Wealth (பொருட்பால்) / Friendship
Chapter 80
நட்பாராய்தல்
Investigation in forming Friendships
Natpaaraaidhal. Malay: Menyelidik sebelum Bersahabat. Kurals 791 to 800.
When choosing new friends or partners.
How to say it
Naataadhu Nattalir Ketillai NattapinVeetillai Natpaal Pavarkku
Meaning in plain English
As those who are of a friendly nature will not forsake (a friend) after once loving (him), there is no evil so great as contracting a friendship without due inquiry
Poetic translation
To make an untried man your friend is ruin sure; For friendship formed unbroken must endure
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Aaindhaaindhu Kollaadhaan Kenmai KataimuraiThaansaam Thuyaram Tharum
Meaning in plain English
The friendship contracted by him who has not made repeated inquiry will in the end grieve (him) to death
Poetic translation
Alliance with the man you have not proved and proved again, In length of days will give you mortal pain
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kunamum Kutimaiyum Kutramum KundraaInanum Arindhiyaakka Natpu
Meaning in plain English
Make friendship (with one) after ascertaining (his) character, birth, defects and the whole of one's relations
Poetic translation
Temper, descent, defects, associations freeFrom blame: know these, then let the man be friend to thee
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kutippirandhu Thankan Pazhinaanu VaanaikKotuththum Kolalventum Natpu
Meaning in plain English
The friendship of one who belongs to a (good) family and is afraid of (being charged with) guilt, is worth even purchasing
Poetic translation
Who, born of noble race, from guilt would shrink with shame, Pay any price so you as friend that man may claim
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Azhachcholli Alladhu Itiththu VazhakkariyaVallaarnatapu Aaindhu Kolal
Meaning in plain English
You should examine and secure the friendship of those who can speak so as to make you weep over a crime (before its commission) or rebuke you severely (after you have done it) and are able to teach
Poetic translation
Make them your chosen friend whose words repentance move, With power prescription's path to show, while evil they reprove
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kettinum Untor Urudhi KilaignaraiNeetti Alappadhor Kol
Meaning in plain English
Even in ruin there is some good; (for) it is a rod by which one may measure fully (the affection of one's) relations
Poetic translation
Ruin itself one blessing lends:'Tis staff that measures out one's friends
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Oodhiyam Enpadhu Oruvarkup PedhaiyaarKenmai Oreei Vital
Meaning in plain English
It is indead a gain for one to renounce the friendship of fools
Poetic translation
'Tis gain to any man, the sages say, Friendship of fools to put away
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ullarka Ullam Sirukuva KollarkaAllarkan Aatraruppaar Natpu
Meaning in plain English
Do not think of things that discourage your mind, nor contract friendship with those who would forsake you in adversity
Poetic translation
Think not the thoughts that dwarf the soul; nor takeFor friends the men who friends in time of grief forsake
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Ketungaalaik Kaivituvaar Kenmai AtungaalaiUllinum Ullanj Chutum
Meaning in plain English
The very thought of the friendship of those who have deserted one at the approach of adversity will burn one's mind at the time of death
Poetic translation
Of friends deserting us on ruin's brink,'Tis torture e'en in life's last hour to think
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Maruvuka Maasatraar Kenmaion ReeththumOruvuka Oppilaar Natpu
Meaning in plain English
Continue to enjoy the friendship of the pure; (but) renounce even with a gift, the friendship of those who do not agree (with the world)
Poetic translation
Cling to the friendship of the spotless one's; whate'er you payRenounce alliance with the men of evil way
G. U. Pope, 1886