Thirukkural 564 in English

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

Tamil original

இறைகடியன் என்றுரைக்கும் இன்னாச்சொல் வேந்தன்
உறைகடுகி ஒல்லைக் கெடும்.

Transliteration

Iraikatiyan Endruraikkum Innaachchol Vendhan
Uraikatuki Ollaik Ketum

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The king who is spoken of as cruel will quickly perish; his life becoming shortened

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

'Ah! cruel is our king', where subjects sadly say,His age shall dwindle, swift his joy of life decay

Plain-English Meaning

The king who is spoken of as cruel will quickly perish; his life becoming shortened

நம்மை ஆளுவோர் மிகவும் கொடியவர் என்று குடிமக்களால் சொல்லப்படும் கொடுஞ் சொல்லைப் பெற்ற ஆட்சி அதன் ஆட்சிக் காலம் குறைந்து விரைவி்ல் அழியும்.

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