Tirukkural Chapter 77 - Couplets 1,2,3

திருக்குறள் -TIRUKKURAL அதிகாரம் 77 - படை மாட்சி CHAPTER 77 - IMPORTANCE OF AN ARMY *** 77/01. உறுப்பமைந்து ஊறஞ்சா வெல்படை வேந்தன் வெறுக்கையுள் எல்லாம் தலை. 77/01. Urruppamaindha oorranjcha velpadai vendhan Verrukkaiyull ellaam thalai. 77/01. Elephants, chariots, horses and fearless fighting soldiers in the army, all are the foremost among all the assets of a king. *** Akhilesh: A big fighting force must be there In a King's army including elephants, chariots and horses. Harshad: An army in those days Was built up of full force of chariots, Elephants, horses and soldiers, Who fought on the battle grounds. They were fighting face to face With long swords, sharp spears, Bows and arrows, with supports From elephants, horses and chariots. There were strict war rules And regulations in the fields Like, when to start the war And to end it at what hour? *** 77/02. உலைவிடத்து ஊறஞ்சா வன்கண் தொலைவிடத்துத் தொல்படைக்கு அல்லால் அரிது. 77/02. Ulaividhaththu oorranjchaa vankann tholaividhaththuth Tholpadaikku allaal aridhu. 77/02. When the strength of the army is reduced and the King is in danger, among all forces his security guards at the cost of their lives, will defend him. *** Akhilesh: A King will be surrounded by Special guards while fighting in the battleground. Harshad: In the battle field the King fights, As the head of the fighting forces, Surrounded by his own security guards, To defend him in case of emergencies. If the strength is reduced, If the King is facing any danger ahead He'll be saved by his security guards At the risk of their own lives. Countless battles were fought, Many soldiers died on the spot Or alive some were caught By the enemy forces in the past. *** 77/03. ஒலித்தக்கால் என்னாம் உவரி எலிப்பகை நாகம் உயிர்ப்பக் கெடும். 77/03. Olithakkaal ennaam uvari elippagai Naagam uyirppak kedum. 77/03. If a crowd of rats gather like an ocean and shout in what way a cobra is affected. If that cobra hisses all the rats will run away. *** Akilesh: One cobra can tackle hundreds of rats. Harshad: Like that, one strong army Can scare away a weak army, And far away they'll all run Not to face back the strong one. The poet has given A typical illustration, When a cobra hissed, many rats Escaped to save their lives. The fighting force of a King Is like a cobra's hissing, And when he's in the field All his enemies are scared. ***