The Possession of Decorum

'Decorum' gives especial excellence; with greater care
'Decorum' should men guard than life, which all men share

Explanation
Propriety of conduct leads to eminence, it should therefore be preserved more carefully than life.

Tamil Transliteration
Ozhukkam Vizhuppan Tharalaan Ozhukkam
Uyirinum Ompap Patum.

Searching, duly watching, learning, 'decorum' still we find;
Man's only aid; toiling, guard thou this with watchful mind

Explanation
Let propriety of conduct be laboriously preserved and guarded; though one know and practise and excel in many virtues, that will be an eminent aid.

Tamil Transliteration
Parindhompik Kaakka Ozhukkam Therindhompith
Therinum Aqdhe Thunai.

'Decorum's' true nobility on earth;
'Indecorum's' issue is ignoble birth

Explanation
Propriety of conduct is true greatness of birth, and impropriety will sink into a mean birth.

Tamil Transliteration
Ozhukkam Utaimai Kutimai Izhukkam
Izhindha Pirappaai Vitum.

Though he forget, the Brahman may regain his Vedic lore;
Failing in 'decorum due,' birthright's gone for evermore

Explanation
A Brahman though he should forget the Vedas may recover it by reading; but, if he fail in propriety of conduct even his high birth will be destroyed.

Tamil Transliteration
Marappinum Oththuk Kolalaakum Paarppaan
Pirappozhukkang Kundrak Ketum.

The envious soul in life no rich increase of blessing gains,
So man of 'due decorum' void no dignity obtains

Explanation
Just as the envious man will be without wealth, so will the man of destitute of propriety of conduct be without greatness.

Tamil Transliteration
Azhukkaa Rutaiyaankan Aakkampondru Illai
Ozhukka Milaankan Uyarvu.

The strong of soul no jot abate of 'strict decorum's' laws,
Knowing that 'due decorum's' breach foulest disgrace will cause

Explanation
Those firm in mind will not slacken in their observance of the proprieties of life, knowing, as they do, the misery that flows from the transgression from them.

Tamil Transliteration
Ozhukkaththin Olkaar Uravor Izhukkaththin
Edham Patupaak Karindhu.

'Tis source of dignity when 'true decorum' is preserved;
Who break 'decorum's' rules endure e'en censures undeserved

Explanation
From propriety of conduct men obtain greatness; from impropriety comes insufferable disgrace.

Tamil Transliteration
Ozhukkaththin Eydhuvar Menmai Izhukkaththin
Eydhuvar Eydhaap Pazhi.

'Decorum true' observed a seed of good will be;
'Decorum's breach' will sorrow yield eternally

Explanation
Propriety of conduct is the seed of virtue; impropriety will ever cause sorrow.

Tamil Transliteration
Nandrikku Viththaakum Nallozhukkam Theeyozhukkam
Endrum Itumpai Tharum.

It cannot be that they who 'strict decorum's' law fulfil,
E'en in forgetful mood, should utter words of ill

Explanation
Those who study propriety of conduct will not speak evil, even forgetfully.

Tamil Transliteration
Ozhukka Mutaiyavarkku Ollaave Theeya
Vazhukkiyum Vaayaar Solal.

Who know not with the world in harmony to dwell,
May many things have learned, but nothing well

Explanation
Those who know not how to act agreeably to the world, though they have learnt many things, are still ignorant.

Tamil Transliteration
Ulakaththotu Otta Ozhukal Palakatrum
Kallaar Arivilaa Thaar.