Shame and Self-Respect
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nāṇvēli koḷḷātu maṉṉō viyaṉñālam / pēṇalar mēlā yavar.
“Unless the hedge of shame inviolate remain, / For men of lofty soul the earth's vast realms no charms retain.”
“The worthy refuse to acquire even kingdoms save by means for which they shall not have to blush.”
The truly noble hold moral conscience as their safeguard; they will not cast it off even to win the world.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
மேலாயவர், வேலி நாண் கொள்ளாது= தமக்கு ஏமமாக நாணினைக் கொள்வதன்றி; வியன் ஞாலம் பேணலர்= அகன்ற ஞாலத்தைக் கொள்ள விரும்பார்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Those who possess radiant honor take moral conscience as their defensive fortress; they will never surrender it, even if offered the dominion of the entire world.