Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 2.djvu/101

Rh would reward the boy for his compassionate and timely gift.

He soon fell in with a company of Sikhs singing hymns to the accompaniment of cymbals and drums, and proceeding on their way with great rejoicing. When he asked whither they were going, one of them replied, ‘Come with us, we are going to Goindwal where Guru Amar Das, the third Guru, holds his court. Every blessing in this world and the next is obtained by his favour.’ On hearing this Jetha's heart was filled with devotion, and he at once joined the Sikhs in their pilgrimage. Jetha, on arriving in Goindwal, prostrated himself before the Guru, who was much impressed with his devotion and handsome exterior. In reply to the Guru's inquiries Jetha told his name and station, and how, abandoning all worldly desires, he had sought his spiritual protection. The Guru replied, ‘If thou hast come abandoning all worldly desires, thou shalt obtain a true sovereignty. Perform work and service. It is thus God's court is obtained.’ Jetha was delighted at his reception, and at once applied himself to the Guru's service. He cooked in the kitchen, shampooed his master, drew water, brought firewood from the forest, and, when not so employed, assisted in the excavation of the Bawali. He never thought of his own ease and never felt weary. He was of such meek temper that, even if any one spoke harshly to him, he would never retaliate. He became known as what he really was, namely, Ram Das, which being interpreted means God's slave.

One of the Guru's daughters, Bibi Sulakhani, known as Dani, had married Rama of the Bedi family to which Guru Nanak belonged. The other daughter, Bibi Bhani, was from her earliest years fond of prayer and seclusion. When her young girl companions would invite her on a pleasant day in summer to go with them to indulge in the pastime of the swing, she would inform her father, who