Chapter 64 – The Office of Minister of state / Amaichchu
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 631
A minister is he who grasps, with wisdom large,
Means, time, work’s mode, and functions rare he must discharge.
Explanation
The minister is one who can make an excellent choice of means, time, manner of execution, and the difficult undertaking (itself).
Transliteration
Karuviyum Kaalamum Seykaiyum Seyyum
Aruvinaiyum Maantadhu Amaichchu.
Couplet 632
A minister must greatness own of guardian power, determined mind,
Learn’d wisdom, manly effort with the former five combined.
Explanation
The minister is one who in addition to the aforesaid five things excels in the possession of firmness,.
Transliteration
Vankan Kutikaaththal Katraridhal Aalvinaiyotu
Aindhutan Maantadhu Amaichchu.
Couplet 633
A minister is he whose power can foes divide,
Attach more firmly friends, of severed ones can heal the breaches wide.
Explanation
The minister is one who can effect discord (among foes), maintain the good-will of his friends and restore to friendship those who have seceded (from him).
Transliteration
Piriththalum Penik Kolalum Pirindhaarp
Poruththalum Valla Thamaichchu.
Couplet 634
A minister has power to see the methods help afford,
To ponder long, then utter calm conclusive word.
Explanation
The minister is one who is able to comprehend (the whole nature of an undertaking), execute it in the best manner possible, and offer assuring advice (in time of necessity).
Transliteration
Theridhalum Therndhu Seyalum Orudhalaiyaach
Chollalum Valladhu Amaichchu.
Couplet 635
The man who virtue knows, has use of wise and pleasant words
With plans for every season apt, in counsel aid affords.
Explanation
He is the best helper (of the king) who understanding the duties, of the latter, is by his special learning, able to tender the fullest advice, and at all times conversant with the best method (of.
Transliteration
Aranarindhu Aandramaindha Sollaanenj Gnaandrun
Thiranarindhaan Therchchith Thunai.
Couplet 636
When native subtilty combines with sound scholastic lore,
‘Tis subtilty surpassing all, which nothing stands before.
Explanation
What (contrivances) are there so acute as to resist those who possess natural acuteness in addition to learning ?.
Transliteration
Madhinutpam Noolotu Utaiyaarkku Adhinutpam
Yaavula Munnir Pavai.
Couplet 637
Though knowing all that books can teach, ’tis truest tact
To follow common sense of men in act.
Explanation
Though you are acquainted with the (theoretical) methods (of performing an act), understand the ways of the world and act accordingly.
Transliteration
Seyarkai Arindhak Kataiththum Ulakaththu
Iyarkai Arindhu Seyal.
Couplet 638
‘Tis duty of the man in place aloud to say
The very truth, though unwise king may cast his words away.
Explanation
Although the king be utterly ignorant, it is the duty of the minister to give (him) sound advice.
Transliteration
Arikondru Ariyaan Eninum Urudhi
Uzhaiyirundhaan Kooral Katan.
Couplet 639
A minister who by king’s side plots evil things
Worse woes than countless foemen brings.
Explanation
Far better are seventy crores of enemies (for a king) than a minister at his side who intends (his) ruin.
Transliteration
Pazhudhennum Mandhiriyin Pakkadhadhul Thevvor
Ezhupadhu Koti Urum.
Couplet 640
For gain of end desired just counsel nought avails
To minister, when tact in execution fails.
Explanation
Those ministers who are destitute of (executive) ability will fail to carry out their projects, although they may have contrived aright.
Transliteration
Muraippatach Choozhndhum Mutivilave Seyvar
Thirappaatu Ilaaa Thavar.
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