A Few Days' Rest in Paris
bahaistories.com archive · Read original
When in Bahá'í history
Paris (today: Paris, France)

On His third visit to Paris, in May 1913, the physical strength of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had suffered greatly. Some evenings His meal consisted only of a cup of milk and a piece of bread. He described it as a healthy meal, and recalled that Bahá’u’lláh had said that during His sojourn in Sulaymáníyyih His food was just milk most of the time, and sometimes milk and rice cooked together.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá moved, on the 27th, to the hotel in Rue Lauriston where He had stayed before. He was very tired, and needed a few days' rest before people learned where He resided. Ahmad Pasha and the Dreyfus-Barneys, who knew that hotel meals did not suit ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, had food specially cooked for Him in their homes, but He asked them not to do so.
Source: H. M. Balyuzi, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: The Centre of the Covenant, pp. 391–394.
Collected from bahaistories.com (Subject: exhaustion).
Cite this story
Various. *bahaistories.com archive*. https://bahaistories.com/subject/exhaustion
Record yourself reading this story
Recording stays on this device only. Nothing is uploaded.
Related stories
A String of Pearls and Rubies
In Washington in April 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, though weary, was so moved by the love between Black and white friends at the Dyers’ home that He spoke, likening their union to a string of pearls and rubies.
A Day of Rest at Glenwood Springs
Worn out by the train journey from Denver in September 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stopped at Glenwood Springs, bathed in the hot springs with His companions and said He was relieved of fatigue.
No Bridal Gown for His Daughter
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s family dressed simply, as an example to the rich and an encouragement to the poor. When one of His daughters married in a clean dress, He explained that what she did not need He would give to the poor.
A Rest Accepted with Thanks
When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was very tired, Agnes Parsons suggested He rest and not worry about the constant stream of visitors. He thanked her and rested until nearly four o'clock.