The Character of Enmity
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ceṟuvārkkuc cēṇikavā viṉpa maṟivilā / vañcum pakaivarp peṟiṉ.
“The joy of victory is never far removed from those / Who've luck to meet with ignorant and timid foes.”
“Enemies rejoice exceedingly when they get a fool and a coward to contend against.”
If one meets an enemy ignorant of justice and fearful, the lofty advantage of those opposing that enemy will not depart.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
அறிவு இலா அஞ்சும் பகைவர்ப் பெறின்= நீதியை அறிதல் இல்லாத அஞ்சும் பகைவரைப் பெற்றால்; செறுவார்க்குச் சேண் இன்பம் இகவா= அவரைச் செறுவார்க்கு உயர்ந்த இன்பங்கள் நீங்கா.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Those who contend against an enemy who is both ignorant of justice and timid at heart will never lose the lofty fruits and joy of victory.