Thirukkural 690 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இறுதி பயப்பினும் எஞ்சாது இறைவற்கு
உறுதி பயப்பதாம் தூது.
Transliteration
Irudhi Payappinum Enjaadhu Iraivarku
Urudhi Payappadhaam Thoodhu
Modern English
“A true messenger serves their ruler’s good without shrinking even when the duty is dangerous.”
Modern Interpretation
A true messenger serves their ruler’s good without shrinking even when the duty is dangerous. Someone reporting a serious safety problem may risk criticism but must still speak up.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A true messenger serves their ruler’s good without shrinking even when the duty is dangerous.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Braving death the bold envoy Assures his king's safety and joy
G.U. Pope Translation
Death to the faithful one his embassy may bring;To envoy gains assured advantage for his king
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
He is the ambassador who fearlessly seeks his sovereign's good though it should cost him his life (to deliver his message)
Tamil commentary
தம் அரசு சொல்லி அனுப்பிய செய்தியை அடுத்த அரசிடம் சொல்லும்போது தம் உயிருக்கே ஆபத்து நேர்ந்தாலும் அஞ்சாமல் தம் அரசிற்கு நன்மை தேடித்தருபவரே நல்ல தூதர்.
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