Luddan the boatman declares that only those who pay in cash or kind will be allowed on his boat. Ranjha, a strong young man is cautioned that if he attempts to board the boat by force, he will be cast into the river and drowned mid stream. Luddan says that he does not cater to entertainers, mendicants and freeloaders, displaying the caste prejudices of his times, when Dums or bards were vilified as low caste underrables!