Chapter 55: The Right Sceptre

ஓர்ந்துகண் ணோடாது இறைபுரிந்து யார்மாட்டும்
தேர்ந்துசெய் வஃதே முறை.

Orndhukan Notaadhu Iraipurindhu Yaarmaattum
Therndhusey Vaqdhe Murai

Test and attest impartially Consult and act the laws justly

Meaning: To examine into (the crimes which may be committed), to show no favour (to any one), to desire to act with impartiality towards all, and to inflict (such punishments) as may be wisely resolved on,

வானோக்கி வாழும் உலகெல்லாம் மன்னவன்
கோல் நோக்கி வாழுங் குடி.

Vaanokki Vaazhum Ulakellaam Mannavan
Kol Nokki Vaazhung Kuti

The earth looks up to sky and thrives And mankind to king's rod of justice

Meaning: When there is rain, the living creation thrives; and so when the king rules justly, his subjects thrive

அந்தணர் நூற்கும் அறத்திற்கும் ஆதியாய்
நின்றது மன்னவன் கோல்.

Andhanar Noorkum Araththirkum Aadhiyaai
Nindradhu Mannavan Kol

The Sage's scripture and virtue spring From the sceptre of a stately king

Meaning: The sceptre of the king is the firm support of the Vedas of the Brahmin, and of all virtues therein described

குடிதழீஇக் கோலோச்சும் மாநில மன்னன்
அடிதழீஇ நிற்கும் உலகு.

Kutidhazheeik Kolochchum Maanila Mannan
Atidhazheei Nirkum Ulaku

The world clings to the ruler's feet Whose sceptre clasps the people's heart

Meaning: The world will constantly embrace the feet of the great king who rules over his subjects with love

இயல்புளிக் கோலோச்சும் மன்னவன் நாட்ட
பெயலும் விளையுளும் தொக்கு.

Iyalpulik Kolochchum Mannavan Naatta
Peyalum Vilaiyulum Thokku

Full rains and yields enrich the land Which is ruled by a righteous hand

Meaning: Rain and plentiful crops will ever dwell together in the country of the king who sways his sceptre with justice

வேலன்று வென்றி தருவது மன்னவன்
கோலதூஉங் கோடா தெனின்.

Velandru Vendri Tharuvadhu Mannavan
Koladhooung Kotaa Thenin

Not the spear but the sceptre straight That brings success to monarch's might

Meaning: It is not the javelin that gives victory, but the king's sceptre, if it do no injustice

இறைகாக்கும் வையகம் எல்லாம் அவனை
முறைகாக்கும் முட்டாச் செயின்.

Iraikaakkum Vaiyakam Ellaam Avanai
Muraikaakkum Muttaach Cheyin

The king protects the entire earth And justice protects his royal worth

Meaning: The king defends the whole world; and justice, when administered without defect, defends the king

எண்பதத்தான் ஓரா முறைசெய்யா மன்னவன்
தண்பதத்தான் தானே கெடும்.

Enpadhaththaan Oraa Muraiseyyaa Mannavan
Thanpadhaththaan Thaane Ketum

Hard of access, the unjust king He shall himself his ruin bring

Meaning: The king who gives not facile audience (to those who approach him), and who does not examine and pass judgment (on their complaints), will perish in disgrace

குடிபுறங் காத்தோம்பிக் குற்றம் கடிதல்
வடுவன்று வேந்தன் தொழில்.

Kutipurang Kaaththompik Kutram Katidhal
Vatuvandru Vendhan Thozhil

Save his subjects and chide the wrong Is flawless duty of a king

Meaning: In guarding his subjects (against injury from others), and in preserving them himself; to punish crime

கொலையிற் கொடியாரை வேந்தொறுத்தல் பைங்கூழ்
களைகட் டதனொடு நேர்.

Kolaiyir Kotiyaarai Vendhoruththal Paingoozh
Kalaikat Tadhanotu Ner

Killing killers, the king, behold Weeds removes from cropful field

Meaning: For a king to punish criminals with death, is like pulling up the weeds in the green corn