Why should I care for men’s respect? You know this view of mine. Who cares for a letter? What men respect is the seal on it, and that is what makes the bearer respected. When I was but myself I moved about among the people; what respect was paid to me then? Now, O Narayana, my experience passes on to you; do not harass us miserable wretches. Whatever wages you pay me yourself, I shall consider fair, says Tuka.
Hinduism
Tukaram, Poem 1417
Source The Poems of Tukârâma, trad. J. Nelson Fraser et K. B. Marathe, 3 vol., 1909-1915, archive.org · Contents