Page:The Kural or The Maxims Of Tiruvalluvar.pdf/236



851. The spirit of defiance is the peccant humour which developpeth in all men the distemper called hate.

852. Even when thy neighbour injureth thee with the deliberate purpose of picking a quarrel, even then it is best not to harbour vengeance or return the injury.

853. The habit of defying others is verily a grievous malady: if a man freeth himself from it, he will acquire everlasting fame.

854. The highest joys will be within thy reach if thou reject from thy heart that greatest of evils, the defiant spirit.

855. Who can desire the overthrow of the man who hath the talent to avoid hostilities? Rh