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These words moved me profoundly. I instinctively dismounted from my horse, and, kissing His stirrups, addressed Him in these words: ”O light of the eyes of the Prophet of God! I adjure You, by Him who has created You and endowed You with such loftiness and power, to grant my request and to answer my prayer. I beseech you to escape from this place and to flee from before the face of Husayn Khán, the ruthless and despicable governor of this province. I dread his machinations against You; I rebel at the idea of being made the instrument of his malignant designs against so innocent and noble a descendant of the Prophet of God. My companions are all honourable men. Their word is their bond. They will pledge themselves not to betray Your flight. I pray You, betake Yourself to the city of Mashhad in Khurásán, and avoid falling a victim to the brutality of this remorseless wolf.”
To my earnest entreaty He gave this answer: ”May the Lord your God requite you for your magnanimity and noble intention. No one knows the mystery of My Cause; no one can fathom its secrets. Never will I turn My face away from the decree of God. He alone is My sure Stronghold, My Stay and My Refuge. Until My last hour is at hand, none dare assail Me, none can frustrate the plan of the Almighty. And when My hour is come, how great will be My joy to quaff the cup of martyrdom in His name! Here am I; deliver Me into the hands of your master. Be not afraid, for no one will blame you.”
I bowed my consent and carried out His desire. 19ACT4
And so, the guards began their journey back to Shíráz with the Báb, who was meant to be their prisoner but instead rode free ahead of the escort, who followed Him in an attitude of respectful devotion. Reaching the city, they proceeded directly to the seat of the government. Whoever observed the cavalcade marching through the streets could not help but marvel at this most unusual spectacle.
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