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2 HISTORY OF THK '.SIKHS.. 251
3 s, and comments on the state of society.
4 As he witnessed it in Calcutta, are often the theme
5 of conversation in the Durbar, and seldom fail to
6 amuse the old sirdars, and even extort a smile from
7 Bimjeet,
8 s< Govind Juss, or Race Govind Juss as he is more Govind Juss.
9 frequently called, the term f ‘Raee” being an
10 honourable title among Hindoos, is quite of a dif¬
11 ferent stamp from Goojur Singh, being a quiet,
12 steady, cautious man. He never intrudes himself
13 on strangers unless questioned on any subject,
14 when he shews considerable talent and tact, mixed
15 with that low cunning which is so inseparable from
16 the character of a Hindoo. Govind Juss is elder
17 brother to Kishen Chund, the vakeel on the part KisheaChiimi.
18 of Runjeet at Loodianah ; the latter is an able po¬
19 litician, and superior in this respect to the Raee,
20 being possessed of extraordinary tact and cunning,
21 with great presence of mind; there is little doubt,
22 that,this man is sometimes more than a match for
23 some of our British diplomatists, though lie, on all
24 occasions asumes a mild, and yielding manner,
25 having learned, no doubt, that this was the most
26 successful means of gaining over his British adver¬
27 saries in the field of politics. Govind Juss appears
28 to have been much pleased with his visit to Calcutta,
29 which he allows to be a city of palaces: nothing
30 excited his wonder and astonishment so much as
31 the beautiful houses and rich equipages of the
32 wealthier inhabitants; he evidently looks upon
33 these things as luxuries, and not at all necessary
34 to the real comforts of life. Govind Jussis a great