Chapter 80 – Investigation in forming Friendships / Natpaaraaidhal
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 791
To make an untried man your friend is ruin sure;
For friendship formed unbroken must endure.
Explanation
As those who are of a friendly nature will not forsake (a friend) after once loving (him), there is no evil so great as contracting a friendship without due inquiry.
Transliteration
Naataadhu Nattalir Ketillai Nattapin
Veetillai Natpaal Pavarkku.
Couplet 792
Alliance with the man you have not proved and proved again,
In length of days will give you mortal pain.
Explanation
The friendship contracted by him who has not made repeated inquiry will in the end grieve (him) to death.
Transliteration
Aaindhaaindhu Kollaadhaan Kenmai Kataimurai
Thaansaam Thuyaram Tharum.
Couplet 793
Temper, descent, defects, associations free
From blame: know these, then let the man be friend to thee.
Explanation
Make friendship (with one) after ascertaining (his) character, birth, defects and the whole of one’s relations.
Transliteration
Kunamum Kutimaiyum Kutramum Kundraa
Inanum Arindhiyaakka Natpu.
Couplet 794
Who, born of noble race, from guilt would shrink with shame,
Pay any price so you as friend that man may claim.
Explanation
The friendship of one who belongs to a (good) family and is afraid of (being charged with) guilt, is worth even purchasing.
Transliteration
Kutippirandhu Thankan Pazhinaanu Vaanaik
Kotuththum Kolalventum Natpu.
Couplet 795
Make them your chosen friend whose words repentance move,
With power prescription’s path to show, while evil they reprove.
Explanation
You should examine and secure the friendship of those who can speak so as to make you weep over a crime (before its commission) or rebuke you severely (after you have done it) and are able to teach.
Transliteration
Azhachcholli Alladhu Itiththu Vazhakkariya
Vallaarnatapu Aaindhu Kolal.
Couplet 796
Ruin itself one blessing lends:
‘Tis staff that measures out one’s friends.
Explanation
Even in ruin there is some good; (for) it is a rod by which one may measure fully (the affection of one’s) relations.
Transliteration
Kettinum Untor Urudhi Kilaignarai
Neetti Alappadhor Kol.
Couplet 797
‘Tis gain to any man, the sages say,
Friendship of fools to put away.
Explanation
It is indead a gain for one to renounce the friendship of fools.
Transliteration
Oodhiyam Enpadhu Oruvarkup Pedhaiyaar
Kenmai Oreei Vital.
Couplet 798
Think not the thoughts that dwarf the soul; nor take
For friends the men who friends in time of grief forsake.
Explanation
Do not think of things that discourage your mind, nor contract friendship with those who would forsake you in adversity.
Transliteration
Ullarka Ullam Sirukuva Kollarka
Allarkan Aatraruppaar Natpu.
Couplet 799
Of friends deserting us on ruin’s brink,
‘Tis torture e’en in life’s last hour to think.
Explanation
The very thought of the friendship of those who have deserted one at the approach of adversity will burn one’s mind at the time of death.
Transliteration
Ketungaalaik Kaivituvaar Kenmai Atungaalai
Ullinum Ullanj Chutum.
Couplet 800
Cling to the friendship of the spotless one’s; whate’er you pay
Renounce alliance with the men of evil way.
Explanation
Continue to enjoy the friendship of the pure; (but) renounce even with a gift, the friendship of those who do not agree (with the world).
Transliteration
Maruvuka Maasatraar Kenmaion Reeththum
Oruvuka Oppilaar Natpu.
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