What follows is my provisional translation (in other words, not official or authorized; see here for more) of a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the original text of which appears in INBA, vol. 13, pp. 253–54.
The repeated mention of sovereignty in this Tablet is significant because it is relevant to the name of the man for whom this Tablet was revealed, in that sháh means “king.” Mohammad Norozi has suggested to me that this man’s name was probably Sháh Valíyu’lláh, and that people would call him Sháh-Valí for short, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has done here. However, I do not know anything else about him, nor am I aware of the circumstances attending the composition of this Tablet, such as when and where it was written or to what place it was sent.
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He is the All-Glorious
O Sháh-Valí! Sovereignty over both worlds lieth in thraldom to the Ancient Beauty, and kingship over this realm and the realm beyond consisteth in servitude to the Greatest Name. Shouldst thou wish for rulership, act thou like a thrall, and shouldst thou seek nobility, do thou render service. Such are the way and conduct of the people of Bahá; such are the nature and disposition of those who belong to the Kingdom of Abhá.
Glory rest on thee, O servant of Bahá!
From ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the love of Bahá.
A typescript of the original Persian text of this Tablet appears below.
Adib Masumian 