Tabríz3 – Dawn Breakers

to test the powers of his Guest. So, on a certain Friday, when the Báb was going to the public bath, the prince ordered his groom to offer the Báb one of his wildest horses to ride to the bath. This horse had thrown off the most skillful and bravest of all the horsemen who had tried to ride him. Apprehensive that the Báb might get hurt, the attendant secretly approached the Báb and tried to induce Him to refuse to mount the horse. The Báb, calmly replied:

Fear not. Do as you have been bidden, and commit Us to the care of the Almighty.

Nabíl records what happened:

The inhabitants of Urúmíyyih, who had been informed of the intention of the prince, had filled the public square, eager to witness what might befall the Báb. As soon as the horse was brought to Him, He quietly approached it and, taking hold of the bridle which the groom had offered Him, gently caressed it and placed His foot in the stirrup. The horse stood still and motionless beside Him as if conscious of the power which was dominating it.

The multitude that watched this most unusual spectacle marvelled at the behaviour of the animal. To their simple minds this extraordinary incident appeared little short of a miracle. They hastened in their enthusiasm to kiss the stirrups of the Báb, but were prevented by the attendants of the prince, who feared lest so great an onrush of people might harm Him. The prince himself, who had accompanied his Guest on foot as far as the vicinity of the bath, was bidden by Him, ere they reached its entrance, to return to his residence. All the way, the prince’s footmen were endeavouring to restrain the people who, from every side, were pressing forward to catch a glimpse of the Báb.

Think men that when they say ”We believe” they shall be let alone and not be put to the proof?

Nabíl then adds:

On His return from the bath, He again mounted the same horse and was acclaimed by the same multitude. The prince came on foot to meet Him, and escorted Him back to his residence.

313 / 803