Sensible Acts [from 'proverbs Four Hundred' In Tamil] Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

Sensible Acts [from 'proverbs Four Hundred' In Tamil]



31. When the king told his devoted kin to do
an act, if they said, "We can't do it now",
it likens one's claim of a tree as banyan
gets denied by others as a Poolan tree.

32. Material wealth can ruin a weak, messy foe.
Received gains renew one to crush the foe
and not to retreat. Bribing to kill the foe
is easier than to stab him with a spear.

33. If a cruel king acts against the people
they shouldn't distress him by acts unwarranted.
No one wakes up the sleeping tiger
though it has caused woes of all kinds.

34. 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.

35. One who gives two measures of grains to kindred
doesn't use swear-words to hurt their minds
for the cause of their being kin. No one licks
the ghee kept to pour into the ritual fire.

36. To think of hurting those with wisdom and wealth
is possible but ‘tis a great crime to do.
One who pinches the stone in a cold hill
can't escape the pain of it.

37. Don't think of it as savings, you seek and save.
Use it for yourself and give to others.
Make use of it for this and the life after.
The wealth you give will help you in old age.

38. Don't probe the people if they're friends or foes.
The learned be vested with well-earned wealth
and they will fulfill what the givers say.
The wealth wastes not as the labour of the ox.

39. O, wench with swinging ear-rings and large eyes!
No one gets the nod of a goat while dying
to eat its blood. Don't hope to relieve the man
you brought in when he acts against your cause.

40. O, Chief of the coasts with leaping horse-like waves!
Don't think of its use in the next birth. No cause,
for their charity but to gain fame. ‘tis like
working for a wage but eating instead.

Sunday, December 18, 2016
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Rajendran Muthiah

Rajendran Muthiah

Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, India.
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