Chapter 14-The Possession of Decorum / Ozhukkamutaimai
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 131
‘Decorum’ gives especial excellence; with greater care
‘Decorum’ should men guard than life, which all men share.
Explanation
Propriety of conduct leads to eminence, it should therefore be preserved more carefully than life.
Transliteration
Ozhukkam Vizhuppan Tharalaan Ozhukkam
Uyirinum Ompap Patum.
Couplet 132
Searching, duly watching, learning, ‘decorum’ still we find;
Man’s only aid; toiling, guard thou this with watchful mind.
Explanation
Let propriety of conduct be laboriously preserved and guarded; though one know and practise and excel in many virtues, that will be an eminent aid.
Transliteration
Parindhompik Kaakka Ozhukkam Therindhompith
Therinum Aqdhe Thunai.
Couplet 133
‘Decorum’s’ true nobility on earth;
‘Indecorum’s’ issue is ignoble birth.
Explanation
Propriety of conduct is true greatness of birth, and impropriety will sink into a mean birth.
Transliteration
Ozhukkam Utaimai Kutimai Izhukkam
Izhindha Pirappaai Vitum.
Couplet 134
Though he forget, the Brahman may regain his Vedic lore;
Failing in ‘decorum due,’ birthright’s gone for evermore.
Explanation
A Brahman though he should forget the Vedas may recover it by reading; but, if he fail in propriety of conduct even his high birth will be destroyed.
Transliteration
Marappinum Oththuk Kolalaakum Paarppaan
Pirappozhukkang Kundrak Ketum.
Couplet 135
The envious soul in life no rich increase of blessing gains,
So man of ‘due decorum’ void no dignity obtains.
Explanation
Just as the envious man will be without wealth, so will the man of destitute of propriety of conduct be without greatness.
Transliteration
Azhukkaa Rutaiyaankan Aakkampondru Illai
Ozhukka Milaankan Uyarvu.
Couplet 136
The strong of soul no jot abate of ‘strict decorum’s’ laws,
Knowing that ‘due decorum’s’ breach foulest disgrace will cause.
Explanation
Those firm in mind will not slacken in their observance of the proprieties of life, knowing, as they do, the misery that flows from the transgression from them.
Transliteration
Ozhukkaththin Olkaar Uravor Izhukkaththin
Edham Patupaak Karindhu.
Couplet 137
‘Tis source of dignity when ‘true decorum’ is preserved;
Who break ‘decorum’s’ rules endure e’en censures undeserved.
Explanation
From propriety of conduct men obtain greatness; from impropriety comes insufferable disgrace.
Transliteration
Ozhukkaththin Eydhuvar Menmai Izhukkaththin
Eydhuvar Eydhaap Pazhi.
Couplet 138
‘Decorum true’ observed a seed of good will be;
‘Decorum’s breach’ will sorrow yield eternally.
Explanation
Propriety of conduct is the seed of virtue; impropriety will ever cause sorrow.
Transliteration
Nandrikku Viththaakum Nallozhukkam Theeyozhukkam
Endrum Itumpai Tharum.
Couplet 139
It cannot be that they who ‘strict decorum’s’ law fulfil,
E’en in forgetful mood, should utter words of ill.
Explanation
Those who study propriety of conduct will not speak evil, even forgetfully.
Transliteration
Ozhukka Mutaiyavarkku Ollaave Theeya
Vazhukkiyum Vaayaar Solal.
Couplet 140
Who know not with the world in harmony to dwell,
May many things have learned, but nothing well.
Explanation
Those who know not how to act agreeably to the world, though they have learnt many things, are still ignorant.
Transliteration
Ulakaththotu Otta Ozhukal Palakatrum
Kallaar Arivilaa Thaar.
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