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Kural 574

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uḷapōṉ mukattevaṉ ceyyu maḷaviṉāṟ / kaṇṇōṭṭa millāta kaṇ.

🎬 குறள் கதை · Story
G.U. Pope1886

“The seeming eye of face gives no expressive light, / When not with duly meted kindness bright.”

V.V.S. Aiyar1916

“What is the use of eyes that merely show in the face, if they show not consideration for others according to their measure?”

Modern readingAI draft

What do eyes merely present on the face accomplish, if they show no considerate regard in due measure?

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Parimelazhagar’s commentary

13th century · public domain

Parimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.

முகத்து உளபோல் எவன்செய்யும்= கண்டார்க்கு முகத்தின்கண் உளபோல் தோன்றல் அல்லது வேறுஎன்ன பயனைச் செய்யும்; அளவினான் கண்ணோட்டம் இல்லாத கண்= அளவிறவாத கண்ணோடுதலை உடையவல்லாத கண்கள்.

Source: Tamil Wikisource

In plain EnglishAI draft · pending review

Though they appear in the face like real eyes, what good do they do if they lack the grace of measured, compassionate consideration?