The Puppet Show

From His childhood Baha’u’llah showed extraordinary intelligence and understanding. He noticed many things, and understood points that even the elders had never thought of. For instance, while still very young, He attended His older brother’s wedding. According to the custom of those days they had celebrations for seven days and seven nights. On the last night there was a puppet show, and many important guests had come to see it. Baha’u’llah too was present.

As the curtain went up, a few dolls entered and announced that King Salim was about to come. Many other dolls entered the stage with much excitement and made a show of welcoming the King. Some swept the floor, others sprinkled water on the path and a few more rolled out a beautiful carpet. There was a general air of excitement and all the people were moving about swiftly trying to keep everything in order.

Just then the announcer entered once more to say that everyone should prepare themselves to hail the King. The whole court stood up. At last king Salmi entered with great majesty and splendor. He was dressed in magnificent clothes; a beautiful crown rested on his head; he had many ornaments round his neck and fingers, and held a jewelled sceptor in his hand. As he entered, the sound of guns and trumpets was heard. The King walked slowly and grandly towards his throne and sat down while the entire court bowed in awe and respect.

Some guards then entered, leading a thief, and waited for the King’s command. The King ordered for the thief to be beheaded. Immediately an executioner came forward and obeyed the King’s command. Blood, in the form of red fluid, started to gush out of the puppet's neck.