Thirukkural 590 in English

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

Tamil original

சிறப்பறிய ஒற்றின்கண் செய்யற்க செய்யின்
புறப்படுத்தான் ஆகும் மறை.

Transliteration

Sirappariya Otrinkan Seyyarka Seyyin
Purappatuththaan Aakum Marai

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

Let not a king publicly confer on a spy any marks of his favour; if he does, he will divulge his own secret

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Reward not trusty spy in others' sight,Or all the mystery will come to light

Plain-English Meaning

Let not a king publicly confer on a spy any marks of his favour; if he does, he will divulge his own secret

மறைவாக நிகழ்வனவற்றைஅறிந்து சொல்லும் ஒற்றருக்குப் பரிசு தருக; மறைவாகவே தருக; ஊர் அறியத் தருவது மறைவையும் ஒற்றரையும் தானே வெளிப்படுத்தியது போல் ஆகும்.

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!