Page:The Kural or The Maxims Of Tiruvalluvar.pdf/269

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
 
THE KURAL

1016. The worthy refuse to acquire even kingdoms save by means for which they shall not have to blush.

1017. Behold the men that have a delicate sense of shame: they will renounce their lives to save themselves from a disgrace, but will not swallow their shame even in order to save their lives.

1018. If a man blush not for those things that call forth a blush in others, Righteousness will have cause to blush for him.

1019. By neglecting ceremonial observances a man loseth only his family : but every good is lost when he is lost to shame.

1020. The men that are dead to shame live not: they merely feign life even as wooden marionettes that are moved by strings.

210