Chapter 107 The Dread of Mendicancy /
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 1061
Ten million-fold ’tis greater gain, asking no alms to live,
Even from those, like eyes in worth, who nought concealing gladly give.
Explanation
Not to beg (at all) even from those excellent persons who cheerfully give without refusing, will do immense good.
Transliteration
Karavaadhu Uvandheeyum Kannannaar Kannum
Iravaamai Koti Urum.
Couplet 1062
If he that shaped the world desires that men should begging go,
Through life’s long course, let him a wanderer be and perish so.
Explanation
If the Creator of the world has decreed even begging as a means of livelihood, may he too go abegging and perish.
Transliteration
Irandhum Uyirvaazhdhal Ventin Parandhu
Ketuka Ulakiyatri Yaan.
Couplet 1063
Nothing is harder than the hardness that will say,
‘The plague of penury by asking alms we’ll drive away.’.
Explanation
There is no greater folly than the boldness with which one seeks to remedy the evils of poverty by begging (rather than by working).
Transliteration
Inmai Itumpai Irandhudheer Vaamennum
Vanmaiyin Vanpaatta Thil.
Couplet 1064
Who ne’er consent to beg in utmost need, their worth
Has excellence of greatness that transcends the earth.
Explanation
Even the whole world cannot sufficiently praise the dignity that would not beg even in the midst of destitution.
Transliteration
Itamellaam Kollaath Thakaiththe Itamillaak
Kaalum Iravollaach Chaalpu.
Couplet 1065
Nothing is sweeter than to taste the toil-won cheer,
Though mess of pottage as tasteless as the water clear.
Explanation
Even thin gruel is ambrosia to him who has obtained it by labour.
Transliteration
Thenneer Atupurkai Aayinum Thaaldhandhadhu
Unnalin Oonginiya Thil.
Couplet 1066
E’en if a draught of water for a cow you ask,
Nought’s so distasteful to the tongue as beggar’s task.
Explanation
There is nothing more disgraceful to one’s tongue than to use it in begging water even for a cow.
Transliteration
Aavirku Neerendru Irappinum Naavirku
Iravin Ilivandha Thil.
Couplet 1067
One thing I beg of beggars all, ‘If beg ye may,
Of those who hide their wealth, beg not, I pray.’.
Explanation
I beseech all beggars and say, “If you need to beg, never beg of those who give unwillingly.”.
Transliteration
Irappan Irappaarai Ellaam Irappin
Karappaar Iravanmin Endru.
Couplet 1068
The fragile bark of beggary
Wrecked on denial’s rock will lie.
Explanation
The unsafe raft of begging will split when it strikes on the rock of refusal.
Transliteration
Iravennum Emaappil Thoni Karavennum
Paardhaakkap Pakku Vitum.
Couplet 1069
The heart will melt away at thought of beggary,
With thought of stern repulse ’twill perish utterly.
Explanation
To think of (the evil of) begging is enough to melt one’s heart; but to think of refusal is enough to break it.
Transliteration
Iravulla Ullam Urukum Karavulla
Ulladhooum Indrik Ketum.
Couplet 1070
E’en as he asks, the shamefaced asker dies;
Where shall his spirit hide who help denies.
Explanation
Saying “No” to a beggar takes away his life. (but as that very word will kill the refuser) where then would the latter’s life hide itself?
Transliteration
Karappavarkku Yaangolikkum Kollo Irappavar
Sollaatap Poom Uyir.
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