Kural - 1017

The men of modest soul for shame would life an offering make,
But ne'er abandon virtuous shame for life's dear sake

Explanation
The modest would rather lose their life for the sake of modesty than lose modesty for the sake of life.

Tamil Transliteration
Naanaal Uyiraith Thurappar Uyirpporuttaal
Naandhuravaar Naanaal Pavar.