Couplet: A crow will conquer owl in broad daylight; The king that foes would crush, needs fitting time to fight English Explanation: A crow will overcome an owl in the day time; so the king who would conquer his enemy must have (a suitable) time Transliteration: Pakalvellum Kookaiyaik Kaakkai Ikalvellum Vendharkku Ventum Pozhudhu
Couplet: The bond binds fortune fast is ordered effort made, Strictly observant still of favouring season's aid English Explanation: Acting at the right season, is a cord that will immoveably bind success (to a king) Transliteration: Paruvaththotu Otta Ozhukal Thiruvinaith Theeraamai Aarkkung Kayiru
Couplet: Can any work be hard in very fact, If men use fitting means in timely act English Explanation: Is there anything difficult for him to do, who acts, with (the right) instruments at the right time ? Transliteration: Aruvinai Yenpa Ulavo Karuviyaan Kaalam Arindhu Seyin
Couplet: The pendant world's dominion may be won, In fitting time and place by action done English Explanation: Though (a man) should meditate (the conquest of) the world, he may accomplish it if he acts in the right time, and at the right place Transliteration: Gnaalam Karudhinung Kaikootung Kaalam Karudhi Itaththaar Seyin
Couplet: Who think the pendant world itself to subjugate, With mind unruffled for the fitting time must wait English Explanation: They who thoughtfully consider and wait for the (right) time (for action), may successfully meditate (the conquest of) the world Transliteration: Kaalam Karudhi Iruppar Kalangaadhu Gnaalam Karudhu Pavar
Couplet: The men of mighty power their hidden energies repress, As fighting ram recoils to rush on foe with heavier stress English Explanation: The self-restraint of the energetic (while waiting for a suitable opportunity), is like the drawing back of a fighting-ram in order to butt Transliteration: Ookka Mutaiyaan Otukkam Porudhakar Thaakkarkup Perun Thakaiththu
Couplet: The glorious once of wrath enkindled make no outward show, At once; they bide their time, while hidden fires within them glow English Explanation: The wise will not immediately and hastily shew out their anger; they will watch their time, and restrain it within Transliteration: Pollena Aange Puramveraar Kaalampaarththu Ulverppar Olli Yavar
Couplet: If foes' detested form they see, with patience let them bear; When fateful hour at last they spy,- the head lies there English Explanation: If one meets his enemy, let him show him all respect, until the time for his destruction is come; when that is come, his head will be easily brought low Transliteration: Serunaraik Kaanin Sumakka Iruvarai Kaanin Kizhakkaam Thalai
Couplet: When hardest gain of opportunity at last is won, With promptitude let hardest deed be done English Explanation: If a rare opportunity occurs, while it lasts, let a man do that which is rarely to be accomplished (but for such an opportunity) Transliteration: Eydhar Kariyadhu Iyaindhakkaal Annilaiye Seydhar Kariya Seyal
Couplet: As heron stands with folded wing, so wait in waiting hour; As heron snaps its prey, when fortune smiles, put forth your power English Explanation: At the time when one should use self-control, let him restrain himself like a heron; and, let him like it, strike, when there is a favourable opportunity Transliteration: Kokkokka Koompum Paruvaththu Matradhan Kuththokka Seerththa Itaththu