They who love the Bridegroom and enjoy the pleasure of His embraces,

Are lowly even in their strength, and remain humble.

Nanak, our lives shall be profitable if we meet such women.[3]

When the Guru had uttered these verses, Nurshah thought she would tempt him with wealth. Her attendants brought pearls, diamonds, gold, silver, coral, sumptuous dresses, all things precious the state treasury contained, and laid them at his feet. The Guru rejected all the proffered presents, and uttered the following hymn, which he sang to Mardana's rebeck:--

O silly woman, why art thou proud?

Why enjoyest thou not the love of God[4] in thine own home?

The Spouse is near; O foolish woman, why searchest thou abroad?

Put the surma[5] needles of God's fear into thine eyes, and

ear the decoration of love.

Thou shalt be known as a devoted happy wife[6] if thou love the Bridegroom.

[1. Asa.

2. Literally--we are white outside.

3. Sri Râg ki Wâr.

4. The Indian husband is deemed as a god by his wife.

5 A species of collyrium.

6. Suhâgan, from the Sanskrit su, good, and bhâg fortune, is applied to a wife whose husband is alive. Her lot is happy, and her state deemed holy in comparison with that of a widow.]

{p. 77}

What shall a silly woman do if she please not her Spouse?

However much she implore, she may not enter His chamber.

Without God's grace she obtaineth nothing, howsoever she may strive.

Intoxicated with avarice, covetousness, and pride, she is absorbed in mammon.

It is not by these means the Bridegroom is obtained; silly is the woman who thinketh so.

Go and ask the happy wives[1] by what means they obtained their Spouse--

'Whatever He doeth accept as good; have done with cleverness and orders.

'Apply thy mind to the worship of His feet by whose love what is most valued is obtained.[2]

'Do whatever the Bridegroom biddeth thee; give Him thy body and soul; such perfumes apply.'[3]

Thus speak the happy wives:[4] 'O sister, by these means the Spouse is obtained.

'Efface thyself, so shalt thou obtain the Bridegroom; what other art is there?'

Only that day is of account when the Bridegroom looketh with favour; the wife hath then obtained the wealth of the world.

She who pleaseth her Spouse is the happy wife Nanak, she is the queen of them all.

She is saturated with pleasure, intoxicated with happiness,[5] and day and night absorbed in His love.

She is beautiful and fair to view, accomplished, and it is she alone who is wise.[6]

[1. Who have God for their spouse.

2. That is, salvation. Also translated--from whom the wealth of love is obtained.

3. That is, let these be thy blandishments.

4. This is the reply of the favourite wives showing how they won God as their Spouse.