Chapter 59 – Detectives / Otraatal
Couplet 581
These two: the code renowned and spies,
In these let king confide as eyes.
Explanation
Let a king consider as his eyes these two things, a spy and a book (of laws) universally esteemed.
Transliteration
Otrum Uraisaandra Noolum Ivaiyirantum
Thetrenka Mannavan Kan.
Couplet 582
Each day, of every subject every deed,
‘Tis duty of the king to learn with speed.
Explanation
‘Tis duty of the king to learn with speed.
Transliteration
Ellaarkkum Ellaam Nikazhpavai Egngnaandrum
Vallaridhal Vendhan Thozhil.
Couplet 583
By spies who spies, not weighing things they bring,
Nothing can victory give to that unwary king.
Explanation
There is no way for a king to obtain conquests, who knows not the advantage of discoveries made by a spy.
Transliteration
Otrinaan Otrip Poruldheriyaa Mannavan
Kotrang Kolakkitandhadhu Il.
Couplet 584
His officers, his friends, his enemies,
All these who watch are trusty spies.
Explanation
He is a spy who watches all men, to wit, those who are in the king’s employment, his relatives, and his enemies.
Transliteration
Vinaiseyvaar Thamsutram Ventaadhaar Endraangu
Anaivaraiyum Aaraaivadhu Otru.
Couplet 585
Of unsuspected mien and all-unfearing eyes,
Who let no secret out, are trusty spies.
Explanation
A spy is one who is able to assume an appearance which may create no suspicion (in the minds of others), who fears no man’s face, and who never reveals (his purpose).
Transliteration
Kataaa Uruvotu Kannanjaadhu Yaantum
Ukaaamai Valladhe Otru.
Couplet 586
As monk or devotee, through every hindrance making way,
A spy, whate’er men do, must watchful mind display.
Explanation
He is a spy who, assuming the appearance of an ascetic, goes into (whatever place he wishes), examines into (all, that is needful), and never discovers himself, whatever may be done to him.
Transliteration
Thurandhaar Pativaththa Raaki Irandhaaraaindhu
Enseyinum Sorviladhu Otru.
Couplet 587
A spy must search each hidden matter out,
And full report must render, free from doubt.
Explanation
A spy is one who is able to discover what is hidden and who retains no doubt concerning what he has known.
Transliteration
Maraindhavai Ketkavar Raaki Arindhavai
Aiyappaatu Illadhe Otru.
Couplet 588
Spying by spies, the things they tell
To test by other spies is well.
Explanation
Let not a king receive the information which a spy has discovered and made known to him, until he has examined it by another spy.
Transliteration
Otrotrith Thandha Porulaiyum Matrumor
Otrinaal Otrik Kolal.
Couplet 589
One spy must not another see: contrive it so;
And things by three confirmed as truth you know.
Explanation
Let a king employ spies so that one may have no knowledge of the other; and when the information of three agrees together, let him receive it.
Transliteration
Otrer Runaraamai Aalka Utanmoovar
Sotrokka Therap Patum.
Couplet 590
Reward not trusty spy in others’ sight,
Or all the mystery will come to light.
Explanation
Let not a king publicly confer on a spy any marks of his favour; if he does, he will divulge his own secret.
Transliteration
Sirappariya Otrinkan Seyyarka Seyyin
Purappatuththaan Aakum Marai.
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