Chapter 58: Benignity

கண்ணோட்டம் என்னும் கழிபெருங் காரிகை
உண்மையான் உண்டிவ் வுலகு.

Kannottam Ennum Kazhiperung Kaarikai
Unmaiyaan Untiv Vulaku

Living in the world implies The bounteous dame of benign eyes

Meaning: The world exists through that greatest ornament (of princes), a gracious demeanour

கண்ணோட்டத் துள்ளது உலகியல் அஃதிலார்
உண்மை நிலக்குப் பொறை.

Kannottath Thulladhu Ulakiyal Aqdhilaar
Unmai Nilakkup Porai

World lives by looks of lovely worth Who lack them are burdens of earth

Meaning: The prosperity of the world springs from the kindliness, the existence of those who have no (kindliness) is a burden to the earth

பண்என்னாம் பாடற்கு இயைபின்றேல் கண்என்னாம்
கண்ணோட்டம் இல்லாத கண்.

Panennaam Paatarku Iyaipindrel Kanennaam
Kannottam Illaadha Kan

Of tuneless song what is the use? Without gracious looks what are eyes?

Meaning: Of what avail is a song if it be inconsistent with harmony ? what is the use of eyes which possess no kindliness

உளபோல் முகத்தெவன் செய்யும் அளவினால்
கண்ணோட்டம் இல்லாத கண்.

Ulapol Mukaththevan Seyyum Alavinaal
Kannottam Illaadha Kan

Except that they are on the face What for are eyes sans measured grace

Meaning: Beyond appearing to be in the face, what good do they do, those eyes in which is no well-regulated kindness ?

கண்ணிற்கு அணிகலம் கண்ணோட்டம் அஃதின்றேல்
புண்ணென்று உணரப் படும்

Kannirku Anikalam Kannottam Aqdhindrel
Punnendru Unarap Patum

Kind looks are jewels for eyes to wear Without them they are felt as sore

Meaning: Kind looks are the ornaments of the eyes; without these they will be considered (by the wise) to be merely two sores

மண்ணோ டியைந்த மரத்தனையர் கண்ணோ
டியைந்துகண் ணோடா தவர்.

Manno Tiyaindha Maraththanaiyar Kanno
Tiyaindhukan Notaa Thavar

Like trees on inert earth they grow Who don't eye to eye kindness show

Meaning: They resemble the trees of the earth, who although they have eyes, never look kindly (on others)

கண்ணோட்டம் இல்லவர் கண்ணிலர் கண்ணுடையார்
கண்ணோட்டம் இன்மையும் இல்.

Kannottam Illavar Kannilar Kannutaiyaar
Kannottam Inmaiyum Il

Ungracious men lack real eyes Men of real eyes show benign grace

Meaning: Men without kind looks are men without eyes; those who (really) have eyes are also not devoid of kind looks

கருமம் சிதையாமல் கண்ணோட வல்லார்க்கு
உரிமை உடைத்திவ் வுலகு.

Karumam Sidhaiyaamal Kannota Vallaarkku
Urimai Utaiththiv Vulaku

Who gracious are but dutiful Have right for this earth beautiful

Meaning: The world is theirs (kings) who are able to show kindness, without injury to their affairs, (administration of justice)

ஒறுத்தாற்றும் பண்பினார் கண்ணும்கண் ணோடிப்
பொறுத்தாற்றும் பண்பே தலை.

Oruththaatrum Panpinaar Kannumkan Notip
Poruththaatrum Panpe Thalai

To be benign and bear with foes Who vex us is true virtue's phase

Meaning: Patiently to bear with, and show kindness to those who grieve us, is the most excellent of all dispositions

பெயக்கண்டும் நஞ்சுண் டமைவர் நயத்தக்க
நாகரிகம் வேண்டு பவர்.

Peyakkantum Nanjun Tamaivar Nayaththakka
Naakarikam Ventu Pavar

Men of graceful courtesy Take hemlock and look cheerfully

Meaning: Those who desire (to cultivate that degree of) urbanity which all shall love, even after swallowing the poison served to them by their friends, will be friendly with them