Tukaram, Poem 2446

I have made yourself learned to annoy others, you have fed your own self-interest; you are like a miser that has made himself wealthy by toiling after groats and pence. In his youthful years the wretch is so frenzied that he ventures hand and foot and ear. How has he been deceived? Why does he throw away what was placed in his hand? He picks up a crystal and throws away the philosopher’s stone; he is robbed at his own desire. What adepts have once acquired even fools may obtain; it will profit each according to his deserts. When the Swati rain falls, a pearl is born in the mother-of-pearl, but that same rain ruins the cotton plants, they will never furnish cloth. The snake drinks the same water as other creatures, but his spittle is turned to poison. Why do gluttonous men gorge themselves on sweetmeats, and go on peeling plantains besides? After all, they thrust their fingers into their throat, and compel themselves to vomit. Parents who overfeed their children have to put up with groans, when they give them hot water and mustard and set them groaning. Tuka says, Men will reap the fruit of their actions.