Couplet: 'Tis greater ill, it rapture of o'erweening gladness to the soul Bring self-forgetfulness than if transcendent wrath control English Explanation: More evil than excessive anger, is forgetfulness which springs from the intoxication of great joy Transliteration: Irandha Vekuliyin Theedhe Sirandha Uvakai Makizhchchiyir Sorvu
Couplet: Perpetual, poverty is death to wisdom of the wise; When man forgets himself his glory dies English Explanation: Forgetfulness will destroy fame, even as constant poverty destroys knowledge Transliteration: Pochchaappuk Kollum Pukazhai Arivinai Nichcha Nirappuk Kon Raangu
Couplet: 'To self-oblivious men no praise'; this rule Decisive wisdom sums of every school English Explanation: Thoughtlessness will never acquire fame; and this tenet is upheld by all treatises in the world Transliteration: Pochchaappaark Killai Pukazhmai Adhuulakaththu Eppaalnoo Lorkkum Thunivu
Couplet: 'To cowards is no fort's defence'; e'en so The self-oblivious men no blessing know English Explanation: Just as the coward has no defence (by whatever fortifications ha may be surrounded), so the thoughtless has no good (whatever advantages he may possess) Transliteration: Achcha Mutaiyaarkku Aranillai Aangillai Pochchaap Putaiyaarkku Nanku
Couplet: To him who nought foresees, recks not of anything, The after woe shall sure repentance bring English Explanation: The thoughtless man, who provides not against the calamities that may happen, will afterwards repent for his fault Transliteration: Munnurak Kaavaadhu Izhukkiyaan Thanpizhai Pinnooru Irangi Vitum
Couplet: Towards all unswerving, ever watchfulness of soul retain, Where this is found there is no greater gain English Explanation: There is nothing comparable with the possession of unfailing thoughtfulness at all times; and towards all persons Transliteration: Izhukkaamai Yaarmaattum Endrum Vazhukkaamai Vaayin Adhuvoppadhu Il
Couplet: Though things are arduous deemed, there's nought may not be won, When work with mind's unslumbering energy and thought is done English Explanation: There is nothing too difficult to be accomplished, if a man set about it carefully, with unflinching endeavour Transliteration: Ariyaendru Aakaadha Illaipoch Chaavaak Karuviyaal Potrich Cheyin
Couplet: Let things that merit praise thy watchful soul employ; Who these despise attain through sevenfold births no joy English Explanation: Let (a man) observe and do these things which have been praised (by the wise); if he neglects and fails to perform them, for him there will be no (happiness) throughout the seven births Transliteration: Pukazhndhavai Potrich Cheyalventum Seyyaadhu Ikazhndhaarkku Ezhumaiyum Il
Couplet: Think on the men whom scornful mind hath brought to nought, When exultation overwhelms thy wildered thought English Explanation: Let (a king) think of those who have been ruined by neglect, when his mind is elated with joy Transliteration: Ikazhchchiyin Kettaarai Ulluka Thaandham Makizhchchiyin Maindhurum Pozhdhu
Couplet: 'Tis easy what thou hast in mind to gain, If what thou hast in mind thy mind retain English Explanation: It is easy for (one) to obtain whatever he may think of, if he can again think of it Transliteration: Ulliyadhu Eydhal Elidhuman Matrundhaan Ulliyadhu Ullap Perin