Nobility

Save in the scions of a noble house, you never find
Instinctive sense of right and virtuous shame combined

Explanation
Consistency (of thought, word and deed) and fear (of sin) are conjointly natural only to the high-born.

Tamil Transliteration
Irpirandhaar Kanalladhu Illai Iyalpaakach
Cheppamum Naanum Orungu.

In these three things the men of noble birth fail not:
In virtuous deed and truthful word, and chastened thought

Explanation
The high-born will never deviate from these three; good manners, truthfulness and modesty.

Tamil Transliteration
Ozhukkamum Vaaimaiyum Naanum Im Moondrum
Izhukkaar Kutippiran Thaar.

The smile, the gift, the pleasant word, unfailing courtesy
These are the signs, they say, of true nobility

Explanation
A cheerful countenance, liberality, pleasant words, and an unreviling disposition, these four are said to be the proper qualities of the truly high-born.

Tamil Transliteration
Nakaieekai Insol Ikazhaamai Naankum
Vakaiyenpa Vaaimaik Kutikku.

Millions on millions piled would never win
The men of noble race to soul-degrading sin

Explanation
Though blessed with immense wealth, the noble will never do anything unbecoming.

Tamil Transliteration
Atukkiya Koti Perinum Kutippirandhaar
Kundruva Seydhal Ilar.

Though stores for charity should fail within, the ancient race
Will never lose its old ancestral grace

Explanation
Though their means fall off, those born in ancient families, will not lose their character (for liberality).

Tamil Transliteration
Vazhanguva Thulveezhndhak Kannum Pazhanguti
Panpil Thalaippiridhal Indru.

Whose minds are set to live as fits their sire's unspotted fame,
Stooping to low deceit, commit no deeds that gender shame

Explanation
Those who seek to preserve the irreproachable honour of their families will not viciously do what is detrimental thereto.

Tamil Transliteration
Salampatrich Chaalpila Seyyaarmaa Satra
Kulampatri Vaazhdhum En Paar.

The faults of men of noble race are seen by every eye,
As spots on her bright orb that walks sublime the evening sky

Explanation
As spots on her bright orb that walks sublime the evening sky.

Tamil Transliteration
Kutippirandhaar Kanvilangum Kutram Visumpin
Madhikkan Maruppol Uyarndhu.

If lack of love appear in those who bear some goodly name,
'Twill make men doubt the ancestry they claim

Explanation
If one of a good family betrays want of affection, his descent from it will be called in question.

Tamil Transliteration
Nalaththinkan Naarinmai Thondrin Avanaik
Kulaththinkan Aiyap Patum.

Of soil the plants that spring thereout will show the worth:
The words they speak declare the men of noble birth

Explanation
As the sprout indicates the nature of the soil, (so) the speech of the noble indicates (that of one's birth).

Tamil Transliteration
Nilaththil Kitandhamai Kaalkaattum Kaattum
Kulaththil Pirandhaarvaaich Chol.

Who seek for good the grace of virtuous shame must know;
Who seek for noble name to all must reverence show

Explanation
He who desires a good name must desire modesty; and he who desires (the continuance of) a family greatness must be submissive to all.

Tamil Transliteration
Nalamventin Naanutaimai Ventum Kulam Ventin
Ventuka Yaarkkum Panivu.