Thirukkural Chapter 96 - Nobility

Couplet 951 
Save in the scions of a noble house, you never find
Instinctive sense of right and virtuous shame combined
Explanation
Consistency (of thought, word and deed) and fear (of sin) are conjointly natural only to the high-born

Couplet 952 
In these three things the men of noble birth fail not:
In virtuous deed and truthful word, and chastened thought
Explanation
The high-born will never deviate from these three; good manners, truthfulness and modesty

Couplet 953 
The smile, the gift, the pleasant word, unfailing courtesy
These are the signs, they say, of true nobility
Explanation
A cheerful countenance, liberality, pleasant words, and an unreviling disposition, these four are said to be the proper qualities of the truly high-born

Couplet 954 
Millions on millions piled would never win
The men of noble race to soul-degrading sin
Explanation
Though blessed with immense wealth, the noble will never do anything unbecoming

Couplet 955 
Though stores for charity should fail within, the ancient race
Will never lose its old ancestral grace
Explanation
Though their means fall off, those born in ancient families, will not lose their character (for liberality)

Couplet 956 
Whose minds are set to live as fits their sire's unspotted fame,
Stooping to low deceit, commit no deeds that gender shame
Explanation
Those who seek to preserve the irreproachable honour of their families will not viciously do what is detrimental thereto

Couplet 957 
The faults of men of noble race are seen by every eye,
As spots on her bright orb that walks sublime the evening sky
Explanation
As spots on her bright orb that walks sublime the evening sky

Couplet 958 
If lack of love appear in those who bear some goodly name,
'Twill make men doubt the ancestry they claim
Explanation
If one of a good family betrays want of affection, his descent from it will be called in question

Couplet 959 
Of soil the plants that spring thereout will show the worth:
The words they speak declare the men of noble birth
Explanation
As the sprout indicates the nature of the soil, (so) the speech of the noble indicates (that of one's birth)

Couplet 960 
Who seek for good the grace of virtuous shame must know;
Who seek for noble name to all must reverence show
Explanation
He who desires a good name must desire modesty; and he who desires (the continuance of) a family greatness must be submissive to all