Friendship

What so hard for men to gain as friendship true
What so sure defence 'gainst all that foe can do

Explanation
What so sure defence 'gainst all that foe can do?.

Tamil Transliteration
Seyarkariya Yaavula Natpin Adhupol
Vinaikkariya Yaavula Kaappu.

Friendship with men fulfilled of good Waxes like the crescent moon;
Friendship with men of foolish mood, Like the full orb, waneth soon

Explanation
The friendship of the wise waxes like the new moon; (but) that of fools wanes like the full moon.

Tamil Transliteration
Niraineera Neeravar Kenmai Piraimadhip
Pinneera Pedhaiyaar Natpu.

Learned scroll the more you ponder, Sweeter grows the mental food;
So the heart by use grows fonder, Bound in friendship with the good

Explanation
Like learning, the friendship of the noble, the more it is cultivated, the more delightful does it become.

Tamil Transliteration
Navildhorum Noolnayam Polum Payildhorum
Panputai Yaalar Thotarpu.

Nor for laughter only friendship all the pleasant day,
But for strokes of sharp reproving, when from right you stray

Explanation
Friendship is to be practised not for the purpose of laughing but for that of being beforehand in giving one another sharp rebukes in case of transgression.

Tamil Transliteration
Nakudhar Poruttandru Nattal Mikudhikkan
Mersenaru Itiththar Poruttu.

Not association constant, not affection's token bind;
'Tis the unison of feeling friends unites of kindred mind

Explanation
Living together and holding frequent intercourse are not necessary (for friendship); (mutual) understanding can alone create a claim for it.

Tamil Transliteration
Punarchchi Pazhakudhal Ventaa Unarchchidhaan
Natpaang Kizhamai Tharum.

Not the face's smile of welcome shows the friend sincere,
But the heart's rejoicing gladness when the friend is near

Explanation
The love that dwells (merely in the smiles of the face is not friendship; (but) that which dwells deep in the smiles of the heart is true friendship.

Tamil Transliteration
Mukanaka Natpadhu Natpandru Nenjaththu
Akanaka Natpadhu Natpu.

Friendship from ruin saves, in way of virtue keeps;
In troublous time, it weeps with him who weeps

Explanation
(True) friendship turns aside from evil (ways) makes (him) walk in the (good) way, and, in case of loss if shares his sorrow (with him).

Tamil Transliteration
Azhivi Navaineekki Aaruyththu Azhivinkan
Allal Uzhappadhaam Natpu.

As hand of him whose vesture slips away,
Friendship at once the coming grief will stay

Explanation
(True) friendship hastens to the rescue of the afflicted (as readily) as the hand of one whose garment is loosened (before an assembly).

Tamil Transliteration
Utukkai Izhandhavan Kaipola Aange
Itukkan Kalaivadhaam Natpu.

And where is friendship's royal seat? In stable mind,
Where friend in every time of need support may find

Explanation
Friendship may be said to be on its throne when it possesses the power of supporting one at all times and under all circumstances, (in the practice or virtue and wealth).

Tamil Transliteration
Natpirku Veetrirukkai Yaadhenin Kotpindri
Ollumvaai Oondrum Nilai.

Mean is the friendship that men blazon forth,
'He's thus to me' and 'such to him my worth'

Explanation
Though friends may praise one another saying, "He is so intimate with us, and we so much (with him)"; (still) such friendship will appear mean.

Tamil Transliteration
Inaiyar Ivaremakku Innamyaam Endru
Punaiyinum Pullennum Natpu.