1 MWJS r/j
2 HISTORY OF THE SIICHS. 81
3 'As he had anticipated, the rajahs began to abuse
4 him, and threatened to punish him for his insolence
5 in not. delivering to them the articles without any
6 terms, saying that in imposing such, he had insulted
7 m.
8 The followers of Govind were already prepared „
9 to avenge the insult offered to their leader, and
10 speedily flew to their arms. The noise and tumult
11 were increasing every moment, and there is little
12 doubt that the lives of the rajahs would have been
13 forfeited by their indiscreet behaviour, but a word
14 from the GoorOo was sufficient to allay the uproar.
15 They were already crying “ Gooroo^jee-he-futteh.”
16 Unfortunately for themselves, the rajahs had come
17 with only a few followers, not knowing the strength
18 of Govind, or despising them as a rabble.
19 At length the patience of the Sikhs was exhausted,
20 and they were rushing on the rajahs, when Govind Quelled by
21 waved his hand and ordered them to desist. They'
22 obeyed the order, though very unwillingly; and as
23 they could not use their arms, they vented their
24 abuse with unsparing tongues; a means of revenge
25 still preserved among the Sikhs, particularly the
26 Ukaiees, the only Sikhs who at the present day,
27 adhere strictly to the tenets of Govind.
28 By those who have witnessed a band of drunken Abuse of th«
29 Ukaiees, almost in a state of nudity, brandishing.
30 their naked swords, and at the same time bawling
31 out in abusive and obscene language, the scene
32 now enacted by Govind’s followers may be easily
33 conceived.
34 voi,. i. «