Chapter 106 – Mendicancy / Iravu
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 1051
When those you find from whom ’tis meet to ask-for aid apply;
Theirs is the sin, not yours, if they the gift deny.
Explanation
If you meet with those that may be begged of, you may beg; (but) if they withhold (their gift) it is their blame and not yours.
Transliteration
Irakka Iraththakkaark Kaanin Karappin
Avarpazhi Thampazhi Andru.
Couplet 1052
Even to ask an alms may pleasure give,
If what you ask without annoyance you receive.
Explanation
Even begging may be pleasant, if what is begged for is obtained without grief (to him that begs).
Transliteration
Inpam Oruvarku Iraththal Irandhavai
Thunpam Uraaa Varin.
Couplet 1053
The men who nought deny, but know what’s due, before their face
To stand as suppliants affords especial grace.
Explanation
There is even a beauty in standing before and begging of those who are liberal in their gifts and understand their duty (to beggars).
Transliteration
Karappilaa Nenjin Katanarivaar Munnindru
Irappumo Reer Utaiththu.
Couplet 1054
Like giving alms, may even asking pleasant seem,
From men who of denial never even dream.
Explanation
To beg of such as never think of withholding (their charity) even in their dreams, is in fact the same as giving (it oneself);.
Transliteration
Iraththalum Eedhale Polum Karaththal
Kanavilum Thetraadhaar Maattu.
Couplet 1055
Because on earth the men exist, who never say them nay,
Men bear to stand before their eyes for help to pray.
Explanation
As there are in the world those that give without refusing, there are (also) those that prefer to beg by simply standing before them.
Transliteration
Karappilaar Vaiyakaththu Unmaiyaal Kannindru
Irappavar Merkol Vadhu.
Couplet 1056
It those you find from evil of ‘denial’ free,
At once all plague of poverty will flee.
Explanation
All the evil of begging will be removed at the sight of those who are far from the evil of refusing.
Transliteration
Karappitumpai Yillaaraik Kaanin Nirappitumpai
Ellaam Orungu Ketum.
Couplet 1057
If men are found who give and no harsh words of scorn employ,
The minds of askers, through and through, will thrill with joy.
Explanation
Beggars rejoice exceedingly when they behold those who bestow (their alms) with kindness and courtesy.
Transliteration
Ikazhndhellaadhu Eevaaraik Kaanin Makizhndhullam
Ullul Uvappadhu Utaiththu.
Couplet 1058
If askers cease, the mighty earth, where cooling fountains flow,
Will be a stage where wooden puppets come and go.
Explanation
If there were no beggars, (the actions done in) the cool wide world would only resemble the movement of a puppet.
Transliteration
Irappaarai Illaayin Eernganmaa Gnaalam
Marappaavai Sendruvan Thatru.
Couplet 1059
What glory will there be to men of generous soul,
When none are found to love the askers’ role.
Explanation
What (praise) would there be to givers (of alms) if there were no beggars to ask for and reveive (them).
Transliteration
Eevaarkan Ennuntaam Thotram Irandhukol
Mevaar Ilaaak Katai.
Couplet 1060
Askers refused from wrath must stand aloof;
The plague of poverty itself is ample proof.
Explanation
He who begs ought not to be angry (at a refusal); for even the misery of (his own) poverty should be a sufficient reason (for so doing).
Transliteration
Irappaan Vekulaamai Ventum Nirappitumpai
Thaaneyum Saalum Kari.
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