6 THE SIKH RELIGION
I cannot help it. This is the Guru's castle where men shall obtain their deserts/
On this the Guru rose and went to inquire if the drum were ready. If not, its completion must be expedited. The masands then made a direct repre- sentation : ' Great King, first consider the resources of the enemy. They are kings and possess armies, wealth, and munitions of war. It is therefore not advisable to contend with them. What a number of troubles befell thy grandfather in his military career ! Wherefore thou hast need of peace. Our Guru's business is with the Sikhism of his country ; war is the role of kings.'
The Guru replied, ' How shall I conceal myself from those hillmen ? I have received the immortal God's order to disclose myself, and you tell me to remain in concealment. I must obey God's order, not yours. I have prepared the drum because my army would have no prestige without it. Even if Bhim Chand, Raja of Kahlur, and the other hill rajas grow angry, are we who sit here women ? We too shall meet sword with sword. If they keep the peace, so shall we. We shall soon see what the hillmen intend. .When we go hunting, we shall take the drum with us, and beat it aloud on arriving at the base of the mountain.'
The Guru celebrated with prayers and the distri- bution of sacred food the completion of the big drum, which he called Ranjit, or victorious on the battle-field. When it was beaten, the men and women of the city went forth to behold it, and there was great rejoicing. The Guru and his men, in full panoply, went hunting the same day. When the party arrived near Bilaspur, the capital of Kahlur, the Guru's drummer beat the drum with much energy and ostentation. It sounded hke thunder to the hillmen, who at once apprehended that some potentate had come to take possession of their country. Raja Bhim Chand consulted his
