Translated from the Kural of Tirukuller

Blessed the man who never lacks "Assafoetida, ghee, and jacks.

Cursed the man, whatever his worth, Who is poor in purse and low in birth.

The unity of the Tamilian nation Is cemented by caste and litigation.

What "master pleases" be careful to do, And be cheating him while he's beating you.

'Tis good to eat: but keep your pice, And if you can manage it, steal the rice.

When you hear the cry "Murder" run away: The Police will take you up, if you stay.

If you beat a man, swear he beat you: And to his one witness bring up two.

That man is a fool, whoever he be, Who would not do anything for a rupee.

If you don't wish them to annihilate you, Conciliate devils—and white men too!

A botheration—a useless vexation, To the Tamil nation, is Sanitation.

Municipalities always tell lies:— The Census is only a Tax in disguise.

Why tax us for bridges and roads? In our lives We but need three things,—Gold, Lands, and Wives.(1)

To cook for man, woman chiefly was meant: Ignorance is her best ornament.(2)

NOTE 1.—The great Tamil poet Tayumânâr classes all worldly matters under the three heads, Gold, Women, Lands.