The Excellence of an Army
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aṭaṟṟakaiyu māṟṟalu milleṉiṉun tāṉai / paṭaittakaiyāṟ pāṭu peṟum.
“Though not in war offensive or defensive skilled; / An army gains applause when well equipped and drilled.”
“Superiority of armament is a compensation when the army is lacking in dash or steadiness.”
Even without offensive courage or defensive endurance, an army may gain prestige through its imposing appearance.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
தானை= தானை; அடல்தகையும் ஆறறலும் இல் எனினும்= பகைமேல் தான் சென்று அடும் தறுகண்மையும் அது தன்மேல் வந்தால் பொறுக்கும் ஆற்றலும் இல்லையாயினும்; படைத் தகையால் பாடு பெறும்= தன் தோற்றப் பொலிவானே பெருமை எய்தும்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Even if an army lacks fierce offensive thrust or defensive endurance, the disciplined grandeur of its imposing presence commands respect and prestige.