The Possession of Decorum
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oḻukkattiṉ eytuvar mēṉmai iḻukkattiṉ / eytuvar eytāp paḻi
“'Tis source of dignity when 'true decorum' is preserved; / Who break 'decorum's' rules endure e'en censures undeserved.”
“The man of right conduct is honoured among men: but ignominy alone is the portion of those who fall therefrom.”
By right conduct people rise to greatness; by lapsing from it they draw disgrace they need never have had.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
ஒழுக்கத்தின் மேன்மை எய்துவர் = எல்லாரும் ஒழுக்கத்தானே மேம்பாட்டை எய்துவர்; இழுக்கத்தின் எய்தாப் பழி எய்துவர் = அதனின்று இழுக்குதலானே தாம் எய்துதற்கு உரித்து அல்லாத பழியை எய்துவர்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
By right conduct everyone rises to greatness; by lapsing from it people draw on themselves disgrace they would never otherwise have had to bear. Conduct lifts; its breach invites blame that was entirely avoidable.
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