Chapter 70 – Conduct in the Presence of the King
Mannaraich Cherndhozhudhal Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 691
Who warm them at the fire draw not too near, nor keep too much aloof;
Thus let them act who dwell beneath of warlike kings the palace-roof.
Explanation
Thus let them act who dwell beneath of warlike kings the palace-roof.
Transliteration
Akalaadhu Anukaadhu Theekkaaivaar Polka
Ikalvendharch Cherndhozhuku Vaar.
Couplet 692
To those who prize not state that kings are wont to prize,
The king himself abundant wealth supplies.
Explanation
For ministers not to cover the things desired by their kings will through the kings themselves yield them everlasting wealth.
Transliteration
Mannar Vizhaipa Vizhaiyaamai Mannaraal
Manniya Aakkan Tharum.
Couplet 693
Who would walk warily, let him of greater faults beware;
To clear suspicions once aroused is an achievement rare.
Explanation
Ministers who would save themselves should avoid (the commission of) serious errors for if the king’s suspicion is once roused, no one can remove it.
Transliteration
Potrin Ariyavai Potral Katuththapin
Thetrudhal Yaarkkum Aridhu.
Couplet 694
All whispered words and interchange of smiles repress,
In presence of the men who kingly power possess.
Explanation
While in the presence of the sovereign, ministers should neither whisper to nor smile at others.
Transliteration
Sevichchollum Serndha Nakaiyum Aviththozhukal
Aandra Periyaa Rakaththu.
Couplet 695
Seek not, ask not, the secret of the king to hear;
But if he lets the matter forth, give ear.
Explanation
(When the king is engaged) in secret counsel (with others), ministers should neither over-hear anything whatever nor pry into it with inquisitive questions, but (wait to) listen when it is divulged (by.
Transliteration
Epporulum Oraar Thotaraarmar Rapporulai
Vittakkaal Ketka Marai.
Couplet 696
Knowing the signs, waiting for fitting time, with courteous care,
Things not displeasing, needful things, declare.
Explanation
Knowing the (king’s disposition and seeking the right time, (the minister) should in a pleasing manner suggest things such as are desirable and not disagreeable.
Transliteration
Kuripparindhu Kaalang Karudhi Veruppila
Ventupa Vetpach Cholal.
Couplet 697
Speak pleasant things, but never utter idle word;
Not though by monarch’s ears with pleasure heard.
Explanation
Ministers should (always) give agreeable advice but on no occasion recommend useless actions, though requested (to do so).
Transliteration
Vetpana Solli Vinaiyila Egngnaandrum
Ketpinum Sollaa Vital.
Couplet 698
Say not, ‘He’s young, my kinsman,’ despising thus your king;
But reverence the glory kingly state doth bring.
Explanation
Ministers should behave in accordance with the (Divine) light in the person of kings and not despise them saying, “He is our junior (in age) and connected with our family!”.
Transliteration
Ilaiyar Inamuraiyar Endrikazhaar Nindra
Oliyotu Ozhukap Patum.
Couplet 699
‘We’ve gained his grace, boots nought what graceless acts we do’,
So deem not sages who the changeless vision view.
Explanation
Those whose judgement is firm will not do what is disagreeable (to the sovereign) saying (within.
Transliteration
Kolappattem Endrennik Kollaadha Seyyaar
Thulakkatra Kaatchi Yavar.
Couplet 700
Who think ‘We’re ancient friends’ and do unseemly things;
To these familiarity sure ruin brings.
Explanation
The (foolish) claim with which a minister does unbecoming acts because of his (long) familiarity (with the king) will ensure his ruin.
Transliteration
Pazhaiyam Enakkarudhip Panpalla Seyyum
Kezhudhakaimai Ketu Tharum.
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