THE WAY OF POVERTY
Reading edition
Thou hadst no servants to attend on Thee; Then why this pomp of household state for me? Coarse fare and scanty was Thy portion, Lord; Then why for me this richly-furnished board? Thou hadst not where to lay Thy head to rest; Then why should I of mansions be possessed? Ah, hapless I! What is this tyranny? How dost Thou laugh and make a mock of me! Ah, take from me this burden that doth bow My head! blest ocean of all love art Thou! I speak in anger, Lord; yet, if Thou too Reject my prayer, what can Thy servant do? Saith Dāsa, Christ, upon Thy pallet-bed Grant me a little space to lay my head. Nārāyan Vāman Tilak.