Knowing the Right Time
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kālaṅ karuti yiruppar kalaṅkātu / ñālaṅ karutu pavar
Those who contemplate an aim as vast as the world remain unagitated, watching for the fitting time.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“Who think the pendant world itself to subjugate, / With mind unruffled for the fitting time must wait.”
“Those that are intent on conquests will be quietly watching their opportunity: they will know neither confusion nor hurry.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
கலங்காது ஞாலம் கருதுபவர்= தப்பாது ஞாலமெல்லாம் கொள்ளக்கருதும் அரசர்; காலம் கருதி இருப்பர்= தம் வலிமிகுமாயினும், அது கருதாது, அதற்கேற்ற காலத்தையே கருதி அது வருந்துணையும் பகைமேற் செல்லார்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar explains that rulers intent on gaining the whole world do not rush merely because their strength is great; without confusion, they keep the appropriate time in view and wait until it comes. The lesson is disciplined readiness, not approval of conquest or neglect of urgent protection.