this people, whose words and deeds are
consistent, and accept those persons who neither have foregone nor will
forego one atom of the consideration [which they enjoy] in the way of
[God] the Sovereign?

"Some of the doctors of Persia who have denounced this Servant have never
either met or seen Him, nor [even] become cognizant of [His] intent:
nevertheless they said what they desired and do what they will. Every
statement requires proof, and is not [established] merely by assertion or
by outward gear of asceticism.

"A translation of some passages from the contents of the Hidden Book of
Fatimih (upon her be the blessings of God) which are apposite to this
place will [now] be submitted in the Persian language, in order that some
things [now] concealed may be revealed before the [Royal] Presence. Those
addressed in these utterances in the above-mentioned book (which is today
known as 'Hidden Words') are those people who are outwardly notable for
science and piety, but who are inwardly subservient to their passions and
lust. He says:

"'O faithless ones! Why do ye outwardly claim to be shepherds, while
inwardly ye have become the wolves of My sheep? Your likeness is like unto
the star before the morning, which is apparently bright and luminous, but
really causeth the misguidance and destruction of the caravans of My city
and country.'

"So likewise He saith:

"'O outwardly fair and inwardly faulty! Thy likeness is like unto clear
bitter water, wherein outwardly the utmost sweetness and purity is beheld,
but when it falleth into the assaying hands of the taste of the [Divine]
Unity He doth not accept a single drop thereof. The radiance of the sun is
on the earth and on the mirror alike; but regard the difference as from
the guard-stars to the earth; nay, between them is a limitless distance.'

"'So likewise He saith:

"'O child of the world! Many a morning hath the effulgence of My grace
come unto thy place from the day-spring of the placeless, found thee on
the couch of ease busied with other things, and returned like the
lightning of the spirit to the bright abode of glory. And I, desiring not
thy shame, declared it not in the retreats of nearness to the hosts of
holiness.'

"'So likewise He saith:

"'O pretender to My friendship! In the morning the breeze of My grace
passed by thee, and found thee sleeping on the bed of heedlessness, and
wept over thy condition, and turned back.' Finis.

"In the presence of