THE SLAVE GIRL OF AGRA
work among the people, while the Divine Faith claims its followers only among the Ameers and grandees of the Court. Over a hundred years ago there lived in Benares an eminent prophet, Ramanand, who preached the faith of One True God far and wide. And his disciple, whom they call Kabir, held the lofty aim which inspires your Majesty of uniting Hindus and Mohammedans in the worship of the One. It was he who sang the immortal verse:
"Is Benares thy God's abode, brother of Hindu creed?
Is Mecca city of thy God, Moslem of righteous deed?
But search your inner selves, my friends, the God of earth and air,
The Moslems' and the Hindus’ God—He ever dwelleth there!"
"Noble sentiment that, Abul Fazel. Our learned men write more ornate words, but appeal not to the heart like the Poet of the People. Have there been many such in the land?"
"In the land of the Punjab, sire, there lived, a hundred years ago, a great spiritual teacher called Nanak, who was inspired by the same object; and Musalmans and Hindus join that sect and call themselves Sikhs. They are a brave but peaceful sect, and among the most loyal among your Majesty's subjects."
"I have heard of them, Abul Fazel, and I esteem them, for they are seekers after One True God."
"Bengal, too, produced its great reformer, Chaitanya, a hundred years ago. He, too, sought to unite Moslems and Hindus in the worship of one God, and his followers can now be reckoned by the million."
"Worthy and noble were these Preachers of the
184
