Thirukkural 692 in English

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

Tamil original

மன்னர் விழைப விழையாமை மன்னரால்
மன்னிய ஆக்கந் தரும்.

Transliteration

Mannar Vizhaipa Vizhaiyaamai Mannaraal
Manniya Aakkan Tharum

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

For ministers not to cover the things desired by their kings will through the kings themselves yield them everlasting wealth

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

To those who prize not state that kings are wont to prize,The king himself abundant wealth supplies

Plain-English Meaning

For ministers not to cover the things desired by their kings will through the kings themselves yield them everlasting wealth

ஆட்சியாளருடன் பழகுபவர் ஆட்சியாளர் எவற்றை விரும்புகிறாரோ அவற்றை விரும்பாமல் இருப்பது, அவருக்கு ஆட்சியாளரால் நிலைத்த செல்வத்தைக் கொடுக்கும்.

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