Virtue (அறத்துப்பால்) / Domestic Virtue
Chapter 12
நடுவு நிலைமை
Impartiality
Natuvu Nilaimai. Malay: Bersikap Adil. Kurals 111 to 120.
When you must judge fairly, stay neutral or avoid bias.
How to say it
Thakudhi Enavondru Nandre PakudhiyaalPaarpattu Ozhukap Perin
Meaning in plain English
That equity which consists in acting with equal regard to each of (the three) divisions of men [enemies, strangers and friends] is a pre-eminent virtue
Poetic translation
If justice, failing not, its quality maintain, Giving to each his due, -'tis man's one highest gain
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Seppam Utaiyavan Aakkanj ChidhaivindriEchchaththir Kemaappu Utaiththu
Meaning in plain English
The wealth of the man of rectitude will not perish, but will bring happiness also to his posterity
Poetic translation
The just man's wealth unwasting shall endure, And to his race a lasting joy ensure
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Nandre Tharinum Natuvikandhaam AakkaththaiAndre Yozhiya Vital
Meaning in plain English
Forsake in the very moment (of acquisition) that gain which, though it should bring advantage, is without equity
Poetic translation
Though only good it seem to give, yet gainBy wrong acquired, not e'en one day retain
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Thakkaar Thakavilar Enpadhu AvaravarEchchaththaar Kaanap Patum
Meaning in plain English
The worthy and unworthy may be known by the existence or otherwise of good offsprings
Poetic translation
Who just or unjust lived shall soon appear:By each one's offspring shall the truth be clear
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ketum Perukkamum Illalla NenjaththukKotaamai Saandrork Kani
Meaning in plain English
Loss and gain come not without cause; it is the ornament of the wise to preserve evenness of mind (under both)
Poetic translation
The gain and loss in life are not mere accident; Just mind inflexible is sages' ornament
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ketuvalyaan Enpadhu Arikadhan NenjamNatuvoreei Alla Seyin
Meaning in plain English
Let him whose mind departing from equity commits sin well consider thus within himself, "I shall perish."
Poetic translation
If, right deserting, heart to evil turn, Let man impending ruin's sign discern
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ketuvaaka Vaiyaadhu Ulakam NatuvaakaNandrikkan Thangiyaan Thaazhvu
Meaning in plain English
The great will not regard as poverty the low estate of that man who dwells in the virtue of equity
Poetic translation
The man who justly lives, tenacious of the right, In low estate is never low to wise man's sight
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Samanseydhu Seerdhookkung Kolpol AmaindhorupaalKotaamai Saandrork Kani
Meaning in plain English
To incline to neither side, but to rest impartial as the even-fixed scale is the ornament of the wise
Poetic translation
To stand, like balance-rod that level hangs and rightly weighs, With calm unbiassed equity of soul, is sages' praise
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Sorkottam Illadhu Seppam OrudhalaiyaaUtkottam Inmai Perin
Meaning in plain English
Freedom from obliquity of speech is rectitude, if there be (corresponding) freedom from bias of mind
Poetic translation
Inflexibility in word is righteousness, If men inflexibility of soul possess
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Vaanikam Seyvaarkku Vaanikam PenipPiravum Thamapol Seyin
Meaning in plain English
The true merchandize of merchants is to guard and do by the things of others as they do by their own
Poetic translation
As thriving trader is the trader known, Who guards another's interests as his own
G. U. Pope, 1886