96.2 Nobility

 96.2 Nobility

Question:

            What will the people of noble birth not do?

Answers:

People of noble birth will not do demeaning acts even if

they can gain immense wealth by doing them.                                 (Couplet – 954)

Though their resources diminish, noble families will not

deviate from their trait of liberality.                                                  (Couplet – 955)

Those who live up to the traditions of their family will

never stoop to deeds of deceit.                                                          (Couplet – 956)

 

அடுக்கிய கோடி பெறினும் குடிப்பிறந்தார்

குன்றுவ செய்தல் இலர்.                                                                       (குறள் – 954)

வழங்குவ துள்வீழ்ந்தக் கண்ணும் பழங்குடி

பண்பில் தலைப்பிரிதல் இன்று.                                                           (குறள் – 955)

சலம்பற்றிச் சால்பில செய்யார்மா சற்ற

குலம்பற்றி வாழ்தும் என் பார்.                                                             (குறள் – 956)

 

Explanation:

In Couplets 954, 955, and 956, Valluvar further elaborates on what he already mentioned in Couplets 951, 952, and 953. People of noble birth will have an instinctive resistance to any kind of mean behavior which would be below the expected level of conduct. Also, even if their resources shrink and their generosity is affected, they will not deviate from their high standards of proper conduct and will never take to deceit or descend to ignoble deeds.