This is an old transcript of Professor Browne's earliest communication with Subh-i Azal in which he introduces himself and asks Subh-i Azal if he could meet him.
It is one of several letters Browne wrote to Subhi-i Azal before he met His Holiness in in the Spring of 1890 and later captured the impression that Subhi- Azal made on him in his Materials for the Study of the Babi religion (introduction to the New-History) and in the introduction to Nuqtat-al Kaf.
Browne's requests from Subh-i Azal were of three categories: (i) asking for manuscripts of Bayanic works; (ii) asking for commentary on certain theological subjects, and (iii) clarifying certain historical events. Browne's respect for Subh-i Azal was well beyond the customary Persian formality. Browne clearly looked to Subh-i Azal as a source of unlimited knowledge. In one of these letters, Browne envies the Governor of Cyprus for being able to visit Subh-i Azal frequently and being enlightened by His knowledge. When Browne finally succeeds meeting Subh-i Azal in Famagusta, he stays there for 15 days visiting Subh-i Azal every day, and returning each day with a treasure of important findings and useful information regarding theological subjects, history and Bayanic works. Much of Browne's collection now held at the British Museum is the fruit of his correspondence with Subh-i Azal.
Browne who perhaps had somewhat similar expectation from Mirza Husayn-Ali, also succeeds in meeting him in Acre in Acre after overcoming hurdles in obtaining permission to do so. In Acre, Browne is having an enjoyable time and is impressed with Mirza Husayn-Ali's residence and his attire. He spend 5 days in Acre, meeting Mirza Husayn-Ali 4 times each meeting lasting no more than 20 to 30 minutes. During the meetings, Browne receives repetitive lectures on world peace, the necessity for mankind to have a single faith and the likes which he is clearly bored with.
Following is a draft translation of a historical letter from Browne which is considered his earliest correspondence with Subh-i Azal. It is a translation of a typesetted copy made around 1950s most likely by either Qamar-Taj or Fakhr-Taj Dowlat-Abadi. The original letter has not been located as yet. It is missing from a volume of several letters from Browne to Subh-i Azal, the original of which is re-produced here and typesetted here.
D R A F T T R A N S L A T I O N
In the Name of God, the Most Exalted, the Holiest
Submission of this servant Edward Granville Browne to His Holiness Subh-i Azal
Residing at the Island of Cyprus
I submit to the honourable presence of your Holiness, it should not be hidden from your Holiness that this servant is an English person and embarked on learning foreign languages and having learned sufficiently strived to understand books of divine knowledge so that I attain to aspects of divine facts.
In the midst of my study, I got hold of a book written in French in which the events of the first 9 yeas of the manifestation were described in detail. After study of the tragic difficulties that the beloved of Shiraz experienced, of course I wept and shed tears of blood and my longing (for Him) increased.
--Persian Poem--
But for a long time, none of the book by His Highness came to my avail and my efforts yielded no fruit no matter how hard I tried. Until, two years ago when I was appointed to the position of lecturer at this university (Cambridge) and the travel to Iran became possible. During my travel, I visited most cities and conversed with all types of people major and minor. At the end and after enduring much, I obtained two or three volumes of the books by His Highness such as Persian Bayan, Visitation Prayers and the Seven Proofs. But obtaining other books such as the Arabic Bayan, Commentary on Surat-al Baqareh, Commentary on Surat-al Kowthar, etc. in which I was very interested was not possible.
After I returned to my homeland, I discussed aspects of what I had learned with my peers and published two tracts concerning this exalted cause and presented them to Society of Eastern Science in London. However, I did not have sufficient knowledge; many topics were unclear to me and because research and examination of this exalted cause was necessary and mandatory; and because I had read in that French book that Your Holiness had become a believer in the early days of the manifestation; and that you were appointed to succeed His Highness after His martyrdom in Tabriz, therefore I was very enthused to have the honour of being received to the presence of your Holiness or write (you) a letter hopping that you would offer this servant the honour of acceptance and resolve my difficulties.
When returning from Iran, it was not possible to take a passage through that land, moreover I did not know where in Cyprus you resided. A few days ago I heard you were residing I a city that is know to the Westerners as Famagusta. First, I intended to travel to there but then I thought to myself that it would not be proper to be of trouble to His Holiness without permission. Another is that it is a long way and difficulties in making the travel possible. It is better if I wrote a letter and sent to that land through the British governor of that city. Therefore, I preferred this way of thinking and wrote this submission and my expectation from the grace and generosity of His Holiness is to delight this servant with the honour of being accepted and if permitted God willing this year or early next year, I will personally come to benefit from the presence of His Holiness.
And if this were not possible, perhaps please donate to me from the writings of His Highness to this servant or allow a scribe to take copies for me and send. It would be outside of the realm of the grace and kindness of His Holiness to deny the thirsty ones of the desert of desire or deny water from a thirsty person.
Because the Will of His Holiness is unknown to me, I suffice myself to this submission but I have no doubt that you will not deny this inquirer and will put off this fire of desire. And, if in view of His Holiness that was not deemed appropriate, then I would be also satisfied.
Awaiting your most eminent command, obedience to which is mandatory.
--Persian Poem--
Edward Granville Browne
