Chapter 79 – Friendship / Natpu
Couplet 781
What so hard for men to gain as friendship true
What so sure defence ‘gainst all that foe can do.
Explanation
What so sure defence ‘gainst all that foe can do?
Transliteration
Seyarkariya Yaavula Natpin Adhupol
Vinaikkariya Yaavula Kaappu.
Couplet 782
Friendship with men fulfilled of good Waxes like the crescent moon;
Friendship with men of foolish mood, Like the full orb, waneth soon.
Explanation
The friendship of the wise waxes like the new moon; (but) that of fool’s wanes like the full moon.
Transliteration
Niraineera Neeravar Kenmai Piraimadhip
Pinneera Pedhaiyaar Natpu.
Couplet 783
Learned scroll the more you ponder, Sweeter grows the mental food;
So the heart by use grows fonder, Bound in friendship with the good.
Explanation
Like learning, the friendship of the noble, the more it is cultivated, the more delightful does it become.
Transliteration
Navildhorum Noolnayam Polum Payildhorum
Panputai Yaalar Thotarpu.
Couplet 784
Nor for laughter only friendship all the pleasant day,
But for strokes of sharp reproving, when from right you stray.
Explanation
Friendship is to be practised not for the purpose of laughing but for that of being beforehand in giving one another sharp rebukes in case of transgression.
Transliteration
Nakudhar Poruttandru Nattal Mikudhikkan
Mersenaru Itiththar Poruttu.
Couplet 785
Not association constant, not affection’s token bind;
‘Tis the unison of feeling friends unites of kindred mind.
Explanation
Living together and holding frequent intercourse are not necessary (for friendship); (mutual) understanding can alone create a claim for it.
Transliteration
Punarchchi Pazhakudhal Ventaa Unarchchidhaan
Natpaang Kizhamai Tharum.
Couplet 786
Not the face’s smile of welcome shows the friend sincere,
But the heart’s rejoicing gladness when the friend is near.
Explanation
The love that dwells (merely in the smiles of the face is not friendship; (but) that which dwells deep in the smiles of the heart is true friendship.
Transliteration
Mukanaka Natpadhu Natpandru Nenjaththu
Akanaka Natpadhu Natpu.
Couplet 787
Friendship from ruin saves, in way of virtue keeps;
In troublous time, it weeps with him who weeps.
Explanation
(True) friendship turns aside from evil (ways) makes (him) walk in the (good) way, and, in case of loss if shares his sorrow (with him).
Transliteration
Azhivi Navaineekki Aaruyththu Azhivinkan
Allal Uzhappadhaam Natpu.
Couplet 788
As hand of him whose vesture slips away,
Friendship at once the coming grief will stay.
Explanation
(True) friendship hastens to the rescue of the afflicted (as readily) as the hand of one whose garment is loosened (before an assembly).
Transliteration
Utukkai Izhandhavan Kaipola Aange
Itukkan Kalaivadhaam Natpu.
Couplet 789
And where is friendship’s royal seat? In stable mind,
Where friend in every time of need support may find.
Explanation
Friendship may be said to be on its throne when it possesses the power of supporting one at all times and under all circumstances, (in the practice or virtue and wealth).
Transliteration
Natpirku Veetrirukkai Yaadhenin Kotpindri
Ollumvaai Oondrum Nilai.
Couplet 790
Mean is the friendship that men blazon forth,
‘He’s thus to me’ and ‘such to him my worth’.
Explanation
Though friends may praise one another saying, “He is so intimate with us, and we so much (with him)”; (still) such friendship will appear mean.
Transliteration
Inaiyar Ivaremakku Innamyaam Endru
Punaiyinum Pullennum Natpu.
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