K163 and K164 of Canto Xvii of the Thiruk-Kural With Translations
K163 and K164 of CANTO XVII of the THIRUK-KURAL with Translation (continued)
K163: aran aakkam veendaathaan enbaan
piranaakkam peenaathu alukkarup paan
Nor wealth nor virtue does that man desire, 'tis plain,
Whom others' wealth delights not, feeling envious pain. (Transl. G.U. Pope)
Of him who instead of rejoicing in the wealth of others, envies it, it will be said,
"He neither desires virtue nor wealth." (Transl. Drew & Lazarus)
He who prefers to live in envy of other people's wealth, rejecting the benefits accrueing in a virtuous envy-free life is one who will be blessed with neither. (Transl. T. Wignesan)
K164: alukkaartrin allavai seyyaar
ilukkaatrin eetham padupaakku arinthu
The wise through envy break not virtue's laws,
Knowing ill-deeds of foul disgrace the cause. (Transl. G.U. Pope)
(The wise) knowing the misery that comes from transgression will not through envy commit unrighteous deeds. ( Transl. Drew & Lazarus)
Sensible people realising the harm envy abets them to commit are likewise conscious of the harm that will engulf them (if they give in to their impulsions). (Transl. T. Wignesan)
© T. Wignesan - Paris, 2017
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