Couplet: The Resolve is counsel's end, If resolutions halt In weak delays, still unfulfilled, 'tis grievous fault English Explanation: Consultation ends in forming a resolution (to act); (but) delay in the execution of that resolve is an evil Transliteration: Soozhchchi Mutivu Thuniveydhal Aththunivu Thaazhchchiyul Thangudhal Theedhu
Couplet: Slumber when sleepy work's in hand beware Thou slumber not when action calls for sleepless care English Explanation: Sleep over such (actions) as may be slept over; (but) never over such as may not be slept over Transliteration: Thoonguka Thoongich Cheyarpaala Thoongarka Thoongaadhu Seyyum Vinai
Couplet: When way is clear, prompt let your action be; When not, watch till some open path you see English Explanation: Whenever it is possible (to overcome your enemy) the act (of fighting) is certainly good; if not, endeavour to employ some more successful method Transliteration: Ollumvaa Yellaam Vinainandre Ollaakkaal Sellumvaai Nokkich Cheyal
Couplet: With work or foe, when you neglect some little thing, If you reflect, like smouldering fire, 'twill ruin bring English Explanation: When duly considered, the incomplete execution of an undertaking and hostility will grow and destroy one like the (unextinguished) remnant of a fire Transliteration: Vinaipakai Endrirantin Echcham Ninaiyungaal Theeyechcham Polath Therum
Couplet: Treasure and instrument and time and deed and place of act These five, till every doubt remove, think o'er with care exact English Explanation: Do an act after a due consideration of the (following) five, viz money, means, time, execution and place Transliteration: Porulkaruvi Kaalam Vinaiyitanotu Aindhum Iruldheera Ennich Cheyal
Couplet: Accomplishment, the hindrances, large profits won By effort these compare,- then let the work be done English Explanation: An act is to be performed after considering the exertion required, the obstacles to be encountered, and the great profit to be gained (on its completion) Transliteration: Mutivum Itaiyoorum Mutriyaangu Eydhum Patupayanum Paarththuch Cheyal
Couplet: Who would succeed must thus begin first let him ask The thoughts of them who thoroughly know the task English Explanation: The method of performance for one who has begun an act is to ascertain the mind of him who knows the secret thereof Transliteration: Seyvinai Seyvaan Seyanmurai Avvinai Ullarivaan Ullam Kolal
Couplet: By one thing done you reach a second work's accomplishment; So furious elephant to snare its fellow brute is sent English Explanation: To make one undertaking the means of accomplishing another (similar to it) is like making one rutting elephant the means of capturing another Transliteration: Vinaiyaan Vinaiyaakkik Kotal Nanaikavul Yaanaiyaal Yaanaiyaath Thatru
Couplet: Than kindly acts to friends more urgent thing to do, Is making foes to cling as friends attached to you English Explanation: One should rather hasten to secure the alliance of the foes (of one's foes) than perform good offices to one's friends Transliteration: Nattaarkku Nalla Seyalin Viraindhadhe Ottaarai Ottik Kolal
Couplet: The men of lesser realm, fearing the people's inward dread, Accepting granted terms, to mightier ruler bow the head English Explanation: Ministers of small states, afraid of their people being frightened, will yield to and acknowledge their superior foes, if the latter offer them a chance of reconciliation Transliteration: Uraisiriyaar Ulnatungal Anjik Kuraiperin Kolvar Periyaarp Panindhu