Chapter 69 – The Envoy / Thoodhu
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 681
Benevolence high birth, the courtesy kings love: –
These qualities the envoy of a king approves.
Explanation
The qualification of an ambassador are affection (for his relations) a fitting birth, and the possession of attributes pleasing to royalty.
Transliteration
Anputaimai Aandra Kutippiraththal Vendhavaam
Panputaimai Thoodhuraippaan Panpu.
Couplet 682
Love, knowledge, power of chosen words, three things,
Should he possess who speaks the words of kings.
Explanation
Love (to his sovereign), knowledge (of his affairs), and a discriminating power of speech (before other sovereigns) are the three sine qua non qualifications of an ambassador.
Transliteration
Anparivu Aaraaindha Solvanmai Thoodhuraippaarkku
Indri Yamaiyaadha Moondru.
Couplet 683
Mighty in lore amongst the learned must he be,
Midst jav’lin-bearing kings who speaks the words of victory.
Explanation
To be powerful in politics among those who are learned (in ethics) is the character of him who speaks.
Transliteration
Noolaarul Noolvallan Aakudhal Velaarul
Vendri Vinaiyuraippaan Panpu.
Couplet 684
Sense, goodly grace, and knowledge exquisite
Who hath these three for envoy’s task is fit.
Explanation
He may go on a mission (to foreign rulers) who has combined in him all these three viz, (natural) sense, an attractive bearing and well-tried learning.
Transliteration
Arivuru Vaaraaindha Kalviim Moondran
Serivutaiyaan Selka Vinaikku.
Couplet 685
In terms concise, avoiding wrathful speech, who utters pleasant word,
An envoy he who gains advantage for his lord.
Explanation
He is an ambassador who (in the presence of foreign rulers) speaks briefly, avoids harshness, talks so as to make them smile, and thus brings good (to his own sovereign).
Transliteration
Thokach Chollith Thoovaadha Neekki Nakachcholli
Nandri Payappadhaan Thoodhu.
Couplet 686
An envoy meet is he, well-learned, of fearless eye
Who speaks right home, prepared for each emergency.
Explanation
He is an ambassador who having studied (politics) talks impressively, is not afraid of angry looks, and knows (to employ) the art suited to the time.
Transliteration
Katrukkan Anjaan Selachchollik Kaalaththaal
Thakkadhu Arivadhaam Thoodhu.
Couplet 687
He is the best who knows what’s due, the time considered well,
The place selects, then ponders long ere he his errand tell.
Explanation
He is chief (among ambassadors) who understands the proper decorum (before foreign princes), seeks the (proper) occasion, knows the (most suitable) place, and delivers his message after (due).
Transliteration
Katanarindhu Kaalang Karudhi Itanarindhu
Enni Uraippaan Thalai.
Couplet 688
Integrity, resources, soul determined, truthfulness
Who rightly speaks his message must these marks possess.
Explanation
The qualifications of him who faithfully delivers his (sovereign’s) message are purity, the support (of foreign ministers), and boldness, with truthfulness in addition to the (aforesaid) three.
Transliteration
Thooimai Thunaimai Thunivutaimai Immoondrin
Vaaimai Vazhiyuraippaan Panpu.
Couplet 689
His faltering lips must utter no unworthy thing,
Who stands, with steady eye, to speak the mandates of his king.
Explanation
He alone is fit to communicate (his sovereign’s) reply, who possesses the firmness not to utter even inadvertently what may reflect discredit (on the latter).
Transliteration
Vitumaatram Vendharkku Uraippaan Vatumaatram
Vaaiseraa Vanka Navan.
Couplet 690
Death to the faithful one his embassy may bring;
To envoy gains assured advantage for his king.
Explanation
He is the ambassador who fearlessly seeks his sovereign’s good though it should cost him his life (to deliver his message).
Transliteration
Irudhi Payappinum Enjaadhu Iraivarku
Urudhi Payappadhaam Thoodhu.
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