Chapter 48 -The Knowledge of Power / Valiyaridhal
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 471
The force the strife demands, the force he owns, the force of foes,
The force of friends; these should he weigh ere to the war he goes.
Explanation
Let (one) weigh well the strength of the deed (he purposes to do), his own strength, the strength of his enemy, and the strength of the allies (of both), and then let him act.
Transliteration
Vinaivaliyum Thanvaliyum Maatraan Valiyum
Thunaivaliyum Thookkich Cheyal.
Couplet 472
Who know what can be wrought, with knowledge of the means, on this,
Their mind firm set, go forth, nought goes with them amiss.
Explanation
There is nothing which may not be accomplished by those who, before they attack (an enemy), make themselves acquainted with their own ability, and with whatever else is (needful) to be known, and.
Transliteration
Olva Tharivadhu Arindhadhan Kandhangich
Chelvaarkkuch Chellaadhadhu Il.
Couplet 473
Ill-deeming of their proper powers, have many monarchs striven,
And midmost of unequal conflict fallen asunder riven.
Explanation
There are many who, ignorant of their (want of) power (to meet it), have haughtily set out to war, and broken down in the midst of it.
Transliteration
Utaiththam Valiyariyaar Ookkaththin Ookki
Itaikkan Murindhaar Palar.
Couplet 474
Who not agrees with those around, no moderation knows,
In self-applause indulging, swift to ruin goes.
Explanation
59 He will quickly perish who, ignorant of his own resources flatters himself of his greatness, and does.
Transliteration
Amaindhaang Kozhukaan Alavariyaan Thannai
Viyandhaan Viraindhu Ketum.
Couplet 475
With peacock feathers light, you load the wain;
Yet, heaped too high, the axle snaps in twain.
Explanation
The axle tree of a bandy, loaded only with peacocks’ feathers will break, if it be greatly overloaded.
Transliteration
Peelipey Saakaatum Achchirum Appantanjjch
Aala Mikuththup Peyin.
Couplet 476
Who daring climbs, and would himself upraise
Beyond the branch’s tip, with life the forfeit pays.
Explanation
There will be an end to the life of him who, having climbed out to the end of a branch, ventures to go further.
Transliteration
Nunikkompar Erinaar Aqdhiran Thookkin
Uyirkkirudhi Aaki Vitum.
Couplet 477
With knowledge of the measure due, as virtue bids you give!
That is the way to guard your wealth, and seemly live.
Explanation
Let a man know the measure of his ability (to give), and let him give accordingly; such giving is the way to preserve his property.
Transliteration
Aatrin Aravarindhu Eeka Adhuporul
Potri Vazhangu Neri.
Couplet 478
Incomings may be scant; but yet, no failure there,
If in expenditure you rightly learn to spare.
Explanation
Even though the income (of a king) be small, it will not cause his (ruin), if his outgoings be not larger than his income.
Transliteration
Aakaaru Alavitti Thaayinung Ketillai
Pokaaru Akalaak Katai.
Couplet 479
Who prosperous lives and of enjoyment knows no bound,
His seeming wealth, departing, nowhere shall be found.
Explanation
The prosperity of him who lives without knowing the measure (of his property), will perish, even while it seems to continue.
Transliteration
Alavarindhu Vaazhaadhaan Vaazhkkai Ulapola
Illaakith Thondraak Ketum.
Couplet 480
Beneficence that measures not its bound of means,
Will swiftly bring to nought the wealth on which it leans.
Explanation
The measure of his wealth will quickly perish; whose liberality weighs not the measure of his property.
Transliteration
Ulavarai Thookkaadha Oppura Vaanmai
Valavarai Vallaik Ketum.
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