When there was such slaughter and lamentation, didst not Thou, O God, feel pain?

Creator, Thou belongest to all.

If a tyrant slay a tyrant, one is not angry

But if a ravening lion fall on a herd, its master[1] should show his manliness.

The dogs of Lodi[2] have spoiled the priceless inheritance; when they are dead no one will regard them.

O God, Thou Thyself joinest and Thou Thyself separatest--lo! this is Thy greatness.

If any one give himself a great name and enjoy himself to his heart's content,

In God's view he is as a worm which nibbleth corn

But he who while alive is dead, may gain something, O Nanak, by repeating the Name.[3]

When Babar had heard this hymn, he ordered the Guru to be sent for. When the Guru appeared, the Emperor asked him to sing the hymn again, and

[1. The master of Hindustân at the time was Sultân Ibrâhim Lodi. He only met Bâbar's force at Pânîpat, where he was defeated.

2 The Pathân dynasty of the Lodis who ruled in India prior to the advent of the Mughal Babar.

3. Âsa.]

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the Guru did so. Upon this, it is said, Babar's brain opened for the reception of spiritual truths. He praised the Guru, and opening his bhang-pouch, offered him some. The Guru replied that he had already taken bhang whose intoxication would never subside. Babar asked what bhang that was. The Guru replied with the following hymn:--

O God, fear of Thee is my bhang, my heart its pouch

I am an intoxicated hermit.

My bands are the cup; it is for a sight of Thee, O God, I hunger,

And ever beg at Thy door-

For a sight of Thee I crave.

I beg at Thy door; grant me Thine alms.

Saffron, flowers, musk, gold, and sandal are all applied to the body;

So the bright perfume of the saints rendereth all souls fragrant.

No one calleth clarified butter or silk impure;[1]

Such is a saint in regard to caste.

May Nanak obtain alms at the doors

Of those who are imbued with Thy name and continue to love Thee![2]

The Emperor was so pleased with the Guru that he asked him to accompany him. The Guru would at first only promise to remain one day with him, but, on being pressed to remain three days, at last consented. The Guru was always distressed as he looked towards the prisoners. For the third time he sang the preceding hymn, and then fell into a trance and became unconscious. The Emperor stood over him, and asked the bystanders what had happened. They replied that the faqir, on beholding God's wrath, was in suffering, and had fallen into a trance. Babar became alarmed for the Guru's safety, and asked the people to pray to God for his recovery.

[1. That is, no one despises them.

2. Tilang.]

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