रामको गुलाम, नाम रामबोला राख्यौ राम, काम यहै, नाम द्वे हौं कबहूँ कहत हौं। रोटी-लूगा नीके राखै, आगेहूकी बेद भाखै, भलो ह्वैहै तेरो, ताते आनंद लहत हौं॥ १॥ बाँध्यौ हौं करम जड़ गरब गूढ़ निगड़, सुनत दुसह हौं तौ साँसति सहत हौं। आरत-अनाथ-नाथ, कौसलपाल कृपाल, लीन्हों छीन दीन देख्यो दुरित दहत हौं॥ २॥ बूझ्यौ ज्यौं ही, कह्यो, मैं हूँ चेरो ह्वैहौ रावरो जू मेरो कोऊ कहूँ नाहि, चरन गहत हौं। मींजो गुरु पीठ, अपनाइ गहि बाँह, बोलि सेवक-सुखद, सदा बिरद बहत हौं॥ ३॥ लोग कहैं पोच, सो न सोच न सँकोच मेरे ब्याह न बरेखी, जाति-पाँति न चहत हौं। तुलसी अकाज-काज राम ही के रीझे-खीझे, प्रीतिकी प्रतीति मन मुदित रहत हौं॥ ४॥
I am Rama’s servant; Rama has named me Ramabola. My only work is this: now and then I utter the name twice. Rama keeps me well in bread and clothing, while the Veda speaks for what lies ahead: ‘Good will come to you.’ Therefore I rejoice. (1) Dull karma had bound me with the deep fetters of pride, and I suffered a torment unbearable even to hear. I cried, ‘Lord of the afflicted and orphaned, compassionate guardian of Kosala!’ Seeing me lowly and burning in sin, he seized and snatched me free. (2) As soon as he asked, I said, ‘I am a servant; let me become yours, sir. Nowhere have I anyone else; I clasp your feet.’ The supreme Guru stroked my back, accepted me, took my arm and spoke. Giving joy to servants, I have ever since borne his emblem. (3) People call me vile, but I have neither worry nor shame: I seek no wedding or betrothal and want no caste or lineage. Tulsi’s success or ruin lies only in Rama’s pleasure or displeasure; trusting in his love, my heart remains glad. (4)