Couplet: The good external help confers is worldly gain; By action good men every needed gift obtain English Explanation: The efficacy of support will yield (only) wealth; (but) the efficacy of action will yield all that is desired Transliteration: Thunainalam Aakkam Tharuum Vinainalam Ventiya Ellaan Tharum
Couplet: From action evermore thyself restrain Of glory and of good that yields no gain English Explanation: Ministers should at all times avoid acts which, in addition to fame, yield no benefit (for the future) Transliteration: Endrum Oruvudhal Ventum Pukazhotu Nandri Payavaa Vinai
Couplet: Who tell themselves that nobler things shall yet be won All deeds that dim the light of glory must they shun English Explanation: Those who say, "we will become (better)" should avoid the performance of acts that would destroy (their fame) Transliteration: Oodhal Ventum Olimaazhkum Seyvinai Aaadhum Ennu Mavar
Couplet: Though troubles press, no shameful deed they do, Whose eyes the ever-during vision view English Explanation: Those who have infallible judgement though threatened with peril will not do acts which have brought disgrace (on former ministers) Transliteration: Itukkan Patinum Ilivandha Seyyaar Natukkatra Kaatchi Yavar
Couplet: Do nought that soul repenting must deplore, If thou hast sinned, 'tis well if thou dost sin no more English Explanation: Let a minister never do acts of which he would have to grieve saying, "what is this I have done"; (but) should he do (them), it were good that he grieved not Transliteration: Etrendru Iranguva Seyyarka Seyvaanel Matranna Seyyaamai Nandru
Couplet: Though her that bore thee hung'ring thou behold, no deed Do thou, that men of perfect soul have crime decreed English Explanation: Though a minister may see his mother starve; let him do not act which the wise would (treat with contempt) Transliteration: Eendraal Pasikaanpaan Aayinunj Cheyyarka Saandror Pazhikkum Vinai
Couplet: Than store of wealth guilt-laden souls obtain, The sorest poverty of perfect soul is richer gain English Explanation: Far more excellent is the extreme poverty of the wise than wealth obtained by heaping up of sinful Transliteration: Pazhimalaindhu Eydhiya Aakkaththin Saandror Kazhinal Kurave Thalai
Couplet: To those who hate reproof and do forbidden thing What prospers now, in after days shall anguish bring English Explanation: The actions of those, who have not desisted from doing deeds forbidden (by the great), will, even if they succeed, cause them sorrow Transliteration: Katindha Katindhoraar Seydhaarkku Avaidhaam Mutindhaalum Peezhai Tharum
Couplet: What's gained through tears with tears shall go; From loss good deeds entail harvests of blessings grow English Explanation: All that has been obtained with tears (to the victim) will depart with tears (to himself); but what has been by fair means; though with loss at first, will afterwards yield fruit Transliteration: Azhak Konta Ellaam Azhappom Izhappinum Pirpayakkum Narpaa Lavai
Couplet: In pot of clay unburnt he water pours and would retain, Who seeks by wrong the realm in wealth and safety to maintain English Explanation: (For a minister) to protect (his king) with wealth obtained by foul means is like preserving a vessel of wet clay by filling it with water Transliteration: Salaththaal Porulseydhe Maarththal Pasuman Kalaththulneer Peydhireei Yatru