Old Tamil Poetry

Thirukkural – 555

அல்லற்பட்டு, ஆற்றாது, அழுத கண்ணீர் அன்றே-
செல்வத்தைத் தேய்க்கும் படை.

Tears shed in unbearable distress,
are forces that erode ruler’s riches.

Under the chapter of The Cruel Sceptre (கொடுங்கோன்மை), Thiruvalluvar cautions rulers who cause unbearable agony to their citizens. The tears shed by citizens are stronger than enemies forces and will erode away the prosperity of the ruler.