Chapter 49: Knowing the fitting Time

பகல்வெல்லும் கூகையைக் காக்கை இகல்வெல்லும்
வேந்தர்க்கு வேண்டும் பொழுது.

Pakalvellum Kookaiyaik Kaakkai Ikalvellum
Vendharkku Ventum Pozhudhu

By day the crow defeats the owl Kings need right time their foes to quell

Meaning: A crow will overcome an owl in the day time; so the king who would conquer his enemy must have (a suitable) time

பருவத்தோடு ஒட்ட ஒழுகல் திருவினைத்
தீராமை ஆர்க்குங் கயிறு.

Paruvaththotu Otta Ozhukal Thiruvinaith
Theeraamai Aarkkung Kayiru

Well-ordered seasoned act is cord That fortune binds in bon accord

Meaning: Acting at the right season, is a cord that will immoveably bind success (to a king)

அருவினை யென்ப உளவோ கருவியான்
காலம் அற஧ந்து செயின்.

Aruvinai Yenpa Ulavo Karuviyaan
Kaalam Arindhu Seyin

What is hard for him who acts With proper means and time and tacts?

Meaning: Is there anything difficult for him to do, who acts, with (the right) instruments at the right time ?

ஞாலம் கருதினுங் கைகூடுங் காலம்
கருதி இடத்தாற் செயின்.

Gnaalam Karudhinung Kaikootung Kaalam
Karudhi Itaththaar Seyin

Choose proper time and act and place Even the world you win with ease

Meaning: Though (a man) should meditate (the conquest of) the world, he may accomplish it if he acts in the right time, and at the right place

காலம் கருதி இருப்பர் கலங்காது
ஞாலம் கருது பவர்.

Kaalam Karudhi Iruppar Kalangaadhu
Gnaalam Karudhu Pavar

Who want to win the world sublime Wait unruffled biding their time

Meaning: They who thoughtfully consider and wait for the (right) time (for action), may successfully meditate (the conquest of) the world

ஊக்க முடையான் ஒடுக்கம் பொருதகர்
தாக்கற்குப் பேருந் தகைத்து.

Ookka Mutaiyaan Otukkam Porudhakar
Thaakkarkup Perun Thakaiththu

By self-restraint stalwarts keep fit Like rams retreating but to butt

Meaning: The self-restraint of the energetic (while waiting for a suitable opportunity), is like the drawing back of a fighting-ram in order to butt

பொள்ளென ஆங்கே புறம்வேரார் காலம்பார்த்து
உள்வேர்ப்பர் ஒள்ளி யவர்.

Pollena Aange Puramveraar Kaalampaarththu
Ulverppar Olli Yavar

The wise jut not their vital fire They watch their time with hidden ire

Meaning: The wise will not immediately and hastily shew out their anger; they will watch their time, and restrain it within

செறுநரைக் காணின் சுமக்க இறுவரை
காணின் கிழக்காம் தலை.

Serunaraik Kaanin Sumakka Iruvarai
Kaanin Kizhakkaam Thalai

Bear with hostiles when you meet them Fell down their head in fateful time

Meaning: If one meets his enemy, let him show him all respect, until the time for his destruction is come; when that is come, his head will be easily brought low

எய்தற் கரியது இயைந்தக்கால் அந்நிலையே
செய்தற் கரிய செயல்.

Eydhar Kariyadhu Iyaindhakkaal Annilaiye
Seydhar Kariya Seyal

When comes the season ripe and rare Dare and do hard things then and there

Meaning: If a rare opportunity occurs, while it lasts, let a man do that which is rarely to be accomplished (but for such an opportunity)

கொக்கொக்க கூம்பும் பருவத்து மற்றதன்
குத்தொக்க சீர்த்த இடத்து.

Kokkokka Koompum Paruvaththu Matradhan
Kuththokka Seerththa Itaththu

In waiting time feign peace like stork In fighting time strike like its peck

Meaning: At the time when one should use self-control, let him restrain himself like a heron; and, let him like it, strike, when there is a favourable opportunity