Wealth (பொருட்பால்) / The Excellence of an Army
Chapter 77
படை மாட்சி
The Excellence of an Army
Pataimaatchi. Malay: Keunggulan Tentera. Kurals 761 to 770.
When building a strong, loyal team.
How to say it
Uruppamaindhu Ooranjaa Velpatai VendhanVerukkaiyul Ellaam Thalai
Meaning in plain English
The army which is complete in (its) parts and conquers without fear of wounds is the chief wealth of the king
Poetic translation
A conquering host, complete in all its limbs, that fears no wound, Mid treasures of the king is chiefest found
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ulaivitaththu Ooranjaa Vankan TholaivitaththuthTholpataik Kallaal Aridhu
Meaning in plain English
Ancient army can alone have the valour which makes it stand by its king at the time of defeat, fearless of wounds and unmindful of its reduced strength
Poetic translation
In adverse hour, to face undaunted might of conquering foe, Is bravery that only veteran host can show
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Oliththakkaal Ennaam Uvari Ela�ppakaiNaakam Uyirppak Ketum
Meaning in plain English
What if (a host of) hostile rats roar like the sea ? They will perish at the mere breath of the cobra
Poetic translation
Though, like the sea, the angry mice send forth their battle cry; What then? The dragon breathes upon them, and they die
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Azhivindri Araipokaa Thaaki VazhivandhaVanka Nadhuve Patai
Meaning in plain English
That indeed is an army which has stood firm of old without suffering destruction or deserting (to the enemy)
Poetic translation
That is a host, by no defeats, by no desertions shamed, For old hereditary courage famed
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kootrutandru Melvarinum Kooti EdhirnirkumAatra Ladhuve Patai
Meaning in plain English
That indeed is an army which is capable of offering a united resistance, even if Yama advances against it with fury
Poetic translation
That is a 'host' that joins its ranks, and mightily withstands, Though death with sudden wrath should fall upon its bands
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Maramaanam Maanta Vazhichchelavu ThetramEnanaanke Emam Pataikku
Meaning in plain English
Valour, honour, following in the excellent-footsteps (of its predecessors) and trust-worthiness; these four alone constitute the safeguard of an army
Poetic translation
Valour with honour, sure advance in glory's path, with confidence; To warlike host these four are sure defence
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Thaardhaangich Chelvadhu Thaanai ThalaivandhaPordhaangum Thanmai Arindhu
Meaning in plain English
That is an army which knowing the art of warding off an impending struggle, can bear against the dust-van (of a hostile force)
Poetic translation
A valiant army bears the onslaught, onward goes, Well taught with marshalled ranks to meet their coming foes
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ataldhakaiyum Aatralum Illeninum ThaanaiPataiththakaiyaal Paatu Perum
Meaning in plain English
Though destitute of courage to fight and strength (to endure), an army may yet gain renown by the splendour of its appearance
Poetic translation
Though not in war offensive or defensive skilled; An army gains applause when well equipped and drilled
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Sirumaiyum Sellaath Thuniyum VarumaiyumIllaayin Vellum Patai
Meaning in plain English
An army can triumph (over its foes) if it is free from diminution; irremediable aversion and poverty
Poetic translation
Where weakness, clinging fear and povertyAre not, the host will gain the victory
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Nilaimakkal Saala Utaiththeninum ThaanaiThalaimakkal Ilvazhi Il
Meaning in plain English
Though an army may contain a large number of permanent soldiers, it cannot last if it has no generals
Poetic translation
Though men abound, all ready for the war, No army is where no fit leaders are
G. U. Pope, 1886