Kural 698Chapter 70: Conduct in the Presence of the King

Thirukkural 698 in English

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

Tamil original

இளையர் இனமுறையர் என்றிகழார் நின்ற
ஒளியோடு ஒழுகப் படும்.

Transliteration

Ilaiyar Inamuraiyar Endrikazhaar Nindra
Oliyotu Ozhukap Patum

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

Ministers should behave in accordance with the (Divine) light in the person of kings and not despise them saying, "He is our junior (in age) and connected with our family!"

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Say not, 'He's young, my kinsman,' despising thus your king;But reverence the glory kingly state doth bring

Plain-English Meaning

Ministers should behave in accordance with the (Divine) light in the person of kings and not despise them saying, "He is our junior (in age) and connected with our family!"

Tamil commentary

ஆட்சியாளருடன் பழகும்போது இவர் என்னைக் காட்டிலும் வயதில் சிறியவர்; இவர் உறவால் எனக்கு இன்ன முறை வேண்டும் என்று எண்ணாமல், ஆட்சியாளர் இருக்கும் பதவியை எண்ணி அவருடன் பழகுக.

Chapter 70

More from Conduct in the Presence of the King

மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல்

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Kural 691

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Kural 693

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Kural 694

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

Kural 695

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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