Chapter 44 – The Correction of Faults / Kutrangatidhal
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 431
Who arrogance, and wrath, and littleness of low desire restrain,
To sure increase of lofty dignity attain.
Explanation
54 Truly great is the excellence of those (kings) who are free from pride, anger, and lust.
Transliteration
Serukkunj Chinamum Sirumaiyum Illaar
Perukkam Perumidha Neerththu.
Couplet 432
A niggard hand, o’erweening self-regard, and mirth
Unseemly, bring disgrace to men of kingly brith.
Explanation
Avarice, undignified pride, and low pleasures are faults in a king.
Transliteration
Ivaralum Maanpirandha Maanamum Maanaa
Uvakaiyum Edham Iraikku.
Couplet 433
Though small as millet-seed the fault men deem;
As palm tree vast to those who fear disgrace ’twill seem.
Explanation
Those who fear guilt, if they commit a fault small as a millet seed, will consider it to be as large as a palmyra tree.
Transliteration
Thinaiththunaiyaang Kutram Varinum Panaiththunaiyaak
Kolvar Pazhinaanu Vaar.
Couplet 434
Freedom from faults is wealth; watch heedfully
‘Gainst these, for fault is fatal enmity.
Explanation
Guard against faults as a matter (of great consequence; for) faults are a deadly enemy.
Transliteration
Kutrame Kaakka Porulaakak Kutrame
Atran Tharooum Pakai.
Couplet 435
His joy who guards not ‘gainst the coming evil day,
Like straw before the fire shall swift consume away.
Explanation
The prosperity of him who does not timely guard against faults, will perish like straw before fire.
Transliteration
Varumunnark Kaavaadhaan Vaazhkkai Erimunnar
Vaiththooru Polak Ketum.
Couplet 436
Faultless the king who first his own faults cures, and then
Permits himself to scan faults of other men.
Explanation
What fault will remain in the king who has put away his own evils, and looks after the evils of others.
Transliteration
Thankutram Neekkip Pirarkutrang Kaankirpin
Enkutra Maakum Iraikku?
Couplet 437
Who leaves undone what should be done, with niggard mind,
His wealth shall perish, leaving not a wrack behind.
Explanation
The wealth of the avaricious man, who does not expend it for the purposes for which he ought to expend it will waste away and not continue.
Transliteration
Seyarpaala Seyyaa Thivariyaan Selvam
Uyarpaala Thandrik Ketum.
Couplet 438
The greed of soul that avarice men call,
When faults are summed, is worst of all.
Explanation
Griping avarice is not to be reckoned as one among other faults; (it stands alone – greater than all).
Transliteration
Patrullam Ennum Ivaranmai Etrullum
Ennap Patuvadhon Randru.
Couplet 439
Never indulge in self-complaisant mood,
Nor deed desire that yields no gain of good.
Explanation
Let no (one) praise himself, at any time; let him not desire to do useless things.
Transliteration
Viyavarka Egngnaandrum Thannai Nayavarka
Nandri Payavaa Vinai.
Couplet 440
If, to your foes unknown, you cherish what you love,
Counsels of men who wish you harm will harmless prove.
Explanation
If (a king) enjoys, privately the things which he desires, the designs of his enemies will be useless.
Transliteration
Kaadhala Kaadhal Ariyaamai Uykkirpin
Edhila Edhilaar Nool.
0 Comments