Chapter 49 – Knowing the fitting Time / Kaalamaridhal
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 481
A crow will conquer owl in broad daylight;
The king that foes would crush, needs fitting time to fight.
Explanation
A crow will overcome an owl in the day time; so the king who would conquer his enemy must have (a suitable) time.
Transliteration
Pakalvellum Kookaiyaik Kaakkai Ikalvellum
Vendharkku Ventum Pozhudhu.
Couplet 482
The bond binds fortune fast is ordered effort made,
Strictly observant still of favouring season’s aid.
Explanation
Acting at the right season, is a cord that will immoveably bind success (to a king).
Transliteration
Paruvaththotu Otta Ozhukal Thiruvinaith
Theeraamai Aarkkung Kayiru.
Couplet 483
Can any work be hard in very fact,
If men use fitting means in timely act.
Explanation
Is there anything difficult for him to do, who acts, with (the right) instruments at the right time ?.
Transliteration
Aruvinai Yenpa Ulavo Karuviyaan
Kaalam Arindhu Seyin.
Couplet 484
The pendant world’s dominion may be won,
In fitting time and place by action done.
Explanation
Though (a man) should meditate (the conquest of) the world, he may accomplish it if he acts in the right time, and at the right place.
Transliteration
Gnaalam Karudhinung Kaikootung Kaalam
Karudhi Itaththaar Seyin.
Couplet 485
Who think the pendant world itself to subjugate,
With mind unruffled for the fitting time must wait.
Explanation
They who thoughtfully consider and wait for the (right) time (for action), may successfully meditate (the conquest of) the world.
Transliteration
Kaalam Karudhi Iruppar Kalangaadhu
Gnaalam Karudhu Pavar.
Couplet 486
The men of mighty power their hidden energies repress,
As fighting ram recoils to rush on foe with heavier stress.
Explanation
The self-restraint of the energetic (while waiting for a suitable opportunity), is like the drawing back of a fighting-ram in order to butt.
Transliteration
Ookka Mutaiyaan Otukkam Porudhakar
Thaakkarkup Perun Thakaiththu.
Couplet 487
The glorious once of wrath enkindled make no outward show,
At once; they bide their time, while hidden fires within them glow.
Explanation
The wise will not immediately and hastily shew out their anger; they will watch their time, and restrain it within.
Transliteration
Pollena Aange Puramveraar Kaalampaarththu
Ulverppar Olli Yavar.
Couplet 488
If foes’ detested form they see, with patience let them bear;
When fateful hour at last they spy,- the head lies there.
Explanation
If one meets his enemy, let him show him all respect, until the time for his destruction is come; when that is come, his head will be easily brought low.
Transliteration
Serunaraik Kaanin Sumakka Iruvarai
Kaanin Kizhakkaam Thalai.
Couplet 489
When hardest gain of opportunity at last is won,
With promptitude let hardest deed be done.
Explanation
If a rare opportunity occurs, while it lasts, let a man do that which is rarely to be accomplished (but for such an opportunity).
Transliteration
Eydhar Kariyadhu Iyaindhakkaal Annilaiye
Seydhar Kariya Seyal.
Couplet 490
As heron stands with folded wing, so wait in waiting hour;
As heron snaps its prey, when fortune smiles, put forth your power.
Explanation
At the time when one should use self-control, let him restrain himself like a heron; and, let him like it, strike, when there is a favourable opportunity.
Transliteration
Kokkokka Koompum Paruvaththu Matradhan
Kuththokka Seerththa Itaththu.
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