But if I may be so bold as to make one submission, gracious Lord – for I am your servant and you are the delight of your devotees – the glory of the saints, Raghunatha, has been sung in various ways by the Vedas and the Puranas.

You too have exalted them with your own blessed lips, for my Lord has a special affection for them. I would fain hear, Lord, their distinctive marks, for you, O Lord of grace, are skillful at discerning character and wisdom.

Instruct me, O protector of the suppliant, in the several qualities that distinguish the good from the wicked.’ ‘Hear then, brother, the marks of the saint which, as recorded in the Vedas and the Puranas, are innumerable.

The conduct of the saint and the sinner is analogous to that of the sandal tree and the axe; for – mark it, brother – the axe cuts down the tree, but the fragrant sandal imparts its perfume to the very axe that fells it.

For this reason sandal finds its way to the heads of gods (their images) and is the desire of the world too, while the axe, for its punishment, has its steel edge heated the fire and beaten with a hammer.

Indifferent to sensual objects, storehouses of amiability and other virtues, grieving when they see others in distress and rejoicing at the sight of others’ joy, even-minded and looking upon none as their enemy, free from vanity and passion, they are conquerors of greed, intolerance, exultation and fear.

Tender-hearted and compassionate to the poor, they cherish unfeigned devotion to me in thought and word and deed, and giving honour to all, they claim none for themselves. Such souls, Bharata, are dear to me as my own life.