Philanthropy [from 'proverbs 400' In Tamil] Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

372. O, chief of th' water-logged land with burst flowers!
Give a bit to the poor in this birth to get
mega-bucks in the birth next. You hook a small fish[Ayirrai]
into the pond to catch a big one[veral].

373. If you deny to give and bury the wealth
It goes to the king who chases the foes
and useless to e'en heirs in the end. Giving
to one in want is raining in the desert.

374. Draining water from a swelling pond won't make
it dry. When a philanthropist gives the wealth
stored long to the poor knowing their level of need
the fame accrued doesn't vanish but remains long.

375. O, chief of the owls hooting cool hills! None puts
stones as alms in the begging bowl! Knowing
the nature and aim of the guest from the face,
the grand people gives things in required measure.

376. The lean horse saddled up stands with manliness.
When nothing is there to call out and give th' poor
if one is wonted to give what they seek,
one is the fittest to cease their gloom.

377. O, wench with thick tresses spun in five parts!
When one yearns something in penury
the giver feels happy. The taker may curse
the giver with want. None is poor by giving.

378. O, chief of the coast with boats bobbing
in the sea! Giving the poor won't diminish
one's wealth. Don't deny and hide. Water drained
from a well, fills it ‘gain with new springs.

379. They are fools to give the whole amount begged.
The flowers floating in water show th'level.
The great kings don't hide the things.
They give to the needy to show their greatness.

380. The bard Gautam pleaded to the king Chengutuvan
to let him and his wife reach heaven. The king
arranged a ritual fire. The beggar needn't tell
what he wants. The giver gives enough measure.