Thirukkural 583 in English

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

Tamil original

ஒற்றினான் ஒற்றிப் பொருள்தெரியா மன்னவன்
கொற்றங் கொளக்கிடந்தது இல்.

Transliteration

Otrinaan Otrip Poruldheriyaa Mannavan
Kotrang Kolakkitandhadhu Il

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

There is no way for a king to obtain conquests, who knows not the advantage of discoveries made by a spy

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

By spies who spies, not weighing things they bring,Nothing can victory give to that unwary king

Plain-English Meaning

There is no way for a king to obtain conquests, who knows not the advantage of discoveries made by a spy

எல்லார் இடத்தும் நிகழ்வனவற்றை ஒற்றரைக் கொண்டு அறிந்து, நடப்பை தெரிந்து கொள்ளாத ஆட்சி, நிலைத்து வெற்றி பெற வேறொரு வழியே இல்லை.

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!