The Possession Of Courtesy (By St. Thiruvalluvar) Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

991.For those who are easily accessible to all,
It is simple to obtain good manners of courtesy.
992.Benevolence and high birth are two qualities
Which give the good manners of politeness.
993.Like outward limbs may not make men alike.
If the inward qualities match, similarity ensues.
994.The world praises the nobility of those people
Who render justice and virtue to themselves and others.
995.To mock in sport too is painful.They who know human nature
Praise the qualities of worth in others even in hostility.
996.The world abides as worthy men have good nature;
Or else it would disappear into the earth.
997.If they who have sharp wits as the file, lack good nature
Then look alike a tree which has a single sense.
998.It is a fault to deny courtesy even to those
Who are unfriendly and do wrongs.
999.For those who don’t chat and be cheerful, this vast earth
Is wrapped in darkness even in the day.
1000.Wealth in abundance attained by the rude rich
Likens the sweet milk spoilt in a faulty vessel.