Namdev (1270-1350)
From Returning from the Pilgrimage

I had heard that you are the Restorer of the fallen, so I came to
your door;
Realising that you are not the Restorer of the fallen, I go back now . . .

You give only when you receive, such is your generosity;
Why should I then hang around your door, the miser that you are?

You are not what you are renowned to be, so give up your claim;
Who has named you ‘The Restorer of the fallen’?

Beating the gong, I shall proclaim to all three worlds;
that though known as the ‘Restorer of the fallen,’
you are very treacherous.

Nama says, God, I expect nothing from you;
I touch your feet so that there should be love for me in your heart.

Translated from the Marathi by Pradeep Gopal Deshpande