The Excellence of an Army

A conquering host, complete in all its limbs, that fears no wound,
Mid treasures of the king is chiefest found

Explanation
The army which is complete in (its) parts and conquers without fear of wounds is the chief wealth of the king.

Tamil Transliteration
Uruppamaindhu Ooranjaa Velpatai Vendhan
Verukkaiyul Ellaam Thalai.

In adverse hour, to face undaunted might of conquering foe,
Is bravery that only veteran host can show

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.

Tamil Transliteration
Ulaivitaththu Ooranjaa Vankan Tholaivitaththuth
Tholpataik Kallaal Aridhu.

Though, like the sea, the angry mice send forth their battle cry;
What then? The dragon breathes upon them, and they die

Explanation
What if (a host of) hostile rats roar like the sea ? They will perish at the mere breath of the cobra.

Tamil Transliteration
Oliththakkaal Ennaam Uvari Ela?ppakai
Naakam Uyirppak Ketum.

That is a host, by no defeats, by no desertions shamed,
For old hereditary courage famed

Explanation
That indeed is an army which has stood firm of old without suffering destruction or deserting (to the enemy).

Tamil Transliteration
Azhivindri Araipokaa Thaaki Vazhivandha
Vanka Nadhuve Patai.

That is a 'host' that joins its ranks, and mightily withstands,
Though death with sudden wrath should fall upon its bands

Explanation
That indeed is an army which is capable of offering a united resistance, even if Yama advances against it with fury.

Tamil Transliteration
Kootrutandru Melvarinum Kooti Edhirnirkum
Aatra Ladhuve Patai.

Valour with honour, sure advance in glory's path, with confidence;
To warlike host these four are sure defence

Explanation
Valour, honour, following in the excellent-footsteps (of its predecessors) and trust-worthiness; these four alone constitute the safeguard of an army.

Tamil Transliteration
Maramaanam Maanta Vazhichchelavu Thetram
Enanaanke Emam Pataikku.

A valiant army bears the onslaught, onward goes,
Well taught with marshalled ranks to meet their coming foes

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).

Tamil Transliteration
Thaardhaangich Chelvadhu Thaanai Thalaivandha
Pordhaangum Thanmai Arindhu.

Though not in war offensive or defensive skilled;
An army gains applause when well equipped and drilled

Explanation
Though destitute of courage to fight and strength (to endure), an army may yet gain renown by the splendour of its appearance.

Tamil Transliteration
Ataldhakaiyum Aatralum Illeninum Thaanai
Pataiththakaiyaal Paatu Perum.

Where weakness, clinging fear and poverty
Are not, the host will gain the victory

Explanation
An army can triumph (over its foes) if it is free from diminution; irremediable aversion and poverty.

Tamil Transliteration
Sirumaiyum Sellaath Thuniyum Varumaiyum
Illaayin Vellum Patai.

Though men abound, all ready for the war,
No army is where no fit leaders are

Explanation
Though an army may contain a large number of permanent soldiers, it cannot last if it has no generals.

Tamil Transliteration
Nilaimakkal Saala Utaiththeninum Thaanai
Thalaimakkal Ilvazhi Il.