Virtue (அறத்துப்பால்) / Domestic Virtue
Chapter 14
ஒழுக்கம் உடைமை
The Possession of Decorum
Ozhukkamutaimai. Malay: Berakhlak Mulia. Kurals 131 to 140.
When conduct, character, discipline and good behaviour matter.
How to say it
Ozhukkam Vizhuppan Tharalaan OzhukkamUyirinum Ompap Patum
Meaning in plain English
Propriety of conduct leads to eminence, it should therefore be preserved more carefully than life
Poetic translation
'Decorum' gives especial excellence; with greater care'Decorum' should men guard than life, which all men share
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Parindhompik Kaakka Ozhukkam TherindhompithTherinum Aqdhe Thunai
Meaning in plain English
Let propriety of conduct be laboriously preserved and guarded; though one know and practise and excel in many virtues, that will be an eminent aid
Poetic translation
Searching, duly watching, learning, 'decorum' still we find; Man's only aid; toiling, guard thou this with watchful mind
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ozhukkam Utaimai Kutimai IzhukkamIzhindha Pirappaai Vitum
Meaning in plain English
Propriety of conduct is true greatness of birth, and impropriety will sink into a mean birth
Poetic translation
'Decorum's' true nobility on earth;'Indecorum's' issue is ignoble birth
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Marappinum Oththuk Kolalaakum PaarppaanPirappozhukkang Kundrak Ketum
Meaning in plain English
A Brahman though he should forget the Vedas may recover it by reading; but, if he fail in propriety of conduct even his high birth will be destroyed
Poetic translation
Though he forget, the Brahman may regain his Vedic lore; Failing in 'decorum due,' birthright's gone for evermore
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Azhukkaa Rutaiyaankan Aakkampondru IllaiOzhukka Milaankan Uyarvu
Meaning in plain English
Just as the envious man will be without wealth, so will the man of destitute of propriety of conduct be without greatness
Poetic translation
The envious soul in life no rich increase of blessing gains, So man of 'due decorum' void no dignity obtains
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ozhukkaththin Olkaar Uravor IzhukkaththinEdham Patupaak Karindhu
Meaning in plain English
Those firm in mind will not slacken in their observance of the proprieties of life, knowing, as they do, the misery that flows from the transgression from them
Poetic translation
The strong of soul no jot abate of 'strict decorum's' laws, Knowing that 'due decorum's' breach foulest disgrace will cause
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ozhukkaththin Eydhuvar Menmai IzhukkaththinEydhuvar Eydhaap Pazhi
Meaning in plain English
From propriety of conduct men obtain greatness; from impropriety comes insufferable disgrace
Poetic translation
'Tis source of dignity when 'true decorum' is preserved; Who break 'decorum's' rules endure e'en censures undeserved
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Nandrikku Viththaakum Nallozhukkam TheeyozhukkamEndrum Itumpai Tharum
Meaning in plain English
Propriety of conduct is the seed of virtue; impropriety will ever cause sorrow
Poetic translation
'Decorum true' observed a seed of good will be;'Decorum's breach' will sorrow yield eternally
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ozhukka Mutaiyavarkku Ollaave TheeyaVazhukkiyum Vaayaar Solal
Meaning in plain English
Those who study propriety of conduct will not speak evil, even forgetfully
Poetic translation
It cannot be that they who 'strict decorum's' law fulfil, E'en in forgetful mood, should utter words of ill
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ulakaththotu Otta Ozhukal PalakatrumKallaar Arivilaa Thaar
Meaning in plain English
Those who know not how to act agreeably to the world, though they have learnt many things, are still ignorant
Poetic translation
Who know not with the world in harmony to dwell, May many things have learned, but nothing well
G. U. Pope, 1886