1 HISTORY OF THE SIKHS. 205
2 alone. The terms of the treaty were so couched,
3 that while the Sikhs were rendered unable to
4 make further aggression, for some time at least,
5 the nation might still be able to maintain a govern-
6 ment of its own, capable of controlling its military *
7 force and protecting its subjects, which was all
8 that the Governor-general desired.
9 Had the Sikhs contented themselves with Wag Aspect of af-
10 ing war in their own country, and the army of the ae
11 Sutlej entered the Punjab with hostile purposes,
12 the turn of affairs might have been different. The
13 Sikhs might, in that case, have opposed the British,
14 not in the open field as at Moodkee and Alleewal,
15 or in the temporary entrenchments as at Feeroz-
16 shuhur and Sobraon, but at Umritsir, shutting the
17 gates and placing their guns in that fortress and
18 the still stronger adjacent one of Govind Ghur.
19 Several months might have been required for the And a pro-
20 subjection of those strongholds; and the Sikhs taken plenes
21 would, in all likelihood, have often crossed the
22 Ravee, and even the Chenab and Jelum, pursued
23 by the British. But conquest, and not defence,
24 was the object of the Sikhs; and they came to
25 risk the fortune of war on the left bank of the
26 Sutlej, where a speedy blow was struck at all their
27 hopes ; and they were driven back across that river. Hod the Sikhs
28 They were now at the mercy and clemency of their the Sule)
29 victorious foe; their pride humbled, and the very
30 government of the country tottering to its base.
31 The effect of the forbearance of the British Go- Entects of for-
32 earance
33 . bi
34 vernment, and the prudence and energy displayed visibte.