Couplet: Of all that men acquire, we know not any greater gain, Than that which by the birth of learned children men obtain English Explanation: Among all the benefits that may be acquired, we know no greater benefit than the acquisition of intelligent children Transliteration: Perumavatrul Yaamarivadhu Illai Arivarindha Makkatperu Alla Pira
Couplet: Who children gain, that none reproach, of virtuous worth, No evils touch them, through the sev'n-fold maze of birth English Explanation: The evils of the seven births shall not touch those who abtain children of a good disposition, free from vice Transliteration: Ezhupirappum Theeyavai Theentaa Pazhipirangaap Panputai Makkat Perin
Couplet: 'Man's children are his fortune,' say the wise; From each one's deeds his varied fortunes rise English Explanation: Men will call their sons their wealth, because it flows to them through the deeds which they (sons) perform on their behalf Transliteration: Thamporul Enpadham Makkal Avarporul Thamdham Vinaiyaan Varum
Couplet: Than God's ambrosia sweeter far the food before men laid, In which the little hands of children of their own have play'd English Explanation: The rice in which the little hand of their children has dabbled will be far sweeter (to the parent) than ambrosia Transliteration: Amizhdhinum Aatra Inidhedham Makkal Sirukai Alaaviya Koozh
Couplet: To patent sweet the touch of children dear; Their voice is sweetest music to his ear English Explanation: The touch of children gives pleasure to the body, and the hearing of their words, pleasure to the ear Transliteration: Makkalmey Theental Utarkinpam Matru Avar Sorkettal Inpam Sevikku
Couplet: 'The pipe is sweet,' 'the lute is sweet,' by them't will be averred, Who music of their infants' lisping lips have never heard English Explanation: "The pipe is sweet, the lute is sweet," say those who have not heard the prattle of their own children Transliteration: Kuzhal Inidhu Yaazhinidhu Enpadham Makkal Mazhalaichchol Kelaa Thavar
Couplet: Sire greatest boon on son confers, who makes him meet, In councils of the wise to fill the highest seat English Explanation: The benefit which a father should confer on his son is to give him precedence in the assembly of the learned Transliteration: Thandhai Makarkaatrum Nandri Avaiyaththu Mundhi Iruppach Cheyal
Couplet: Their children's wisdom greater than their own confessed, Through the wide world is sweet to every human breast English Explanation: That their children should possess knowledge is more pleasing to all men of this great earth than to themselves Transliteration: Thammindham Makkal Arivutaimai Maanilaththu Mannuyirk Kellaam Inidhu
Couplet: When mother hears him named 'fulfill'd of wisdom's lore,' Far greater joy she feels, than when her son she bore English Explanation: The mother who hears her son called "a wise man" will rejoice more than she did at his birth Transliteration: Eendra Pozhudhin Peridhuvakkum Thanmakanaich Chaandron Enakketta Thaai
Couplet: To sire, what best requital can by grateful child be done? To make men say, 'What merit gained the father such a son?' English Explanation: (So to act) that it may be said "by what great penance did his father beget him," is the benefit which a son should render to his father Transliteration: Makandhandhaikku Aatrum Udhavi Ivandhandhai Ennotraan Kol Enum Sol