The Possession Of Intelligence [from 'proverbs 400' In Tamil] Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

26. The lovely pearls, gold jewels, sandalwood paste,
wreath of flowers and other ornaments
stand behind the clothes worn. Can one achieve
greatness by his clan and wealth but wisdom?

27. The stars are plenty but the sun ‘lone heats
the moon. The fools are in crowds of thousands
but those who're great by the virtue
of their intelligence are well-known.

28. O, Chief of a good country with leaping streams
from the rocks! The beating of drums makes the tunes
of the meaning, the words convey. It isn't
bookish knowledge but nature makes a genius.

29. O, Wench with deer loving eyes! The firm minded
wise join together with people whose minds are
full of wisdom. The mighty emperors catch
the pachyderms baiting with their elephants.

30. O, Chief of the coast with spreading sounds of waves!
No one shows a fox to spoil the work
of reapers of ripe paddy crops. The good
who probe deep don't go with dullards.

31. O, Wench with bow-like brows and wide eyes!
Does it need to tell one's merits and ills
by one's close company in words of beauty?
Realizing all, one who guides oneself knows all.

32. O, wench with broad shoulders and spear-like eyes!
No one's palm can veil the gleams of sunshine.
No one can shield the fame of the erudite,
using some water-weeds like verbiage.

33. O, Owner of a large hill country! The rare
valueless wealth and jewelery go and stay with
the worthless if they're pure. But the wealth
of wisdom stays with the fit and doesn't strain them.