Courtesy

Who easy access give to every man, they say,
Of kindly courtesy will learn with ease the way

Explanation
If one is easy of access to all, it will be easy for one to obtain the virtue called goodness.

Tamil Transliteration
Enpadhaththaal Eydhal Elidhenpa Yaarmaattum
Panputaimai Ennum Vazhakku.

Benevolence and high born dignity,
These two are beaten paths of courtesy

Explanation
Affectionateness and birth in a good family, these two constitute what is called a proper behaviour to all.

Tamil Transliteration
Anputaimai Aandra Kutippiraththal Ivvirantum
Panputaimai Ennum Vazhakku.

Men are not one because their members seem alike to outward view;
Similitude of kindred quality makes likeness true

Explanation
Resemblance of bodies is no resemblance of souls; true resemblance is the resemblance of qualities that attract.

Tamil Transliteration
Uruppoththal Makkaloppu Andraal Veruththakka
Panpoththal Oppadhaam Oppu.

Of men of fruitful life, who kindly benefits dispense,
The world unites to praise the 'noble excellence.'

Explanation
The world applauds the character of those whose usefulness results from their equity and charity.

Tamil Transliteration
Nayanotu Nandri Purindha Payanutaiyaar
Panpupaa Raattum Ulaku.

Contempt is evil though in sport They who man's nature know,
E'en in their wrath, a courteous mind will show

Explanation
Reproach is painful to one even in sport; those (therefore) who know the nature of others exhibit (pleasing) qualities even when they are hated.

Tamil Transliteration
Nakaiyullum Innaa Thikazhchchi Pakaiyullum
Panpula Paatarivaar Maattu.

The world abides; for 'worthy' men its weight sustain
Were it not so, 'twould fall to dust again

Explanation
The (way of the) world subsists by contact with the good; if not, it would bury itself in the earth and perish.

Tamil Transliteration
Panputaiyaarp Pattuntu Ulakam Adhuindrel
Manpukku Maaivadhu Man.

Though sharp their wit as file, as blocks they must remain,
Whose souls are void of 'courtesy humane'

Explanation
He who is destitute of (true) human qualities (only) resembles a tree, though he may possess the sharpness of a file.

Tamil Transliteration
Arampolum Koormaiya Renum Marampolvar
Makkatpanpu Illaa Thavar.

Though men with all unfriendly acts and wrongs assail,
'Tis uttermost disgrace in 'courtesy' to fail

Explanation
It is wrong (for the wise) not to exhibit (good) qualities even towards those who bearing no friendship (for them) do only what is hateful.

Tamil Transliteration
Nanpaatraar Aaki Nayamila Seyvaarkkum
Panpaatraar Aadhal Katai.

To him who knows not how to smile in kindly mirth,
Darkness in daytime broods o'er all the vast and mighty earth

Explanation
To those who cannot rejoice, the wide world is buried darkness even in (broad) day light.

Tamil Transliteration
Nakalvallar Allaarkku Maayiru Gnaalam
Pakalumpaar Pattandru Irul.

Like sweet milk soured because in filthy vessel poured,
Is ample wealth in churlish man's unopened coffers stored

Explanation
The great wealth obtained by one who has no goodness will perish like pure milk spoilt by the.

Tamil Transliteration
Panpilaan Petra Perunjelvam Nanpaal
Kalandheemai Yaaldhirin Thatru.