The Wealth of Children

Of all that men acquire, we know not any greater gain,
Than that which by the birth of learned children men obtain

Explanation
Among all the benefits that may be acquired, we know no greater benefit than the acquisition of intelligent children.

Tamil Transliteration
Perumavatrul Yaamarivadhu Illai Arivarindha
Makkatperu Alla Pira.

Who children gain, that none reproach, of virtuous worth,
No evils touch them, through the sev'n-fold maze of birth

Explanation
The evils of the seven births shall not touch those who abtain children of a good disposition, free from vice.

Tamil Transliteration
Ezhupirappum Theeyavai Theentaa Pazhipirangaap
Panputai Makkat Perin.

'Man's children are his fortune,' say the wise;
From each one's deeds his varied fortunes rise

Explanation
Men will call their sons their wealth, because it flows to them through the deeds which they (sons) perform on their behalf.

Tamil Transliteration
Thamporul Enpadham Makkal Avarporul
Thamdham Vinaiyaan Varum.

Than God's ambrosia sweeter far the food before men laid,
In which the little hands of children of their own have play'd

Explanation
The rice in which the little hand of their children has dabbled will be far sweeter (to the parent) than ambrosia.

Tamil Transliteration
Amizhdhinum Aatra Inidhedham Makkal
Sirukai Alaaviya Koozh.

To patent sweet the touch of children dear;
Their voice is sweetest music to his ear

Explanation
The touch of children gives pleasure to the body, and the hearing of their words, pleasure to the ear.

Tamil Transliteration
Makkalmey Theental Utarkinpam Matru Avar
Sorkettal Inpam Sevikku.

'The pipe is sweet,' 'the lute is sweet,' by them't will be averred,
Who music of their infants' lisping lips have never heard

Explanation
"The pipe is sweet, the lute is sweet," say those who have not heard the prattle of their own children.

Tamil Transliteration
Kuzhal Inidhu Yaazhinidhu Enpadham Makkal
Mazhalaichchol Kelaa Thavar.

Sire greatest boon on son confers, who makes him meet,
In councils of the wise to fill the highest seat

Explanation
The benefit which a father should confer on his son is to give him precedence in the assembly of the learned.

Tamil Transliteration
Thandhai Makarkaatrum Nandri Avaiyaththu
Mundhi Iruppach Cheyal.

Their children's wisdom greater than their own confessed,
Through the wide world is sweet to every human breast

Explanation
That their children should possess knowledge is more pleasing to all men of this great earth than to themselves.

Tamil Transliteration
Thammindham Makkal Arivutaimai Maanilaththu
Mannuyirk Kellaam Inidhu.

When mother hears him named 'fulfill'd of wisdom's lore,'
Far greater joy she feels, than when her son she bore

Explanation
The mother who hears her son called "a wise man" will rejoice more than she did at his birth.

Tamil Transliteration
Eendra Pozhudhin Peridhuvakkum Thanmakanaich
Chaandron Enakketta Thaai.

To sire, what best requital can by grateful child be done?
To make men say, 'What merit gained the father such a son?'

Explanation
(So to act) that it may be said "by what great penance did his father beget him," is the benefit which a son should render to his father.

Tamil Transliteration
Makandhandhaikku Aatrum Udhavi Ivandhandhai
Ennotraan Kol Enum Sol.