Couplet: Since true benignity, that grace exceeding great, resides In kingly souls, world in happy state abides English Explanation: The world exists through that greatest ornament (of princes), a gracious demeanour Transliteration: Kannottam Ennum Kazhiperung Kaarikai Unmaiyaan Untiv Vulaku
Couplet: The world goes on its wonted way, since grace benign is there; All other men are burthen for the earth to bear English Explanation: The prosperity of the world springs from the kindliness, the existence of those who have no (kindliness) is a burden to the earth Transliteration: Kannottath Thulladhu Ulakiyal Aqdhilaar Unmai Nilakkup Porai
Couplet: Where not accordant with the song, what use of sounding chords What gain of eye that no benignant light affords English Explanation: Of what avail is a song if it be inconsistent with harmony ? what is the use of eyes which possess no kindliness Transliteration: Panennaam Paatarku Iyaipindrel Kanennaam Kannottam Illaadha Kan
Couplet: The seeming eye of face gives no expressive light, When not with duly meted kindness bright English Explanation: Beyond appearing to be in the face, what good do they do, those eyes in which is no well-regulated kindness ? Transliteration: Ulapol Mukaththevan Seyyum Alavinaal Kannottam Illaadha Kan
Couplet: Benignity is eyes' adorning grace; Without it eyes are wounds disfiguring face English Explanation: Kind looks are the ornaments of the eyes; without these they will be considered (by the wise) to be merely two sores Transliteration: Kannirku Anikalam Kannottam Aqdhindrel Punnendru Unarap Patum
Couplet: Whose eyes 'neath brow infixed diffuse no ray Of grace; like tree in earth infixed are they English Explanation: They resemble the trees of the earth, who although they have eyes, never look kindly (on others) Transliteration: Manno Tiyaindha Maraththanaiyar Kanno Tiyaindhukan Notaa Thavar
Couplet: Eyeless are they whose eyes with no benignant lustre shine; Who've eyes can never lack the light of grace benign English Explanation: Men without kind looks are men without eyes; those who (really) have eyes are also not devoid of kind looks Transliteration: Kannottam Illavar Kannilar Kannutaiyaar Kannottam Inmaiyum Il
Couplet: Who can benignant smile, yet leave no work undone; By them as very own may all the earth be won English Explanation: The world is theirs (kings) who are able to show kindness, without injury to their affairs, (administration of justice) Transliteration: Karumam Sidhaiyaamal Kannota Vallaarkku Urimai Utaiththiv Vulaku
Couplet: To smile on those that vex, with kindly face, Enduring long, is most excelling grace English Explanation: Patiently to bear with, and show kindness to those who grieve us, is the most excellent of all dispositions Transliteration: Oruththaatrum Panpinaar Kannumkan Notip Poruththaatrum Panpe Thalai
Couplet: They drink with smiling grace, though poison interfused they see, Who seek the praise of all-esteemed courtesy English Explanation: Those who desire (to cultivate that degree of) urbanity which all shall love, even after swallowing the poison served to them by their friends, will be friendly with them Transliteration: Peyakkantum Nanjun Tamaivar Nayaththakka Naakarikam Ventu Pavar