58. Benignity
Chapter. 58. Benignity
Kural - 571
Since true benignity, that grace exceeding great, resides
In kingly souls, world in happy state abides..
Meaning : The world exists through that greatest ornament (of princes), a gracious demeanour..
Kural - 572
The world goes on its wonted way, since grace benign is there;
All other men are burthen for the earth to bear..
Meaning : The prosperity of the world springs from the kindliness, the existence of those who have no (kindliness) is a burden to the earth.
Kural - 573
Where not accordant with the song, what use of sounding chords?
What gain of eye that no benignant light affords?
Meaning : Of what avail is a song if it be inconsistent with harmony ? what is the use of eyes which possess no kindliness.
Kural - 574
The seeming eye of face gives no expressive light,
When not with duly meted kindness bright..
Meaning :Beyond appearing to be in the face, what good do they do, those eyes in which is no well-regulated kindness ?
Kural - 575
Benignity is eyes' adorning grace;
Without it eyes are wounds disfiguring face.
Meaning : Kind looks are the ornaments of the eyes; without these they will be considered (by the wise) to be merely two sores.
Kural - 576
Whose eyes 'neath brow infixed diffuse no ray
Of grace; like tree in earth infixed are they..
Meaning : They resemble the trees of the earth, who although they have eyes, never look kindly (on others)..
Kural - 577
Eyeless are they whose eyes with no benignant lustre shine;
Who've eyes can never lack the light of grace benign.
Meaning :Men without kind looks are men without eyes; those who (really) have eyes are also not devoid of kind looks.
Kural - 578
Who can benignant smile, yet leave no work undone;
By them as very own may all the earth be won.
Meaning :The world is theirs (kings) who are able to show kindness, without injury to their affairs, (administration of justice).
Kural - 579
To smile on those that vex, with kindly face,
Enduring long, is most excelling grace..
Meaning :Patiently to bear with, and show kindness to those who grieve us, is the most excellent of all dispositions.
Kural - 580
They drink with smiling grace, though poison interfused they see,
Who seek the praise of all-esteemed courtesy.
Meaning :Those who desire (to cultivate that degree of) urbanity which all shall love, even after swallowing the poison served to them by their friends, will be friendly with them.