Chapter 55 – The Right Sceptre / Sengonmai
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 541
Search out, to no one favour show; with heart that justice loves
Consult, then act; this is the rule that right approves.
Explanation
To examine into (the crimes which may be committed), to show no favour (to any one), to desire to act with impartiality towards all, and to inflict (such punishments) as may be wisely resolved on.
Transliteration
Orndhukan Notaadhu Iraipurindhu Yaarmaattum
Therndhusey Vaqdhe Murai.
Couplet 542
All earth looks up to heav’n whence raindrops fall;
All subjects look to king that ruleth all.
Explanation
When there is rain, the living creation thrives; and so when the king rules justly, his subjects thrive.
Transliteration
Vaanokki Vaazhum Ulakellaam Mannavan
Kol Nokki Vaazhung Kuti.
Couplet 543
Learning and virtue of the sages spring,
From all-controlling sceptre of the king.
Explanation
The sceptre of the king is the firm support of the Vedas of the Brahmin, and of all virtues therein described.
Transliteration
Andhanar Noorkum Araththirkum Aadhiyaai
Nindradhu Mannavan Kol.
Couplet 544
Whose heart embraces subjects all, lord over mighty land
Who rules, the world his feet embracing stands.
Explanation
The world will constantly embrace the feet of the great king who rules over his subjects with love.
Transliteration
Kutidhazheeik Kolochchum Maanila Mannan
Atidhazheei Nirkum Ulaku.
Couplet 545
Where king, who righteous laws regards, the sceptre wields,
There fall the showers, there rich abundance crowns the fields.
Explanation
Rain and plentiful crops will ever dwell together in the country of the king who sways his sceptre with justice.
Transliteration
Iyalpulik Kolochchum Mannavan Naatta
Peyalum Vilaiyulum Thokku.
Couplet 546
Not lance gives kings the victory,
But sceptre swayed with equity.
Explanation
It is not the javelin that gives victory, but the king’s sceptre, if it do no injustice.
Transliteration
Velandru Vendri Tharuvadhu Mannavan
Koladhooung Kotaa Thenin.
Couplet 547
The king all the whole realm of earth protects;
And justice guards the king who right respects.
Explanation
The king defends the whole world; and justice, when administered without defect, defends the king.
Transliteration
Iraikaakkum Vaiyakam Ellaam Avanai
Muraikaakkum Muttaach Cheyin.
Couplet 548
Hard of access, nought searching out, with partial hand
The king who rules, shall sink and perish from the land.
Explanation
The king who gives not facile audience (to those who approach him), and who does not examine and pass judgment (on their complaints), will perish in disgrace.
Transliteration
Enpadhaththaan Oraa Muraiseyyaa Mannavan
Thanpadhaththaan Thaane Ketum.
Couplet 549
Abroad to guard, at home to punish, brings
No just reproach; ’tis work assigned to kings.
Explanation
68 In guarding his subjects (against injury from others), and in preserving them himself; to punish crime.
Transliteration
Kutipurang Kaaththompik Kutram Katidhal
Vatuvandru Vendhan Thozhil.
Couplet 550
By punishment of death the cruel to restrain,
Is as when farmer frees from weeds the tender grain.
Explanation
For a king to punish criminals with death, is like pulling up the weeds in the green corn.
Transliteration
Kolaiyir Kotiyaarai Vendhoruththal Paingoozh
Kalaikat Tadhanotu Ner.
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