Tirukural

CHAPTER 106

Begging

1051

If you meet a man of means, by all means beg his help. If he refuses, the fault is his, not yours.§

1052

Even begging can prove pleasurable when what is begged for comes with no sense of burden.§

1053

Begging has its own beauty when one supplicates before dutiful men whose hearts never say no.§

1054

There are men who never deny a request, even in their dreams. Begging from them is the same as giving.§

1055

Because men do exist on Earth who never begrudge giving, others dare to plead their needs before men’s gaze.§

1056

The miseries of begging will flee at the mere sight of those who are free from refusal’s miserable manners.§

1057

A jubilant heart rejoices upon seeing those who give without scoffing or scorning.§

1058

Deprived of beggars, this vast and verdant Earth would become uncharitable, a ball for the play of wooden puppets.§

1059

What glory would generous men enjoy if there were none to beg for and receive their gifts?§

1060

One who begs and is refused should not be angry, for his own poverty is sufficient proof of giving’s limits.§