The Dread of Mendicancy

Ten million-fold 'tis greater gain, asking no alms to live,
Even from those, like eyes in worth, who nought concealing gladly give

Explanation
Not to beg (at all) even from those excellent persons who cheerfully give without refusing, will do immense good.

Tamil Transliteration
Karavaadhu Uvandheeyum Kannannaar Kannum
Iravaamai Koti Urum.

If he that shaped the world desires that men should begging go,
Through life's long course, let him a wanderer be and perish so

Explanation
If the Creator of the world has decreed even begging as a means of livelihood, may he too go abegging and perish.

Tamil Transliteration
Irandhum Uyirvaazhdhal Ventin Parandhu
Ketuka Ulakiyatri Yaan.

Nothing is harder than the hardness that will say,
'The plague of penury by asking alms we'll drive away.'

Explanation
There is no greater folly than the boldness with which one seeks to remedy the evils of poverty by begging (rather than by working).

Tamil Transliteration
Inmai Itumpai Irandhudheer Vaamennum
Vanmaiyin Vanpaatta Thil.

Who ne'er consent to beg in utmost need, their worth
Has excellence of greatness that transcends the earth

Explanation
Even the whole world cannot sufficiently praise the dignity that would not beg even in the midst of destitution.

Tamil Transliteration
Itamellaam Kollaath Thakaiththe Itamillaak
Kaalum Iravollaach Chaalpu.

Nothing is sweeter than to taste the toil-won cheer,
Though mess of pottage as tasteless as the water clear

Explanation
Even thin gruel is ambrosia to him who has obtained it by labour.

Tamil Transliteration
Thenneer Atupurkai Aayinum Thaaldhandhadhu
Unnalin Oonginiya Thil.

E'en if a draught of water for a cow you ask,
Nought's so distasteful to the tongue as beggar's task

Explanation
There is nothing more disgraceful to one's tongue than to use it in begging water even for a cow.

Tamil Transliteration
Aavirku Neerendru Irappinum Naavirku
Iravin Ilivandha Thil.

One thing I beg of beggars all, 'If beg ye may,
Of those who hide their wealth, beg not, I pray.'

Explanation
I beseech all beggars and say, "If you need to beg, never beg of those who give unwillingly.".

Tamil Transliteration
Irappan Irappaarai Ellaam Irappin
Karappaar Iravanmin Endru.

The fragile bark of beggary
Wrecked on denial's rock will lie

Explanation
The unsafe raft of begging will split when it strikes on the rock of refusal.

Tamil Transliteration
Iravennum Emaappil Thoni Karavennum
Paardhaakkap Pakku Vitum.

The heart will melt away at thought of beggary,
With thought of stern repulse 'twill perish utterly

Explanation
To think of (the evil of) begging is enough to melt one's heart; but to think of refusal is enough to break it.

Tamil Transliteration
Iravulla Ullam Urukum Karavulla
Ulladhooum Indrik Ketum.

E'en as he asks, the shamefaced asker dies;
Where shall his spirit hide who help denies

Explanation
Saying "No" to a beggar takes away his life. (but as that very word will kill the refuser) where then would the latter's life hide itself ?.

Tamil Transliteration
Karappavarkku Yaangolikkum Kollo Irappavar
Sollaatap Poom Uyir.