“alcohol leadeth the mind astray and causeth the weakening of the body”

Regarding the use of liquor: According to the text of the Book of Aqdas, both light and strong drinks are prohibited. The reason for this prohibition is that alcohol leadeth the mind astray and causeth the weakening of the body. If alcohol were beneficial, it would have been brought into the world by the divine creation and not by the effort of man. Whatever is beneficial for man existeth in creation. Now it hath been proved and is established medically and scientifically that liquor is harmful.

As to the meaning of that which is written in the Tablets:

"I have chosen for thee whatsoever is in the heaven and the earth", this signifieth those things which are in accordance with the divine purpose and not the things which are harmful. For instance, one of the existing things is poison. Can we say that poison must be used as it hath been created by God? Nevertheless, intoxicating liquor, if prescribed by a physician for the patient and if its use is absolutely necessary, then it is permissible.

In brief, I hope that thou mayest become inebriated with the wine of the love of God, find eternal bliss and receive inexhaustible joy and happiness. All wine hath depression as an after-effect, except the wine of the Love of God. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (From a Tablet; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Prohibition of Intoxicating Drinks)

The possibilities of miracles

The belief in the possibilities of miracles, on the contrary, implies that God's power is beyond any limitation whatsoever. For it is only logical to believe that the Creator, Who is the sole Author of all the laws operating in the universe, is above them and can, therefore, if He deems it necessary, alter them at His Own Will. We, as humans, cannot possibly attempt to read His Mind, and to fully grasp His Wisdom. Mystery is therefore an inseparable part of true religion, and as such, should be recognized by the believers. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 1 October 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; Canadian Bahá'í News, February 1968; compilation: ‘Lights of Guidance’)

August 1, 1909 - The Chicago Baha'i Temple Committee

The committee of fifteen reviewing architects' plans for the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. Standing left to right: Mr. Windust, Mr. Remey, Mrs. True, Mr. Lesch. Mrs. Brush, Mr. Hall, Mr. Brush, Mr. Chase, Mr. Jacobsen, Mr. Currier. Seated, let to right: Mr. Scheffler, Mr. struven, Mr. Agnew, Mr. Woodworth, Mr. Fuller.

The best way for mothers to worship God

O ye loving mothers, know ye that in God's sight, the best of all ways to worship Him is to educate the children and train them in all the perfections of mankind; and no nobler deed than this can be imagined. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha’)

October 1852: - Baha'u'llah "received this first intimation"

The 'Year Nine' is an abbreviation of 1269 A.H. The beginning of the Year Nine occurred about two months after His (Bahá'u'lláh's) imprisonment in that dungeon. [August-December] We do not know the exact time He received this first intimation... We therefore regard the entire Year Nine as a Holy Year, and the emphasis should be placed ... on the entire year, which started in October, 1852...  

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi; 'Directives from the Guardian')

Places visited by the Báb

“the rational soul”: “Through the power of the rational soul, man can discover the realities of things, comprehend their properties, and penetrate the mysteries of existence.”

The foremost degree of comprehension in the world of nature is that of the rational soul. This power and comprehension is shared in common by all men, whether they be heedless or aware, wayward or faithful. In the creation of God, the rational soul of man encompasses and is distinguished above all other created things: It is by virtue of its nobility and distinction that it encompasses them all. Through the power of the rational soul, man can discover the realities of things, comprehend their properties, and penetrate the mysteries of existence. All the sciences, branches of learning, arts, inventions, institutions, undertakings, and discoveries have resulted from the comprehension of the rational soul. These were once impenetrable secrets, hidden mysteries, and unknown realities, and the rational soul gradually discovered them and brought them out of the invisible plane into the realm of the visible. This is the greatest power of comprehension in the world of nature, and the uttermost limit of its flight is to comprehend the realities, signs, and properties of contingent things. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  ((Table talks in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014 revised translation by the Baha’i World Centre)

We cannot comprehend Divinity

The pictures of Divinity that come to our mind are the product of our fancy; they exist in the realm of our imagination. They are not adequate to the Truth; truth in its essence cannot be put into words.

