country sprang to life; among them
was Nabil, who hastened to the presence of Baha'u'llah, and became the
recipient of great bestowals. He spent his days in gladness now, writing
odes to celebrate the praises of his Lord. He was a gifted poet, and his
tongue most eloquent; a man of mettle, and on fire with passionate love.

After a time he returned to Karbila, then came back to Ba_gh_dad and from
there went on to Persia. Because he associated with Siyyid Muhammad he was
led into error and sorely afflicted and tried; but like the shooting
stars, he became as a missile to drive off satanic imaginings,(17) and he
repulsed the evil whisperers and went back to Ba_gh_dad, where he found
rest in the shade of the Holy Tree. He was later directed to visit
Kirman_sh_ah. He returned again, and on every journey was enabled to
render a service.

Baha'u'llah and His retinue then left Ba_gh_dad, the "Abode of Peace," for
Constantinople, the "City of Islam." After His departure, Nabil put on the
dress of a dervish, and set out on foot, catching up with the convoy along
the way. In Constantinople he was directed to return to Persia and there
teach the Cause of God; also to travel throughout the country, and
acquaint the believers in its cities and villages with all that had taken
place. When this mission was accomplished, and the drums of "Am I not your
Lord?" were rolling out--for it was the "year eighty"(18)-- Nabil hurried to
Adrianople, crying as he went, "Yea verily Thou art! Yea verily!" and
"Lord, Lord, here am I!"

He entered Baha'u'llah's presence and drank of the red wine of allegiance
and homage. He was then given specific orders to travel everywhere, and in
every region to raise the call that God was now made manifest: to spread
the blissful tidings that the Sun of Truth had risen. He was truly on
fire, driven by restive love. With great fervor he would pass through a
country, bringing this best of all messages and reviving the hearts. He
flamed like a torch in every company, he was the star of every assemblage,
to all who came he held out the intoxicating cup. He journeyed as to the
beat of drums and at last he reached the Akka fortress.

In those days the restrictions were exceptionally severe. The gates were
shut, the roads closed off. Wearing a disguise, Nabil arrived at the Akka
gate. Siyyid Muhammad and his wretched accomplice immediately hurried to
the Governorate and informed against the traveler. "He is a Persian,