Couplet: The force the strife demands, the force he owns, the force of foes, The force of friends; these should he weigh ere to the war he goes English Explanation: Let (one) weigh well the strength of the deed (he purposes to do), his own strength, the strength of his enemy, and the strength of the allies (of both), and then let him act Transliteration: Vinaivaliyum Thanvaliyum Maatraan Valiyum Thunaivaliyum Thookkich Cheyal
Couplet: Who know what can be wrought, with knowledge of the means, on this, Their mind firm set, go forth, nought goes with them amiss English Explanation: There is nothing which may not be accomplished by those who, before they attack (an enemy), make themselves acquainted with their own ability, and with whatever else is (needful) to be known, and Transliteration: Olva Tharivadhu Arindhadhan Kandhangich Chelvaarkkuch Chellaadhadhu Il
Couplet: Ill-deeming of their proper powers, have many monarchs striven, And midmost of unequal conflict fallen asunder riven English Explanation: There are many who, ignorant of their (want of) power (to meet it), have haughtily set out to war, and broken down in the midst of it Transliteration: Utaiththam Valiyariyaar Ookkaththin Ookki Itaikkan Murindhaar Palar
Couplet: Who not agrees with those around, no moderation knows, In self-applause indulging, swift to ruin goes English Explanation: 59 He will quickly perish who, ignorant of his own resources flatters himself of his greatness, and does Transliteration: Amaindhaang Kozhukaan Alavariyaan Thannai Viyandhaan Viraindhu Ketum
Couplet: With peacock feathers light, you load the wain; Yet, heaped too high, the axle snaps in twain English Explanation: The axle tree of a bandy, loaded only with peacocks' feathers will break, if it be greatly overloaded Transliteration: Peelipey Saakaatum Achchirum Appantanjjch Aala Mikuththup Peyin
Couplet: Who daring climbs, and would himself upraise Beyond the branch's tip, with life the forfeit pays English Explanation: There will be an end to the life of him who, having climbed out to the end of a branch, ventures to go further Transliteration: Nunikkompar Erinaar Aqdhiran Thookkin Uyirkkirudhi Aaki Vitum
Couplet: With knowledge of the measure due, as virtue bids you give! That is the way to guard your wealth, and seemly live English Explanation: Let a man know the measure of his ability (to give), and let him give accordingly; such giving is the way to preserve his property Transliteration: Aatrin Aravarindhu Eeka Adhuporul Potri Vazhangu Neri
Couplet: Incomings may be scant; but yet, no failure there, If in expenditure you rightly learn to spare English Explanation: Even though the income (of a king) be small, it will not cause his (ruin), if his outgoings be not larger than his income Transliteration: Aakaaru Alavitti Thaayinung Ketillai Pokaaru Akalaak Katai
Couplet: Who prosperous lives and of enjoyment knows no bound, His seeming wealth, departing, nowhere shall be found English Explanation: The prosperity of him who lives without knowing the measure (of his property), will perish, even while it seems to continue Transliteration: Alavara�ndhu Vaazhaadhaan Vaazhkkai Ulapola Illaakith Thondraak Ketum
Couplet: Beneficence that measures not its bound of means, Will swiftly bring to nought the wealth on which it leans English Explanation: The measure of his wealth will quickly perish, whose liberality weighs not the measure of his property Transliteration: Ulavarai Thookkaadha Oppura Vaanmai Valavarai Vallaik Ketum