Thirukkural 588 in English

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

Tamil original

ஒற்றொற்றித் தந்த பொருளையும் மற்றுமோர்
ஒற்றினால் ஒற்றிக் கொளல்.

Transliteration

Otrotrith Thandha Porulaiyum Matrumor
Otrinaal Otrik Kolal

English Translation

“The reports given by one spy By another spy verify”

Plain-English meaning

Let not a king receive the information which a spy has discovered and made known to him, until he has examined it by another spy

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

The reports given by one spy By another spy verify

G.U. Pope Translation

Spying by spies, the things they tellTo test by other spies is well

Plain-English Meaning

Let not a king receive the information which a spy has discovered and made known to him, until he has examined it by another spy

ஓர் ஒற்றர் கொண்டு வந்த செய்தியை இன்னும் ஓர் ஒற்றர் தரும் செய்தியோடு சரி பார்த்துக் கொள்க.

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!