The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 49
CHAPTER 49
JUDGING THE OPPORTUNE MOMENT
481. The crow triumpheth over the owl when it is day : so opportunity is a great thing to the prince who would vanquish his enemy.
482. To follow closely on the pace of Time : that is the cord that will bind Fortune to thee firmly.
483. Where is the thing called impossible if thou start on thy enterprise with a knowledge of the right season and employ the proper means?
484. Thou canst conquer even the whole world if thou choose the proper time and the proper objectives.
485. Those that are intent on conquests will be quietly watching their opportunity : they will know neither confusion nor hurry.
486. The ram steppeth back before it delivereth the crushing blow: even such is the inaction of the man of energy.
487. The wise show not their anger on the spot : they will nurse it within their hearts and wait for their opportunity.
488. Bend down before thy adversaries till the day of their decline : when that day is come thou mayest easily throw them down headlong.
489. When thou hast got an unusual chance, hesitate not but straightway attempt even the impossible.
490. When the time is against thee feign inaction like the stork : but when the tide is on, strike with the swiftness of its souse.
