Honour
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iḷivariṉ vāḻāta māṉa muṭaiyā / roḷitoḻu tēttu mulaku.
“Who, when dishonour comes, refuse to live, their honoured memory / Will live in worship and applause of all the world for aye!”
“Behold the men of honour who refuse to outlive their good name: the world will join its hands and worship at the altar of their glory.”
The world worships and praises the enduring glory of those who would not live in disgrace.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
இளிவரின் வாழாத மானம் உடையார் ஒளி= தமக்கோர் இழிவு வந்துழிப் பொறுத்து உயிர் வாழாது அதனை நீத்த மானம் உடையாரது புகழ் வடிவினை; தொழுது ஏத்தும் உலகு= எஞ்ஞான்றும் தொழுது துதியாநிற்பர் உலகத்தார்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
The whole world reverently bows to and sings the immortal glory of those who chose death over living in dishonor.