The Way of Maintaining the Family

Who says 'I'll do my work, nor slack my hand',
His greatness, clothed with dignity supreme, shall stand

Explanation
There is no higher greatness than that of one saying I will not cease in my effort (to raise my family).

Tamil Transliteration
Karumam Seyaoruvan Kaidhooven Ennum
Perumaiyin Peetutaiyadhu Il.

The manly act and knowledge full, when these combine
In deed prolonged, then lengthens out the race's line

Explanation
One's family is raised by untiring perseverance in both effort and wise contrivances.

Tamil Transliteration
Aalvinaiyum Aandra Arivum Enairantin
Neelvinaiyaal Neelum Kuti.

'I'll make my race renowned,' if man shall say,
With vest succinct the goddess leads the way

Explanation
The Deity will clothe itself and appear before him who resolves on raising his family.

Tamil Transliteration
Kutiseyval Ennum Oruvarkuth Theyvam
Matidhatruth Thaanmun Thurum.

Who labours for his race with unremitting pain,
Without a thought spontaneously, his end will gain

Explanation
Those who are prompt in their efforts (to better their family) need no deliberation, such efforts will of themselves succeed.

Tamil Transliteration
Soozhaamal Thaane Mutiveydhum Thamkutiyaith
Thaazhaadhu Ugnatru Pavarkku.

With blameless life who seeks to build his race's fame,
The world shall circle him, and kindred claim

Explanation
People will eagerly seek the friendship of the prosperous soul who has raised his family without foul means.

Tamil Transliteration
Kutram Ilanaaik Kutiseydhu Vaazhvaanaich
Chutramaach Chutrum Ulaku.

Of virtuous manliness the world accords the praise
To him who gives his powers, the house from which he sprang to raise

Explanation
A man's true manliness consists in making himself the head and benefactor of his family.

Tamil Transliteration
Nallaanmai Enpadhu Oruvarkuth Thaanpirandha
Illaanmai Aakkik Kolal.

The fearless hero bears the brunt amid the warrior throng;
Amid his kindred so the burthen rests upon the strong

Explanation
Amid his kindred so the burthen rests upon the strong.

Tamil Transliteration
Amarakaththu Vankannar Polath Thamarakaththum
Aatruvaar Metre Porai.

Wait for no season, when you would your house uprear;
'Twill perish, if you wait supine, or hold your honour dear

Explanation
As a family suffers by (one's) indolence and false dignity there is to be so season (good or bad) to those who strive to raise their family.

Tamil Transliteration
Kutiseyvaark Killai Paruvam Matiseydhu
Maanang Karudhak Ketum.

Is not his body vase that various sorrows fill,
Who would his household screen from every ill

Explanation
Is it only to suffering that his body is exposed who undertakes to preserve his family from evil ?.

Tamil Transliteration
Itumpaikke Kolkalam Kollo Kutumpaththaik
Kutra Maraippaan Utampu.

When trouble the foundation saps the house must fall,
If no strong hand be nigh to prop the tottering wall

Explanation
If there are none to prop up and maintain a family (in distress), it will fall at the stroke of the axe of misfortune.

Tamil Transliteration
Itukkankaal Kondrita Veezhum Atuththoondrum
Nallaal Ilaadha Kuti.