask
for no explanation, nor didst thou attempt either to investigate or
ascertain the matter, that the truth might be distinguished from falsehood
in thy sight, and that thou mightest be clear in thy discernment. Find out
for thyself the sort of man he was by asking those Ministers who were, at
that time, in 'Iraq, as well as the Governor of the City (Ba_gh_dad) and
its high Counsellor, that the truth may be revealed to thee, and that thou
mayest be of the well-informed.

God is Our witness! We have, under no circumstances, opposed either him,
or others. We observed, under all conditions, the precepts of God, and
were never one of those that wrought disorders. To this he himself doth
testify. His intention was to lay hold on Us, and send Us back to Persia,
that he might thereby exalt his fame and reputation. Thou hast committed
the same crime, and for the self-same purpose. Ye both are of equal grade
in the sight of God, the sovereign Lord of all, the All-Knowing.

It is not Our purpose in addressing to thee these words to lighten the
burden of Our woe, or to induce thee to intercede for Us with any one. No,
by Him Who is the Lord of all worlds! We have set forth the whole matter
before thee, that perchance thou might realize what thou hast done, might
desist from inflicting on others the hurt thou hast inflicted on Us, and
might be of them that have truly repented to God, Who created thee and
created all things, and might act with discernment in the future. Better
is this for thee than all thou dost possess, than thy ministry whose days
are numbered.

Beware lest thou be led to connive at injustice. Set thy heart firmly upon
justice, and alter not the Cause of God, and be of them whose eyes are
directed towards the things that have been revealed in His Book. Follow
not, under any condition, the promptings of thine evil desires. Keep thou
the law of God, thy Lord, the Beneficent, the Ancient of Days. Thou shalt
most certainly return to dust, and shalt perish like all the things in
which thou takest delight. This is what the Tongue of truth and glory hath
spoken.

Rememberest thou not God's warning uttered in times past, that thou mayest
be of them that heed His warning? He said, and He, verily, speaketh the
truth: "From it (earth) have We created you, and unto it will We return
you, and out of it will We bring you forth a second time." This is what
God ordained un