Wealth (பொருட்பால்) / Miscellaneous
Chapter 108
கயமை
Baseness
Kayamai. Malay: Kehinaan. Kurals 1071 to 1080.
When dealing with mean, low-minded people.
How to say it
Makkale Polvar Kayavar AvarannaOppaari Yaanganta Thil
Meaning in plain English
The base resemble men perfectly (as regards form); and we have not seen such (exact) resemblance (among any other species)
Poetic translation
The base resemble men in outward form, I ween; But counterpart exact to them I've never seen
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Nandrari Vaarir Kayavar ThiruvutaiyarNenjaththu Avalam Ilar
Meaning in plain English
The low enjoy more felicity than those who know what is good; for the former are not troubled with anxiety (as to the good)
Poetic translation
Than those of grateful heart the base must luckier be, Their minds from every anxious thought are free
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Thevar Anaiyar Kayavar AvarundhaamMevana Seydhozhuka Laan
Meaning in plain English
The base resemble the Gods; for the base act as they like
Poetic translation
The base are as the Gods; they tooDo ever what they list to do
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Akappatti Aavaaraik Kaanin AvarinMikappattuch Chemmaakkum Keezh
Meaning in plain English
The base feels proud when he sees persons whose acts meaner than his own
Poetic translation
When base men those behold of conduct vile, They straight surpass them, and exulting smile
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Achchame Keezhkaladhu Aasaaram EchchamAvaavuntel Untaam Siridhu
Meaning in plain English
(The principle of) behaviour in the mean is chiefly fear; if not, hope of gain, to some extent
Poetic translation
Fear is the base man's virtue; if that fail, Intense desire some little may avail
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Araiparai Annar Kayavardhaam KettaMaraipirarkku Uyththuraikka Laan
Meaning in plain English
The base are like a drum that is beaten, for they unburden to others the secrets they have heard
Poetic translation
The base are like the beaten drum; for, when they hearThe sound the secret out in every neighbour's ear
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Eerngai Vidhiraar Kayavar KotirutaikkumKoonkaiyar Allaa Thavarkku
Meaning in plain English
The mean will not (even) shake off (what sticks to) their hands (soon after a meal) to any but those who would break their jaws with their clenched fists
Poetic translation
From off their moistened hands no clinging grain they shake, Unless to those with clenched fist their jaws who break
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Sollap Payanpatuvar Saandror KarumpupolKollap Payanpatum Keezh
Meaning in plain English
The great bestow (their alms) as soon as they are informed; (but) the mean, like the sugar-cane, only when they are tortured to death
Poetic translation
The good to those will profit yield fair words who use; The base, like sugar-cane, will profit those who bruise
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Utuppadhooum Unpadhooum Kaanin PirarmelVatukkaana Vatraakum Keezh
Meaning in plain English
The base will bring an evil (accusation) against others, as soon as he sees them (enjoying) good food
Poetic translation
If neighbours clothed and fed he see, the baseIs mighty man some hidden fault to trace
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Etrir Kuriyar Kayavarondru UtrakkaalVitrarku Uriyar Viraindhu
Meaning in plain English
The base will hasten to sell themselves as soon as a calamity has befallen them. For what else are they fitted ?
Poetic translation
For what is base man fit, if griefs assail?Himself to offer, there and then, for sale
G. U. Pope, 1886