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Part I: On Virtue

Section I: Prologue

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Chapter 49: Understanding Timeliness

Verse 486
A muscular man stands patiently as a weaker man digs his heels into the ground, refusing to budge. The restraint of the stronger man is a noble virtue.

TAKA Presents the Tirukural

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Weaver's Wisdom

Verse 481

During the day, a crow can overcome the more powerful owl.
Desiring to defeat his enemy, a king must pick the proper time.

Verse 482

A man may tightly bind himself to prosperity
by the tether called timely action.

Verse 483

Is there any task too difficult for the man who acts
at the right time and with the proper means?

Verse 484

One may aim to acquire the whole world and succeed,
if actions target the right time and place.

Verse 485

Those who aim to own the world
must wait, unruffled, for the fitting hour.

Verse 486

The powerful man's patient restraint is like the drawing back
of the fighting ram before he strikes the stunning blow.

Verse 487

When irate, clear-minded men never show it then and there.
Holding it within, they watch for an opportune moment.

Verse 488

Bow ever so humbly when meeting an enemy.
His own head will hang humiliated when, in time, he meets defeat.

Verse 489

When a rare opportunity comes your way, do not hesitate
to swiftly accomplish otherwise impossible tasks.

Verse 490

There are times to stay still as a stalking heron.
There are times to move swiftly as a heron strikes.