Tukaram, Poem 1098

The father shows his gold; the brokers settle the price of his daughter; such is the fate of religion in this age; the holy are degraded and the unholy are strong. The twice-born have forgotten their rules; they are turned slanderous and thievish. They conceal their books and the marks on their foreheads; they put on trousers and shoes. They sit down on their trestles and harass the people, if food is not given them. They write accounts at bania’s shops; they live by dealing in oil and ghee. They become servants to the lowest of men; if they fail in their duties, they get beaten. The Raja oppresses his subjects; the warrior class oppress the wretched. Vaisyas and Sudras are naturally a low race—but what of these? They are all mere show; within they are black, without they are bright. Tuka says, O God, why sleepest Thou? I cry unto thee!