Knowing the fitting Time

A crow will conquer owl in broad daylight;
The king that foes would crush, needs fitting time to fight

Explanation
A crow will overcome an owl in the day time; so the king who would conquer his enemy must have (a suitable) time.

Tamil Transliteration
Pakalvellum Kookaiyaik Kaakkai Ikalvellum
Vendharkku Ventum Pozhudhu.

The bond binds fortune fast is ordered effort made,
Strictly observant still of favouring season's aid

Explanation
Acting at the right season, is a cord that will immoveably bind success (to a king).

Tamil Transliteration
Paruvaththotu Otta Ozhukal Thiruvinaith
Theeraamai Aarkkung Kayiru.

Can any work be hard in very fact,
If men use fitting means in timely act

Explanation
Is there anything difficult for him to do, who acts, with (the right) instruments at the right time ?.

Tamil Transliteration
Aruvinai Yenpa Ulavo Karuviyaan
Kaalam Arindhu Seyin.

The pendant world's dominion may be won,
In fitting time and place by action done

Explanation
Though (a man) should meditate (the conquest of) the world, he may accomplish it if he acts in the right time, and at the right place.

Tamil Transliteration
Gnaalam Karudhinung Kaikootung Kaalam
Karudhi Itaththaar Seyin.

Who think the pendant world itself to subjugate,
With mind unruffled for the fitting time must wait

Explanation
They who thoughtfully consider and wait for the (right) time (for action), may successfully meditate (the conquest of) the world.

Tamil Transliteration
Kaalam Karudhi Iruppar Kalangaadhu
Gnaalam Karudhu Pavar.

The men of mighty power their hidden energies repress,
As fighting ram recoils to rush on foe with heavier stress

Explanation
The self-restraint of the energetic (while waiting for a suitable opportunity), is like the drawing back of a fighting-ram in order to butt.

Tamil Transliteration
Ookka Mutaiyaan Otukkam Porudhakar
Thaakkarkup Perun Thakaiththu.

The glorious once of wrath enkindled make no outward show,
At once; they bide their time, while hidden fires within them glow

Explanation
The wise will not immediately and hastily shew out their anger; they will watch their time, and restrain it within.

Tamil Transliteration
Pollena Aange Puramveraar Kaalampaarththu
Ulverppar Olli Yavar.

If foes' detested form they see, with patience let them bear;
When fateful hour at last they spy,- the head lies there

Explanation
If one meets his enemy, let him show him all respect, until the time for his destruction is come; when that is come, his head will be easily brought low.

Tamil Transliteration
Serunaraik Kaanin Sumakka Iruvarai
Kaanin Kizhakkaam Thalai.

When hardest gain of opportunity at last is won,
With promptitude let hardest deed be done

Explanation
If a rare opportunity occurs, while it lasts, let a man do that which is rarely to be accomplished (but for such an opportunity).

Tamil Transliteration
Eydhar Kariyadhu Iyaindhakkaal Annilaiye
Seydhar Kariya Seyal.

As heron stands with folded wing, so wait in waiting hour;
As heron snaps its prey, when fortune smiles, put forth your power

Explanation
At the time when one should use self-control, let him restrain himself like a heron; and, let him like it, strike, when there is a favourable opportunity.

Tamil Transliteration
Kokkokka Koompum Paruvaththu Matradhan
Kuththokka Seerththa Itaththu.