Page:The Sikh Religion, its gurus, sacred writings and authors Vol 2.djvu/74

62 ‘Crazed lady, if thou art not pleased with the Guru's face, why hast thou come hither?’ On this she at once became insane, and casting aside her clothes ran naked into the forest. Efforts were made to stop her, but she succeeded in escaping and baffling pursuit.

The Raja having remained for some days with the Guru took formal leave of departure. The Guru told him that Sawan Mal, whom he recommended to the Raja's protection, would accompany him as his chaplain. The Raja was pleased to hear that Sawan Mal would return with him, and lavished on him his respectful attentions. Sawan Mal afterwards occasionally went from the hills to visit the Guru, and listen to his teaching, so that he might not inadvertently deviate from the tenets and principles of the faith.

A simpleton, who only clothed himself with a blanket, attached himself to the Guru as factotum. He was in the habit of saying ‘Sach, sach!’ (true, true) to everything that was said to him, and was consequently nicknamed Sachansach. One day as he had gathered firewood in the forest and was about to return with his load, the insane queen appeared before him. She was quite naked, her hair was dishevelled, and she altogether presented a weird and alarming appearance. She caught Sachansach, pinched him, bit him, wrestled with him, and reduced him to a sad plight. With great difficulty he escaped, and made his way home streaming with blood. The Sikhs on seeing his plight inquired what had occurred. His only reply was that he had had enough of the Guru's service, and that he would leave it and return to his home. When pressed for his reason, he at last related his interview with a witch in the forest. The Guru said, ‘Take my slipper, and if the witch come again, touch her with it, and she shall be cured of her malady.’