Thirukkural Chapter 106 - Mendicancy

Couplet 1051 
When those you find from whom 'tis meet to ask,- for aid apply;
Theirs is the sin, not yours, if they the gift deny
Explanation
If you meet with those that may be begged of, you may beg; (but) if they withhold (their gift) it is their blame and not yours

Couplet 1052 
Even to ask an alms may pleasure give,
If what you ask without annoyance you receive
Explanation
Even begging may be pleasant, if what is begged for is obtained without grief (to him that begs)

Couplet 1053 
The men who nought deny, but know what's due, before their face
To stand as suppliants affords especial grace
Explanation
There is even a beauty in standing before and begging of those who are liberal in their gifts and understand their duty (to beggars)

Couplet 1054 
Like giving alms, may even asking pleasant seem,
From men who of denial never even dream
Explanation
To beg of such as never think of withholding (their charity) even in their dreams, is in fact the same as giving (it oneself);

Couplet 1055 
Because on earth the men exist, who never say them nay,
Men bear to stand before their eyes for help to pray
Explanation
As there are in the world those that give without refusing, there are (also) those that prefer to beg by simply standing before them

Couplet 1056 
It those you find from evil of 'denial' free,
At once all plague of poverty will flee
Explanation
All the evil of begging will be removed at the sight of those who are far from the evil of refusing

Couplet 1057 
If men are found who give and no harsh words of scorn employ,
The minds of askers, through and through, will thrill with joy
Explanation
Beggars rejoice exceedingly when they behold those who bestow (their alms) with kindness and courtesy

Couplet 1058 
If askers cease, the mighty earth, where cooling fountains flow,
Will be a stage where wooden puppets come and go
Explanation
If there were no beggars, (the actions done in) the cool wide world would only resemble the movement of a puppet

Couplet 1059 
What glory will there be to men of generous soul,
When none are found to love the askers' role
Explanation
What (praise) would there be to givers (of alms) if there were no beggars to ask for and reveive (them)

Couplet 1060 
Askers refused from wrath must stand aloof;
The plague of poverty itself is ample proof
Explanation
He who begs ought not to be angry (at a refusal); for even the misery of (his own) poverty should be a sufficient reason (for so doing)