Divinity cannot by comprehended because it is comprehending. 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (From a talk; ‘‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)

A Story for Children: Two Pink Roses for a Little Girl

A lady in Akka told this story about ‘Abdu’l-Baha and her little daughter:

The Master came to visit her child when she was sick. With Him He brought two pink roses which He gave to the little one, and then turning to the lady He said in His musical voice so full of love: "You must be patient".

That evening the child passed away. When the mother asked ‘Abdu'l-Baha the reason, He said: "There is a Garden of God; human beings are trees growing that Garden. Our heavenly Father is the Gardener. When the Gardener sees a little tree in a place which is small for its development, He prepares a suitable and more beautiful place where it may grow and bear fruits. Then He transplants that little tree. The other trees are surprised and say. 'This was a lovely tree. Why did the Gardener uproot it?' Only the Divine Gardener knows the reason.

"You are weeping, but if you could see the beauty of the place where your child is, you would no longer be sad. She is now free, like a bird, and she is chanting divine, happy melodies. "If you could see that Sacred Garden yourself, you would not be content to remain here on earth. Yet, this is where your duty lies."

(Adapted from 'The Chosen Highway by Lady Blomfield; ‘Varqa Children Magazine’, vol. 1, no, 2, May-June 1981)

The “awakening of compassion and understanding in the hearts of all men and women”

At the very core of the aims of the Faith are the establishment of justice and unity in the world, the removal of prejudice and enmity from among all people, the awakening of compassion and understanding in the hearts of all men and women, and the raising of all souls to a new level of spirituality and behavior through the vitalizing influence of divine Revelation. The course set forth by Baha'u'llah for the attainment of these aims is the double task of simultaneously building an ideal society and perfecting the behavior of individuals. For this dual and reciprocal transformation He has not only revealed laws, principles and truths attuned to the needs of this age, but has established the very nucleus and pattern of those institutions which are to evolve into the structure of the divinely purposed world society. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (From a letter dated 2 July 1996 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)

The danger of not understanding the true spiritual meanings of prophecies

As the adherents of Jesus have never understood the hidden meaning of these words, and as the signs which they and the leaders of their Faith have expected have failed to appear, they therefore refused to acknowledge, even until now, the truth of those Manifestations of Holiness that have since the days of Jesus been made manifest. They have thus deprived themselves of the outpourings of God’s holy grace, and of the wonders of His divine utterance. Such is their low estate in this, the Day of Resurrection! They have even failed to perceive that were the signs of the Manifestation of God in every age to appear in the visible realm in accordance with the text of established traditions, none could possibly deny or turn away, nor would the blessed be distinguished from the miserable, and the transgressor from the God-fearing. Judge fairly: Were the prophecies recorded in the Gospel to be literally fulfilled; were Jesus, Son of Mary, accompanied by angels, to descend from the visible heaven upon the clouds; who would dare to disbelieve, who would dare to reject the truth, and wax disdainful? Nay, such consternation would immediately seize all the dwellers of the earth that no soul would feel able to utter a word, much less to reject or accept the truth. 

- Baha’u’llah  ('The Kitab-i-Iqan)

The room Bahá'u'lláh was born in

This is the room Bahá'u'lláh was said to be born in, appropriately between dawn and sunrise, November 12, 1817. It was the main parlor of the house of His father in Tihran. Panes in the upper window are colored red, blue, yellow and green. 

(source: 'Land of Resplendent Glory', by the International Baha'i Audio-Visual Centre, 1971)

A suggested quote to memorize: Equality of man and woman

The world of humanity has two wings - - one is woman and the other man. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly.

- ‘Abdu'l-Baha  (From a talk, 'Foundations of World Unity')

While in prison, the Báb offers praise and gratitude to God: – “the prison hath proved to be naught but the most delightful garden of Paradise.”

How can I praise Thee, O Lord, for the evidences of Thy mighty splendour and for Thy wondrous sweet savours which Thou hast imparted to Me in this fortress, in such measure that nothing in the heavens or on the earth can compare with them? Thou hast watched over Me in the heart of this mountain where I am compassed by mountains on all sides. One hangeth above Me, others stand on My right and My left and yet another riseth in front of Me. Glory be unto Thee, no God is there but Thee. How often have I seen rocks from the mountain hurtling down upon Me, and Thou didst protect Me therefrom and preserved Me within the stronghold of Thy divine Unity.

