103 For eleven years We dwelt in that land, until the Minister representing thy government arrived,(106) whose name Our pen is loth to mention, who was given to wine, who followed his lusts, and committed wickedness, and was corrupt and corrupted ’Iraq.  To this will bear witness most of the inhabitants of Baghdad, wert thou to inquire of them, and be of such as seek the truth.  He it was who wrongfully seized the substance of his fellow-men, who forsook all the commandments of God, and perpetrated whatever God had forbidden.  Eventually, he, following his desires, rose up against Us, and walked in the ways of the unjust.  He accused Us, in his letter to thee, and thou didst believe him and followed in his way, without seeking any proof or trustworthy evidence from him.  Thou didst ask for no explanation, nor didst thou attempt either to investigate or ascertain the matter, that the truth might be distinguished from falsehood in thy sight, and that thou mightest be clear in thy discernment.  Find out for thyself the sort of man he was by asking those Ministers who were, at that time, in ’Iraq, as well as the Governor of the City(107) and its high Counsellor, that the truth may be revealed to thee, and that thou mayest be of the well-informed.

104 God is Our witness!  We have, under no circumstances, opposed either him, or others.  We observed, under all conditions, the precepts of God, and were never one of those that wrought disorders.  To this he himself doth testify.  His intention was to lay hold on Us, and send Us back to Persia, that he might thereby exalt his fame and reputation.  Thou hast committed the same crime, and for the self-same purpose.  Ye both are of equal grade in the sight of God, the sovereign Lord of all, the All-Knowing.

105 It is not Our purpose in addressing to thee these words to lighten the burden of Our woe, or to induce thee to intercede for Us with anyone.  Nay, by Him Who is the Lord of all worlds!  We have set forth the whole matter before thee, that perchance thou might realize what thou hast done, might desist from inflicting on others the hurt thou hast inflicted on Us, and might be of them that have truly repented to God, Who created thee and created all things, and might act with discernment in the future.  Better is this for thee than all thou dost possess, than thy ministry whose days are numbered.

106 Beware lest thou be led to connive at injustice.  Set thy heart firmly upon justice, and alter not the Cause of God, and be of them whose eyes are directed towards the things that have been revealed in His Book.  Follow not, under any condition, the promptings of thine evil desires.  Keep thou the law of God, thy Lord, the Beneficent, the Ancient of Days.  Thou shalt most certainly return to dust, and shalt perish like all the things in which thou takest delight.  This is what the Tongue of truth and glory hath spoken.