Thirukkural 686 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கற்றுக்கண் அஞ்சான் செலச்சொல்லிக் காலத்தால்
தக்கது அறிவதாம் தூது.
Transliteration
Katrukkan Anjaan Selachchollik Kaalaththaal
Thakkadhu Arivadhaam Thoodhu
Modern English
“A skilled ambassador studies the subject, remains calm under hostile looks, speaks persuasively, and adapts to the moment.”
Modern Interpretation
A skilled ambassador studies the subject, remains calm under hostile looks, speaks persuasively, and adapts to the moment. In a tense meeting, a prepared representative stays respectful and chooses the right time to make the request.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A skilled ambassador studies the subject, remains calm under hostile looks, speaks persuasively, and adapts to the moment.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Learned; fearless, the envoy tends Convincing words which time demands
G.U. Pope Translation
An envoy meet is he, well-learned, of fearless eyeWho speaks right home, prepared for each emergency
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
He is an ambassador who having studied (politics) talks impressively, is not afraid of angry looks, and knows (to employ) the art suited to the time
Tamil commentary
அனைத்து நூல்களையும் கற்றதோடு மட்டும் அல்லாமல், பகை அரசு மனங்கொள்ளுமாறு அவற்றைச் சொல்லவும், ஏற்காதவர் சினந்தால் அவர் பார்வைக்கு அஞ்சாமல், ஏற்பச் செய்யத் தக்க தந்திரவழியை அறிவதும் தூதரின் பண்பாகும்.
Chapter 69
More from The Envoy
தூது
Love, noble birth, good courtesy Pleasing kings mark true embassy
Kural 682Envoys must bear love for their prince Knowledge and learned eloquence
Kural 683Savant among savants, he pleads Before lanced king, triumphant words
Kural 684Who has these three: good form, sense, lore Can act as bold ambassador
Kural 685Not harsh, the envoy's winsome ways Does good by pleasant words concise
Kural 686Learned; fearless, the envoy tends Convincing words which time demands
Kural 687Knowing duty time and place The envoy employs mature phrase
Kural 688The true envoy of three virtues Is pure helpful and bold in views
Kural 689The envoy who ports the king's message Has flawless words and heart's courage
Kural 690Braving death the bold envoy Assures his king's safety and joy