Glorified and exalted art Thou, and praise be unto Thee for whatsoever Thou lovest and desirest, and thanks be unto Thee for that which Thou hast decreed and preordained. From time immemorial Thy tender mercy hath been sent down and the process of Thy creation hath been and ever is ceaseless. Thy handiwork is unlike the work of anyone besides Thee, and Thy goodly gifts are unparalleled by the gifts of anyone other than Thyself.

Praise be unto Thee, O My Beloved, and magnified be Thy Name. Ever since the hour I set foot upon this fortress till the moment I shall have departed therefrom, I behold Thee established upon Thy seat of glory and majesty, sending down upon Me the manifold tokens of Thy bountiful favour and grace. Thou beholdest that My dwelling place is but the heart of the mountains, and Thou discernest naught in My Person except the evidences of abasement and loneliness.

A Tablet of Baha'u'llah addressed to 'Abdu'l-Baha

Translation of part of this Tablet appears in 'The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah', page 43, paragraph beginning with "O Thou Who art the apple of Mine eye!"

Book: The Secret of Divine Civilization - by 'Abdu'l-Baha – “’...outstanding contribution to the future reorganization of the world” (Shoghi Effendi)

Never has the spiritual character of true civilization been revealed under such extraordinary circumstances by an author so qualified as in this text by 'Abdu'l-Baha.

Written in the year 1875, the original Persian text was lithographed in Bombay in 1882. The first English translation was published in London, 1910, and later in Chicago, 1918, under the title Mysterious Forces of Civilization. The present translation by Marzieh Gail, a more accurate rendering, reflects the mastery of both languages possessed by an accomplished author whose father was Persian and whose mother was American, and who has lived for years in both countries.

The name 'Abdu'l-Baha has attained unique fame throughout the East and the West, a symbol of wisdom, nobility, heroism and complete consecration to the cause of spiritual unity and universal peace. His name is a title meaning “Servant of Baha." (i.e., Servant of Baha'u'llah) …

The Secret of Divine Civilization consists of a message addressed to the rulers and the people of Persia.. . .

The Western reader will not fail to note that 'Abdu'l-Baha employed passages from the Qur'an on which to establish the spiritual significances of His theme and to press His appeal to the Islamic nation of Persia. Since the Qur'an is little known in the West, these passages have an incidental importance in making the Western reader more familiar with the Holy Book of the Arabic and Persian peoples at a time when understanding of the Orient is direly needed in Europe and America.

(Horace Holley, July 4, 1956)

The Baha’i Greeting of Allah-u-Abha

• Allah-u-Abha is an Arabic word that means “God is the Most Glorious or God is All-Glorious.” (Wendy Momen, Baha’i Dictionary)
• It is “a form of Bahá'í greeting ..” (Shoghi Effendi, Letters from the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand) It was during the period in Adrianople after Baha’u’llah’s public proclamation “that the greeting of ‘Allah-u-Abha’ superseded the old salutation of ‘Allah-u-Akbar’ [which the Babis used], and was simultaneously adopted in Persia and Adrianople (Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By)
• “The Bahá'ís are free to greet each other with Allah-u-Abha when they meet, if they want to, but they should avoid anything which to outsiders, in a western country, might seem like some strange Oriental password. We must be very firm on principles and laws, but very normal and natural in our ways, so as to attract strangers.” (Shoghi Effendi, Directives from the Guardian)
• ‘Allah-u-Abha’ and ‘Ya Baha'u'l-Abha’ [an invocation meaning: "O Thou Glory of Glories"]” both refer to the “the Greatest Name” of God, and “both refer to Baha’u’llah”. “The Greatest Name is the Name of Bahá'u'lláh … By Greatest Name is meant that Bahá'u'lláh has appeared in God's Greatest Name, in other words, that He is the Supreme Manifestation of God.” (Adapted from a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Letters from the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand)
• “‘Allah-u-Abha’ and ‘Ya Baha'u'l-Abha’ “are both referred to as the Greatest Name.” (Shoghi Effendi, Letters from the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand)
• “The House of Justice suggests that for their private meditations they may wish to use the repetition of the Greatest Name, Allah-u-Abha, ninety-five times a day which, although not yet applied in the West, [became universal in 1999] is among the Laws, Ordinances and Exhortations of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.” (The Universal House of Justice, September 1, 1983 Message to The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Norway printed in The Universal House of Justice, Messages 1963 to 1986)
• "The use of the Greatest Name 95 times a day is not absolutely binding. [The restriction was removed by the UHJ in 1999] This and other similar matters will be clearly and fully explained when the 'Aqdas' is published. At present, however, the friends should be careful not to lay an undue emphasis upon them. When using the Greatest Name the words 'Allah-u-Abha should be used and not 'Ya Baha'u'l-Abha'." (From a Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, October 10 1936; Lights of Guidance)

