Chapter 19 Not Backbiting / Purangooraamai
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 181
Though virtuous words his lips speak not, and all his deeds are ill
If neighbour he defame not, there’s good within him still.
Explanation
Though one do not even speak of virtue and live in sin, it will be well if it be said of him “he does not backbite.”.
Transliteration
Arangooraan Alla Seyinum Oruvan
Purangooraan Endral Inidhu.
Couplet 182
Than he who virtue scorns, and evil deeds performs, more vile,
Is he that slanders friend, then meets him with false smile.
Explanation
To smile deceitfully (in another’s presence) after having reviled him to his destruction (behind his back) is a greater evil than the commission of (every other) sin and the destruction of (every) virtue.
Transliteration
Aranazheei Allavai Seydhalin Theedhe
Puranazheeip Poiththu Nakai.
Couplet 183
‘Tis greater gain of virtuous good for man to die,
Than live to slander absent friend, and falsely praise when nigh.
Explanation
Death rather than life will confer upon the deceitful backbiter the profit which (the treatises on) virtue point out.
Transliteration
Purangoorip Poiththuyir Vaazhdhalin Saadhal
Arangootrum Aakkath Tharum.
Couplet 184
In presence though unkindly words you speak, say not
In absence words whose ill result exceeds your thought.
Explanation
Though you speak without kindness before another’s face speak not in his absence words which regard not the evil subsequently resulting from it.
Transliteration
Kannindru Kannarach Chollinum Sollarka
Munnindru Pinnokkaach Chol.
Couplet 185
The slanderous meanness that an absent friend defames,
‘This man in words owns virtue, not in heart,’ proclaims.
Explanation
The emptiness of that man’s mind who (merely) praises virtue will be seen from the meanness of reviling another behind his back.
Transliteration
Aranjollum Nenjaththaan Anmai Puranjollum
Punmaiyaar Kaanap Patum.
Couplet 186
Who on his neighbours’ sins delights to dwell,
The story of his sins, culled out with care, the world will tell.
Explanation
The character of the faults of that man who publishes abroad the faults of others will be sought out and published.
Transliteration
Piranpazhi Kooruvaan Thanpazhi Yullum
Thirandherindhu Koorap Patum.
Couplet 187
With friendly art who know not pleasant words to say,
Speak words that sever hearts, and drive choice friends away.
Explanation
Those who know not to live in friendship with amusing conversation will by back-biting estrange even their relatives.
Transliteration
Pakachchollik Kelirp Pirippar Nakachcholli
Natpaatal Thetraa Thavar.
Couplet 188
Whose nature bids them faults of closest friends proclaim
What mercy will they show to other men’s good name.
Explanation
What will those not do to strangers whose nature leads them to publish abroad the faults of their intimate friends ?.
Transliteration
Thunniyaar Kutramum Thootrum Marapinaar
Ennaikol Edhilaar Maattu.
Couplet 189
‘Tis charity, I ween, that makes the earth sustain their load
Who, neighbours’ absence watching, tales or slander tell abroad.
Explanation
The world through charity supports the weight of those who reproach others observing their absence.
Transliteration
Arannokki Aatrungol Vaiyam Purannokkip
Punsol Uraippaan Porai.
Couplet 190
If each his own, as neighbours’ faults would scan,
Could any evil hap to living man.
Explanation
If they observed their own faults as they observe the faults of others, would any evil happen to men ?.
Transliteration
Edhilaar Kutrampol Thangutrang Kaankirpin
Theedhunto Mannum Uyirkku.
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