Military Spirit

Ye foes stand not before my lord for many a one
Who did my lord withstand, now stands in stone

Explanation
O my foes, stand not before my leader; (for) many are those who did so but afterwards stood (in the shape of) statues.

Tamil Transliteration
Ennaimun Nillanmin Thevvir Palarennai
Munnindru Kalnin Ravar.

Who aims at elephant, though dart should fail, has greater praise
Than he who woodland hare with winged arrow slays

Explanation
It is more pleasant to hold the dart that has missed an elephant than that which has hit hare in the forest.

Tamil Transliteration
Kaana Muyaleydha Ampinil Yaanai
Pizhaiththavel Endhal Inidhu.

Fierceness in hour of strife heroic greatness shows;
Its edge is kindness to our suffering foes

Explanation
The learned say that fierceness (incontest with a foe) is indeed great valour; but to become a benefactor in case of accident (to a foe) is the extreme (limit) of that valour.

Tamil Transliteration
Peraanmai Enpa Tharukanon Rutrakkaal
Ooraanmai Matradhan Eqku.

At elephant he hurls the dart in hand; for weapon pressed,
He laughs and plucks the javelin from his wounded breast

Explanation
The hero who after casting the lance in his hand on an elephant, comes (in search of another) will pluck the one (that sticks) in his body and laugh (exultingly).

Tamil Transliteration
Kaivel Kalitrotu Pokki Varupavan
Meyvel Pariyaa Nakum.

To hero fearless must it not defeat appear,
If he but wink his eye when foemen hurls his spear

Explanation
Is it not a defeat to the valiant to wink and destroy their ferocious look when a lance in cast at them (by their foe) ?.

Tamil Transliteration
Vizhiththakan Velkona Teriya Azhiththimaippin
Ottandro Vanka Navarkku.

The heroes, counting up their days, set down as vain
Each day when they no glorious wound sustain

Explanation
The hero will reckon among wasted days all those on which he had not received severe wounds.

Tamil Transliteration
Vizhuppun Pataadhanaal Ellaam Vazhukkinul
Vaikkumdhan Naalai Etuththu.

Who seek for world-wide fame, regardless of their life,
The glorious clasp adorns, sign of heroic strife

Explanation
The fastening of ankle-ring by those who disire a world-wide renown and not (the safety of) their lives is like adorning (themselves).

Tamil Transliteration
Suzhalum Isaiventi Ventaa Uyiraar
Kazhalyaappuk Kaarikai Neerththu.

Fearless they rush where'er 'the tide of battle rolls';
The king's reproof damps not the ardour of their eager souls

Explanation
The heroes who are not afraid of losing their life in a contest will not cool their ardour, even if the king prohibits (their fighting).

Tamil Transliteration
Urinuyir Anjaa Maravar Iraivan
Serinum Seerkundral Ilar.

Who says they err, and visits them scorn,
Who die and faithful guard the vow they've sworn

Explanation
Who would reproach with failure those who seal their oath with their death ?.

Tamil Transliteration
Izhaiththadhu Ikavaamaich Chaavaarai Yaare
Pizhaiththadhu Orukkir Pavar.

If monarch's eyes o'erflow with tears for hero slain,
Who would not beg such boon of glorious death to gain

Explanation
If (heroes) can so die as to fill with tears the eyes of their rulers, such a death deserves to be obtained even by begging.

Tamil Transliteration
Purandhaarkan Neermalkach Chaakirpin Saakkaatu
Irandhukol Thakkadhu Utaiththu.