Kitab-i-Aqdas/Elder89

O assembly of Byzantium (al-rum), [note 1] We hear among you the voice of the owl (al-bum). Has drunkenness of passion overtaken you or are you of the careless ones?

O Point situated on the shore of the two seas, the throne of wickedness has settled on thee and the fire of hatred has been lighted in thee. Because of this, the exalted Beings (angels) lament, and so do those who go about an Exalted Throne.

In thee we see the ignorant ruling the intelligent and darkness boasting over light. Thou art (filled) with evident conceit; has thy outward adornment made thee conceited? It will soon perish! By the Lord of mankind, the daughters and widows and the hordes within thee shall lament. Thus does the Omniscient, the Knower announce to thee.