Thirukkural 581 in English

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

Tamil original

ஒற்றும் உரைசான்ற நூலும் இவையிரண்டும்
தெற்றென்க மன்னவன் கண்.

Transliteration

Otrum Uraisaandra Noolum Ivaiyirantum
Thetrenka Mannavan Kan

English Translation

“A king should treat these two as eyes The code of laws and careful spies”

Plain-English meaning

Let a king consider as his eyes these two things, a spy and a book (of laws) universally esteemed

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

A king should treat these two as eyes The code of laws and careful spies

G.U. Pope Translation

These two: the code renowned and spies,In these let king confide as eyes

Plain-English Meaning

Let a king consider as his eyes these two things, a spy and a book (of laws) universally esteemed

ஒற்று, புகழும் தெளிவும் உள்ள நீதிநூல் இவ்விரண்டும் ஆட்சியாளரின் இரு கண் என்று அறிக.

Chapter 59

ஒற்றாடல்

A king should treat these two as eyes The code of laws and careful spies

All that happens, always, to all The king should know in full detail

Conquests are not for the monarch Who cares not for the Spy's remark

His officers, kinsmen and foes Who watch keenly are worthy spies

Fearless gaze, suspectless guise Guarding secrets mark the spies

Guised as monks they gather secrets They betray them not under threats

A spy draws out other's secrets Beyond a doubt he clears his facts

The reports given by one spy By another spy verify

Engage the spies alone, apart When three agree confirm report

Give not the spy open reward It would divulge the secret heard!