uth.

103 For eleven years We dwelt in that land, until the Minister
representing thy government arrived,(106) whose name Our pen is loth to
mention, who was given to wine, who followed his lusts, and committed
wickedness, and was corrupt and corrupted 'Iraq. To this will bear witness
most of the inhabitants of Baghdad, wert thou to inquire of them, and be
of such as seek the truth. He it was who wrongfully seized the substance
of his fellow-men, who forsook all the commandments of God, and
perpetrated whatever God had forbidden. Eventually, he, following his
desires, rose up against Us, and walked in the ways of the unjust. He
accused Us, in his letter to thee, and thou didst believe him and followed
in his way, without seeking any 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(107) and its high Counsellor, that the truth may be revealed to thee,
and that thou mayest be of the well-informed.

104 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.

105 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 anyone. Nay,
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.

106 Beware lest thou be led to connive at injustice. Set thy heart firmly
upon justic