Good Line Of Descent [from 'naaladiyaar' In Tamil] Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

141. A starved lion roaming for food never eats
the spreading grass. Likewise, the lean high-born
suffering in dearth with worn out clothes
never go astray from moral codes of life.

142. O, Chief of the sky-high, clouds crawling hill tracts!
The three things, ‘Excellence, Greatness, and Conduct'
found in those born in families with renown
couldn't in others though they've fabulous wealth.

143. The lasting manners of the high-born are
to rise from seats, go and invite the elders
and go along and see them off when they leave.
Don't treat them at par with the low-born.

144. It makes no difference when the high-born do
good deeds; but on doing bad things, they're scorned.
No gain for being born in good families
Which are supposed to know everything good.

145. The high-born fear for not reading great books,
the base motives to do evil, the errors
in speaking, and for their indigence. To help
the poor, the low-born don't feel a bit like trees.

146. O, Chief of the coast ‘bound with pearls and rubies!
Alliance with the noble, speaking words sweet,
Charity and mental purity are
the features found in the life of high- born.

147. An ant-eaten mansion with weakened structure
at least has a place in the roof that doesn't leak.
Though the high-born are reeling in dearth
will do things fit and apt to their status.

148. E'en if the snake gulps down a part of the moon
the other part will spray light to this vast world.
Though poverty stands ‘gainst the noble and scare,
They don't hesitate to help the poor.

149. Though poverty-stricken, the benevolent
do acts of giving. The low-born men though rich
don't help the poor. It's like deer saddled up
don't leap and fight like horses in wars.

150. when there is scarce water, on digging the sand
in a river, clear water springs up. At times,
of penury, the high-born in distress
with bare hands, fail not to prop up the needy.