Thirukkural 585 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கடாஅ உருவொடு கண்ணஞ்சாது யாண்டும்
உகாஅமை வல்லதே ஒற்று.
Transliteration
Kataaa Uruvotu Kannanjaadhu Yaantum
Ukaaamai Valladhe Otru
Modern English
“A skilled spy can move without arousing suspicion, remain calm under scrutiny, and keep the mission private.”
Modern Interpretation
A skilled spy can move without arousing suspicion, remain calm under scrutiny, and keep the mission private. In ordinary life, a journalist investigating corruption must protect sources and not reveal the work before it is verified.
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Modern Plain English
A skilled spy can move without arousing suspicion, remain calm under scrutiny, and keep the mission private.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Fearless gaze, suspectless guise Guarding secrets mark the spies
G.U. Pope Translation
Of unsuspected mien and all-unfearing eyes,Who let no secret out, are trusty spies
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
A spy is one who is able to assume an appearance which may create no suspicion (in the minds of others), who fears no man's face, and who never reveals (his purpose)
Tamil commentary
பிறர் சந்தேகப்படாத வேடத்தோடு சென்று, சந்தேகப்பட்டுச் சினந்தால் அஞ்சாது நின்று, சாமதானபேத தண்டம் என எந்த உபாயம் செய்தாலும் ரகசியத்தைச் சொல்லாத வல்லமை பெற்றவரே ஒற்றர்.
Chapter 59
More from Detectives
ஒற்றாடல்
A king should treat these two as eyes The code of laws and careful spies
Kural 582All that happens, always, to all The king should know in full detail
Kural 583Conquests are not for the monarch Who cares not for the Spy's remark
Kural 584His officers, kinsmen and foes Who watch keenly are worthy spies
Kural 585Fearless gaze, suspectless guise Guarding secrets mark the spies
Kural 586Guised as monks they gather secrets They betray them not under threats
Kural 587A spy draws out other's secrets Beyond a doubt he clears his facts
Kural 588The reports given by one spy By another spy verify
Kural 589Engage the spies alone, apart When three agree confirm report
Kural 590Give not the spy open reward It would divulge the secret heard!