Avoiding The Wrath [from 'proverbs 400' In Tamil] Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

51. Even if the lesser folks do evil
the noble ones don't scorn them.
Even if good firewood is used to cook
the boiling water doesn't set the house on fire.

52. O, Chief of the curved coast with blowing winds
and embracing waves! A fool reins not anger.
The wise suggest to leave him off.
One who lacks clear mind is seldom believed.

53. when one strengthens oneself, hostilities cease.
as the grass in paddy fields decays itself.
The wise men must save themselves from rage.
Should one brave oneself for everything?

54. Dweller of the town with tanks full of water!
The fools fret mistaking the insults heaped
on others as they were on them. They burn
themselves by a lamp, a rat pushed down.

55. Don't get hurt hearing the unbefitting
insults of the stupid. Attempt to shut
the mouth of a cruel man likens the effort
to lock the voice of a crowd. Impossible!

56. O, wench with dyed brows and chosen ornaments!
If you have consumed the stuff of the vile
they'll rage if you're heedless to their orders.
Don't worry for the rebukes of the ill-bred.

57. O, hill dweller licking the leaking honey
from the hives, the monkeys ripped.No one hits back
the cow, if it strikes with its horn. The wise don't
retort to the remarks of the low-born.

58. O, wench with lotus shaped wide eyes! It is one
setting on fire one's house oneself, if one
unleashes wounding words from one's tongue
bearing not the slanders spoken by someone.

59. O, Chief of the skyhigh hills and rocky tracts!
Bear with the angry protests of a man
and do good to win fame. Wreaking vengeance
spoils your name. Self-restraint is adorable.