Chapter 57 / Absence of Terrorism
Veruvandhaseyyaamai Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 561
Who punishes, investigation made in due degree,
So as to stay advance of crime, a king is he.
Explanation
He is a king who having equitably examined (any injustice which has been brought to his notice), suitably punishes it, so that it may not be again committed.
Transliteration
Thakkaangu Naatith Thalaichchellaa Vannaththaal
Oththaangu Oruppadhu Vendhu.
Couplet 562
For length of days with still increasing joys on Heav’n who call,
Should raise the rod with brow severe, but let it gently fall.
Explanation
Let the king, who desires that his prosperity may long remain, commence his preliminary enquires with strictness, and then punish with mildness.
Transliteration
Katidhochchi Mella Erika Netidhaakkam
Neengaamai Ventu Pavar.
Couplet 563
Where subjects dread of cruel wrongs endure,
Ruin to unjust king is swift and sure.
Explanation
The cruel-sceptred king, who acts so as to put his subjects in fear, will certainly and quickly come to ruin.
Transliteration
Veruvandha Seydhozhukum Vengola Naayin
Oruvandham Ollaik Ketum.
Couplet 564
‘Ah! cruel is our king’, where subjects sadly say,
His age shall dwindle, swift his joy of life decay.
Explanation
The king who is spoken of as cruel will quickly perish; his life becoming shortened.
Transliteration
Iraikatiyan Endruraikkum Innaachchol Vendhan
Uraikatuki Ollaik Ketum.
Couplet 565
Whom subjects scarce may see, of harsh forbidding countenance;
His ample wealth shall waste, blasted by demon’s glance.
Explanation
The great wealth of him who is difficult of access and possesses a sternness of countenance, is like that which has been obtained by a devil.
Transliteration
Arunjevvi Innaa Mukaththaan Perunjelvam
Peeykan Tannadhu Utaiththu.
Couplet 566
The tyrant, harsh in speach and hard of eye,
His ample joy, swift fading, soon shall die.
Explanation
The abundant wealth of the king whose words are harsh and whose looks are void of kindness, will instantly perish instead of abiding long, with him.
Transliteration
Katunjollan Kannilan Aayin Netunjelvam
Neetindri Aange Ketum.
Couplet 567
Harsh words and punishments severe beyond the right,
Are file that wears away the monarch’s conquering might.
Explanation
Severe words and excessive punishments will be a file to waste away a king’s power for destroying (his enemies).
Transliteration
Katumozhiyum Kaiyikandha Thantamum Vendhan
Atumuran Theykkum Aram.
Couplet 568
Who leaves the work to those around, and thinks of it no more;
If he in wrathful mood reprove, his prosperous days are o’er.
Explanation
The prosperity of that king will waste away, who without reflecting (on his affairs himself), commits them to his ministers, and (when a failure occurs) gives way to anger, and rages against them.
Transliteration
Inaththaatri Ennaadha Vendhan Sinaththaatrich
Cheerir Sirukum Thiru.
Couplet 569
Who builds no fort whence he may foe defy,
In time of war shall fear and swiftly die.
Explanation
The king who has not provided himself with a place of defence, will in times of war be seized with fear and quickly perish.
Transliteration
Seruvandha Pozhdhir Siraiseyyaa Vendhan
Veruvandhu Veydhu Ketum.
Couplet 570
Tyrants with fools their counsels share:
Earth can no heavier burthen bear.
Explanation
The earth bears up no greater burden than ignorant men whom a cruel sceptre attaches to itself (as the ministers of its evil deeds).
Transliteration
Kallaarp Pinikkum Katungol Adhuvalladhu
Illai Nilakkup Porai.
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