Couplet: A conquering host, complete in all its limbs, that fears no wound, Mid treasures of the king is chiefest found English Explanation: The army which is complete in (its) parts and conquers without fear of wounds is the chief wealth of the king Transliteration: Uruppamaindhu Ooranjaa Velpatai Vendhan Verukkaiyul Ellaam Thalai
Couplet: In adverse hour, to face undaunted might of conquering foe, Is bravery that only veteran host can show English Explanation: Ancient army can alone have the valour which makes it stand by its king at the time of defeat, fearless of wounds and unmindful of its reduced strength Transliteration: Ulaivitaththu Ooranjaa Vankan Tholaivitaththuth Tholpataik Kallaal Aridhu
Couplet: Though, like the sea, the angry mice send forth their battle cry; What then? The dragon breathes upon them, and they die English Explanation: What if (a host of) hostile rats roar like the sea ? They will perish at the mere breath of the cobra Transliteration: Oliththakkaal Ennaam Uvari Ela�ppakai Naakam Uyirppak Ketum
Couplet: That is a host, by no defeats, by no desertions shamed, For old hereditary courage famed English Explanation: That indeed is an army which has stood firm of old without suffering destruction or deserting (to the enemy) Transliteration: Azhivindri Araipokaa Thaaki Vazhivandha Vanka Nadhuve Patai
Couplet: That is a 'host' that joins its ranks, and mightily withstands, Though death with sudden wrath should fall upon its bands English Explanation: That indeed is an army which is capable of offering a united resistance, even if Yama advances against it with fury Transliteration: Kootrutandru Melvarinum Kooti Edhirnirkum Aatra Ladhuve Patai
Couplet: Valour with honour, sure advance in glory's path, with confidence; To warlike host these four are sure defence English Explanation: Valour, honour, following in the excellent-footsteps (of its predecessors) and trust-worthiness; these four alone constitute the safeguard of an army Transliteration: Maramaanam Maanta Vazhichchelavu Thetram Enanaanke Emam Pataikku
Couplet: A valiant army bears the onslaught, onward goes, Well taught with marshalled ranks to meet their coming foes English Explanation: That is an army which knowing the art of warding off an impending struggle, can bear against the dust-van (of a hostile force) Transliteration: Thaardhaangich Chelvadhu Thaanai Thalaivandha Pordhaangum Thanmai Arindhu
Couplet: Though not in war offensive or defensive skilled; An army gains applause when well equipped and drilled English Explanation: Though destitute of courage to fight and strength (to endure), an army may yet gain renown by the splendour of its appearance Transliteration: Ataldhakaiyum Aatralum Illeninum Thaanai Pataiththakaiyaal Paatu Perum
Couplet: Where weakness, clinging fear and poverty Are not, the host will gain the victory English Explanation: An army can triumph (over its foes) if it is free from diminution; irremediable aversion and poverty Transliteration: Sirumaiyum Sellaath Thuniyum Varumaiyum Illaayin Vellum Patai
Couplet: Though men abound, all ready for the war, No army is where no fit leaders are English Explanation: Though an army may contain a large number of permanent soldiers, it cannot last if it has no generals Transliteration: Nilaimakkal Saala Utaiththeninum Thaanai Thalaimakkal Ilvazhi Il