The following are excerpts from a Friday sermon at the University of Tehran. The preacher is Ayatollah Mohammad Emami-Kashani:

Ayatollah Mohammad Emami-Kashani: Regarding the referendum held a few days ago in Venezuela, which led to the failure of America's policy, I wish such a referendum were held in America. The American public would be asked if it was content with Bush's actions. If the public votes for him, woe betide the American people. Are you, the American public, content with the many crimes your representative commits? Are you content with the fact that you pour the blood of the downtrodden into a cup and drink it, just like that? Why did you (Bush) submerge your arms up to the elbows into the people's blood?

What do you want from the Islamic world? As long as you rely on your might, your administration and entire public will say justice is with you. But once you die, once you are buried, it will not be like that. History will recount what you perpetrated. There are museums worldwide in which the statues of all the rulers stand. Mr. Bush, think about it! After you die people will gaze upon your statue. What does the world say when it gazes upon Nero? What does the world say when it gazes upon Hitler? After all, you have committed worse acts than them. Because of these crimes, historians will write about you and commentators will comment, and they will send you so many curses and your face will be blackened so much so that only few in the course of history will have faces as black as yours.

You have darkened the face of America in the world. But know this: despite all that you perpetrate, just like your ancestors were beaten in Vietnam until they left, so you will be beaten until you leave Iraq.

There are so many proud, zealous youth in Iran, Pakistan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the Islamic countries, and they will endanger all your interests. What should we Muslims do?

Oh the Hidden Imam! We are weary. This situation exacts a very high price from us. By virtue of your father the Imam Ali and your pure mother Fatemeh, ask the Lord to hasten your appearance. Oh God, when will we hear your voice, oh most precious (Hidden Imam)?