December 1852: Baha’u’llah is released from Siyah-Chal

It was during the month of December in 1852 that Baha’u’llah was released from the Siyah-Chal [1] (Black Pit) of Tehran. Here is how Baha’u’llah’s daughter, Bahiyyih Khanum, the Greatest Holy Leaf, recalled the circumstances involved many years later:

We listened eagerly to the accounts she [her mother, Asiyih Khanum] gave to my uncle [Baha’u’llah’s faithful brother, Mirza Musa]. This information came through the kindness of a sister of my grandfather, who was married to Mirza Yusif, a Russian subject, and a friend of the Russian Consul in Tihran. This gentleman, my great uncle by marriage, used to attend the courts to find out some particulars as to the victims chosen for execution day by day, and thus was able to relieve to some extent my mother's overwhelming anxiety as these appalling days passed over us.

It was Mirza Yusif, who was able to help my mother about getting food taken to my father, and who brought us to the two little rooms near the prison, where we stayed in close hiding. He had to be very careful in thus defying the authorities, although the danger in this case was mitigated by the fact of his being under the protection of the Russian Consulate, as a Russian subject.

Nobody at all, of all our friends and relations, dared to come to see my mother during these days of death, but the wife of Mirza Yusif, the aunt of my father.

One day the discovery was made by Mirza Yusif that our untiring enemies, the most fanatical of the mullas, were plotting the death of Mirza Husayn 'Ali Nuri [Baha’u’llah], my father.

Our “task”: – “O ye Bahá'ís, strive ye with all your might to create, through the power of the Word of God, genuine love, spiritual communion and durable bonds among individuals”

Rest thou assured that in this era of the spirit, the Kingdom of Peace will raise up its tabernacle on the summits of the world, and the commandments of the Prince of Peace will so dominate the arteries and nerves of every people as to draw into His sheltering shade all the nations on earth. From springs of love and truth and unity will the true Shepherd give His sheep to drink.

O handmaid of God, peace must first be established among individuals, until it leadeth in the end to peace among nations. Wherefore, O ye Bahá'ís, strive ye with all your might to create, through the power of the Word of God, genuine love, spiritual communion and durable bonds among individuals. This is your task. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (‘Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá’; The Compilation of Compilations, Vol. II, Peace)

1903 – Some Baha'is from Chicago with Dr. Farid Amin

Dr. Farid translated many of 'Abdu'l-Baha's talks in the West but later disgraced himself.

The Guardian’s inexhaustible memory

Always amazing was his inexhaustible memory and the ease with which he recalled episodes, placing personages in their proper positions, with all their particulars of names, backgrounds and degrees of relationship. It was like reliving the spellbound days of my childhood when my aged and learned tutor would narrate the legendary feats of Greek mythology, with gods and people brought alive by his fascinating word pictures. 

- Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery  (‘Shoghi Effendi – Recollections’)

Consequences of doing good or evil towards the Manifestation of God

He who doeth good unto Me, it is as if he doeth good unto God, His angels and the entire company of His loved ones. He who doeth evil unto Me, it is as if he doeth evil unto God and His chosen ones. Nay, too exalted is the station of God and of His loved ones for any person’s good or evil deed to reach their holy threshold. 

