ushered into His presence, on the right hand of Bahá’u’lláh. The rest of the companions were gradually admitted to His presence, and grouped themselves around Him. No sooner had they assembled than Muhammad-Hasan-i-Qazvíní, the messenger of Táhirih, … suddenly came in and conveyed to Quddús a pressing invitation from Tahirih to visit her in her own garden. “I have severed myself entirely from her,” he boldly and decisively replied. “I refuse to meet her.” The messenger retired immediately, and soon returned, reiterating the same message and appealing to him to heed her urgent call. “She insists on your visit,” were his words. “If you persist in your refusal, she herself will come to you.” Perceiving his unyielding attitude, the messenger unsheathed his sword, laid it at the feet of Quddús, and said: “I refuse to go without you. Either choose to accompany me to the presence of Táhirih or cut off my head with this sword.” “I have already declared my intention not to visit Táhirih,” Quddús angrily retorted. “I am willing to comply with the alternative which you have chosen to put before me.”
Muhammad-Hasan, who had seated himself at the feet of Quddús, had stretched forth his neck to receive the fatal blow, when suddenly the figure of Táhirih, adorned and unveiled, appeared before the eyes of the assembled companions. Consternation immediately seized the entire gathering. All stood aghast before this sudden and most unexpected apparition. To behold her face unveiled was to them inconceivable. Even to gaze at her shadow was a thing which they deemed improper, inasmuch as they regarded her as the very incarnation of Fátimih,95ACT6 the noblest emblem of chastity in their eyes.96ACT6
Quietly, silently, and with the utmost dignity, Táhirih stepped forward and, advancing towards Quddús, seated herself on his right-hand side. Her unruffled serenity sharply contrasted with the affrighted countenances of those who were gazing upon her face. Fear, anger, and bewilderment stirred the depths of their souls. That sudden revelation seemed to have stunned their faculties. ‘Abdu’l-Khaliq-i-Isfáhání
was so gravely shaken that he cut his throat with his own hands. Covered with blood and shrieking with excitement, he fled away from the face of Táhirih. A few, following his example, abandoned their companions and forsook their Faith. A number were seen standing speechless before her, confounded with wonder.
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