Wealth (பொருட்பால்) Miscellaneous
When choosing self-reliance over begging.
Karavaadhu Uvandheeyum Kannannaar KannumIravaamai Koti Urum
Not to beg (at all) even from those excellent persons who cheerfully give without refusing, will do immense good
Ten million-fold 'tis greater gain, asking no alms to live, Even from those, like eyes in worth, who nought concealing gladly give
G. U. Pope, 1886
Irandhum Uyirvaazhdhal Ventin ParandhuKetuka Ulakiyatri Yaan
If the Creator of the world has decreed even begging as a means of livelihood, may he too go abegging and perish
If he that shaped the world desires that men should begging go, Through life's long course, let him a wanderer be and perish so
G. U. Pope, 1886
Inmai Itumpai Irandhudheer VaamennumVanmaiyin Vanpaatta Thil
There is no greater folly than the boldness with which one seeks to remedy the evils of poverty by begging (rather than by working)
Nothing is harder than the hardness that will say,'The plague of penury by asking alms we'll drive away.'
G. U. Pope, 1886
Itamellaam Kollaath Thakaiththe ItamillaakKaalum Iravollaach Chaalpu
Even the whole world cannot sufficiently praise the dignity that would not beg even in the midst of destitution
Who ne'er consent to beg in utmost need, their worthHas excellence of greatness that transcends the earth
G. U. Pope, 1886
Thenneer Atupurkai Aayinum ThaaldhandhadhuUnnalin Oonginiya Thil
Even thin gruel is ambrosia to him who has obtained it by labour
Nothing is sweeter than to taste the toil-won cheer, Though mess of pottage as tasteless as the water clear
G. U. Pope, 1886
Aavirku Neerendru Irappinum NaavirkuIravin Ilivandha Thil
There is nothing more disgraceful to one's tongue than to use it in begging water even for a cow
E'en if a draught of water for a cow you ask, Nought's so distasteful to the tongue as beggar's task
G. U. Pope, 1886
Irappan Irappaarai Ellaam IrappinKarappaar Iravanmin Endru
I beseech all beggars and say, "If you need to beg, never beg of those who give unwillingly."
One thing I beg of beggars all, 'If beg ye may, Of those who hide their wealth, beg not, I pray.'
G. U. Pope, 1886
Iravennum Emaappil Thoni KaravennumPaardhaakkap Pakku Vitum
The unsafe raft of begging will split when it strikes on the rock of refusal
The fragile bark of beggaryWrecked on denial's rock will lie
G. U. Pope, 1886
Iravulla Ullam Urukum KaravullaUlladhooum Indrik Ketum
To think of (the evil of) begging is enough to melt one's heart; but to think of refusal is enough to break it
The heart will melt away at thought of beggary, With thought of stern repulse 'twill perish utterly
G. U. Pope, 1886
Karappavarkku Yaangolikkum Kollo IrappavarSollaatap Poom Uyir
Saying "No" to a beggar takes away his life. (but as that very word will kill the refuser) where then would the latter's life hide itself ?
E'en as he asks, the shamefaced asker dies; Where shall his spirit hide who help denies
G. U. Pope, 1886
