Then He ['Abdu'l-Baha] spoke about the Italians, saying that at the time of
the Romans they were famous for their knowledge and virtues but now their
character seems to have declined like the Greeks. And similarly the Egyptians.
He said:
“During the last days of our stay in Egypt, we went to Tanta
for the repair of the tomb of Hájí Abu'l Qásim and from there went to Mansurih.
In Tanta one of the English officials was our friend, who held us in great
honor and showed us great respect everywhere. Observing this, the natives were
more respectful and polite to us than even to the said officer, and throughout
the town, everyone, young and old, even the policemen in the street, saluted
us. But, at another time when we went alone to Mansurih, because the people did
not observe outward riches, they did not pay any attention to us. This is the
condition of hypocritical people who only look to outward appearances.”
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, aboard S. S. Cedric, quoted by Mírzá Mahmúd-i-Zarqání in
‘Muhmud’s Diary’)
