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Section 2 · பொருட்பால் (Wealth) · Chapter 87 / 133

The Character of Enmity

பகைமாட்சி
Kural 861

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valiyārkku māṟēṟṟa lōmpuka vōmpā / meliyārmēṉ mēka pakai.

Modern readingAI draft

Guard against taking up enmity with those stronger than yourself; do not refrain, but seek enmity toward those weaker, says the verse.

▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
G.U. Pope1886

“With stronger than thyself, turn from the strife away; / With weaker shun not, rather court the fray.”

V.V.S. Aiyar1916

“Strive not with the powerful: but against those that are weaker than thyself carry on wars without relaxing even for one moment.”

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Parimelazhagar’s commentary

13th century · public domain

Parimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.

வலியார்க்கு மாறு ஏற்றல் ஓம்புக= தம்மின் வலியார்க்குப் பகையாய் எதிர்தலை ஒழிக; மெலியார் மேல் பகை ஓம்பா மேக= ஏனை மெலியார்க்குப் பகையாதலை ஒழியாது விரும்புக.

Source: Tamil Wikisource

In plain EnglishAI draft · pending review

Parimelazhagar explains: avoid standing as an enemy against those stronger than oneself, and, without ceasing, desire enmity toward others who are weaker.

This verse is in tension

Unresolved against Kural 250
Remember the weaker man and spare him — and pick him as your enemy
மெலியவரை நினைத்து விட்டுவிடு; அதே மெலியவரையே பகைவராகத் தேர்ந்துகொள்

When you go to afflict someone weaker than yourself, remember how you stood in fear before someone stronger.

AI draft · pending scholar review