- The Báb  (‘Selections from the Writings of the Báb)

Baha’i teacher “should speak with the utmost kindliness, lowliness and humility”

The teacher should not consider himself as learned and others ignorant. Such a thought breedeth pride, and pride is not conducive to influence. The teacher should not see in himself any superiority; he should speak with the utmost kindliness, lowliness and humility, for such speech exerteth influence and educateth the souls. 

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha  (Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá)

A Baha’i Teaching: Men and women are equal in the sight of God

Exalted, immensely exalted is He Who hath removed differences and established harmony. Glorified, infinitely glorified is He Who hath caused discord to cease, and decreed solidarity and unity. Praised be God, the Pen of the Most High hath lifted distinctions from between His servants and handmaidens, and, through His consummate favours and all-encompassing mercy, hath conferred upon all a station and rank of the same plane. He hath broken the back of vain imaginings with the sword of utterance and hath obliterated the perils of idle fancies through the pervasive power of His might. 

- Baha’u’llah  (From a Tablet; The Compilation of Compilations Vol. II)

First church in US visited by ‘Abdu’l-Baha

The Master went to the Church of the Ascension. This was the first church in America to be honored by the presence of the Master. He had previously received an invitation to visit this great edifice.

He entered the church from a special side door opening into a room in the church and rested for a while. The clergymen came in and expressed their warm gratitude for His presence. After prayers, the Master went to the podium from the upper door. At the insistence of the minister, the Master sat on the tall chair especially reserved for the Viceroy of Christ. After more prayers, the minister spoke about the history and teachings of the Cause and, with great courtesy and respect, introduced the Master. The believers attending the services were elated. The Master rose from His seat and gave a comprehensive talk on the meaning of divine civilization. He presented the Baha’i teachings and spoke about the Revelation of Baha’u’llah and the unification of humankind. The audience sat spell- bound like iguanas sitting in the sun, [1] overwhelmed by the Master's talk, especially at the end when the Master chanted a prayer in a most melodious voice. The prayer greatly affected the hearts of the listeners. As He left the church, group after group rushed towards Him. The Baha’is sang 'Allah-u-Abha and many asked for His blessings. From among the crowd a woman's voice was heard. Tears poured from her eyes as she held fast to the hem of the Master's robe. She was so overcome she could not speak. The Master showered her with His love and kindness and calmed her with loving words of assurance. It was a great day and a most impressive meeting. Not one of the two thousand people was disappointed and everyone left smiling in warm appreciation. 

- Mírzá Mahmúd-i-Zarqání (‘The Diary of Mírzá Mahmúd-i-Zarqání, chronicling `Abdu'l-Bahá's journey to America)

[1] That is, they were awe-inspired. This is an allusion to a Persian proverb. When the iguana hunts flies, it sits on s rock facing the sun. In Persian, an iguana is called aftab parast, ‘sun worshipper’

"The Ensign of the Most Great Peace"

 

Abdu'l-Baha, photo taken in Revell home, Philadelphia

“A tempest, unprecedented in its violence, unpredictable in its course, catastrophic in its immediate effects”

A tempest, unprecedented in its violence, unpredictable in its course, catastrophic in its immediate effects, unimaginably glorious in its ultimate consequences, is at present sweeping the face of the earth. Its driving power is remorselessly gaining in range and momentum. Its cleansing force, however much undetected, is increasing with every passing day. Humanity, gripped in the clutches of its devastating power, is smitten by the evidences of its resistless fury. It can neither perceive its origin, nor probe its significance, nor discern its outcome. Bewildered, agonized and helpless, it watches this great and mighty wind of God invading the remotest and fairest regions of the earth, rocking its foundations, deranging its equilibrium, sundering its nations, disrupting the homes of its peoples, wasting its cities, driving into exile its kings, pulling down its bulwarks, uprooting its institutions, dimming its light, and harrowing up the souls of its inhabitants. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (From a letter dated 28 March, 1941; ‘The Promised Day Is Come’)

The “Transitional and Formative period of the Faith”

It was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Who, through the provisions of His weighty Will and Testament, has forged the vital link which must for ever connect the age that has just expired with the one we now live in—the Transitional and Formative period of the Faith—a stage that must in the fullness of time reach its blossom and yield its fruit in the exploits and triumphs that are to herald the Golden Age of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh. 

