Ungrateful Wealth [from 'proverbs 400' In Tamil] Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

213. O, coastal chief where the falls fell on the rocks
and babble ‘ol'! Wealth from the evil deeds seems
to grow but worsens above the limits.
Do good men like the growth of the evil doers?

214. O, chief of the hill tracts where the babbling falls
descend on the rocks! Men with ancient lore seek
wealth for giving and enjoying. It likens
a mango with fruits receive all the stones thrown.

215. O, chief of the fertile land where the cow
and her calf graze the flowers on the bunds!
The saw cutting the tree can't cut the hair.
The wise with much lore don't give or enjoy th' wealth.

216. O, chief of the hill tracts with raucous rapids
and bamboos strewing seeds! The man who gives not
and enjoys not the drumming royal wealth got
likens the coconut given to a dog.

217. The kings who ruled the drumming sea-girt world danced
in the town-fest after losing fame and wealth.
With the thought of dwindling wealth, you stop giving.
Your wealth likens a handsome man without sight.

218. If you hide your wealth on listening to the want
of someone, what is the use if you fear
or fear not the evil deeds. Nothing happens
when the sightless eyes sleep or sleep not.

219. One who bequeathed a greedy heart saves wealth
without giving or consuming and breathes last.
It is when one's bowels swoosh down in fighting
one's belly is packed up with something else.

220. O, babe with brows like bent-bamboo bows!
If one allays not the hunger of the kin
and those who beg, but helps others, it likens
a palm tree that gives not fruit to the planter.

221. He who gives not the poor; has no resources
and foul-mouthed; strains little to lend a hand.
If he gets the benign wealth, it likens
a fertile land not manured, giving good crops.

222. Knowing the pangs of one's dearth, you feign to give
succor but do harm instead. It likens stretching
a bunch of grass towards the mouth of the cow
but tying it around its neck.

223. O, wench with lance-like eyes and graceful bangles!
The fame of men slides on saying that they have
what they have not and false promises. Their words
are the branches a shepherd cut off a tree.

224. O, chief of the hill tracts where the monkeys
swing on the ‘valli'-creepers! Nothing one gets
by begging the flinty-hearted. It likens
begging the greedless Jain-monks in hard penance!

225. To give that you can and refuse that you haven't
isn't a fault. It is natural in this world.
Eating without sharing with the one wanting
your help, spoils the joy of both in the next birth.

226. O, chief of the cool coast with wide, flooding waves!
If you or your kindred help one suffering
It will be better to this and the next birth.
What you give to the greedy is lost for e'er.