The Correction of Faults

Who arrogance, and wrath, and littleness of low desire restrain,
To sure increase of lofty dignity attain

Explanation
54 Truly great is the excellence of those (kings) who are free from pride, anger, and lust.

Tamil Transliteration
Serukkunj Chinamum Sirumaiyum Illaar
Perukkam Perumidha Neerththu.

A niggard hand, o'erweening self-regard, and mirth
Unseemly, bring disgrace to men of kingly brith

Explanation
Avarice, undignified pride, and low pleasures are faults in a king.

Tamil Transliteration
Ivaralum Maanpirandha Maanamum Maanaa
Uvakaiyum Edham Iraikku.

Though small as millet-seed the fault men deem;
As palm tree vast to those who fear disgrace 'twill seem

Explanation
Those who fear guilt, if they commit a fault small as a millet seed, will consider it to be as large as a palmyra tree.

Tamil Transliteration
Thinaiththunaiyaang Kutram Varinum Panaiththunaiyaak
Kolvar Pazhinaanu Vaar.

Freedom from faults is wealth; watch heedfully
'Gainst these, for fault is fatal enmity

Explanation
Guard against faults as a matter (of great consequence; for) faults are a deadly enemy.

Tamil Transliteration
Kutrame Kaakka Porulaakak Kutrame
Atran Tharooum Pakai.

His joy who guards not 'gainst the coming evil day,
Like straw before the fire shall swift consume away

Explanation
The prosperity of him who does not timely guard against faults, will perish like straw before fire.

Tamil Transliteration
Varumunnark Kaavaadhaan Vaazhkkai Erimunnar
Vaiththooru Polak Ketum.

Faultless the king who first his own faults cures, and then
Permits himself to scan faults of other men

Explanation
What fault will remain in the king who has put away his own evils, and looks after the evils of others.

Tamil Transliteration
Thankutram Neekkip Pirarkutrang Kaankirpin
Enkutra Maakum Iraikku?.

Who leaves undone what should be done, with niggard mind,
His wealth shall perish, leaving not a wrack behind

Explanation
The wealth of the avaricious man, who does not expend it for the purposes for which he ought to expend it will waste away and not continue.

Tamil Transliteration
Seyarpaala Seyyaa Thivariyaan Selvam
Uyarpaala Thandrik Ketum.

The greed of soul that avarice men call,
When faults are summed, is worst of all

Explanation
Griping avarice is not to be reckoned as one among other faults; (it stands alone - greater than all).

Tamil Transliteration
Patrullam Ennum Ivaranmai Etrullum
Ennap Patuvadhon Randru.

Never indulge in self-complaisant mood,
Nor deed desire that yields no gain of good

Explanation
Let no (one) praise himself, at any time; let him not desire to do useless things.

Tamil Transliteration
Viyavarka Egngnaandrum Thannai Nayavarka
Nandri Payavaa Vinai.

If, to your foes unknown, you cherish what you love,
Counsels of men who wish you harm will harmless prove

Explanation
If (a king) enjoys, privately the things which he desires, the designs of his enemies will be useless.

Tamil Transliteration
Kaadhala Kaadhal Ariyaamai Uykkirpin
Edhila Edhilaar Nool.