When the Báb reached Tabríz they brought Him after some days
before the government tribunal… [T]he learned doctors …asked concerning the
claims of the Báb. He advanced the claim of Mihdí-hood; whereon a mighty tumult
arose. Eminent doctors in overwhelming might compassed Him on all sides, and
such was the onset of orthodoxy that it had been no great wonder if a mere
youth had not withstood the mountain of Elburz. They demanded proof. Without
hesitation He recited texts, saying, “This is the permanent and most mighty
proof.” They criticized His grammar. He adduced arguments from the Qur’án,
setting forth therefrom instances of similar infractions of the rules of
grammar. So the assembly broke up and the Báb returned to His own dwelling.
The heaven-cradled Crown-Prince was at that time governor of
Ádhirbayján. He pronounced no sentence with regard to the Báb, nor did
he desire to interfere with Him. The doctors, however, considered it advisable
at least to inflict a severe chastisement, and beating was decided on. But none
of the corps of farráshes would agree to become the instruments of the
infliction of this punishment. So Mírzá ‘Alí-Asghar the Shaykhu’l-Islám,
who was one of the noble Siyyids, brought Him to his own house and applied the
rods with his own hand. After this they sent the Báb back to Chihríq and
subjected Him to a strict confinement. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘A Traveler’s Narrative’)
