Thirukkural 566 in English

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

Tamil original

கடுஞ்சொல்லன் கண்ணிலன் ஆயின் நெடுஞ்செல்வம்
நீடின்றி ஆங்கே கெடும்.

Transliteration

Katunjollan Kannilan Aayin Netunjelvam
Neetindri Aange Ketum

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The abundant wealth of the king whose words are harsh and whose looks are void of kindness, will instantly perish instead of abiding long, with him

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

The tyrant, harsh in speach and hard of eye,His ample joy, swift fading, soon shall die

Plain-English Meaning

The abundant wealth of the king whose words are harsh and whose looks are void of kindness, will instantly perish instead of abiding long, with him

சுடுசொல்லையும், முகதாட்சண்யம் இன்மையும் உடைய அரசின் பெருஞ்செல்வம், பெருகாமல் உடனே 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