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Thiruvalluvar

Thirukkural of Thiruvalluvar, English Translation and Commentary by Rev.Dr.G.U.Pope, Rev.W.H.Drew, Rev.John Lazarus and Mr.F.W.Ellis


Wealth

6. Ministers of State

72 : The Knowledge of the Council Chamber

Poem : 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).


Poem : 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).


Poem : 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).


Poem : 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.


Poem : 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.


Poem : 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).


Poem : 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.


Poem : 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).


Poem : 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.


Poem : 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.


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