Virtue (அறத்துப்பால்) / Domestic Virtue
Chapter 6
வாழ்க்கைத் துணைநலம்
The Worth of a Wife
Vaazhkkaith Thunainalam. Malay: Nilai Seorang Isteri. Kurals 51 to 60.
When valuing your spouse and partnership in marriage.
How to say it
Manaikdhakka Maanputaiyal Aakiththar KontaanValaththakkaal Vaazhkkaith Thunai
Meaning in plain English
She who has the excellence of home virtues, and can expend within the means of her husband, is a help in the domestic state
Poetic translation
As doth the house beseem, she shows her wifely dignity; As doth her husband's wealth befit, she spends: help - meet is she
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Manaimaatchi Illaalkan Illaayin VaazhkkaiEnaimaatchith Thaayinum Il
Meaning in plain English
If the wife be devoid of domestic excellence, whatever (other) greatness be possessed, the conjugal state, is nothing
Poetic translation
If household excellence be wanting in the wife, Howe'er with splendour lived, all worthless is the life
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Illadhen Illaval Maanpaanaal UlladhenIllaval Maanaak Katai?
Meaning in plain English
If his wife be eminent (in virtue), what does (that man) not possess ? If she be without excellence, what does (he) possess ?
Poetic translation
There is no lack within the house, where wife in worth excels, There is no luck within the house, where wife dishonoured dwells
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Pennin Perundhakka Yaavula KarpennumThinmaiun Taakap Perin
Meaning in plain English
What is more excellent than a wife, if she possess the stability of chastity ?
Poetic translation
If woman might of chastity retain, What choicer treasure doth the world contain
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Theyvam Thozhaaal Kozhunan ThozhudhezhuvaalPeyyenap Peyyum Mazhai
Meaning in plain English
If she, who does not worship God, but who rising worships her husband, say, "let it rain," it will rain
Poetic translation
No God adoring, low she bends before her lord; Then rising, serves: the rain falls instant at her word
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Tharkaaththuth Tharkontaar Penith ThakaisaandraSorkaaththuch Chorvilaal Pen
Meaning in plain English
She is a wife who unweariedly guards herself, takes care of her husband, and preserves an unsullied fame
Poetic translation
Who guards herself, for husband's comfort cares, her household's fame, In perfect wise with sleepless soul preserves, -give her a woman's name
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Siraikaakkum Kaappevan Seyyum MakalirNiraikaakkum Kaappe Thalai
Meaning in plain English
What avails the guard of a prison ? The chief guard of a woman is her chastity
Poetic translation
Of what avail is watch and ward?Honour's woman's safest guard
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Petraar Perinperuvar Pentir PerunjirappupPuththelir Vaazhum Ulaku
Meaning in plain English
If women shew reverence to their husbands, they will obtain great excellence in the world where the gods flourish
Poetic translation
If wife be wholly true to him who gained her as his bride, Great glory gains she in the world where gods bliss abide
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Pukazhpurindha Illilorkku Illai IkazhvaarmunErupol Peetu Natai
Meaning in plain English
The man whose wife seeks not the praise (of chastity) cannot walk with lion-like stately step, before those who revile them
Poetic translation
Who have not spouses that in virtue's praise delight, They lion-like can never walk in scorner's sight
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Mangalam Enpa Manaimaatchi MatruAdhan Nankalam Nanmakkat Peru
Meaning in plain English
The excellence of a wife is the good of her husband; and good children are the jewels of that goodness
Poetic translation
The house's 'blessing', men pronounce the house-wife excellent; The gain of blessed children is its goodly ornament
G. U. Pope, 1886