Shame

To shrink abashed from evil deed is 'generous shame';
Other is that of bright-browed one of virtuous fame

Explanation
True modesty is the fear of (evil) deeds; all other modesty is (simply) the bashfulness of virtuous maids.

Tamil Transliteration
Karumaththaal Naanudhal Naanun Thirunudhal
Nallavar Naanup Pira.

Food, clothing, and other things alike all beings own;
By sense of shame the excellence of men is known

Explanation
Food, clothing and the like are common to all men but modesty is peculiar to the good.

Tamil Transliteration
Oonutai Echcham Uyirkkellaam Veralla
Naanutaimai Maandhar Sirappu.

All spirits homes of flesh as habitation claim,
And perfect virtue ever dwells with shame

Explanation
As the body is the abode of the spirit, so the excellence of modesty is the abode of perfection.

Tamil Transliteration
Oonaik Kuriththa Uyirellaam Naanennum
Nanmai Kuriththadhu Saalpu.

And is not shame an ornament to men of dignity?
Without it step of stately pride is piteous thing to see

Explanation
Is not the modesty ornament of the noble ? Without it, their haughtiness would be a pain (to others).

Tamil Transliteration
Aniandro Naanutaimai Saandrorkku Aqdhindrel
Piniandro Peetu Natai.

As home of virtuous shame by all the world the men are known,
Who feel ashamed for others, guilt as for their own

Explanation
The world regards as the abode of modesty him who fear his own and other's guilt.

Tamil Transliteration
Pirarpazhiyum Thampazhiyum Naanuvaar Naanukku
Uraipadhi Ennum Ulaku.

Unless the hedge of shame inviolate remain,
For men of lofty soul the earth's vast realms no charms retain

Explanation
The great make modesty their barrier (of defence) and not the wide world.

Tamil Transliteration
Naanveli Kollaadhu Manno Viyangnaalam
Penalar Melaa Yavar.

The men of modest soul for shame would life an offering make,
But ne'er abandon virtuous shame for life's dear sake

Explanation
The modest would rather lose their life for the sake of modesty than lose modesty for the sake of life.

Tamil Transliteration
Naanaal Uyiraith Thurappar Uyirpporuttaal
Naandhuravaar Naanaal Pavar.

Though know'st no shame, while all around asha med must be:
Virtue will shrink away ashamed of thee

Explanation
Virtue is likely to forsake him who shamelessly does what others are ashamed of.

Tamil Transliteration
Pirarnaanath Thakkadhu Thaannaanaa Naayin
Aramnaanath Thakkadhu Utaiththu.

'Twill race consume if right observance fail;
'Twill every good consume if shamelessness prevail

Explanation
Want of manners injures one's family; but want of modesty injures one's character.

Tamil Transliteration
Kulanjutum Kolkai Pizhaippin Nalanjutum
Naaninmai Nindrak Katai.

'Tis as with strings a wooden puppet apes life's functions, when
Those void of shame within hold intercourse with men

Explanation
The actions of those who are without modesty at heart are like those of puppet moved by a string.

Tamil Transliteration
Naanakath Thillaar Iyakkam Marappaavai
Naanaal Uyirmarutti Atru.