Knowing the Right Time
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paruvattō ṭoṭṭa voḻuka ṟiruviṉait / tīrāmai yārkkuṅ kayiṟu
Conduct aligned with the fitting season is the cord that binds fortune so it does not depart.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“The bond binds fortune fast is ordered effort made, / Strictly observant still of favouring season's aid.”
“To follow closely on the pace of Time: that is the cord that will bind Fortune to thee firmly.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
பருவத்தோடு ஒட்ட ஒழுகல்= அரசன் காலத்தோடு பொருந்த வினைசெய்து ஒழுகுதல்; திருவினைத் தீராமை ஆர்க்கும் கயிறு= ஒருவர்கண்ணும் நில்லாது நீங்கும் செல்வத்தைத் தன்கண் நீங்காமற் பிணிக்கும் கயிறாம்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar says that a ruler's practice of acting in accord with the time is like a cord that binds otherwise wandering fortune so that it remains. The image values sustained coordination and does not promise wealth, justify hoarding, or assign blame for hardship.