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Chapter 83 – Unreal Friendship / Kootaanatpu

Couplets / kuratpaakal

Couplet 821
Anvil where thou shalt smitten be, when men occasion find,
Is friendship’s form without consenting mind.

Explanation
The friendship of those who behave like friends without inward affection is a weapon that may be thrown when a favourable opportunity presents itself.

Transliteration
Seeritam Kaanin Eridharkup Pattatai
Neraa Nirandhavar Natpu.

Couplet 822
Friendship of those who seem our kin, but are not really kind
Will change from hour to hour like woman’s mind.

Explanation
The friendship of those who seem to be friends while they are not, will change like the love of women.

Transliteration
Inampondru Inamallaar Kenmai Makalir
Manampola Veru Patum.

Couplet 823
To heartfelt goodness men ignoble hardly may attain,
Although abundant stores of goodly lore they gain.

Explanation
Though (one’s) enemies may have mastered many good books, it will be impossible for them to become truly loving at heart.

Transliteration
Palanalla Katrak Kataiththu Mananallar
Aakudhal Maanaark Karidhu.

Couplet 824
‘Tis fitting you should dread dissemblers’ guile,
Whose hearts are bitter while their faces smile.

Explanation
One should fear the deceitful who smile sweetly with their face but never love with their heart.

Transliteration
Mukaththin Iniya Nakaaa Akaththinnaa
Vanjarai Anjap Patum.

Couplet 825
When minds are not in unison, ‘its never; just,
In any words men speak to put your trust.

Explanation
In nothing whatever is it proper to rely on the words of those who do not love with their heart.

Transliteration
Manaththin Amaiyaa Thavarai Enaiththondrum
Sollinaal Therarpaatru Andru.

Couplet 826
Though many goodly words they speak in friendly tone,
The words of foes will speedily be known.

Explanation
Though (one’s) foes may utter good things as though they were friends, once will at once understand (their evil, import).

Transliteration
Nattaarpol Nallavai Sollinum Ottaarsol
Ollai Unarap Patum.

Couplet 827
To pliant speech from hostile lips give thou no ear;
‘Tis pliant bow that show the deadly peril near.

Explanation
Since the bending of the bow bespeaks evil, one should not accept (as good) the humiliating speeches of one’s foes.

Transliteration
Solvanakkam Onnaarkan Kollarka Vilvanakkam
Theengu Kuriththamai Yaan.

Couplet 828
In hands that worship weapon ten hidden lies;
Such are the tears that fall from foeman’s eyes.

Explanation
A weapon may be hid in the very hands with which (one’s) foes adore (him) (and) the tears they shed are of the same nature.

Transliteration
Thozhudhakai Yullum Pataiyotungum Onnaar
Azhudhakan Neerum Anaiththu.

Couplet 829
‘Tis just, when men make much of you, and then despise,
To make them smile, and slap in friendship’s guise.

Explanation
It is the duty of kings to affect great love but make it die (inwardly); as regard those foes who shew them great friendship but despise them (in their heart).

Transliteration
Mikachcheydhu Thammellu Vaarai Nakachcheydhu
Natpinul Saappullar Paatru.

 Couplet 830
When time shall come that foes as friends appear,
Then thou, to hide a hostile heart, a smiling face may’st wear.

Explanation
When one’s foes begin to affect friendship, one should love them with one’s looks, and, cherishing no love in the heart, give up (even the former).

Transliteration
Pakainatpaam Kaalam Varungaal Mukanattu
Akanatpu Oreei Vital.

 

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