Chapter 48: The Knowledge of Power

வினைவலியும் தன்வலியும் மாற்றான் வலியும்
துணைவலியும் தூக்கிச் செயல்.

Vinaivaliyum Thanvaliyum Maatraan Valiyum
Thunaivaliyum Thookkich Cheyal

Judge act and might and foeman's strength The allies' strength and go at length

Meaning: Let (one) weigh well the strength of the deed (he purposes to do), his own strength, the strength of his enemy, and the strength of the allies (of both), and then let him act

ஒல்வ தறிவது அறிந்ததன் கண்தங்கிச்
செல்வார்க்குச் செல்லாதது இல்.

Olva Tharivadhu Arindhadhan Kandhangich
Chelvaarkkuch Chellaadhadhu Il

Nothing hampers the firm who know What they can and how to go

Meaning: There is nothing which may not be accomplished by those who, before they attack (an enemy), make themselves acquainted with their own ability, and with whatever else is (needful) to be known, and

உடைத்தம் வலியறியார் ஊக்கத்தின் ஊக்கி
இடைக்கண் முரிந்தார் பலர்.

Utaiththam Valiyariyaar Ookkaththin Ookki
Itaikkan Murindhaar Palar

Many know not their meagre might Their pride breaks up in boastful fight

Meaning: There are many who, ignorant of their (want of) power (to meet it), have haughtily set out to war, and broken down in the midst of it

அமைந்தாங் கொழுகான் அளவறியான் தன்னை
வியந்தான் விரைந்து கெடும்.

Amaindhaang Kozhukaan Alavariyaan Thannai
Viyandhaan Viraindhu Ketum

Who adapts not, outsteps measure And brags himself-his fall is sure

Meaning: He will quickly perish who, ignorant of his own resources flatters himself of his greatness, and does

பீலிபெய் சாகாடும் அச்சிறும் அப்பண்டஞ்
சால மிகுத்துப் பெயின்.

Peelipey Saakaatum Achchirum Appantanjjch
Aala Mikuththup Peyin

Even the gentle peacock's plume Cart's axle breaks by gross volume

Meaning: The axle tree of a bandy, loaded only with peacocks' feathers will break, if it be greatly overloaded

நுனிக்கொம்பர் ஏறினார் அஃதிறந் தூக்கின்
உயிர்க்கிறுதி ஆகி விடும்.

Nunikkompar Erinaar Aqdhiran Thookkin
Uyirkkirudhi Aaki Vitum

Beyond the branches' tip who skips Ends the life as his body rips

Meaning: There will be an end to the life of him who, having climbed out to the end of a branch, ventures to go further

ஆற்றின் அறவறிந்து ஈக அதுபொருள்
போற்றி வழங்கு நெறி.

Aatrin Aravarindhu Eeka Adhuporul
Potri Vazhangu Neri

Know the limit; grant with measure This way give and guard your treasure

Meaning: Let a man know the measure of his ability (to give), and let him give accordingly; such giving is the way to preserve his property

ஆகாறு அளவிட்டி தாயினுங் கேடில்லை
போகாறு அகலாக் கடை.

Aakaaru Alavitti Thaayinung Ketillai
Pokaaru Akalaak Katai

The outflow must not be excess No matter how small income is

Meaning: Even though the income (of a king) be small, it will not cause his (ruin), if his outgoings be not larger than his income

அளவறிந்து வாழாதான் வாழ்க்கை உளபோல
இல்லாகித் தோன்றாக் கெடும்.

Alavara�ndhu Vaazhaadhaan Vaazhkkai Ulapola
Illaakith Thondraak Ketum

Who does not know to live in bounds His life seems rich but thins and ends

Meaning: The prosperity of him who lives without knowing the measure (of his property), will perish, even while it seems to continue

உளவரை தூக்காத ஒப்புர வாண்மை
வளவரை வல்லைக் கெடும்.

Ulavarai Thookkaadha Oppura Vaanmai
Valavarai Vallaik Ketum

Wealth amassed quickly vanishes Sans level if one lavishes

Meaning: The measure of his wealth will quickly perish, whose liberality weighs not the measure of his property