हौं सब बिधि राम, रावरो चाहत भयो चेरो। ठौर ठौर साहबी होत है, ख्याल काल कलि केरो॥ १॥ काल-करम-इंद्रिय-बिषय गाहकगन घेरो। हौं न कबूलत, बाँधि कै मोल करत करेरो॥ २॥ बंदि-छोर तेरो नाम है, बिरुदैत बड़ेरो। मैं कह्यो, तब छल-प्रीति कै माँगे उर डेरो॥ ३॥ नाम-ओट अब लगि बच्यो मलजुग जग जेरो। अब गरीब जन पोषिये पाइबो न हेरो॥ ४॥ जेहि कौतुक खग स्वानको प्रभु न्याव निबेरो। तेहि कौतुक कहिये कृपालु! ‘तुलसी है मेरो’॥ ५॥
Rama, I wish to become your servant in every way, but masters arise everywhere—such is the sport of Time and the Kali age. (1) The host of buyers—time, karma, senses, and sense objects—has surrounded me. When I refuse the sale, they bind me and set a harsh price upon me. (2) Your name is the releaser of captives, and your renown is exceedingly great. When I told them this, they feigned affection and asked for lodging in my heart. (3) Until now I survived beneath the Name’s shelter, though the foul age subdues the world. Now sustain this poor servant; soon he will not be found even by searching. (4) Lord, with the same play in which you settled the bird’s and the dog’s suit, compassionate one, simply say: “Tulsi is mine.” (5)