Whose husband art Thou? Who is Thy wife? Thou pervadest all things.

Brahma, the granter of favours, with his progeny went to ascertain God's greatness,

But could not find His limits; what greatness wits obtained by slaying Kans?[4]

When the sea of milk was churned and its gems brought

[1. A part of an Oriental dance.

2. Râwan, king of Ceylon, abducted Sita, Râm's wife, and was killed by him.

3. This was one of the feats of Krishan, who, in some ways, resembles the Hercules of Greece.

4. Kans, king of Mathura, is called Krishan's maternal uncle. It was foretold that the offspring of Krishan's mother, Devaki, should kill Kans, so he employed all his efforts to destroy her children. Krishan however, was not destroyed, but succeeded in fulfilling the terms of the prophecy.]

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forth, the demigods and demons each claimed the merit thereof.

What greatness was obtained by the distribution of the gems to each? Saith Nanak, if men try to conceal Thy greatness, O God, how can it be concealed?

The Guru in his anxiety to meet God compares himself to a bride who rejoices in her approaching marriage:--

When the Bridegroom kindly came to my house,

My female companions met me and arranged for the marriage.

My heart was glad as I gazed upon the play; the Bridegroom came to wed me.

Sing, sing, O ladies, the bridal song with wisdom and reflection.

The Life of the world hath come to my house as my Bridegroom.

My marriage having been brought about through my Guru, when I met him I recognized my Spouse

Whose Word filleth the three worlds; when my pride departed my heart was glad.

God arrangeth His own affairs; they are not arranged by others:

They consist in bestowing truth, contentment, mercy, and faith-a few pious persons know this.

Saith Nanak, God alone is the Spouse of all,

She on whom He looketh with favour is the happy wife.

In the opinion of the Guru human life is worthless without holiness:--

A cow without milk, a bird without wings, and tillage without water are of no avail.

What is an emperor to whom no obeisance is made? Dark is the chamber in which Thy name, O God, is not.

Why shouldest Thou forget me when I am in great affliction?

When affliction befalleth me, forget me not.

Man's eye grow blind, his tongue loseth its taste, his ears hear not;

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He can only move by being supported--these are the fruits of non-service.

Make the Word the garden tree, plant it in good soil,[1] and irrigate with love.

The one Name is the fruit of all such trees; how shall men obtain it without good works?

All creatures are Thine, O Lord; none obtaineth his reward without devotion to Thee.

Woe and weal are distributed according to Thy will without Thy name real life remaineth not.