Chapter 45: Gaining Support from the Great

Verse 443

TAKA Presents the Tirukural

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Weaver’s Wisdom

Verse 441

If men fathom what it means to have virtuous and wise friends,
they will find the means to procure such friendships.

Verse 442

There are men who allay today’s trials and avert
tomorrow’s troubles. Befriend and look after them.

Verse 443

To cherish and befriend men of greatness
is the rarest of all rare things.

Verse 444

A man’s greatest strength is meriting friendship
with those greater than himself.

Verse 445

Knowing that they function as a monarch’s eyes,
a king looks at ministers meticulously before engaging them.

Verse 446

A man’s foes are rendered ineffective
if he can live in fellowship with the worthy.

Verse 447

Who can destroy the man who enjoys the friendship
of aides who will not hesitate to admonish him?

Verse 448

With no one to reprove and thus protect him,
a king will be destroyed, though no one seeks his destruction.

Verse 449

Profit is not for those who have no capital; nor is stability
for those who lack the support of faithful friends.

Verse 450

While it is perilous to make a multitude of foes,
it is ten times worse to give up the friendship of the worthy.