POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - THE RADIANCE OF GENEROSITY AND VALOR

ABOUT THE POEM:The poem THE RADIANCE OF GENEROSITY AND VALOR celebrates the virtues of generosity, justice and joy in life. It urges the noble ruler to share his wealth freely, ensuring that poets, warriors and the humble find prosperity. His strength should defend the good and vanquish the wicked while his soldiers revel in nature’s bounty. Life, fleeting as music, calls for kindness over conflict, mirth over malice. May his name shine in fame, his fortune serve the worthy and his days be filled with harmony and honor.THE RADIANCE OF GENEROSITY AND VALORThe golden lotus thou dost freely give,Let minstrels wreathe it in their locks so wide,And in their joyous midst may  thou long live.Then may thy chest, with sandal paste applied,Be clasped by arms of maidens soft and fair,As drums resound and warriors stand with pride.May justice reign in all thy deeds with care,To strike the vile and aid the good in need,Nor join with those whose hearts deceit lay bare.Thy soldiers, swift as birds in fields they speed,They burn the fallen palm to roast their meat,With wine they cheer or tender coconut heed.Let those who dwell beneath the vine’s retreat,Who say, "Enough, content with what we own,"Find fortune’s grace and life serene and sweet.May all who seek thee never weep alone,But find in thee a generous hand so wide,For life is fleeting—like a song soon flown.Let joy and mirth forever be thy guide,And shun the path where bitter feuds arise,Thy wealth with fame in noble light abide.Purananuru - 29Poet: Uraiyur Muthukannan Sathanar.Patron: Chola King Nalankilli.