Noble Descent (By Thiruvalluvar) Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

951. Rectitude and shamefulness do not go together
save in the scions of noble families.
952. The high-born do not fail to have in them
uprightness, truth and modesty.
953. Gracious smile, charity, pleasant words and courteousness
are the virtues four of the truly high born.
954. Even if to get crores of things piled up
the noble-born won’t do acts of ignominy.
955. Though their means go lean, those from traditional families
won’t deviate from chores of charity.
956. Those who live in the thought of their noble descent
don’t stoop to commit shameless deeds with deceit.
957. As the dark speck in the moon is clear to all
the fault in a noble man seems tall.
958. People will doubt the descent of a noble born
if there is absence of love in him.
959. The sprouts show the nature of the land
as the words one utters mark the status of one’s family.
960. Modesty in one brings all kinds of good
but obedience to all exalts one’s family’s repute.