Couplet: What so hard for men to gain as friendship true What so sure defence 'gainst all that foe can do English Explanation: What so sure defence 'gainst all that foe can do? Transliteration: Seyarkariya Yaavula Natpin Adhupol Vinaikkariya Yaavula Kaappu
Couplet: Friendship with men fulfilled of good Waxes like the crescent moon; Friendship with men of foolish mood, Like the full orb, waneth soon English Explanation: The friendship of the wise waxes like the new moon; (but) that of fools wanes like the full moon Transliteration: Niraineera Neeravar Kenmai Piraimadhip Pinneera Pedhaiyaar Natpu
Couplet: Learned scroll the more you ponder, Sweeter grows the mental food; So the heart by use grows fonder, Bound in friendship with the good English Explanation: Like learning, the friendship of the noble, the more it is cultivated, the more delightful does it become Transliteration: Navildhorum Noolnayam Polum Payildhorum Panputai Yaalar Thotarpu
Couplet: Nor for laughter only friendship all the pleasant day, But for strokes of sharp reproving, when from right you stray English Explanation: Friendship is to be practised not for the purpose of laughing but for that of being beforehand in giving one another sharp rebukes in case of transgression Transliteration: Nakudhar Poruttandru Nattal Mikudhikkan Mersenaru Itiththar Poruttu
Couplet: Not association constant, not affection's token bind; 'Tis the unison of feeling friends unites of kindred mind English Explanation: Living together and holding frequent intercourse are not necessary (for friendship); (mutual) understanding can alone create a claim for it Transliteration: Punarchchi Pazhakudhal Ventaa Unarchchidhaan Natpaang Kizhamai Tharum
Couplet: Not the face's smile of welcome shows the friend sincere, But the heart's rejoicing gladness when the friend is near English Explanation: The love that dwells (merely in the smiles of the face is not friendship; (but) that which dwells deep in the smiles of the heart is true friendship Transliteration: Mukanaka Natpadhu Natpandru Nenjaththu Akanaka Natpadhu Natpu
Couplet: Friendship from ruin saves, in way of virtue keeps; In troublous time, it weeps with him who weeps English Explanation: (True) friendship turns aside from evil (ways) makes (him) walk in the (good) way, and, in case of loss if shares his sorrow (with him) Transliteration: Azhivi Navaineekki Aaruyththu Azhivinkan Allal Uzhappadhaam Natpu
Couplet: As hand of him whose vesture slips away, Friendship at once the coming grief will stay English Explanation: (True) friendship hastens to the rescue of the afflicted (as readily) as the hand of one whose garment is loosened (before an assembly) Transliteration: Utukkai Izhandhavan Kaipola Aange Itukkan Kalaivadhaam Natpu
Couplet: And where is friendship's royal seat? In stable mind, Where friend in every time of need support may find English Explanation: Friendship may be said to be on its throne when it possesses the power of supporting one at all times and under all circumstances, (in the practice or virtue and wealth) Transliteration: Natpirku Veetrirukkai Yaadhenin Kotpindri Ollumvaai Oondrum Nilai
Couplet: Mean is the friendship that men blazon forth, 'He's thus to me' and 'such to him my worth' English Explanation: Though friends may praise one another saying, "He is so intimate with us, and we so much (with him)"; (still) such friendship will appear mean Transliteration: Inaiyar Ivaremakku Innamyaam Endru Punaiyinum Pullennum Natpu