Way of Accumulating Wealth

Nothing exists save wealth, that can
Change man of nought to worthy man

Explanation
Besides wealth there is nothing that can change people of no importance into those of (some) importance.

Tamil Transliteration
Porulal Lavaraip Porulaakach Cheyyum
Porulalladhu Illai Porul.

Those who have nought all will despise;
All raise the wealthy to the skies

Explanation
All despise the poor; (but) all praise the rich.

Tamil Transliteration
Illaarai Ellaarum Elluvar Selvarai
Ellaarum Seyvar Sirappu.

Wealth, the lamp unfailing, speeds to every land,
Dispersing darkness at its lord's command

Explanation
The imperishable light of wealth goes into regions desired (by its owner) and destroys the darkness (of enmity therein).

Tamil Transliteration
Porulennum Poiyaa Vilakkam Irularukkum
Enniya Theyaththuch Chendru.

Their wealth, who blameless means can use aright,
Is source of virtue and of choice delight

Explanation
The wealth acquired with a knowledge of the proper means and without foul practices will yield virtue and happiness.

Tamil Transliteration
Araneenum Inpamum Eenum Thiranarindhu
Theedhindri Vandha Porul.

Wealth gained by loss of love and grace,
Let man cast off from his embrace

Explanation
(Kings) should rather avoid than seek the accumulation of wealth which does not flow in with mercy and love.

Tamil Transliteration
Arulotum Anpotum Vaaraap Porulaakkam
Pullaar Purala Vital.

92
Wealth that falls to him as heir, wealth from the kingdom's dues,

Explanation
The spoils of slaughtered foes; these are the royal revenues.

Tamil Transliteration
Uruporulum Ulku Porulumdhan Onnaarth
Theruporulum Vendhan Porul.

'Tis love that kindliness as offspring bears:
And wealth as bounteous nurse the infant rears

Explanation
The child mercy which is borne by love grows under the care of the rich nurse of wealth.

Tamil Transliteration
Arulennum Anpeen Kuzhavi Porulennum
Selvach Cheviliyaal Untu.

As one to view the strife of elephants who takes his stand,
On hill he's climbed, is he who works with money in his hand

Explanation
An undertaking of one who has wealth in one's hands is like viewing an elephant-fight from a hill-top.

Tamil Transliteration
Kundreri Yaanaip Por Kantatraal Thankaiththondru
Untaakach Cheyvaan Vinai.

Make money! Foeman's insolence o'ergrown
To lop away no keener steel is known

Explanation
Accumulate wealth; it will destroy the arrogance of (your) foes; there is no weapon sharper than it.

Tamil Transliteration
Seyka Porulaich Cherunar Serukkarukkum
Eqkadhanir Kooriya Thil.

Who plenteous store of glorious wealth have gained,
By them the other two are easily obtained

Explanation
To those who have honestly acquired an abundance of riches, the other two, (virtue and pleasure) are things easy (of acquisition).

Tamil Transliteration
Onporul Kaazhppa Iyatriyaarkku Enporul
Enai Irantum Orungu.