Virtue (அறத்துப்பால்) Domestic Virtue
When deciding whether to give, donate or help the poor.
Variyaarkkondru Eevadhe Eekaimar RellaamKuriyedhirppai Neera Thutaiththu
To give to the destitute is true charity All other gifts have the nature of (what is done for) a measured return
Call that a gift to needy men thou dost dispense, All else is void of good, seeking for recompense
G. U. Pope, 1886
Nallaaru Eninum Kolaldheedhu MelulakamIlleninum Eedhale Nandru
To beg is evil, even though it were said that it is a good path (to heaven) To give is good, even though it were said that those who do so cannot obtain heaven
Though men declare it heavenward path, yet to receive is ill; Though upper heaven were not, to give is virtue still
G. U. Pope, 1886
Ilanennum Evvam Uraiyaamai EedhalKulanutaiyaan Kanne Yula
(Even in a low state) not to adopt the mean expedient of saying "I have nothing," but to give, is the characteristic of the mad of noble birth
'I've nought' is ne'er the high-born man's reply; He gives to those who raise themselves that cry
G. U. Pope, 1886
Innaadhu Irakkap Patudhal IrandhavarInmukang Kaanum Alavu
To see men begging from us in disagreeable, until we see their pleasant countenance
The suppliants' cry for aid yields scant delight, Until you see his face with grateful gladness bright
G. U. Pope, 1886
Aatruvaar Aatral Pasiaatral AppasiyaiMaatruvaar Aatralin Pin
The power of those who perform penance is the power of enduring hunger It is inferior to the power of those who remove the hunger (of others)
'Mid devotees they're great who hunger's pangs sustain, Who hunger's pangs relieve a higher merit gain
G. U. Pope, 1886
Atraar Azhipasi Theerththal AqdhoruvanPetraan Porulvaip Puzhi
The removal of the killing hunger of the poor is the place for one to lay up his wealth
Let man relieve the wasting hunger men endure; For treasure gained thus finds he treasure-house secure
G. U. Pope, 1886
Paaththoon Mareei Yavanaip PasiyennumTheeppini Theental Aridhu
The fiery disease of hunger shall never touch him who habitually distributes his food to others
Whose soul delights with hungry men to share his meal, The hand of hunger's sickness sore shall never feel
G. U. Pope, 1886
Eeththuvakkum Inpam Ariyaarkol ThaamutaimaiVaiththizhakkum Vanka Navar
Do the hard-eyed who lay up and lose their possessions not know the happiness which springs from the pleasure of giving ?
Delight of glad'ning human hearts with gifts do they not know.Men of unpitying eye, who hoard their wealth and lose it so
G. U. Pope, 1886
Iraththalin Innaadhu Mandra NirappiyaThaame Thamiyar Unal
Solitary and unshared eating for the sake of filling up one's own riches is certainly much more
They keep their garners full, for self alone the board they spread;-'Tis greater pain, be sure, than begging daily bread
G. U. Pope, 1886
Saadhalin Innaadha Thillai InidhadhooumEedhal Iyaiyaak Katai
Nothing is more unpleasant than death: yet even that is pleasant where charity cannot be exercised
'Tis bitter pain to die, 'Tis worse to live.For him who nothing finds to give
G. U. Pope, 1886
