Chapter 106: Mendicancy

இரக்க இரத்தக்கார்க் காணின் கரப்பின்
அவர்பழி தம்பழி அன்று.

Irakka Iraththakkaark Kaanin Karappin
Avarpazhi Thampazhi Andru

Demand from those who can supply Default is theirs when they deny

Meaning: If you meet with those that may be begged of, you may beg; (but) if they withhold (their gift) it is their blame and not yours

இன்பம் ஒருவற்கு இரத்தல் இரந்தவை
துன்பம் உறாஅ வரின்.

Inpam Oruvarku Iraththal Irandhavai
Thunpam Uraaa Varin

Even demand becomes a joy When the things comes without annoy

Meaning: Even begging may be pleasant, if what is begged for is obtained without grief (to him that begs)

கரப்பிலா நெஞ்சின் கடனறிவார் முன்நின்று
இரப்புமோ ரேஎர் உடைத்து.

Karappilaa Nenjin Katanarivaar Munnindru
Irappumo Reer Utaiththu

Request has charm form open hearts Who know the duty on their part

Meaning: There is even a beauty in standing before and begging of those who are liberal in their gifts and understand their duty (to beggars)

இரத்தலும் ஈதலே போலும் கரத்தல்
கனவிலும் தேற்றாதார் மாட்டு.

Iraththalum Eedhale Polum Karaththal
Kanavilum Thetraadhaar Maattu

Like giving even asking seems From those who hide not even in dreams

Meaning: To beg of such as never think of withholding (their charity) even in their dreams, is in fact the same as giving (it oneself);

கரப்பிலார் வையகத்து உண்மையால் கண்ணின்று
இரப்பவர் மேற்கொள் வது.

Karappilaar Vaiyakaththu Unmaiyaal Kannindru
Irappavar Merkol Vadhu

The needy demand for help because The world has men who don't refuse

Meaning: As there are in the world those that give without refusing, there are (also) those that prefer to beg by simply standing before them

கரப்பிடும்பை யில்லாரைக் காணின் நிரப்பிடும்பை
எல்லாம் ஒருங்கு கெடும்.

Karappitumpai Yillaaraik Kaanin Nirappitumpai
Ellaam Orungu Ketum

The pain of poverty shall die Before the free who don't deny

Meaning: All the evil of begging will be removed at the sight of those who are far from the evil of refusing

இகழ்ந்தெள்ளாது ஈவாரைக் காணின் மகிழ்ந்துள்ளம்
உள்ளுள் உவப்பது உடைத்து.

Ikazhndhellaadhu Eevaaraik Kaanin Makizhndhullam
Ullul Uvappadhu Utaiththu

When givers without scorn impart A thrill of delight fills the heart

Meaning: Beggars rejoice exceedingly when they behold those who bestow (their alms) with kindness and courtesy

இரப்பாரை இல்லாயின் ஈர்ங்கண்மா ஞாலம்
மரப்பாவை சென்றுவந் தற்று.

Irappaarai Illaayin Eernganmaa Gnaalam
Marappaavai Sendruvan Thatru

This grand cool world shall move to and fro Sans Askers like a puppet show

Meaning: If there were no beggars, (the actions done in) the cool wide world would only resemble the movement of a puppet

ஈவார்கண் என்னுண்டாம் தோற்றம் இரந்துகோள்
மேவார் இலாஅக் கடை.

Eevaarkan Ennuntaam Thotram Irandhukol
Mevaar Ilaaak Katai

Where stands the glory of givers Without obligation seekers?

Meaning: What (praise) would there be to givers (of alms) if there were no beggars to ask for and reveive (them)

இரப்பான் வெகுளாமை வேண்டும் நிரப்பிடும்பை
தானேயும் சாலும் கரி.

Irappaan Vekulaamai Ventum Nirappitumpai
Thaaneyum Saalum Kari

The needy should not scowl at \"No\" His need another's need must show * Saint valluvar talks of two kinds of Asking:() Asking help for public causes or enterprises () Begging when one is able to work and this is condemned

Meaning: He who begs ought not to be angry (at a refusal); for even the misery of (his own) poverty should be a sufficient reason (for so doing)