Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 1.djvu/192

96 seeing him, arose, embraced him, and wept for joy. She asked for some account of her son Nanak. By that time a great crowd had assembled, and every one wanted to hear about him. Mardana evaded all inquiries, only telling people that he had been with Nanak. He then went away. The Guru's mother at once suspected that he must have had some object in departing so quickly, and that her son could not be far off. She again arose, and taking some clothes and sweets for Nanak, followed Mardana and overtook him. She earnestly requested him to take her to her son. Mardana made no answer, but went on his way, she following.

Nanak arose on seeing his mother, and respectfully saluted her. She kissed his forehead and began to weep, saying, 'I am a sacrifice unto thee. I am a sacrifice unto the ground thou treadest on. Seeing thy face hath made me happy. Now I desire that thou shouldst abandon thy wanderings, abide with us, and turn thine attention to commerce for thy livelihood.' The Guru, who was in turn delighted to see his mother, called on Mardana to play the rebeck while he himself sang the following:—

Drunkards abandon not stimulants, nor fishes water: So God is pleasing beyond all others to those who are imbued with their Lord. I am a sacrifice, I would be cut in pieces, Lord, for Thy name. The Lord is a fruit-bearing tree whose name is ambrosia. They who have partaken of it are satisfied; I am a sacrifice unto them. Why appearest Thou not unto me, O Lord, since Thou abidest with all?