The Worth of a Wife
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pugazhpurinda illilōrk killai igazhvārmuṉ / ēṟupōl pīḍu naḍai
“Who have not spouses that in virtue's praise delight, They lion-like can never walk in scorner's sight.”
“Behold the man whose home beareth not an honourable reputation: the proud lion-like walk in the sight of detractors is denied him.”
Those whose homes lack a companion who cherishes honor cannot walk with the proud stride of a lion before those who despise them.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
புகழ் புரிந்த இல் இலோர்க்கு = புகழை விரும்பிய இல்லாளை யில்லாதார்க்கு; இகழ்வார் முன் ஏறுபோல் பீடு நடை இல்லை = (தம்மை) இகழ்ந்துரைக்கும் பகைவர் முன் சிங்கவேறு போல நடக்கும் பெருமித நடை இல்லை. (பெருமிதமுடையானுக்குச் சிங்கவேறு நடையான் உவமமாகலின் 'ஏறுபோல்' என்றார்.)
Source: Tamil Wikisource
To those whose homes lack a companion who cherishes honorable renown, there is no majestic lion-like stride before those who mock and despise them.