She is decorated with the Guru's word; her body and soul are with her Beloved.

With hands clasped she standeth waiting on Him, and offereth Him true supplication.

She is imbued with the love of her Darling; she dwelleth in fear of the True One; and, when dyed with His love, her colour is the true one.

She is called the handmaiden of the Beloved, and answereth to the name of Lali.[1]

Her true affection is not sundered; the True One blendeth her with Himself.

Her soul is imbued and saturated with the Word; I am ever a sacrifice unto her.

She who is absorbed in the True Guru, shall not sit down a widow.

Her Beloved is an abode of pleasure ever voting and true; He neither dieth nor is born.

He ever enjoyeth His virtuous wife, and casteth true glances on her as she obeyeth Him.

She maketh truth the parting of her hair, and lovelier dress and ornaments.

She maketh the indwelling[2] of God her sandal, and the tenth gate her chamber.

She lighteth the lamp of the Word, and weareth God's name as her necklet.

She weareth on her forehead the jewel of love, and she is beautiful among women.

Her beauty and wisdom are charming, and true is her infinite love.'

She knoweth no man but her Beloved; it is only for the True Guru she feeleth love and affection.

But thou who art reckless on a dark night[3] how shalt thou pass it without the Beloved?

Thy bosom shall burn, thy body shall burn, and thy mind shall burn, O woman.

[1. The jewel or precious one.

2. Chit wasâia; also translated--mental restraint.

3. In spiritual ignorance.]

{p. 269}

When woman enjoyeth not her Husband, her youth passeth in vain.

Her Husband is on the couch; his wife sleepeth and knoweth not His presence.

While I sleep, the Beloved awaketh; whom shall I go to consult?[1]

Nanak, the true Guru, having taught me love, hath caused me to meet God, and I abide in His fear.

The mind is impure until it receives instruction from a true religious teacher:--

When the mind is impure the body is impure, and the tongue impure'.

The mouth is impure by uttering impurity; how shall it be made pure?

The heart cannot be cleansed without the Word; from the True One truth is obtained.

O girl, what happiness is there without virtue?

Brahmans read books aloud, but understand not their meaning.

They give instruction to others as a business matter.

They wander about the world preaching falsehood; while they who abide by the Word are the best.

How many pandits and astrologers study the Veds

They glorify battles and enmities;[2] but from quarrels resulteth transmigration.

However much they tell and preach what they have heard, man shall not be freed from his sins without the Guru.

All call themselves virtuous, but I possess no virtue.