Poverty

You ask what sharper pain than poverty is known;
Nothing pains more than poverty, save poverty alone

Explanation
There is nothing that afflicts (one) like poverty.

Tamil Transliteration
Inmaiyin Innaadhadhu Yaadhenin Inmaiyin
Inmaiye Innaa Thadhu.

Malefactor matchless! poverty destroys
This world's and the next world's joys

Explanation
When cruel poverty comes on, it deprives one of both the present and future (bliss).

Tamil Transliteration
Inmai Enavoru Paavi Marumaiyum
Immaiyum Indri Varum.

Importunate desire, which poverty men name,
Destroys both old descent and goodly fame

Explanation
Hankering poverty destroys at once the greatness of (one's) ancient descent and (the dignity of one's) speech.

Tamil Transliteration
Tholvaravum Tholum Ketukkum Thokaiyaaka
Nalkuravu Ennum Nasai.

From penury will spring, 'mid even those of noble race,
Oblivion that gives birth to words that bring disgrace

Explanation
Even in those of high birth, poverty will produce the fault of uttering mean words.

Tamil Transliteration
Irpirandhaar Kanneyum Inmai Ilivandha
Sorpirakkum Sorvu Tharum.

From poverty, that grievous woe,
Attendant sorrows plenteous grow

Explanation
The misery of poverty brings in its train many (more) miseries.

Tamil Transliteration
Nalkuravu Ennum Itumpaiyul Palkuraith
Thunpangal Sendru Patum.

Though deepest sense, well understood, the poor man's words convey,
Their sense from memory of mankind will fade away

Explanation
The words of the poor are profitless, though they may be sound in thought and clear in expression.

Tamil Transliteration
Narporul Nankunarndhu Sollinum Nalkoorndhaar
Sorporul Sorvu Patum.

From indigence devoid of virtue's grace,
The mother e'en that bare, estranged, will turn her face

Explanation
He that is reduced to absolute poverty will be regarded as a stranger even by his own mother.

Tamil Transliteration
Aranjaaraa Nalkuravu Eendradhaa Yaanum
Piranpola Nokkap Patum.

And will it come today as yesterday,
The grief of want that eats my soul away

Explanation
Is the poverty that almost killed me yesterday, to meet me today too ?.

Tamil Transliteration
Indrum Varuvadhu Kollo Nerunalum
Kondradhu Polum Nirappu.

Amid the flames sleep may men's eyelids close,
In poverty the eye knows no repose

Explanation
One may sleep in the midst of fire; but by no means in the midst of poverty.

Tamil Transliteration
Neruppinul Thunjalum Aakum Nirappinul
Yaadhondrum Kanpaatu Aridhu.

Unless the destitute will utterly themselves deny,
They cause their neighbour's salt and vinegar to die

Explanation
The destitute poor, who do not renounce their bodies, only consume their neighbour's salt and water.

Tamil Transliteration
Thuppura Villaar Thuvarath Thuravaamai
Uppirkum Kaatikkum Kootru.