Kural 821
The friendship of those who feign affection is an anvil
on which they hammer you when the opportunity arises.
Kural 822
For those who act like friends, but are not,
friendship fluctuates like a fickle woman.
Kural 823
Though their learning may be abundantly good,
ignoble men rarely learn goodness of heart.
Kural 824
Fear the cunning friend who, harboring
wickedness in his heart, smiles sweetly to your face.
Kural 825
Distrust whatever words may come from men
whose hearts do not beat in harmony with your own.
Kural 826
Sounding very much like a good friend’s words,
a rival’s words are nonetheless known very quickly.
Kural 827
Knowing how the bending of a bow forebodes nothing but harm,
never trust an enemy, though he bends low in his speech.
Kural 828
Folded in respect, a foe’s hands may hide a dagger.
So, too, his tears dare not be trusted.
Kural 829
Men may amply aid you, yet despise you in their heart;
make them laugh, but let feigned friendship die.
Kural 830
When the time comes that foes pose as friends,
keep a friendly face but banish their brotherhood from your heart.
