Unreal Friendship

Anvil where thou shalt smitten be, when men occasion find,
Is friendship's form without consenting mind

Explanation
The friendship of those who behave like friends without inward affection is a weapon that may be thrown when a favourable opportunity presents itself.

Tamil Transliteration
Seeritam Kaanin Eridharkup Pattatai
Neraa Nirandhavar Natpu.

Friendship of those who seem our kin, but are not really kind
Will change from hour to hour like woman's mind

Explanation
The friendship of those who seem to be friends while they are not, will change like the love of women.

Tamil Transliteration
Inampondru Inamallaar Kenmai Makalir
Manampola Veru Patum.

To heartfelt goodness men ignoble hardly may attain,
Although abundant stores of goodly lore they gain

Explanation
Though (one's) enemies may have mastered many good books, it will be impossible for them to become truly loving at heart.

Tamil Transliteration
Palanalla Katrak Kataiththu Mananallar
Aakudhal Maanaark Karidhu.

'Tis fitting you should dread dissemblers' guile,
Whose hearts are bitter while their faces smile

Explanation
One should fear the deceitful who smile sweetly with their face but never love with their heart.

Tamil Transliteration
Mukaththin Iniya Nakaaa Akaththinnaa
Vanjarai Anjap Patum.

When minds are not in unison, 'its never; just,
In any words men speak to put your trust

Explanation
In nothing whatever is it proper to rely on the words of those who do not love with their heart.

Tamil Transliteration
Manaththin Amaiyaa Thavarai Enaiththondrum
Sollinaal Therarpaatru Andru.

Though many goodly words they speak in friendly tone,
The words of foes will speedily be known

Explanation
Though (one's) foes may utter good things as though they were friends, once will at once understand (their evil, import).

Tamil Transliteration
Nattaarpol Nallavai Sollinum Ottaarsol
Ollai Unarap Patum.

To pliant speech from hostile lips give thou no ear;
'Tis pliant bow that show the deadly peril near

Explanation
Since the bending of the bow bespeaks evil, one should not accept (as good) the humiliating speeches of one's foes.

Tamil Transliteration
Solvanakkam Onnaarkan Kollarka Vilvanakkam
Theengu Kuriththamai Yaan.

In hands that worship weapon ten hidden lies;
Such are the tears that fall from foeman's eyes

Explanation
A weapon may be hid in the very hands with which (one's) foes adore (him) (and) the tears they shed are of the same nature.

Tamil Transliteration
Thozhudhakai Yullum Pataiyotungum Onnaar
Azhudhakan Neerum Anaiththu.

'Tis just, when men make much of you, and then despise,
To make them smile, and slap in friendship's guise

Explanation
It is the duty of kings to affect great love but make it die (inwardly); as regard those foes who shew them great friendship but despise them (in their heart).

Tamil Transliteration
Mikachcheydhu Thammellu Vaarai Nakachcheydhu
Natpinul Saappullar Paatru.

When time shall come that foes as friends appear,
Then thou, to hide a hostile heart, a smiling face may'st wear

Explanation
When one's foes begin to affect friendship, one should love them with one's looks, and, cherishing no love in the heart, give up (even the former).

Tamil Transliteration
Pakainatpaam Kaalam Varungaal Mukanattu
Akanatpu Oreei Vital.