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Chapter 72 – The Knowledge of the Council Chamber

Avaiyaridhal Couplets / kuratpaakal

Couplet 711
Men pure in heart, who know of words the varied force,
Should to their audience known adapt their well-arranged discourse.

Explanation
Let the pure who know the arrangement of words speak with deliberation after ascertaining (the nature of) the court (then assembled).

Transliteration
Avaiyarinadhu Aaraaindhu Solluka Sollin
Thokaiyarindha Thooimai Yavar.

Couplet 712
Good men to whom the arts of eloquence are known,
Should seek occasion meet, and say what well they’ve made their own.

Explanation
Let the good who know the uses of words speak with a clear knowledge after ascertaining the time (suited to the court).

Transliteration
Itaidherindhu Nankunarndhu Solluka Sollin
Nataidherindha Nanmai Yavar.

Couplet 713
Unversed in councils, who essays to speak
Knows not the way of suasive words,- and all is weak.

Explanation
Those who undertake to speak without knowing the (nature of the) court are ignorant of the quality of words as well as devoid of the power (of learning).

Transliteration
Avaiyariyaar Sollalmer Kolpavar Sollin
Vakaiyariyaar Valladhooum Il.

Couplet 714
Before the bright ones shine as doth the light
Before the dull ones be as purest stucco white.

Explanation
Ministers should be lights in the assembly of the enlightned, but assume the pure whiteness of mortar (ignorance) in that of fools.

Transliteration
Oliyaarmun Olliya Raadhal Veliyaarmun
Vaansudhai Vannam Kolal.

Couplet 715
Midst all good things the best is modest grace,
That speaks not first before the elders’ face.

Explanation
The modesty by which one does not rush forward and speak in (an assembly of) superiors is the best among all (one’s) good qualities.

Transliteration
Nandrendra Vatrullum Nandre Mudhuvarul
Mundhu Kilavaach Cherivu.

Couplet 716
As in the way one tottering falls, is slip before
The men whose minds are filled with varied lore.

Explanation
(For a minister) to blunder in the presence of those who have acquired a vast store of learning and know (the value thereof) is like a good man stumbling (and falling away) from the path (of virtue).

Transliteration
Aatrin Nilaidhalarn Thatre Viyanpulam
Etrunarvaar Munnar Izhukku.

Couplet 717
The learning of the learned sage shines bright
To those whose faultless skill can value it aright.

Explanation
The learning of those who have read and understood (much) will shine in the assembly of those who faultlessly examine (the nature of) words.

Transliteration
Katrarindhaar Kalvi Vilangum Kasatarach
Choldheridhal Vallaar Akaththu.

Couplet 718
To speak where understanding hearers you obtain,
Is sprinkling water on the fields of growing grain.

Explanation
Lecturing to those who have the ability to understand (for themselves) is like watering a bed of plants that are growing (of themselves).

Transliteration
Unarva Thutaiyaarmun Sollal Valarvadhan
Paaththiyul Neersorin Thatru.

Couplet 719
In councils of the good, who speak good things with penetrating power,
In councils of the mean, let them say nought, e’en in oblivious hour.

Explanation
Those who are able to speak good things impressively in an assembly of the good should not even forgetfully speak them in that of the low.

Transliteration
Pullavaiyul Pochchaandhum Sollarka Nallavaiyul
Nankusalach Chollu Vaar.

Couplet 720
Ambrosia in the sewer spilt, is word
Spoken in presence of the alien herd.

Explanation
To utter (a good word) in the assembly of those who are of inferior rank is like dropping nectar on the ground.

Transliteration
Anganaththul Ukka Amizhdhatraal Thanganaththaar
Allaarmun Kotti Kolal.

 

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