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Thiruvalluvar

Thirukkural of Thiruvalluvar, English Translation and Commentary by Rev.Dr.G.U.Pope, Rev.W.H.Drew, Rev.John Lazarus and Mr.F.W.Ellis


Wealth

7. The Essentials of a State

75 : The Fortification

Poem : 741

A fort is wealth to those who act against their foes;
Is wealth to them who, fearing, guard themselves from woes.

Explanation :
A fort is an object of importance to those who march (against their foes) as well as to those who through fear (of pursuers) would seek it for shelter.


Poem : 742

A fort is that which owns fount of waters crystal clear,
An open space, a hill, and shade of beauteous forest near.

Explanation :
A fort is that which has everlasting water, plains, mountains and cool shady forests.


Poem : 743

Height, breadth, strength, difficult access:
Science declares a fort must these possess.

Explanation :
The learned say that a fortress is an enclosure having these four (qualities) viz., height, breadth, strength and inaccessibility.


Poem : 744

A fort must need but slight defence, yet ample be,
Defying all the foeman's energy.

Explanation :
A fort is that which has an extensive space within, but only small places to be guarded, and such as can destroy the courage of besieging foes.


Poem : 745

Impregnable, containing ample stores of food,
A fort for those within, must be a warlike station good.

Explanation :
A fort is that which cannot be captured, which abounds in suitable provisions, and affords a position of easy defence to its inmates.


Poem : 746

A fort, with all munitions amply stored,
In time of need should good reserves afford.

Explanation :
A fort is that which has all (needful) things, and excellent heroes that can help it against destruction (by foes).


Poem : 747

A fort should be impregnable to foes who gird it round,
Or aim there darts from far, or mine beneath the ground.

Explanation :
A fort is that which cannot be captured by blockading, assaulting, or undermining it.


Poem : 748

Howe'er the circling foe may strive access to win,
A fort should give the victory to those who guard within.

Explanation :
That is a fort whose inmates are able to overcome without losing their ground, even abler men who have besieged it.


Poem : 749

At outset of the strife a fort should foes dismay;
And greatness gain by deeds in every glorious day.

Explanation :
A fort is that which derives excellence from the stratagems made (by its inmates) to defeat their enemies in the battlefield.


Poem : 750

Howe'er majestic castled walls may rise,
To craven souls no fortress strength supplies.

Explanation :
Although a fort may possess all (the above-said) excellence, it is, as it were without these, if its inmates possess not the excellence of action.


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