Kural 691Chapter 70: Conduct in the Presence of the King

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

Modern English

“Those who work close to an unpredictable ruler should keep a careful middle distance, like someone warming by a fire.”

Modern Interpretation

Those who work close to an unpredictable ruler should keep a careful middle distance, like someone warming by a fire. In a tense workplace, stay respectful without becoming so familiar that boundaries disappear.

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Tamil pronunciation

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Modern Plain English

Those who work close to an unpredictable ruler should keep a careful middle distance, like someone warming by a fire.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

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

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

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

Tamil commentary

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

Chapter 70

More from Conduct in the Presence of the King

மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல்

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Kural 691

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

Kural 692

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

Kural 693

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

Kural 694

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

Kural 695

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

Kural 696

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

Kural 697

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

Kural 698

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

Kural 699

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

Kural 700

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