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Some Personal Characteristics
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1 |
There is a note in `Abdu'l-Bahá's character that
has not been emphasized, and with which no idea
of him is complete. The impressive dignity which
distinguishes his presence and bearing is occasionally
lighted by a delicate and tactful humour,
which is as unaffected as it is infectious and
delightful.
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2 |
On his last afternoon in London, a reporter
called to ask him of his future plans, finding him
surrounded by a number of friends who had
called to bid him good-bye. When, in answer to
this query, `Abdu'l-Bahá told in perfect English of
his intention to visit Paris and go from there to
Alexandria, the press representative evinced
surprise at his faultless pronunciation. Thereupon
`Abdu'l-Bahá proceeded to march with a free
stride up and down the flower-scented drawing
room, his Oriental garb contrasting strangely
with his modern surroundings; and, to the
amusement of the assembly, uttered a string of
elaborate English words, laughingly ending,
"Very difficult English words I speak!" Then, a
moment later, with the swift transition of one who
knows both how to be grave and gay, he showed
himself terribly in earnest.
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3 |
He had left orders that none were to be turned
away, but one who had twice vainly sought his
presence, and was, through some oversight,
prevented from seeing him, wrote a heartbreaking
letter showing that he thought himself
rebuffed. It was translated by the Persian
interpreter. `Abdu'l-Bahá at once put on his coat,
and, turning towards the door, said, with an
expression of unspeakable sadness, "A friend of
mine has been martyred, and I am very grieved. I
go out alone." and he swept down the steps. One
could then see how well the title of "Master"
became him.
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4 |
Another phase of his character which none who
saw him could ever forget was his attitude
towards children who were brought to him. Many
of his talks were given as he sat with his arm
encircling one of them.
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5 |
He invariably admonished the parents thus:
"Give this child a good education; make every
effort that it may have the best you can afford, so
that it may be enabled to enjoy the advantage of
this glorious age. Do all you can to encourage
spirituality in them."
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6 |
One who sought the presence of `Abdu'l-Bahá
realized the father-like sympathy which is his.
Speaking of his and others' love for `Abdu'l-Bahá
the reply was: "I know that you love me, I can see
that it is so. I will pray for you that you may be
firm and serve in the Cause, becoming a true
servant to Bahá'u'lláh. Though I go away I will
always be present with you all." These words
were spoken with the greatest loving sympathy
and understanding of difficulties; during the
moments of this little talk `Abdu'l-Bahá held and
stroked the speaker's hands, and at the end took
his head and with a gentle touch drew it to him
kissing the forehead of the young man, who felt
that he had found a father and a friend.
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