Thirukkural 562 in English

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

Tamil original

கடிதோச்சி மெல்ல எறிக நெடிதாக்கம்
நீங்காமை வேண்டு பவர்.

Transliteration

Katidhochchi Mella Erika Netidhaakkam
Neengaamai Ventu Pavar

English Translation

“Wield fast the rod but gently lay This strict mildness prolongs the sway”

Plain-English meaning

Let the king, who desires that his prosperity may long remain, commence his preliminary enquires with strictness, and then punish with mildness

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Wield fast the rod but gently lay This strict mildness prolongs the sway

G.U. Pope Translation

For length of days with still increasing joys on Heav'n who call,Should raise the rod with brow severe, but let it gently fall

Plain-English Meaning

Let the king, who desires that his prosperity may long remain, commence his preliminary enquires with strictness, and then punish with mildness

நெடுங்காலம் ஆட்சி செய்ய விரும்புபவர் தண்டிக்கும்போது கடுமையாகத் தண்டிப்பவர்போல தொடங்கி வரம்பு கடவாமல் செய்க.

Chapter 57

வெருவந்த செய்யாமை

A king enquires and gives sentence Just to prevent future offence

Wield fast the rod but gently lay This strict mildness prolongs the sway

His cruel rod of dreadful deed Brings king's ruin quick indeed

As men the king a tyrant call His days dwindled, hasten his fall

Whose sight is scarce, whose face is foul His wealth seems watched by a ghoul

Whose word is harsh, whose sight is rude His wealth and power quickly fade

Reproofs rough and punishments rude Like files conquering power corrode

The king who would not take counsels Rages with wrath-his fortune fails

The king who builds not fort betimes Fears his foes in wars and dies

The crushing burden borne by earth Is tyrants bound to fools uncouth