Knowing the Right Time
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aruviṉai yeṉpa vuḷavō karuviyāṟ / kāla maṟintu ceyiṉ
Are there any tasks that remain impossible if one acts with suitable means and an understanding of the right time?
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“Can any work be hard in very fact, / If men use fitting means in timely act?”
“Where is the thing called impossible if thou start on thy enterprise with a knowledge of the right season and employ the proper means?”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
அரசரால் செய்தற்கு அரிய வினைகளென்று சொல்லப்படுவன உளவோ; கருவியான் காலம் அறிந்து செயின்= அவற்றை முடித்தற்காம் கருவிகளுடனே செய்தற்காம் காலம் அறிந்து செய்வாராயின்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar poses a rhetorical question: when a ruler acts with the means needed for completion and knowledge of the appropriate time, what undertakings remain too difficult? The claim praises preparation, not limitless power; ethical purpose, consent, competence, and safety still constrain action.