Chapter 58 – Benignity / Kannottam
Couplet 571
Since true benignity, that grace exceeding great, resides
In kingly souls, world in happy state abides.
Explanation
The world exists through that greatest ornament (of princes), a gracious demeanour.
Transliteration
Kannottam Ennum Kazhiperung Kaarikai
Unmaiyaan Untiv Vulaku.
Couplet 572
The world goes on its wonted way, since grace benign is there;
All other men are burthen for the earth to bear.
Explanation
The prosperity of the world springs from the kindliness, the existence of those who have no (kindliness) is a burden to the earth.
Transliteration
Kannottath Thulladhu Ulakiyal Aqdhilaar
Unmai Nilakkup Porai.
Couplet 573
Where not accordant with the song, what use of sounding chords
What gain of eye that no benignant light affords.
Explanation
Of what avail is a song if it be inconsistent with harmony ? what is the use of eyes which possess no kindliness.
Transliteration
Panennaam Paatarku Iyaipindrel Kanennaam
Kannottam Illaadha Kan.
Couplet 574
The seeming eye of face gives no expressive light,
When not with duly meted kindness bright.
Explanation
Beyond appearing to be in the face, what good do they do, those eyes in which is no well-regulated kindness ?.
Transliteration
Ulapol Mukaththevan Seyyum Alavinaal
Kannottam Illaadha Kan.
Couplet 575
Benignity is eyes’ adorning grace;
Without it eyes are wounds disfiguring face.
Explanation
Kind looks are the ornaments of the eyes; without these they will be considered (by the wise) to be merely two sores.
Transliteration
Kannirku Anikalam Kannottam Aqdhindrel
Punnendru Unarap Patum.
Couplet 576
Whose eyes ‘neath brow infixed diffuse no ray
Of grace; like tree in earth infixed are they.
Explanation
They resemble the trees of the earth, who although they have eyes, never look kindly (on others).
Transliteration
Manno Tiyaindha Maraththanaiyar Kanno
Tiyaindhukan Notaa Thavar.
Couplet 577
Eyeless are they whose eyes with no benignant lustre shine;
Who’ve eyes can never lack the light of grace benign.
Explanation
Men without kind looks are men without eyes; those who (really) have eyes are also not devoid of kind looks.
Transliteration
Kannottam Illavar Kannilar Kannutaiyaar
Kannottam Inmaiyum Il.
Couplet 578
Who can benignant smile, yet leave no work undone;
By them as very own may all the earth be won.
Explanation
The world is theirs (kings) who are able to show kindness, without injury to their affairs, (administration of justice).
Transliteration
Karumam Sidhaiyaamal Kannota Vallaarkku
Urimai Utaiththiv Vulaku.
Couplet 579
To smile on those that vex, with kindly face,
Enduring long, is most excelling grace.
Explanation
Patiently to bear with, and show kindness to those who grieve us, is the most excellent of all dispositions.
Transliteration
Oruththaatrum Panpinaar Kannumkan Notip
Poruththaatrum Panpe Thalai.
Couplet 580
They drink with smiling grace, though poison interfused they see,
Who seek the praise of all-esteemed courtesy.
Explanation
Those who desire (to cultivate that degree of) urbanity which all shall love, even after swallowing the poison served to them by their friends, will be friendly with them.
Transliteration
Peyakkantum Nanjun Tamaivar Nayaththakka
Naakarikam Ventu Pavar.
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