Wealth (பொருட்பால்) / Miscellaneous
Chapter 105
நல்குரவு
Poverty
Nalkuravu. Malay: Kemiskinan. Kurals 1041 to 1050.
When facing poverty or financial hardship.
How to say it
Inmaiyin Innaadhadhu Yaadhenin InmaiyinInmaiye Innaa Thadhu
Meaning in plain English
There is nothing that afflicts (one) like poverty
Poetic translation
You ask what sharper pain than poverty is known; Nothing pains more than poverty, save poverty alone
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Inmai Enavoru Paavi MarumaiyumImmaiyum Indri Varum
Meaning in plain English
When cruel poverty comes on, it deprives one of both the present and future (bliss)
Poetic translation
Malefactor matchless! poverty destroysThis world's and the next world's joys
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Tholvaravum Tholum Ketukkum ThokaiyaakaNalkuravu Ennum Nasai
Meaning in plain English
Hankering poverty destroys at once the greatness of (one's) ancient descent and (the dignity of one's) speech
Poetic translation
Importunate desire, which poverty men name, Destroys both old descent and goodly fame
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Irpirandhaar Kanneyum Inmai IlivandhaSorpirakkum Sorvu Tharum
Meaning in plain English
Even in those of high birth, poverty will produce the fault of uttering mean words
Poetic translation
From penury will spring, 'mid even those of noble race, Oblivion that gives birth to words that bring disgrace
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Nalkuravu Ennum Itumpaiyul PalkuraithThunpangal Sendru Patum
Meaning in plain English
The misery of poverty brings in its train many (more) miseries
Poetic translation
From poverty, that grievous woe, Attendant sorrows plenteous grow
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Narporul Nankunarndhu Sollinum NalkoorndhaarSorporul Sorvu Patum
Meaning in plain English
The words of the poor are profitless, though they may be sound in thought and clear in expression
Poetic translation
Though deepest sense, well understood, the poor man's words convey, Their sense from memory of mankind will fade away
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Aranjaaraa Nalkuravu Eendradhaa YaanumPiranpola Nokkap Patum
Meaning in plain English
He that is reduced to absolute poverty will be regarded as a stranger even by his own mother
Poetic translation
From indigence devoid of virtue's grace, The mother e'en that bare, estranged, will turn her face
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Indrum Varuvadhu Kollo NerunalumKondradhu Polum Nirappu
Meaning in plain English
Is the poverty that almost killed me yesterday, to meet me today too ?
Poetic translation
And will it come today as yesterday, The grief of want that eats my soul away
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Neruppinul Thunjalum Aakum NirappinulYaadhondrum Kanpaatu Aridhu
Meaning in plain English
One may sleep in the midst of fire; but by no means in the midst of poverty
Poetic translation
Amid the flames sleep may men's eyelids close, In poverty the eye knows no repose
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Thuppura Villaar Thuvarath ThuravaamaiUppirkum Kaatikkum Kootru
Meaning in plain English
The destitute poor, who do not renounce their bodies, only consume their neighbour's salt and water
Poetic translation
Unless the destitute will utterly themselves deny, They cause their neighbour's salt and vinegar to die
G. U. Pope, 1886