Thirukkural 772 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

கான முயலெய்த அம்பினில் யானை
பிழைத்தவேல் ஏந்தல் இனிது.

Transliteration

Kaana Muyaleydha Ampinil Yaanai
Pizhaiththavel Endhal Inidhu

English Translation

“To lift a lance that missed a tusker Is prouder than shaft that hit a hare”

Plain-English meaning

It is more pleasant to hold the dart that has missed an elephant than that which has hit hare in the forest

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

To lift a lance that missed a tusker Is prouder than shaft that hit a hare

G.U. Pope Translation

Who aims at elephant, though dart should fail, has greater praiseThan he who woodland hare with winged arrow slays

Plain-English Meaning

It is more pleasant to hold the dart that has missed an elephant than that which has hit hare in the forest

காட்டில் அஞ்சி ஓடும் முயலைக் கொன்ற அம்பைப் பிடித்திருப்பதை விட, எதிர்த்து வரும் யானையின் மீது பட்டும், அதை வீழ்த்தாத வேலைப் பிடித்திருப்பது நல்லது.

Chapter 78

படைச் செருக்கு

Stand not before my chief, O foes! Many who stood, in stones repose

To lift a lance that missed a tusker Is prouder than shaft that hit a hare

Valour is fight with fierce courage Mercy to the fallen is its edge

At the tusker he flings his lance One in body smiles another chance

When lances dart if heroes wink \"It is a rout\" the world will think

The brave shall deem the days as vain Which did not battle-wounds sustain

Their anklets aloud jingle their name Who sacrifice their life for fame

The king may chide, they pursue strife; They fear loss of glory; not life

Who will blame the heroes that lose Their lives in war to keep their vows?

Such a death shall be prayed for Which draws the the tears of the ruler