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

English Translation

“Braving death the bold envoy Assures his king's safety and joy”

Plain-English meaning

He is the ambassador who fearlessly seeks his sovereign's good though it should cost him his life (to deliver his message)

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

He is the ambassador who fearlessly seeks his sovereign's good though it should cost him his life (to deliver his message)

தம் அரசு சொல்லி அனுப்பிய செய்தியை அடுத்த அரசிடம் சொல்லும்போது தம் உயிருக்கே ஆபத்து நேர்ந்தாலும் அஞ்சாமல் தம் அரசிற்கு நன்மை தேடித்தருபவரே நல்ல தூதர்.

Chapter 69

தூது

Love, noble birth, good courtesy Pleasing kings mark true embassy

Envoys must bear love for their prince Knowledge and learned eloquence

Savant among savants, he pleads Before lanced king, triumphant words

Who has these three: good form, sense, lore Can act as bold ambassador

Not harsh, the envoy's winsome ways Does good by pleasant words concise

Learned; fearless, the envoy tends Convincing words which time demands

Knowing duty time and place The envoy employs mature phrase

The true envoy of three virtues Is pure helpful and bold in views

The envoy who ports the king's message Has flawless words and heart's courage

Braving death the bold envoy Assures his king's safety and joy