Thirukkural 514 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

எனைவகையான் தேறியக் கண்ணும் வினைவகையான்
வேறாகும் மாந்தர் பலர்.

Transliteration

Enaivakaiyaan Theriyak Kannum Vinaivakaiyaan
Veraakum Maandhar Palar

English Translation

“Though tried and found fit, yet we see Many differ before duty”

Plain-English meaning

Even when (a king) has tried them in every possible way, there are many men who change, from the nature of the works (in which they may be employed)

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Though tried and found fit, yet we see Many differ before duty

G.U. Pope Translation

Even when tests of every kind are multiplied,Full many a man proves otherwise, by action tried

Plain-English Meaning

Even when (a king) has tried them in every possible way, there are many men who change, from the nature of the works (in which they may be employed)

எல்லா வகையிலும் ஆராய்ந்து உரிய பதவி வழங்கிய பின்னும், செயல் திறத்தால், எதிர்பார்த்த அளவு இல்லாத மாந்தர் பலராவர்.

Chapter 52

தெரிந்து வினையாடல்

Employ the wise who will discern The good and bad and do good turn

Let him act who resource swells; Fosters wealth and prevents ills

Trust him in whom these four you see: Love, wit, non-craving, clarity

Though tried and found fit, yet we see Many differ before duty

Wise able men with power invest Not by fondness but by hard test

Discern the agent and the deed And just in proper time proceed

This work, by this, this man can do Like this entrust the duty due

His fitness for the duty scan Leave him to do the best he can

Who do duty for duty's sake Doubt them; and fortune departs quick

Worker straight the world is straight The king must look to this aright