…Siyyid Muhammad [-i-Isfáháni] set out for Constantinople to get
his stipend, and opened the door of suffering. According to the account given,
this matter caused the greatest sorrow and brought about cessation of
intercourse. In Constantinople, moreover, he presumptuously set afloat certain
reports, asserting, amongst other things, that the notable personage who had
come from ‘Iráq was Mírzá Yaḥyá. Sundry
individuals, perceiving that herein was excellent material for mischief-making
and a means for the promotion of mutiny, ostensibly supported and applauded
him, and stimulated and incited him, saying, “You are really the chief support
and acknowledged successor: act with authority, in order that grace and
blessing may become apparent. The waveless sea hath no sound, and the cloud
without thunder raineth no rain.” By such speech, then, was that unfortunate
man entrapped into his course of action, and led to utter vain words which
caused the disturbance of [men’s] thoughts.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘A Traveler’s
Narrative’)
