Chapter 51 Selection and Confidence / Therindhudhelidhal
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 501
How treats he virtue, wealth and pleasure? How, when life’s at stake,
Comports himself? This four-fold test of man will full assurance make.
Explanation
Let (a minister) be chosen, after he has been tried by means of these four things, viz,-his virtue, (love of) money, (love of) sexual pleasure, and tear of (losing) life.
Transliteration
Aramporul Inpam Uyirachcham Naankin
Thirandherindhu Therap Patum.
Couplet 502
Of noble race, of faultless worth, of generous pride
That shrinks from shame or stain; in him may king confide.
Explanation
(The king’s) choice should (fall) on him, who is of good family, who is free from faults, and who has the modesty which fears the wounds (of sin).
Transliteration
Kutippirandhu Kutraththin Neengi Vatuppariyum
Naanutaiyaan Sutte Thelivu.
Couplet 503
Though deeply learned, unflecked by fault, ’tis rare to see,
When closely scanned, a man from all unwisdom free.
Explanation
When even men, who have studied the most difficult works, and who are free from faults, are (carefully) examined, it is a rare thing to find them without ignorance.
Transliteration
Ariyakatru Aasatraar Kannum Theriyungaal
Inmai Aridhe Veliru.
Couplet 504
Weigh well the good of each, his failings closely scan,
As these or those prevail, so estimate the man.
Explanation
Let (a king) consider (a man’s) good qualities, as well as his faults, and then judge (of his character) by that which prevails.
Transliteration
Kunamnaatik Kutramum Naati Avatrul
Mikainaati Mikka Kolal.
Couplet 505
Of greatness and of meanness too,
The deeds of each are touchstone true.
Explanation
A man’s deeds are the touchstone of his greatness and littleness.
Transliteration
Perumaikkum Enaich Chirumaikkum Thaththam
Karumame Kattalaik Kal.
Couplet 506
Beware of trusting men who have no kith of kin;
No bonds restrain such men, no shame deters from sin.
Explanation
Let (a king) avoid choosing men who have no relations; such men have no attachment, and thereforehave no fear of crime.
Transliteration
Atraaraith Therudhal Ompuka Matravar
Patrilar Naanaar Pazhi.
Couplet 507
By fond affection led who trusts in men of unwise soul,
Yields all his being up to folly’s blind control.
Explanation
Yields all his being up to folly’s blind control.
Transliteration
Kaadhanmai Kandhaa Arivariyaarth Therudhal
Pedhaimai Ellaan Tharum.
Couplet 508
Who trusts an untried stranger, brings disgrace,
Remediless, on all his race.
Explanation
Sorrow that will not leave even his posterity will come upon him chooses a stranger whose character he has not known.
Transliteration
Theraan Piranaith Thelindhaan Vazhimurai
Theeraa Itumpai Tharum.
Couplet 509
Trust no man whom you have not fully tried,
When tested, in his prudence proved confide.
Explanation
Let (a king) choose no one without previous consideration; after he has made his choice, let him unhesitatingly select for each such duties as are appropriate.
Transliteration
Therarka Yaaraiyum Theraadhu Therndhapin
Theruka Therum Porul.
Couplet 510
Trust where you have not tried, doubt of a friend to feel,
Once trusted, wounds inflict that nought can heal.
Explanation
To make choice of one who has not been examined, and to entertain doubts respecting one who has been chosen, will produce irremediable sorrow.
Transliteration
Theraan Thelivum Thelindhaankan Aiyuravum
Theeraa Itumpai Tharum.
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