Thirukkural Chapter 77 - The Excellence of an Army

Couplet 761 
A conquering host, complete in all its limbs, that fears no wound,
Mid treasures of the king is chiefest found
Explanation
The army which is complete in (its) parts and conquers without fear of wounds is the chief wealth of the king

Couplet 762 
In adverse hour, to face undaunted might of conquering foe,
Is bravery that only veteran host can show
Explanation
Ancient army can alone have the valour which makes it stand by its king at the time of defeat, fearless of wounds and unmindful of its reduced strength

Couplet 763 
Though, like the sea, the angry mice send forth their battle cry;
What then? The dragon breathes upon them, and they die
Explanation
What if (a host of) hostile rats roar like the sea ? They will perish at the mere breath of the cobra

Couplet 764 
That is a host, by no defeats, by no desertions shamed,
For old hereditary courage famed
Explanation
That indeed is an army which has stood firm of old without suffering destruction or deserting (to the enemy)

Couplet 765 
That is a 'host' that joins its ranks, and mightily withstands,
Though death with sudden wrath should fall upon its bands
Explanation
That indeed is an army which is capable of offering a united resistance, even if Yama advances against it with fury

Couplet 766 
Valour with honour, sure advance in glory's path, with confidence;
To warlike host these four are sure defence
Explanation
Valour, honour, following in the excellent-footsteps (of its predecessors) and trust-worthiness; these four alone constitute the safeguard of an army

Couplet 767 
A valiant army bears the onslaught, onward goes,
Well taught with marshalled ranks to meet their coming foes
Explanation
That is an army which knowing the art of warding off an impending struggle, can bear against the dust-van (of a hostile force)

Couplet 768 
Though not in war offensive or defensive skilled;
An army gains applause when well equipped and drilled
Explanation
Though destitute of courage to fight and strength (to endure), an army may yet gain renown by the splendour of its appearance

Couplet 769 
Where weakness, clinging fear and poverty
Are not, the host will gain the victory
Explanation
An army can triumph (over its foes) if it is free from diminution; irremediable aversion and poverty

Couplet 770 
Though men abound, all ready for the war,
No army is where no fit leaders are
Explanation
Though an army may contain a large number of permanent soldiers, it cannot last if it has no generals