The Knowledge of Power

The force the strife demands, the force he owns, the force of foes,
The force of friends; these should he weigh ere to the war he goes

Explanation
Let (one) weigh well the strength of the deed (he purposes to do), his own strength, the strength of his enemy, and the strength of the allies (of both), and then let him act.

Tamil Transliteration
Vinaivaliyum Thanvaliyum Maatraan Valiyum
Thunaivaliyum Thookkich Cheyal.

Who know what can be wrought, with knowledge of the means, on this,
Their mind firm set, go forth, nought goes with them amiss

Explanation
There is nothing which may not be accomplished by those who, before they attack (an enemy), make themselves acquainted with their own ability, and with whatever else is (needful) to be known, and.

Tamil Transliteration
Olva Tharivadhu Arindhadhan Kandhangich
Chelvaarkkuch Chellaadhadhu Il.

Ill-deeming of their proper powers, have many monarchs striven,
And midmost of unequal conflict fallen asunder riven

Explanation
There are many who, ignorant of their (want of) power (to meet it), have haughtily set out to war, and broken down in the midst of it.

Tamil Transliteration
Utaiththam Valiyariyaar Ookkaththin Ookki
Itaikkan Murindhaar Palar.

Who not agrees with those around, no moderation knows,
In self-applause indulging, swift to ruin goes

Explanation
59 He will quickly perish who, ignorant of his own resources flatters himself of his greatness, and does.

Tamil Transliteration
Amaindhaang Kozhukaan Alavariyaan Thannai
Viyandhaan Viraindhu Ketum.

With peacock feathers light, you load the wain;
Yet, heaped too high, the axle snaps in twain

Explanation
The axle tree of a bandy, loaded only with peacocks' feathers will break, if it be greatly overloaded.

Tamil Transliteration
Peelipey Saakaatum Achchirum Appantanjjch
Aala Mikuththup Peyin.

Who daring climbs, and would himself upraise
Beyond the branch's tip, with life the forfeit pays

Explanation
There will be an end to the life of him who, having climbed out to the end of a branch, ventures to go further.

Tamil Transliteration
Nunikkompar Erinaar Aqdhiran Thookkin
Uyirkkirudhi Aaki Vitum.

With knowledge of the measure due, as virtue bids you give!
That is the way to guard your wealth, and seemly live

Explanation
Let a man know the measure of his ability (to give), and let him give accordingly; such giving is the way to preserve his property.

Tamil Transliteration
Aatrin Aravarindhu Eeka Adhuporul
Potri Vazhangu Neri.

Incomings may be scant; but yet, no failure there,
If in expenditure you rightly learn to spare

Explanation
Even though the income (of a king) be small, it will not cause his (ruin), if his outgoings be not larger than his income.

Tamil Transliteration
Aakaaru Alavitti Thaayinung Ketillai
Pokaaru Akalaak Katai.

Who prosperous lives and of enjoyment knows no bound,
His seeming wealth, departing, nowhere shall be found

Explanation
The prosperity of him who lives without knowing the measure (of his property), will perish, even while it seems to continue.

Tamil Transliteration
Alavara?ndhu Vaazhaadhaan Vaazhkkai Ulapola
Illaakith Thondraak Ketum.

Beneficence that measures not its bound of means,
Will swiftly bring to nought the wealth on which it leans

Explanation
The measure of his wealth will quickly perish, whose liberality weighs not the measure of his property.

Tamil Transliteration
Ulavarai Thookkaadha Oppura Vaanmai
Valavarai Vallaik Ketum.