In this fashion did they reach Constantinople, where they
were appointed quarters in a guesthouse on the part of the glorious Ottoman
monarchy. And at first the utmost attention was paid to them in every way. On
the third day, because of the straitness of their quarters and the greatness of
their numbers, they migrated and moved to another house. Certain of the nobles
came to see and converse with them, and these, as is related, behaved with
moderation. Notwithstanding that many in their assemblies and gatherings
continued to condemn and vilify them saying, “This sect are a mischief to all
the world and destructive of treaties and covenants; they are a source of
trouble and baleful to all lands; they have kindled a fire and consumed the
earth; and though they be outwardly fair-seeming yet are they deserving of
every chastisement and punishment,” yet still the Bábís continued to conduct
themselves with patience, calmness, deliberation, and constancy, so that they
did not, even in self-defense, importune [the occupants of] high places or
frequent the houses of any of the magnates of that kingdom.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘A
Traveler’s Narrative’)
