Chapter 65 – Power of Speech / Solvanmai
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 641
A tongue that rightly speaks the right is greatest gain,
It stands alone midst goodly things that men obtain.
Explanation
The possession of that goodness which is called the goodness of speech is (even to others) better than any other goodness.
Transliteration
Naanalam Ennum Nalanutaimai Annalam
Yaanalaththu Ulladhooum Andru.
Couplet 642
Since gain and loss in life on speech depend,
From careless slip in speech thyself defend.
Explanation
Since (both) wealth and evil result from (their) speech, ministers should most carefully guard themselves against faultiness therein.
Transliteration
Aakkamung Ketum Adhanaal Varudhalaal
Kaaththompal Sollinkat Sorvu.
Couplet 643
‘Tis speech that spell-bound holds the listening ear,
While those who have not heard desire to hear.
Explanation
The (minister’s) speech is that which seeks (to express) elements as bind his friends (to himself) and is so delivered as to make even his enemies desire (his friendship).
Transliteration
Kettaarp Pinikkum Thakaiyavaaik Kelaarum
Vetpa Mozhivadhaam Sol.
Couplet 644
Speak words adapted well to various hearers’ state;
No higher virtue lives, no gain more surely great.
Explanation
Understand the qualities (of your hearers) and (then) make your speech; for superior to it, there is neither virtue nor wealth.
Transliteration
Thiranarindhu Solluka Sollai Aranum
Porulum Adhaninooungu Il.
Couplet 645
Speak out your speech, when once ’tis past dispute
That none can utter speech that shall your speech refute.
Explanation
Deliver your speech, after assuring yourself that no counter speech can defeat your own.
Transliteration
Solluka Sollaip Piridhorsol Achchollai
Vellunjol Inmai Arindhu.
Couplet 646
Charming each hearer’s ear, of others’ words to seize the sense,
Is method wise of men of spotless excellence.
Explanation
It is the opinion of those who are free from defects in diplomacy that the minister should speak so as to make his hearers desire (to hear more) and grasp the meaning of what he hears himself.
Transliteration
Vetpaththaanj Chollip Pirarsol Payankotal
Maatchiyin Maasatraar Kol.
Couplet 647
Mighty in word, of unforgetful mind, of fearless speech,
‘Tis hard for hostile power such man to overreach.
Explanation
It is impossible for any one to conquer him by intrique who possesses power of speech, and is neither faulty nor timid.
Transliteration
Solalvallan Sorvilan Anjaan Avanai
Ikalvellal Yaarkkum Aridhu.
Couplet 648
Swiftly the listening world will gather round,
When men of mighty speech the weighty theme propound.
Explanation
If there be those who can speak on various subjects in their proper order and in a pleasing manner, the world would readily accept them.
Transliteration
Viraindhu Thozhilketkum Gnaalam Nirandhinidhu
Solludhal Vallaarp Perin.
Couplet 649
Who have not skill ten faultless words to utter plain,
Their tongues will itch with thousand words man’s ears to pain.
Explanation
They will desire to utter many words, who do not know how to speak a few faultless ones.
Transliteration
Palasollak Kaamuruvar Mandramaa Satra
Silasollal Thetraa Thavar.
Couplet 650
Like scentless flower in blooming garland bound
Are men who can’t their lore acquired to other’s ears expound.
Explanation
Those who are unable to set forth their acquirements (before others) are like flowers blossoming in a cluster and yet without fragrance.
Transliteration
Inaruzhththum Naaraa Malaranaiyar Katradhu
Unara Viriththuraiyaa Thaar.
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