Tirukural

CHAPTER 77

Merits of the Army

761

Foremost among a monarch’s possessions stands a conquering army, complete and fearless.§

762

Only seasoned soldiers remain bravely determined when onslaughts decimate them and threaten defeat.§

763

So what if a legion of rats roars like the raging sea? The mere hiss of a cobra will deaden their din.§

764

Commanding a long tradition of valor, acquainted with neither defeat nor desertion—that defines an army.§

765

That indeed is an army which stands together, even when faced with death’s grim fury.§

766

Valor, honor, trustworthiness and a tradition nobly upheld— these four are an army’s protective armor.§

767

Well-trained armed forces will withstand every attack, then outflank and storm the foe.§

768

Even without a winning offense and defense, an army of splendid appearance may still win acclaim.§

769

An army will prevail as long as there is no desertion, no privation and no contention.§

770

Though courageous troops abound, there can be no army without commanders.§