Thirukkural 1066 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஆவிற்கு நீரென்று இரப்பினும் நாவிற்கு
இரவின் இளிவந்த தில்.
Transliteration
Aavirku Neerendru Irappinum Naavirku
Iravin Ilivandha Thil
Modern English
“Even asking for water for a thirsty cow is described as painful to the tongue, because begging itself wounds dignity.”
Modern Interpretation
Even asking for water for a thirsty cow is described as painful to the tongue, because begging itself wounds dignity. When caring for an animal, ask respectfully but remember how vulnerable dependence feels.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Even asking for water for a thirsty cow is described as painful to the tongue, because begging itself wounds dignity.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
It may be water for the cow Begging tongue is mean anyhow
G.U. Pope Translation
E'en if a draught of water for a cow you ask,Nought's so distasteful to the tongue as beggar's task
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
There is nothing more disgraceful to one's tongue than to use it in begging water even for a cow
Tamil commentary
பசுவிற்குத் தண்ணீர் வேண்டும் என்று பிறரிடம் பிச்சையாகக் கேட்டாலும் அதுவும் பிச்சையாதலால், நம் நாவிற்கு அதைவிடக் கேவலம் வேறு இல்லை.
Chapter 107
More from The Dread of Mendicancy
இரவச்சம்
Not to beg is billions worth E'en from eye-like friends who give with mirth
Kural 1062Let World-Maker loiter and rot If \"beg and live\" be human fate
Kural 1063Nothing is hard like hard saying \"We end poverty by begging\"
Kural 1064All space is small before the great Who beg not e'en in want acute
Kural 1065Though gruel thin, nothing is sweet Like the food earned by labour's sweat
Kural 1066It may be water for the cow Begging tongue is mean anyhow
Kural 1067If beg they must I beg beggers Not to beg from shrinking misers
Kural 1068The hapless bark of beggary splits On the rock of refusing hits
Kural 1069The heart at thought of beggars melts; It dies at repulsing insults
Kural 1070The word \"No\" kills the begger's life Where can the niggard's life be safe?