Tukaram, Poem 1472

Why should my poverty be wasted, as if I must seek alms? There are many whom I may ask for alms; let them give me rags to furnish me with shelter. The rocks are an excellent bed to sleep on; I have the sky for a cloak. With such a small store, having no honour, what peace of mind should I find? In a king’s palace the wealthy are respected; the common herd meet with no respect. If I wear fine apparel and men wearing rags, it would at once be the death of me. Yet when you hear this, still, God will not scorn me. Let me tell you this surprising news, there is no happiness like the beggar’s. Austerity and renunciation are the greatest things; men fettered by desire live miserably. Tuka says, You are opulent and honoured; but the devotees of Hari are more fortunate.