n, until Mirza Buzurg _Kh_an of Qazvin became consul-general in
Ba_gh_dad. Now since this person was wont to pass the greater portion of
his time in a state of intoxication and was devoid of foresight, he became
the accomplice and confederate of those _Sh_ay_kh_s in 'Iraq, and girded
up his loins stoutly to destroy and demolish. Such power of description
and [strength] of fingers as he possessed he employed in making
representations and statements. Each day he secretly wrote a dispatch to
Tihran, made vows and compacts with the _Sh_ay_kh_s, and sent diplomatic
notes to His Excellency the Ambassador-in-chief [at Constantinople]. But
since these statements and depositions had no basis or foundation, they
were all postponed and adjourned; until at length these _Sh_ay_kh_s
convened a meeting to consult with the [Consul-] General, assembled a
number of learned doctors and great divines in the [mosque of the] 'two
Kazims' (upon them be peace), and, having come to an unanimous agreement,
wrote to the divines of Karbila the exalted and Najaf the most noble,
convoking them all. They came, some knowing, others not knowing. Amongst
the latter the illustrious and expert doctor, the noble and celebrated
scholar, the seal of seekers after truth, _Sh_ay_kh_ Murtada, now departed
and assoiled, who was the admitted chief of all, arrived without knowledge
[of the matter in hand]. But, so soon as he was informed of their actual
designs, he said, "I am not properly acquainted with the essential
character of this sect, nor with the secret tenets and hidden theological
doctrines of this community; neither have I hitherto witnessed or
perceived in their demeanor or conduct anything at variance with the
Perspicuous Book which would lead me to pronounce them infidels. Therefore
hold me excused in this matter, and let him who regards it as his duty
take action." Now the design of the _Sh_ay_kh_s and the Consul was a
sudden and general attack, but, by reason of the noncompliance of the
departed _Sh_ay_kh_, this scheme proved abortive, resulting, indeed, only
in shame and disappointment. So that concourse of _Sh_ay_kh_s, doctors,
and common folk which had come from Karbila dispersed.

Just at this time mischievous persons--[including] even certain dismissed
ministers--endeavored on all sides so to influence this sect that they
might perchance alter their course and conduct. From every quarter lying
messages and disquieting reports continually follow