1851.] Translation of the Vichitr a Natak. 501 



But those who love the Gurii never feel 

 Adversity. " Riches and plenteousness 

 Shall be in their houses." Sin and evil 

 Can never assail them. They need no help 

 From Moslems, plenty is beneath their roofs. 

 If labour be their portion upon earth, 

 A happy conscience, softens all their toil. 



He was called Mirza Beg who destroyed the dwellings of those who 

 fled from Anandpura. Those who remained were safe, for the enemy 

 never ventured to approach their thresholds. Those who deserted 

 me, and bowed in subserviency to the Musalman were treated with 

 contempt, their faces were besmeared with filth and they were shaved. 

 They looked like faqirs begging for alms. 



Children pretending to be their converts, pelted them with stones. 

 Their heads were thrust into bags, like asses to be fed with malida.* 

 Their foreheads were bruised with shoe-nails, and looked as if covered 

 with the brahmanical wafer. Boys pelted filth at them, crying out the 

 while, " Here are alms for you." 



Such is the punishment of apostacy, but it is not so bad as the 

 crime. 



Those who have never fought in battles nor achieved any great 

 action, live unknown, and die unremembered. 



To know and to worship God, to respect and believe the words of 

 his Guru, this is to achieve a great action. 



The good never feel adversity. God reconciles them to it. Who 

 can injure whom God protects? No one! No plots can harm him! 

 He laughs at the designs of his enemies ! 



Trusting in the power of God, he knows that he is as well protected 

 as the tongue in his mouth. 



Chapter XIV. 

 Kal, loveth and protecteth all good men, 



And averteth from them evil. 

 Those who worship him behold his power, 

 Those who serve him, share his mercy. 

 * Mashed vetches boiled. 



