Couplet: What men call 'power in action' know for 'power of mind' Externe to man all other aids you find English Explanation: Firmness in action is (simply) one's firmness of mind; all other (abilities) are not of this nature Transliteration: Vinaiththitpam Enpadhu Oruvan Manaththitpam Matraiya Ellaam Pira
Couplet: 'Each hindrance shun', 'unyielding onward press, If obstacle be there,' These two define your way, so those that search out truth declare English Explanation: Not to perform a ruinous act, and not to be discouraged by the ruinous termination of an act, are the two maxims which, the wise say, from the principles of those who have investigated the subject Transliteration: Oororaal Utrapin Olkaamai Ivvirantin Aarenpar Aaindhavar Kol
Couplet: Man's fitting work is known but by success achieved; In midst the plan revealed brings ruin ne'er to be retrieved English Explanation: So to perform an act as to publish it (only) at its termination is (true) manliness; for to announce it beforehand, will cause irremediable sorrow Transliteration: 663, Kataikkotkach Cheydhakka Thaanmai Itaikkotkin Etraa Vizhuman Tharum
Couplet: Easy to every man the speech that shows the way; Hard thing to shape one's life by words they say English Explanation: To say (how an act is to be performed) is (indeed) easy for any one; but far difficult it is to do according to what has been said Transliteration: Solludhal Yaarkkum Eliya Ariyavaam Solliya Vannam Seyal
Couplet: The power in act of men renowned and great, With king acceptance finds and fame through all the state English Explanation: The firmness in action of those who have become great by the excellence (of their counsel) will, by attaining its fulfilment in the person of the king, be esteemed (by all). Transliteration: Veereydhi Maantaar Vinaiththitpam Vendhankan Ooreydhi Ullap Patum
Couplet: Whate'er men think, ev'n as they think, may men obtain, If those who think can steadfastness of will retain English Explanation: If those who have planned (an undertaking) possess firmness (in executing it) they will obtain what they have desired even as they have desired it Transliteration: Enniya Enniyaangu Eydhu Enniyaar Thinniyar Aakap Perin
Couplet: Despise not men of modest bearing; Look not at form, but what men are: For some there live, high functions sharing, Like linch-pin of the mighty car English Explanation: Let none be despised for (their) size; (for) the world has those who resemble the linch-pin of the big rolling car Transliteration: Uruvukantu Ellaamai Ventum Urulperundherkku Achchaani Annaar Utaiththu
Couplet: What clearly eye discerns as right, with steadfast will, And mind unslumbering, that should man fulfil English Explanation: An act that has been firmly resolved on must be as firmly carried out without delay Transliteration: Kalangaadhu Kanta Vinaikkan Thulangaadhu Thookkang Katindhu Seyal
Couplet: Though toil and trouble face thee, firm resolve hold fast, And do the deeds that pleasure yield at last English Explanation: Though it should cause increasing sorrow (at the outset), do with firmness the act that yield bliss (in the end) Transliteration: Thunpam Uravarinum Seyka Thunivaatri Inpam Payakkum Vinai
Couplet: The world desires not men of every power possessed, Who power in act desire not,- crown of all the rest English Explanation: The great will not esteem those who esteem not firmness of action, whatever other abilities the latter may possess Transliteration: Enaiththitpam Ey Thiyak Kannum Vinaiththitpam Ventaarai Ventaadhu Ulaku