Tirukurral Classics:

குறள் 121:

அடக்கம் அமரருள் உய்க்கும் அடங்காமை
ஆரிருள் உய்த்து விடும்

உரை:

அடக்கம் ஒருவனை உயர்த்தித் தேவருள் சேர்க்கும்; அடக்கம் இல்லாதிருத்தல், பொல்லாத இருள் போன்ற தீய வாழ்க்கையில் செலுத்தி விடும்.

ENGLISH TRANSLATION ( KURRAL-121)

“Restraint will result in a place among the divine;   

lack of it will lead to utter darkness.”

BALRAM'S ERROR.

THE following incident will show that many of the' follies common among boys in these days; and it also shows one very effective way of impressing boys with the wickedness- of having fun which works injury or pain to others :

BalRam was the name of a thoughtless little boy whose parents were quite wealthy, and did a great deal for his comfort and pleasure. He was not naturally wicked but often did things that were very wrong.

One day as he and his companions were going home from school they saw a gentleman passing quietly along the street. He was dressed in ordinary working clothes, and they therefore took the

liberty of making him the object of their cruel sport.

"Let's have some fun," said one of the boys.

"Very well, what is it?" all exclaimed.

"Why see who can come nearest to hitting that man."

With this all picked up rocks and threw at the gentleman, the one BalRam threw happening to strike him on the leg. The gentleman limped for a short distance, but further than that seemed

to take no notice of the cruel act.

The boys were delighted with their deed, and laughed heartily as they took their different ways for home. BalRam's humor, however soon turned to soberness, for as he reached his father's gate he

was met by his sister who said her uncle had come to visit them, but while on his way through the street he had been hit with a stone thrown by some naughty boy. Immediately BalRam felt condemned and hesitated about going into the house until his father called him.

No sooner had he entered and met his uncle's gaze before the latter said, "This is the boy who hit me with a rock."

The parents could scarcely believe that BalRam had been so wicked, but when they knew the truth his father said, "Well, BalRam, your uncle brought a nice watch for you, but because of your folly and rudeness, it shall be given to your brother.

Let this lesson make you to remember that it is your duty to be genteel and kind to everyone."

BalRam's error gave him a good lesson.