Chapter 108 – Baseness / Kayamai
Couplet 1071
The base resemble men in outward form, I ween;
But counterpart exact to them I’ve never seen.
Explanation
The base resemble men perfectly (as regards form); and we have not seen such (exact) resemblance (among any other species).
Transliteration
Makkale Polvar Kayavar Avaranna
Oppaari Yaanganta Thil.
Couplet 1072
Than those of grateful heart the base must luckier be,
Their minds from every anxious thought are free.
Explanation
The low enjoy more felicity than those who know what is good; for the former are not troubled with anxiety (as to the good).
Transliteration
Nandrari Vaarir Kayavar Thiruvutaiyar
Nenjaththu Avalam Ilar.
Couplet 1073
The base are as the Gods; they too
Do ever what they list to do.
Explanation
The base resemble the Gods; for the base act as they like.
Transliteration
Thevar Anaiyar Kayavar Avarundhaam
Mevana Seydhozhuka Laan.
Couplet 1074
When base men those behold of conduct vile,
They straight surpass them, and exulting smile.
Explanation
The base feels proud when he sees persons whose acts meaner than his own.
Transliteration
Akappatti Aavaaraik Kaanin Avarin
Mikappattuch Chemmaakkum Keezh.
Couplet 1075
Fear is the base man’s virtue; if that fail,
Intense desire some little may avail.
Explanation
(The principle of) behaviour in the mean is chiefly fear; if not, hope of gain, to some extent.
Transliteration
Achchame Keezhkaladhu Aasaaram Echcham
Avaavuntel Untaam Siridhu.
Couplet 1076
The base are like the beaten drum; for, when they hear
The sound the secret out in every neighbour’s ear.
Explanation
The base are like a drum that is beaten, for they unburden to others the secrets they have heard.
Transliteration
Araiparai Annar Kayavardhaam Ketta
Maraipirarkku Uyththuraikka Laan.
Couplet 1077
From off their moistened hands no clinging grain they shake,
Unless to those with clenched fist their jaws who break.
Explanation
The mean will not (even) shake off (what sticks to) their hands (soon after a meal) to any but those who would break their jaws with their clenched fists.
Transliteration
Eerngai Vidhiraar Kayavar Kotirutaikkum
Koonkaiyar Allaa Thavarkku.
Couplet 1078
The good to those will profit yield fair words who use;
The base, like sugar-cane, will profit those who bruise.
Explanation
The great bestow (their alms) as soon as they are informed; (but) the mean, like the sugar-cane, only when they are tortured to death.
Transliteration
Sollap Payanpatuvar Saandror Karumpupol
Kollap Payanpatum Keezh.
Couplet 1079
If neighbours clothed and fed he see, the base
Is mighty man some hidden fault to trace.
Explanation
The base will bring an evil (accusation) against others, as soon as he sees them (enjoying) good food.
Transliteration
Utuppadhooum Unpadhooum Kaanin Pirarmel
Vatukkaana Vatraakum Keezh.
Couplet 1080
For what is base man fit, if griefs assail?
Himself to offer, there and then, for sale.
Explanation
The base will hasten to sell themselves as soon as a calamity has befallen them. For what else are they fitted?
Transliteration
Etrir Kuriyar Kayavarondru Utrakkaal
Vitrarku Uriyar Viraindhu.
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