Kural 694Chapter 70: Conduct in the Presence of the King

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

Modern English

“In the presence of a powerful leader, do not whisper to one person or share private laughter with another.”

Modern Interpretation

In the presence of a powerful leader, do not whisper to one person or share private laughter with another. During a formal meeting, speak openly and avoid side conversations that look disrespectful.

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Tamil pronunciation

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Modern Plain English

In the presence of a powerful leader, do not whisper to one person or share private laughter with another.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

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

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

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

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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