भयेहूँ उदास राम, मेरे आस रावरी। आरत स्वारथी सब कहैं बात बावरी॥ १॥ जीवनको दानी घन कहा ताहि चाहिये। प्रेम-नेमके निबाहे चातक सराहिये॥ २॥ मीनतें न लाभ-लेस पानी पुन्य पीनको। जल बिनु थल कहा मीचु बिनु मीनको॥ ३॥ बड़े ही की ओट बलि बाँचि आये छोटे हैं। चलत खरेके संग जहाँ-तहाँ खोटे हैं॥ ४॥ यहि दरबार भलो दाहिनेहु-बामको। मोको सुभदायक भरोसो राम-नामको॥ ५॥ कहत नसानी ह्वैहै हिये नाथ नीकी है। जानत कृपानिधान तुलसीके जीकी है॥ ६॥
Though you become indifferent, Rama, my hope is in you. The afflicted and the self-seeking all speak mad words. (1) What can the cloud, giver of life, require from anyone? The chataka is praised for keeping the covenant of love. (2) Pure, drinkable water gains not the least benefit from the fish; without water, what place has the fish except the ground and death? (3) Under the shelter of the great, I avow, the small have always survived; here and there counterfeit coins pass along with genuine ones. (4) In this court, good comes to those on the right and those on the left alike. My auspicious confidence rests in Rama’s name. (5) Speaking it aloud would bring ruin; Lord, it is better kept in the heart. Treasure-house of compassion, you know what is in Tulsi’s heart. (6)