#18 (Thyagaraja) Not For Wealth

The year eighteen-not-two saw Saint Thyagaraja with all awe, As he had reached the peak By then in the uphill task. Sarabhoji, King of Tanjore, Had his own wish to hear, In the palace, the Saint singing On the glory of the King. His minister then went To invite the Saint, And said, “Oh Thyagaraja I come from Maharaja.” “He’s giving you a land, Ten acres, besides gold, If you come and sing On the glory of the King.” Under a rude shock, He was taken aback On hearing this word, His face became red. He said, “How can I sing For an earthly king, With my mouth that sings For the King of Kings.” Then he sang a song “What’s right or wrong? Lord Rama or any treasure? Which one gives more pleasure? ” (He sang in Raga Kalyani Nidhi Sala Sugama Ramuni Sannadhi Seva Sugama Nijamuga Palgu Manasa) “Will the wealth give pleasure? Or the service to Rama, a pleasure? Oh mind, tell me the fact, Which one you’ll select? ” “Curd, butter, milk, the three, Are they really tasty? Or to sing earnestly For the Lord is tasty7” “A bath in the holy Ganges River Will it give more pleasure? Or a bath in a dirty well water Will give that much pleasure? ” “Out of ego, praise a man. Will it bring any pleasure? Or sing for the Lord more. Will it give one pleasure? ” His refusal to sing For the Royal King Did incite the ruler Who issued an order. “Bring Thyagaraja here. This is my order.” Soldiers hurriedly went To bring the Saint. The King then had an attack Of severe pain in his stomach. Unbearable when it became To the Saint’s place he came. The pain spared the King When the Saint sang An appeal to the Lord. The King was thus saved.