Couplet: The great of soul will mean association fear; The mean of soul regard mean men as kinsmen dear English Explanation: (True) greatness fears the society of the base; it is only the low - minded who will regard them as friends Transliteration: 451 Sitrinam Anjum Perumai Sirumaidhaan Sutramaach Choozhndhu Vitum
Couplet: The waters' virtues change with soil through which they flow; As man's companionship so will his wisdom show English Explanation: As water changes (its nature), from the nature of the soil (in which it flows), so will the character of men resemble that of their associates Transliteration: Nilaththiyalpaal Neerdhirin Thatraakum Maandharkku Inaththiyalpa Thaakum Arivu
Couplet: Perceptions manifold in men are of the mind alone; The value of the man by his companionship is known English Explanation: The power of knowing is from the mind; (but) his character is from that of his associates Transliteration: Manaththaanaam Maandhark Kunarchchi Inaththaanaam Innaan Enappatunj Chol
Couplet: Man's wisdom seems the offspring of his mind; 'Tis outcome of companionship we find English Explanation: Wisdom appears to rest in the mind, but it really exists to a man in his companions Transliteration: Manaththu Ladhupolak Kaatti Oruvarku Inaththula Thaakum Arivu
Couplet: Both purity of mind, and purity of action clear, Leaning no staff of pure companionship, to man draw near English Explanation: Chaste company is the staff on which come, these two things, viz, purity of mind and purity of conduct Transliteration: Manandhooimai Seyvinai Thooimai Irantum Inandhooimai Thoovaa Varum
Couplet: From true pure-minded men a virtuous race proceeds; To men of pure companionship belong no evil deeds English Explanation: To the pure-minded there will be a good posterity By those whose associates are pure, no deeds will be done that are not good Transliteration: Manandhooyaark Kechchamnan Raakum Inandhooyaarkku Illainan Raakaa Vinai
Couplet: Goodness of mind to lives of men increaseth gain; And good companionship doth all of praise obtain English Explanation: Goodness of mind will give wealth, and good society will bring with it all praise, to men Transliteration: Mananalam Mannuyirk Kaakkam Inanalam Ellaap Pukazhum Tharum
Couplet: To perfect men, though minds right good belong, Yet good companionship is confirmation strong English Explanation: Yet good companionship is confirmation strong Transliteration: Mananalam Nankutaiya Raayinum Saandrorkku Inanalam Emaap Putaiththu
Couplet: Although to mental goodness joys of other life belong, Yet good companionship is confirmation strong English Explanation: Future bliss is (the result) of goodness of mind; and even this acquires strength from the society of the good Transliteration: Mananalaththin Aakum Marumaimar Raqdhum Inanalaththin Emaap Putaiththu
Couplet: Than good companionship no surer help we know; Than bad companionship nought causes direr woe English Explanation: There is no greater help than the company of the good; there is no greater source of sorrow than the company of the wicked Transliteration: Nallinaththi Noongun Thunaiyillai Theeyinaththin Allar Patuppadhooum Il