Avoiding Forgetfulness
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iṟanta vekuḷiyiṟ ṟītē ciṟanta / vuvakai makiḻcciyiṟ cōrvu.
For a ruler, the forgetful lapse born of excessive delight is worse than anger that has exceeded its limit.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“'Tis greater ill, it rapture of o'erweening gladness to the soul / Bring self-forgetfulness than if transcendent wrath control.”
“Worse than excessive rage is the unguardedness that cometh of self-complacency.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
சிறந்த உவகை மகிழ்ச்சியிற் சோர்வு= மிக்க உவகைக்களிப்பான் வரும் மறவி; இறந்த வெகுளியின் தீது= அரசனுக்கு அளவிறந்த வெகுளியினும் தீது.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar explains that the forgetfulness arising in a ruler from excessive elation is more harmful than anger that has exceeded its proper limit.