1 194 APPENDIX — SUPERSTITIONS.
2 predicted by a Pundit, and the Pundit on his part is
3 guided by the jogme or spirits ; which pervade every
4 quarter of the compass. To avert the pernicious conse-
5 quences likely to ensue from unfavorable prognostics or
6 dreams, charity is recommended, and in general given
7 very freely on such occasions, by natives of rank and
8 wealth. These, and many hundred other absurd pre-
9 judices and superstitious notions, are carried into the
10 most solemn affairs of state. It is no uncommon practise
11 of RuNJEET Singh, when he contemplates any serious
12 undertaking, to direct two slips of paper to be placed
13 on the GruntJi Soldi, or sacred volume of the Sikhs. On
14 the one is written his wish, and on the other the reverse.
15 A little boy is then brought in, and told to bring one of
16 the slips, and, whichever it may happen to be, his High-
17 ness is as satisfied as if it were a voice from heaven.
18 A knowledge of these whims, and prepossessions, is
19 useful and necessary. They obtain, under varied shapes,
20 and in diversified shades, throughout the Eastern world,
21 warping the opinions, and directing the public and pri-
22 vate affairs of all ranks in society, from he despot to the
23 peasant, from the soldier in the battle-field, to the crimi-
24 nal at the tree of execution. It must be a pleasing duty
25 to every public servant to endeavour to gain the confi-
26 dence, and win the affections of the Chiefs and people
27 * When the Surhind Division, composed entirely of Sipahecs, was
28 directed, under the command of Sir David Ochtkri.ony, against tiie
29 Goorkha power in 1814, it was suggested by Nund Singh, the accredited
30 agent of /Ii/nji^et Singh, that the first march should be made at the
31 Dusehra. It 'jcing mentioned to him, that tiiis was too early, he beg-
32 ged that tlio tents and a few men might move out on that day. He
33 was gratified, and the success that attended this Division in all its opera-
34 tions, was attributed more to the choice of an auspicious hour, than
35 to the wiiidom, prudence, and gallantry of its commander, his officers,
36 and men.