Thirukkural Chapter 107 - The Dread of Mendicancy


Couplet 1061 
Ten million-fold 'tis greater gain, asking no alms to live,
Even from those, like eyes in worth, who nought concealing gladly give
Explanation
Not to beg (at all) even from those excellent persons who cheerfully give without refusing, will do immense good

Couplet 1062 
If he that shaped the world desires that men should begging go,
Through life's long course, let him a wanderer be and perish so
Explanation
If the Creator of the world has decreed even begging as a means of livelihood, may he too go abegging and perish

Couplet 1063 
Nothing is harder than the hardness that will say,
'The plague of penury by asking alms we'll drive away.'
Explanation
There is no greater folly than the boldness with which one seeks to remedy the evils of poverty by begging (rather than by working)

Couplet 1064 
Who ne'er consent to beg in utmost need, their worth
Has excellence of greatness that transcends the earth
Explanation
Even the whole world cannot sufficiently praise the dignity that would not beg even in the midst of destitution

Couplet 1065 
Nothing is sweeter than to taste the toil-won cheer,
Though mess of pottage as tasteless as the water clear
Explanation
Even thin gruel is ambrosia to him who has obtained it by labour

Couplet 1066 
E'en if a draught of water for a cow you ask,
Nought's so distasteful to the tongue as beggar's task
Explanation
There is nothing more disgraceful to one's tongue than to use it in begging water even for a cow

Couplet 1067 
One thing I beg of beggars all, 'If beg ye may,
Of those who hide their wealth, beg not, I pray.'
Explanation
I beseech all beggars and say, "If you need to beg, never beg of those who give unwillingly."

Couplet 1068 
The fragile bark of beggary
Wrecked on denial's rock will lie
Explanation
The unsafe raft of begging will split when it strikes on the rock of refusal

Couplet 1069 
The heart will melt away at thought of beggary,
With thought of stern repulse 'twill perish utterly
Explanation
To think of (the evil of) begging is enough to melt one's heart; but to think of refusal is enough to break it

Couplet 1070 
E'en as he asks, the shamefaced asker dies;
Where shall his spirit hide who help denies
Explanation
Saying "No" to a beggar takes away his life. (but as that very word will kill the refuser) where then would the latter's life hide itself ?