Page:The Kural or The Maxims Of Tiruvalluvar.pdf/231

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THE KURAL

826. An enemy will be revealed in a moment though he speak the tender language of friendship.

827. Trust not an enemy though he bendeth low in his speech : for the bending of the bow forebodeth nothing but harm.

828. Even in his joined hands thy enemy will have a weapon concealed : nor put thou more faith in his tears.

829. Behold the men that make much of thee in public but laugh thee to scorn in secret : humour thou them openly but crush them even in the embrace of friendship.

830. When thou canst not yet break openly with thy foe, feign friendship to his face but keep him off from thy heart.

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