Knowing the fitting Time
Kural - 481
A crow will conquer owl in broad daylight;
The king that foes would crush, needs fitting time to fight.
Meaning : A crow will overcome an owl in the day time; so the king who would conquer his enemy must have (a suitable) time.
Kural - 482
The bond binds fortune fast is ordered effort made,
Strictly observant still of favouring season's aid.
Meaning : Acting at the right season, is a cord that will immoveably bind success (to a king).
Kural - 483
Can any work be hard in very fact,
If men use fitting means in timely act?
Meaning : Is there anything difficult for him to do, who acts, with (the right) instruments at the right time ?
Kural - 484
The pendant world's dominion may be won,
In fitting time and place by action done.
Meaning : Though (a man) should meditate (the conquest of) the world, he may accomplish it if he acts in the right time, and at the right place.
Kural - 485
Who think the pendant world itself to subjugate,
With mind unruffled for the fitting time must wait.
Meaning : They who thoughtfully consider and wait for the (right) time (for action), may successfully meditate (the conquest of) the world.
Kural - 486
The men of mighty power their hidden energies repress,
As fighting ram recoils to rush on foe with heavier stress.
Meaning : The self-restraint of the energetic (while waiting for a suitable opportunity), is like the drawing back of a fighting-ram in order to butt.
Kural - 487
The glorious once of wrath enkindled make no outward show,
At once; they bide their time, while hidden fires within them glow.
Meaning : The wise will not immediately and hastily shew out their anger; they will watch their time, and restrain it within.
Kural - 488
If foes' detested form they see, with patience let them bear;
When fateful hour at last they spy,- the head lies there.
Meaning : If one meets his enemy, let him show him all respect, until the time for his destruction is come; when that is come, his head will be easily brought low.
Kural - 489
When hardest gain of opportunity at last is won,
With promptitude let hardest deed be done.
Meaning : If a rare opportunity occurs, while it lasts, let a man do that which is rarely to be accomplished (but for such an opportunity).
Kural - 490
As heron stands with folded wing, so wait in waiting hour;
As heron snaps its prey, when fortune smiles, put forth your power.
Meaning : At the time when one should use self-control, let him restrain himself like a heron; and, let him like it, strike, when there is a favourable opportunity.