Chapter 77: The Excellence of an Army

உறுப்பமைந்து ஊறஞ்சா வெல்படை வேந்தன்
வெறுக்கையுள் எல்லாம் தலை.

Uruppamaindhu Ooranjaa Velpatai Vendhan
Verukkaiyul Ellaam Thalai

The daring well-armed winning force Is king's treasure and main resource

Meaning: The army which is complete in (its) parts and conquers without fear of wounds is the chief wealth of the king

உலைவிடத்து ஊறஞ்சா வன்கண் தொலைவிடத்துத்
தொல்படைக் கல்லால் அரிது.

Ulaivitaththu Ooranjaa Vankan Tholaivitaththuth
Tholpataik Kallaal Aridhu

Through shots and wounds brave heroes hold Quailing not in fall, the field

Meaning: Ancient army can alone have the valour which makes it stand by its king at the time of defeat, fearless of wounds and unmindful of its reduced strength

ஒலித்தக்கால் என்னாம் உவரி எலிப்பகை
நாகம் உயிர்ப்பக் கெடும்.

Oliththakkaal Ennaam Uvari Ela�ppakai
Naakam Uyirppak Ketum

Sea-like ratfoes roar What if? They perish at a cobra's whiff

Meaning: What if (a host of) hostile rats roar like the sea ? They will perish at the mere breath of the cobra

அழிவின்றி அறைபோகா தாகி வழிவந்த
வன்க ணதுவே படை.

Azhivindri Araipokaa Thaaki Vazhivandha
Vanka Nadhuve Patai

The army guards its genial flame Not crushed, routed nor marred in name

Meaning: That indeed is an army which has stood firm of old without suffering destruction or deserting (to the enemy)

கூற்றுடன்று மேல்வரினும் கூடி எதிர்நிற்கும்
ஆற்ற லதுவே படை.

Kootrutandru Melvarinum Kooti Edhirnirkum
Aatra Ladhuve Patai

The real army with rallied force Resists even Death-God fierce

Meaning: That indeed is an army which is capable of offering a united resistance, even if Yama advances against it with fury

மறமானம் மாண்ட வழிச்செலவு தேற்றம்
எனநான்கே ஏமம் படைக்கு.

Maramaanam Maanta Vazhichchelavu Thetram
Enanaanke Emam Pataikku

Manly army has merits four:- Stately-march, faith, honour, valour

Meaning: Valour, honour, following in the excellent-footsteps (of its predecessors) and trust-worthiness; these four alone constitute the safeguard of an army

தார்தாங்கிச் செல்வது தானை தலைவந்த
போர்தாங்கும் தன்மை அறிந்து.

Thaardhaangich Chelvadhu Thaanai Thalaivandha
Pordhaangum Thanmai Arindhu

Army sets on to face to foes Knowing how the trend of war goes

Meaning: That is an army which knowing the art of warding off an impending struggle, can bear against the dust-van (of a hostile force)

அடல்தகையும் ஆற்றலும் இல்லெனினும் தானை
படைத்தகையால் பாடு பெறும்.

Ataldhakaiyum Aatralum Illeninum Thaanai
Pataiththakaiyaal Paatu Perum

Army gains force by grand array Lacking in stay or dash in fray

Meaning: Though destitute of courage to fight and strength (to endure), an army may yet gain renown by the splendour of its appearance

சிறுமையும் செல்லாத் துனியும் வறுமையும்
இல்லாயின் வெல்லும் படை.

Sirumaiyum Sellaath Thuniyum Varumaiyum
Illaayin Vellum Patai

Army shall win if it is free From weakness, aversion, poverty

Meaning: An army can triumph (over its foes) if it is free from diminution; irremediable aversion and poverty

நிலைமக்கள் சால உடைத்தெனினும் தானை
தலைமக்கள் இல்வழி இல்.

Nilaimakkal Saala Utaiththeninum Thaanai
Thalaimakkal Ilvazhi Il

With troops in large numbers on rolls Army can't march missing gen'rals

Meaning: Though an army may contain a large number of permanent soldiers, it cannot last if it has no generals