Not Offending the Great

The chiefest care of those who guard themselves from ill,
Is not to slight the powers of those who work their mighty will

Explanation
Not to disregard the power of those who can carry out (their wishes) is more important than all the watchfulness of those who guard (themselves against evil).

Tamil Transliteration
Aatruvaar Aatral Ikazhaamai Potruvaar
Potralul Ellaam Thalai.

If men will lead their lives reckless of great men's will,
Such life, through great men's powers, will bring perpetual ill

Explanation
To behave without respect for the great (rulers) will make them do (us) irremediable evils.

Tamil Transliteration
Periyaaraip Penaadhu Ozhukir Periyaaraal
Peraa Itumpai Tharum.

Who ruin covet let them shut their ears, and do despite
To those who, where they list to ruin have the might

Explanation
If a person desires ruin, let him not listen to the righteous dictates of law, but commit crimes against those who are able to slay (other sovereigns).

Tamil Transliteration
Ketalventin Kelaadhu Seyka Atalventin
Aatru Pavarkan Izhukku.

When powerless man 'gainst men of power will evil deeds essay,
Tis beck'ning with the hand for Death to seize them for its prey

Explanation
The weak doing evil to the strong is like beckoning Yama to come (and destroy them).

Tamil Transliteration
Kootraththaik Kaiyaal Viliththatraal Aatruvaarkku
Aatraadhaar Innaa Seyal.

Who dare the fiery wrath of monarchs dread,
Where'er they flee, are numbered with the dead

Explanation
Those who have incurred the wrath of a cruel and mighty potentate will not prosper wherever they may go.

Tamil Transliteration
Yaantuch Chendru Yaantum Ularaakaar Vendhuppin
Vendhu Serappat Tavar.

Though in the conflagration caught, he may escape from thence:
He 'scapes not who in life to great ones gives offence

Explanation
Though burnt by a fire (from a forest), one may perhaps live; (but) never will he live who has shown disrespect to the great (devotees).

Tamil Transliteration
Eriyaal Sutappatinum Uyvuntaam Uyyaar
Periyaarp Pizhaiththozhuku Vaar.

Though every royal gift, and stores of wealth your life should crown,
What are they, if the worthy men of mighty virtue frown

Explanation
If a king incurs the wrath of the righteous great, what will become of his government with its splendid auxiliaries and (all) its untold wealth ?.

Tamil Transliteration
Vakaimaanta Vaazhkkaiyum Vaanporulum Ennaam
Thakaimaanta Thakkaar Serin.

If they, whose virtues like a mountain rise, are light esteemed;
They die from earth who, with their households, ever-during seemed

Explanation
If (the) hill-like (devotees) resolve on destruction, those who seemed to be everlasting will be destroyed root and branch from the earth.

Tamil Transliteration
Kundrannaar Kundra Madhippin Kutiyotu
Nindrannaar Maaivar Nilaththu.

When blazes forth the wrath of men of lofty fame,
Kings even fall from high estate and perish in the flame

Explanation
Kings even fall from high estate and perish in the flame.

Tamil Transliteration
Endhiya Kolkaiyaar Seerin Itaimurindhu
Vendhanum Vendhu Ketum.

Though all-surpassing wealth of aid the boast,
If men in glorious virtue great are wrath, they're lost

Explanation
Though in possession of numerous auxiliaries, they will perish who are-exposed to the wrath of the noble whose penance is boundless.

Tamil Transliteration
Irandhamaindha Saarputaiyar Aayinum Uyyaar
Sirandhamaindha Seeraar Serin.