Kural - 968

When high estate has lost its pride of honour meet,
Is life, that nurses this poor flesh, as nectar sweet

Explanation
For the high-born to keep their body in life when their honour is gone will certainly not prove a remedy against death.

Tamil Transliteration
Marundhomatru Oonompum Vaazhkkai Perundhakaimai
Peetazhiya Vandha Itaththu.