The Message or A Cry of Anguish — Page 91
THE MESSAGE OR A CRY OF ANGUISH 91 frustration must be ready to encounter this criticism, for it is quite valid and authentic in the eyes of the righteous and the wise. As for myself, I remained steadfast in the face of their remarks and our hearts stood firm under their burdens so that the Government may know that we are not the ones who become provoked and violent and neither do we seek mischief in response to mischief-mongers. We never forget the favours of this Government, for it has safeguarded our possessions, honour and lives from the tyrannical horde. We now live under its shadow in comfort and peace. We no longer face any penalty without committing an offence neither do we sink in disgrace without being guilty. In fact we live free from every kind of accusation and calamity, and are safeguarded against the malicious acts of all the transgressors and disbelievers. Thus, how can we turn ungrateful to those who bestow favours? Before these times, we would walk like the lame and it was impossible for us to preach the faith of the Best of Creationsas. The age of the Sikh rule was the time of humiliation and hardship during which the nobility were disgraced and slave girls bore chiefs and we suffered such persecution as the pen cannot write. We left our homes in tears. But owing to this Government, our circumstances changed from deprivation to prosperity, and from a violent wind to a pleas- ant breeze. And due to its favours, the doors of prosperity were opened to us and we were released from captivity and became affluent and the object of envy. All this, after having suffered var- ious kinds of hardships. We found this Government like verdure after famine, and health after illness. So we are under obligation to show true and sincere gratitude towards this [Government] on