Kural 693Chapter 70: Conduct in the Presence of the King

Thirukkural 693 in English

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

Tamil original

போற்றின் அரியவை போற்றல் கடுத்தபின்
தேற்றுதல் யார்க்கும் அரிது.

Transliteration

Potrin Ariyavai Potral Katuththapin
Thetrudhal Yaarkkum Aridhu

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

Ministers who would save themselves should avoid (the commission of) serious errors for if the king's suspicion is once roused, no one can remove it

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Who would walk warily, let him of greater faults beware;To clear suspicions once aroused is an achievement rare

Plain-English Meaning

Ministers who would save themselves should avoid (the commission of) serious errors for if the king's suspicion is once roused, no one can remove it

Tamil commentary

ஆட்சியாளருடன் பழகுவோர் தம்மைக் காக்கக் கருதினால் மோசமான பிழைகள் தம் பங்கில் நேர்ந்து விடாமல் காக்க; பிழைகள் நேர்ந்துவிட்டதாக ஆட்சியாளர் சந்தேகப் பட்டுவிட்டால் அவரைத் தெளிவிப்பது எவர்க்கும் கடினம்.

Chapter 70

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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