Thirukkural 691 in English

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

Tamil original

அகலாது அணுகாது தீக்காய்வார் போல்க
இகல்வேந்தர்ச் சேர்ந்தொழுகு வார்.

Transliteration

Akalaadhu Anukaadhu Theekkaaivaar Polka
Ikalvendharch Cherndhozhuku Vaar

English Translation

“Move with hostile kings as with fire Not coming close nor going far”

Plain-English meaning

Thus let them act who dwell beneath of warlike kings the palace-roof

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Move with hostile kings as with fire Not coming close nor going far

G.U. Pope Translation

Who warm them at the fire draw not too near, nor keep too much aloof;Thus let them act who dwell beneath of warlike kings the palace-roof

Plain-English Meaning

Thus let them act who dwell beneath of warlike kings the palace-roof

மனம் மாறுபடும் இயல்புடைய ஆட்சியாளரைச் சார்ந்து பழகுவோர், அவரிடம் கிட்ட நெருங்காமலும் விட்டு விலகாமலும் இடைநிலை நின்று பழகுக.

Chapter 70

மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல்

Move with hostile kings as with fire Not coming close nor going far

Crave not for things which kings desire This brings thee their fruitful favour

Guard thyself from petty excess Suspected least, there's no redress

Whisper not; nor smile exchange Amidst august men's assemblage

Hear not, ask not the king's secret Hear only when he lets it out

Discern his mood and time and tell No dislikes but what king likes well

Tell pleasing things; and never tell Even if pressed what is futile

As young and kinsman do not slight; Look with awe king's light and might

The clear-visioned do nothing base Deeming they have the monarch's grace

Worthless acts based on friendship old Shall spell ruin and woe untold