- Shoghi Effendi  (‘The Dispensation of Baha’u’llah’, included in ‘The World Order of Baha’u’llah’)

Purpose of this life

…the purpose of this life is to prepare the soul for the next. Here one must learn to control and direct, one's animal impulses, not to be a slave to them. Life in this world is a succession of tests and achievements, of falling short and of making new spiritual advances. Sometimes the course may seem very hard, but one can witness, again and again, that the soul who steadfastly obeys the law of Bahá'u'lláh, however hard it may seem, grows spiritually, while the one who compromises with the law for the sake of his own apparent happiness is seen to have been following a chimera: he does not attain the happiness he sought, he retards his spiritual advance and often brings new problems upon himself.

- The Universal House of Justice  ('Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963 to 1986’)

A Prayer for Believers: - Assistance with teaching and service

Glory be unto Thee, O Lord of the world and Desire of the nations, O Thou Who hast become manifest in the Greatest Name whereby the pearls of wisdom and utterance have appeared from the shells of the great sea of Thy knowledge, and the heavens of divine revelation have been adorned with the light of the appearance of the Sun of Thy countenance.

I beg of Thee, by that Word through which Thy proof was perfected among Thy creatures and Thy testimony was fulfilled among Thy servants to strengthen Thy people in that whereby the face of the Cause will radiate in Thy dominion, the standards of Thy power will be planted among Thy servants, and the banners of Thy guidance will be raised throughout Thy dominions.

O my Lord! Thou beholdest them clinging to the rope of Thy grace and holding fast unto the hem of the mantle of Thy beneficence. Ordain for them that which may draw them nearer unto Thee, and withhold them from all else save Thee. I beg of Thee, O Thou King of existence and Protector of the seen and the unseen, to make whosoever ariseth to serve Thy Cause as a sea moving by Thy desire, as one ablaze with the fire of Thy Sacred Tree, shining from the horizon of the heaven of Thy Will. Verily Thou art the mighty One Whom neither the power of all the world nor the strength of nations can weaken. There is no God but Thee, the One, the Incomparable, the Protector, the Self-Subsistent.

- Bahá'u'lláh  (Trázát [Ornaments]; ‘Tablets of Baha'u'llah revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas’)

Seeing a puppet show at a young age and its marked effect on Bahá'u'lláh

In the Lawh-i-Ra'ís which was “revealed shortly after Bahá'u'lláh's incarceration in the citadel of 'Akká and includes a chilling denunciation of the character of the [Ottoman Prime] Minister”, Ali Pasha (The Universal House of Justice, Introduction to ‘Summons of the Lord of Hosts’), Baha’u’llah describes a puppet show that He saw during His older half-brother’s marriage and its effect on Him:

"When I was still a child and had not yet attained the age of maturity, My father made arrangements in Tihran for the marriage of one of My older brothers, and as is customary in that city, the festivities lasted for seven days and seven nights. On the last day it was announced that the play "Shah Sultan Salim" would be presented. A large number of princes, dignitaries, and notables of the capital gathered for the occasion. I was sitting in one of the upper rooms of the building and observing the scene. Presently a tent was pitched in the courtyard, and before long some small human-like figures, each appearing to be no more than about a hand's span in height, were seen to emerge from it and raise the call: "His Majesty is coming! Arrange the seats at once!" Other figures then came forth, some of whom were seen to be engaged in sweeping, others in sprinkling water, and thereafter another, who was announced as the chief town crier, raised his call and bade the people assemble for an audience with the king. Next, several groups of figures made their appearance and took their places, the first attired in hats and sashes after the Persian fashion, the second wielding battleaxes, and the third comprising a number of footmen and executioners carrying bastinados. Finally there appeared, arrayed in regal majesty and crowned with a royal diadem, a kingly figure, bearing himself with the utmost haughtiness and grandeur, at turns advancing and pausing in his progress, who proceeded with great solemnity, poise and dignity to seat himself upon his throne.