Whenever high dignitaries of Persia came to that city (Constantinople)
they would exert themselves to the utmost soliciting at every door such
allowances and gifts as they might obtain. This Wronged One, however, if He
hath done nothing that would redound to the glory of Persia, hath at least
acted in a manner that could in no wise disgrace it. That which was done by his
late Excellency (Mushíru’d-Dawlih)—may God exalt his station—was not
actuated by his friendship towards this Wronged One, but rather was prompted by
his own sagacious judgment, and by his desire to accomplish the service he
secretly contemplated rendering his Government. I testify that he was so
faithful in his service to his Government that dishonesty played no part, and
was held in contempt, in the domain of his activities. It was he who was responsible
for the arrival of these wronged ones in the Most Great Prison (Akká). As he
was faithful, however, in the discharge of his duty, he deserveth Our
commendation.
(Baha’u’llah, ‘Epistle
to the Son of the Wolf’)
