Thirukkural 694 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
செவிச்சொல்லும் சேர்ந்த நகையும் அவித்தொழுகல்
ஆன்ற பெரியா ரகத்து.
Transliteration
Sevichchollum Serndha Nakaiyum Aviththozhukal
Aandra Periyaa Rakaththu
English Translation
“Whisper not; nor smile exchange Amidst august men's assemblage”
Plain-English meaning
While in the presence of the sovereign, ministers should neither whisper to nor smile at others
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Tamil pronunciation
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English Translation
Whisper not; nor smile exchange Amidst august men's assemblage
G.U. Pope Translation
All whispered words and interchange of smiles repress,In presence of the men who kingly power possess
Plain-English Meaning
While in the presence of the sovereign, ministers should neither whisper to nor smile at others
Tamil commentary
மேன்மை மிக்க பெரியவர் அருகே இருக்கும்போது, பிறருடன் காதருகே மெல்லப் பேசுவதையும் அடுத்தவர் முகம் பார்த்துக் கண்சிமிட்டிச் சிரிப்பதையும் செய்யாது நடந்துகொள்க.
Chapter 70
More from Conduct in the Presence of the King
மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல்
Move with hostile kings as with fire Not coming close nor going far
Kural 692Crave not for things which kings desire This brings thee their fruitful favour
Kural 693Guard thyself from petty excess Suspected least, there's no redress
Kural 694Whisper not; nor smile exchange Amidst august men's assemblage
Kural 695Hear not, ask not the king's secret Hear only when he lets it out
Kural 696Discern his mood and time and tell No dislikes but what king likes well
Kural 697Tell pleasing things; and never tell Even if pressed what is futile
Kural 698As young and kinsman do not slight; Look with awe king's light and might
Kural 699The clear-visioned do nothing base Deeming they have the monarch's grace
Kural 700Worthless acts based on friendship old Shall spell ruin and woe untold