Day and night are our two nurses, male and female, who set the whole world a-playing.[2]

Merits and demerits shall be read out in the presence of the Judge.

According to men's acts, some shall be near, and others distant from God.

They who have pondered on the Name and departed after the completion of their toil,[3]

Shall have their countenances made bright, O Nanak; how many shall be emancipated in company with them!

[1. Literally --would be as hard as iron.

2. Here the denizens of the world are likened to children, Their father is said to be water, the human sperm; the earth like a mother affords them nutriment; day supplies them with occupation; the night lulls them to rest; and the breath of the Guru imparts divine instruction.

In the East it is usual for the rich to have two nurses for a child--female nurse by night, and a male nurse to accompany and play with it by day.

3. The worship of God and the necessity of labour for one's livelihood are eminently Sikh principles.

4. This slok is generally believed to be the composition of Guru Angad.]

{p. 218}

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