Wealth (பொருட்பால்) / The Excellence of an Army
Chapter 78
படைச் செருக்கு
Military Spirit
Pataichcherukku. Malay: Semangat Perwira. Kurals 771 to 780.
When you need courage and bravery.
How to say it
Ennaimun Nillanmin Thevvir PalarennaiMunnindru Kalnin Ravar
Meaning in plain English
O my foes, stand not before my leader; (for) many are those who did so but afterwards stood (in the shape of) statues
Poetic translation
Ye foes stand not before my lord for many a oneWho did my lord withstand, now stands in stone
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kaana Muyaleydha Ampinil YaanaiPizhaiththavel Endhal Inidhu
Meaning in plain English
It is more pleasant to hold the dart that has missed an elephant than that which has hit hare in the forest
Poetic translation
Who aims at elephant, though dart should fail, has greater praiseThan he who woodland hare with winged arrow slays
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Peraanmai Enpa Tharukanon RutrakkaalOoraanmai Matradhan Eqku
Meaning in plain English
The learned say that fierceness (incontest with a foe) is indeed great valour; but to become a benefactor in case of accident (to a foe) is the extreme (limit) of that valour
Poetic translation
Fierceness in hour of strife heroic greatness shows; Its edge is kindness to our suffering foes
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kaivel Kalitrotu Pokki VarupavanMeyvel Pariyaa Nakum
Meaning in plain English
The hero who after casting the lance in his hand on an elephant, comes (in search of another) will pluck the one (that sticks) in his body and laugh (exultingly)
Poetic translation
At elephant he hurls the dart in hand; for weapon pressed, He laughs and plucks the javelin from his wounded breast
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Vizhiththakan Velkona Teriya AzhiththimaippinOttandro Vanka Navarkku
Meaning in plain English
Is it not a defeat to the valiant to wink and destroy their ferocious look when a lance in cast at them (by their foe) ?
Poetic translation
To hero fearless must it not defeat appear, If he but wink his eye when foemen hurls his spear
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Vizhuppun Pataadhanaal Ellaam VazhukkinulVaikkumdhan Naalai Etuththu
Meaning in plain English
The hero will reckon among wasted days all those on which he had not received severe wounds
Poetic translation
The heroes, counting up their days, set down as vainEach day when they no glorious wound sustain
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Suzhalum Isaiventi Ventaa UyiraarKazhalyaappuk Kaarikai Neerththu
Meaning in plain English
The fastening of ankle-ring by those who disire a world-wide renown and not (the safety of) their lives is like adorning (themselves)
Poetic translation
Who seek for world-wide fame, regardless of their life, The glorious clasp adorns, sign of heroic strife
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Urinuyir Anjaa Maravar IraivanSerinum Seerkundral Ilar
Meaning in plain English
The heroes who are not afraid of losing their life in a contest will not cool their ardour, even if the king prohibits (their fighting)
Poetic translation
Fearless they rush where'er 'the tide of battle rolls'; The king's reproof damps not the ardour of their eager souls
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Izhaiththadhu Ikavaamaich Chaavaarai YaarePizhaiththadhu Orukkir Pavar
Meaning in plain English
Who would reproach with failure those who seal their oath with their death ?
Poetic translation
Who says they err, and visits them scorn, Who die and faithful guard the vow they've sworn
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Purandhaarkan Neermalkach Chaakirpin SaakkaatuIrandhukol Thakkadhu Utaiththu
Meaning in plain English
If (heroes) can so die as to fill with tears the eyes of their rulers, such a death deserves to be obtained even by begging
Poetic translation
If monarch's eyes o'erflow with tears for hero slain, Who would not beg such boon of glorious death to gain
G. U. Pope, 1886