Tukaram, Poem 405

Hear me, O Panduranga, I would say something to You by yourself. If our store of merit is to save us, what place is left for You? What sort of piety is it to repay a debt? Will people think the act worthy of honour? If a man gives himself credit for it, he will gain nothing by his concert; we ought to feed a man who wants food. A beggar is the right person to feed and the gift is appropriate. Gratitude is due to a wise liberality, when a man gives where he has no hope of getting back. Be assured that the man is rightly called brave who puts the lowly behind his back and protects him; the merit of that noble act is boundless. Listen to my words, O Narayana! Now what more shall I say? If You save me, then I will call You great. Fulfil your own words, says Tuka, then I shall know You.