The Farewell

Sources: 'abdu'l-baha In London

On the last morning of 'Abdu'l-Baha's stay in London many friends gathered

both at Cadogan Gardens and at the station to bid him farewell. An

impressive and interesting ceremony was performed at the house by a

Zoroastrian (a physician), who sent an elaborate telegram to some Parsis

in Bombay, saying: The Torch of Truth has been lighted again in the East

and the West by 'Abdu'l-Baha. Instructed by his brethren, this follower

of one of the most ancient religions in the world had brought with him a

sacred oil of a rare perfume, with which he anointed the head and breast

of 'Abdu'l-Baha, afterwards touching the hands of all present. He then

placed around 'Abdu'l-Baha's neck and shoulders an exquisite garland of

rose-buds and lilies.



The last glimpse which the friends had at Victoria Station was that of the

venerable face and form standing at the window, gazing out with a look of

benevolence and wonderful tenderness on those he was leaving.