96. Nobility

Chapter. 96. Nobility
Kural - 951
Save in the scions of a noble house, you never find
Instinctive sense of right and virtuous shame combined.
Meaning :Consistency (of thought, word and deed) and fear (of sin) are conjointly natural only to the high-born.
Kural - 952
In these three things the men of noble birth fail not:
In virtuous deed and truthful word, and chastened thought.
Meaning :The high-born will never deviate from these three; good manners, truthfulness and modesty.
Kural - 953
The smile, the gift, the pleasant word, unfailing courtesy
These are the signs, they say, of true nobility..
Meaning : A cheerful countenance, liberality, pleasant words, and an unreviling disposition, these four are said to be the proper qualities of the truly high-born.
Kural - 954
Millions on millions piled would never win
The men of noble race to soul-degrading sin
Meaning : Though blessed with immense wealth, the noble will never do anything unbecoming.
Kural - 955
Though stores for charity should fail within, the ancient race
Will never lose its old ancestral grace.
Meaning :Though their means fall off, those born in ancient families, will not lose their character (for liberality).
Kural - 956
Whose minds are set to live as fits their sire's unspotted fame,
Stooping to low deceit, commit no deeds that gender shame.
Meaning :Those who seek to preserve the irreproachable honour of their families will not viciously do what is detrimental thereto..
Kural - 957
The faults of men of noble race are seen by every eye,
As spots on her bright orb that walks sublime the evening sky.
Meaning :The defects of the noble will be observed as clearly as the dark spots in the moon.
Kural - 958
When high estate has lost its pride of honour meet,
Is life, that nurses this poor flesh, as nectar sweet?
Meaning : If one of a good family betrays want of affection, his descent from it will be called in question.
Kural - 959
Of soil the plants that spring thereout will show the worth:
The words they speak declare the men of noble birth.
Meaning :As the sprout indicates the nature of the soil, (so) the speech of the noble indicates (that of one's birth).
Kural - 960
Who seek for good the grace of virtuous shame must know;
Who seek for noble name to all must reverence show.
Meaning : He who desires a good name must desire modesty; and he who desires (the continuance of) a family greatness must be submissive to all.