कहे बिनु रह्यो न परत, कहे राम! रस न रहत। तुमसे सुसाहिबकी ओट जन खोटो-खरो कालको, करमकी कुसाँसति सहत॥ १॥ करत बिचार सार पैयत न कहूँ कछु, सकल बड़ाई सब कहाँ ते लहत? नाथकी महिमा सुनि, समुझि आपनी ओर, हेरि हारि के हहरि हृदय दहत॥ २॥ सखा न, सुसेवक न, सुतिय न, प्रभु आप, माय-बाप तुही साँचो तुलसी कहत। मेरी तौ थोरी है, सुधरैगी बिगरियौ, बलि, राम! रावरी सौं, रही रावरी चहत॥ ३॥
I cannot remain without speaking, yet when I speak, Rāma, the savor is lost. Sheltered by a fine master like you, this servant—bad or good—suffers the evil affliction of time and action. (1) Reflecting, I find no essence anywhere: from where does everyone obtain all their greatness? Hearing the Lord’s glory and then considering my own side, I look, lose heart, tremble, and burn within. (2) I have no friend, no good servant, no virtuous wife; you are the Lord, and you alone are my true mother and father—Tulsi speaks the truth. My affair is small; even though spoiled, it can be repaired. Blessed Rāma, I swear by you: my concern remains for your honor. (3)