This distinguished man [Nabil, the author of the
Dawn-Breakers] was erudite, wise, and eloquent of speech. His native genius was
pure inspiration, his poetic gift like a crystal stream. In particular, his ode
“Bahá, Bahá!” was written in sheer ecstasy. Throughout all his life, from
earliest youth till he was feeble and old, he spent his time serving and
worshiping the Lord. He bore hardships, he lived through misfortunes, he
suffered afflictions. From the lips of the Manifestation he heard marvelous
things. He was shown the lights of Paradise; he won his dearest wish. And at
the end, when the Daystar of the world had set, he could endure no more, and
flung himself into the sea. The waters of sacrifice closed over him; he was
drowned, and he came, at last, to the Most High.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Memorials of
the Faithful’)
