Kaljug offered the Guru the wealth of the world if he would abandon his mission. He said, 'I possess everything. Say but the word, and I will build thee a palace of pearls, inlay it with gems, and plaster it with fragrant aloes and sandal. I will bring thee very beautiful women, and give thee the wealth of the world, the power of working miracles, and confer upon thee the sovereignty of the East and of the West. Take whatever pleaseth thee.' The Guru informed him that he himself had renounced all sovereignty. What could he do with what Kaljug offered him, which moreover belonged to others? Then the Guru uttered the following stanza:--

Were a mansion of pearls erected and inlaid with gems for me;

Perfumed with musk, saffron, fragrant aloes and sandal to confer delight;

May it not be that on beholding these things I may forget Thee, O God, and not remember Thy name!

My soul burneth without Thee.

I have ascertained from my Guru that there is no other shelter than in God.

Were the earth to be studded with diamonds and rubies, and my couch to be similarly adorned;

Were fascinating damsels whose faces were decked with jewels to shed lustre and enhance the pleasure of the scene

[1. Gauri.

2. Râmkali.]

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May it not be that on beholding them I may forget Thee and not remember Thy name!

Were I to become a Sidh and work miracles; could I command the wealth of the universe to come to me;

Could I disappear and appear at pleasure, and were the world to honour me;

May it not be that on beholding these things I may forget Thee and not remember Thy name!

Were I to become a monarch on my throne and raise an army;

Were dominion and regal revenue mine--O Nanak, they would be all worthless--

May it not be that on beholding these things I may forget Thee and not remember Thy name![1]

Then Kaljug went round him in adoration, fell at his feet, and took his departure.

On the way Guru and Mardana sought shelter in a village, but were not allowed to remain there. The villagers began to play practical jokes on them. The Guru on that occasion uttered the following verses:--

When I remain silent, they say I have no understanding in my heart;

When I speak, they say I chatter too much;

When I sit, they say I have spread my pallet to stay;

When I go away, they say I have thrown dust on my head;[2]

When I bow down, they say I perform my devotions through fear.

I can do nothing by which I may spend my time in peace.

Both here and hereafter may the Creator preserve Nanak's honour!

Then the Guru composed the following hymn in the Rag Malar:--

[1. Sri Râg.

2 That is, I have become a faqir and dishonoured my family.]

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Death is forgotten amid eating and drinking, laughter and sleep.