Chapter 78: Military Spirit

என்னைமுன் நில்லன்மின் தெவ்விர் பலரென்னை
முன்நின்று கல்நின் றவர்.

Ennaimun Nillanmin Thevvir Palarennai
Munnindru Kalnin Ravar

Stand not before my chief, O foes! Many who stood, in stones repose

Meaning: O my foes, stand not before my leader; (for) many are those who did so but afterwards stood (in the shape of) statues

கான முயலெய்த அம்பினில் யானை
பிழைத்தவேல் ஏந்தல் இனிது.

Kaana Muyaleydha Ampinil Yaanai
Pizhaiththavel Endhal Inidhu

To lift a lance that missed a tusker Is prouder than shaft that hit a hare

Meaning: It is more pleasant to hold the dart that has missed an elephant than that which has hit hare in the forest

பேராண்மை என்ப தறுகண்ஒன் றுற்றக்கால்
ஊராண்மை மற்றதன் எஃகு.

Peraanmai Enpa Tharukanon Rutrakkaal
Ooraanmai Matradhan Eqku

Valour is fight with fierce courage Mercy to the fallen is its edge

Meaning: The learned say that fierceness (incontest with a foe) is indeed great valour; but to become a benefactor in case of accident (to a foe) is the extreme (limit) of that valour

கைவேல் களிற்றொடு போக்கி வருபவன்
மெய்வேல் பறியா நகும்.

Kaivel Kalitrotu Pokki Varupavan
Meyvel Pariyaa Nakum

At the tusker he flings his lance One in body smiles another chance

Meaning: The hero who after casting the lance in his hand on an elephant, comes (in search of another) will pluck the one (that sticks) in his body and laugh (exultingly)

விழித்தகண் வேல்கொண டெறிய அழித்திமைப்பின்
ஒட்டன்றோ வன்க ணவர்க்கு.

Vizhiththakan Velkona Teriya Azhiththimaippin
Ottandro Vanka Navarkku

When lances dart if heroes wink \"It is a rout\" the world will think

Meaning: Is it not a defeat to the valiant to wink and destroy their ferocious look when a lance in cast at them (by their foe) ?

விழுப்புண் படாதநாள் எல்லாம் வழுக்கினுள்
வைக்கும்தன் நாளை எடுத்து.

Vizhuppun Pataadhanaal Ellaam Vazhukkinul
Vaikkumdhan Naalai Etuththu

The brave shall deem the days as vain Which did not battle-wounds sustain

Meaning: The hero will reckon among wasted days all those on which he had not received severe wounds

சுழலும் இசைவேண்டி வேண்டா உயிரார்
கழல்யாப்புக் காரிகை நீர்த்து.

Suzhalum Isaiventi Ventaa Uyiraar
Kazhalyaappuk Kaarikai Neerththu

Their anklets aloud jingle their name Who sacrifice their life for fame

Meaning: The fastening of ankle-ring by those who disire a world-wide renown and not (the safety of) their lives is like adorning (themselves)

உறின்உயிர் அஞ்சா மறவர் இறைவன்
செறினும் சீர்குன்றல் இலர்.

Urinuyir Anjaa Maravar Iraivan
Serinum Seerkundral Ilar

The king may chide, they pursue strife; They fear loss of glory; not life

Meaning: The heroes who are not afraid of losing their life in a contest will not cool their ardour, even if the king prohibits (their fighting)

இழைத்தது இகவாமைச் சாவாரை யாரே
பிழைத்தது ஒறுக்கிற் பவர்.

Izhaiththadhu Ikavaamaich Chaavaarai Yaare
Pizhaiththadhu Orukkir Pavar

Who will blame the heroes that lose Their lives in war to keep their vows?

Meaning: Who would reproach with failure those who seal their oath with their death ?

புரந்தார்கண் நீர்மல்கச் சாகிற்பின் சாக்காடு
இரந்துகோள் தக்கது உடைத்து.

Purandhaarkan Neermalkach Chaakirpin Saakkaatu
Irandhukol Thakkadhu Utaiththu

Such a death shall be prayed for Which draws the the tears of the ruler

Meaning: If (heroes) can so die as to fill with tears the eyes of their rulers, such a death deserves to be obtained even by begging