Renown

See that thy life the praise of generous gifts obtain;
Save this for living man exists no real gain

Explanation
Give to the poor and live with praise There is no greater profit to man than that.

Tamil Transliteration
Eedhal Isaipata Vaazhdhal Adhuvalladhu
Oodhiyam Illai Uyirkku.

The speech of all that speak agrees to crown
The men that give to those that ask, with fair renown

Explanation
Whatsoever is spoken in the world will abide as praise upon that man who gives alms to the poor.

Tamil Transliteration
Uraippaar Uraippavai Ellaam Irappaarkkondru
Eevaarmel Nirkum Pukazh.

Save praise alone that soars on high,
Nought lives on earth that shall not die

Explanation
There is nothing that stands forth in the world imperishable, except fame, exalted in solitary greatness.

Tamil Transliteration
Ondraa Ulakaththu Uyarndha Pukazhallaal
Pondraadhu Nirpadhon Ril.

If men do virtuous deeds by world-wide ample glory crowned,
The heavens will cease to laud the sage for other gifts renowned

Explanation
If one has acquired extensive fame within the limits of this earth, the world of the Gods will no longer praise those sages who have attained that world.

Tamil Transliteration
Nilavarai Neelpukazh Aatrin Pulavaraip
Potraadhu Puththel Ulaku.

Loss that is gain, and death of life's true bliss fulfilled,
Are fruits which only wisdom rare can yield

Explanation
Prosperity to the body of fame, resulting in poverty to the body of flesh and the stability to the former arising from the death of the latter, are achievable only by the wise.

Tamil Transliteration
Naththampol Ketum Uladhaakum Saakkaatum
Viththakark Kallaal Aridhu.

If man you walk the stage, appear adorned with glory's grace;
Save glorious you can shine, 'twere better hide your face

Explanation
If you are born (in this world), be born with qualities conductive to fame From those who are destitute of them it will be better not to be born.

Tamil Transliteration
Thondrin Pukazhotu Thondruka Aqdhilaar
Thondralin Thondraamai Nandru.

If you your days will spend devoid of goodly fame,
When men despise, why blame them? You've yourself to blame

Explanation
Why do those who cannot live with praise, grieve those who despise them, instead of grieving themselves for their own inability.

Tamil Transliteration
Pukazhpata Vaazhaadhaar Thannovaar Thammai
Ikazhvaarai Novadhu Evan?.

Fame is virtue's child, they say; if, then,
You childless live, you live the scorn of men

Explanation
Not to beget fame will be esteemed a disgrace by the wise in this world.

Tamil Transliteration
Vasaiyenpa Vaiyaththaark Kellaam Isaiyennum
Echcham Peraaa Vitin.

The blameless fruits of fields' increase will dwindle down,
If earth the burthen bear of men without renown

Explanation
The ground which supports a body without fame will diminish in its rich produce.

Tamil Transliteration
Vasaiyilaa Vanpayan Kundrum Isaiyilaa
Yaakkai Poruththa Nilam.

Who live without reproach, them living men we deem;
Who live without renown, live not, though living men they seem

Explanation
Those live who live without disgrace Those who live without fame live not.

Tamil Transliteration
Vasaiyozhiya Vaazhvaare Vaazhvaar Isaiyozhiya
Vaazhvaare Vaazhaa Thavar.