Chapter 57: Absence of Terrorism

தக்காங்கு நாடித் தலைச்செல்லா வண்ணத்தால்
ஒத்தாங்கு ஒறுப்பது வேந்து.

Thakkaangu Naatith Thalaichchellaa Vannaththaal
Oththaangu Oruppadhu Vendhu

A king enquires and gives sentence Just to prevent future offence

Meaning: He is a king who having equitably examined (any injustice which has been brought to his notice), suitably punishes it, so that it may not be again committed

கடிதோச்சி மெல்ல எறிக நெடிதாக்கம்
நீங்காமை வேண்டு பவர்.

Katidhochchi Mella Erika Netidhaakkam
Neengaamai Ventu Pavar

Wield fast the rod but gently lay This strict mildness prolongs the sway

Meaning: Let the king, who desires that his prosperity may long remain, commence his preliminary enquires with strictness, and then punish with mildness

வெருவந்த செய்தொழுகும் வெங்கோல னாயின்
ஒருவந்தம் ஒல்லைக் கெடும்.

Veruvandha Seydhozhukum Vengola Naayin
Oruvandham Ollaik Ketum

His cruel rod of dreadful deed Brings king's ruin quick indeed

Meaning: The cruel-sceptred king, who acts so as to put his subjects in fear, will certainly and quickly come to ruin

இறைகடியன் என்றுரைக்கும் இன்னாச்சொல் வேந்தன்
உறைகடுகி ஒல்லைக் கெடும்.

Iraikatiyan Endruraikkum Innaachchol Vendhan
Uraikatuki Ollaik Ketum

As men the king a tyrant call His days dwindled, hasten his fall

Meaning: The king who is spoken of as cruel will quickly perish; his life becoming shortened

அருஞ்செவ்வி இன்னா முகத்தான் பெருஞ்செல்வம்
பேஎய்கண் டன்னது உடைத்து.

Arunjevvi Innaa Mukaththaan Perunjelvam
Peeykan Tannadhu Utaiththu

Whose sight is scarce, whose face is foul His wealth seems watched by a ghoul

Meaning: The great wealth of him who is difficult of access and possesses a sternness of countenance, is like that which has been obtained by a devil

கடுஞ்சொல்லன் கண்ணிலன் ஆயின் நெடுஞ்செல்வம்
நீடின்றி ஆங்கே கெடும்.

Katunjollan Kannilan Aayin Netunjelvam
Neetindri Aange Ketum

Whose word is harsh, whose sight is rude His wealth and power quickly fade

Meaning: The abundant wealth of the king whose words are harsh and whose looks are void of kindness, will instantly perish instead of abiding long, with him

கடுமொழியும் கையிகந்த தண்டமும் வேந்தன்
அடுமுரண் தேய்க்கும் அரம்.

Katumozhiyum Kaiyikandha Thantamum Vendhan
Atumuran Theykkum Aram

Reproofs rough and punishments rude Like files conquering power corrode

Meaning: Severe words and excessive punishments will be a file to waste away a king's power for destroying (his enemies)

இனத்தாற்றி எண்ணாத வேந்தன் சினத்தாற்றிச்
சீறிற் சிறுகும் திரு.

Inaththaatri Ennaadha Vendhan Sinaththaatrich
Cheerir Sirukum Thiru

The king who would not take counsels Rages with wrath-his fortune fails

Meaning: The prosperity of that king will waste away, who without reflecting (on his affairs himself), commits them to his ministers, and (when a failure occurs) gives way to anger, and rages against them

செருவந்த போழ்திற் சிறைசெய்யா வேந்தன்
வெருவந்து வெய்து கெடும்.

Seruvandha Pozhdhir Siraiseyyaa Vendhan
Veruvandhu Veydhu Ketum

The king who builds not fort betimes Fears his foes in wars and dies

Meaning: The king who has not provided himself with a place of defence, will in times of war be seized with fear and quickly perish

கல்லார்ப் பிணிக்கும் கடுங்கோல் அதுவல்லது
இல்லை நிலக்குப் பொறை.

Kallaarp Pinikkum Katungol Adhuvalladhu
Illai Nilakkup Porai

The crushing burden borne by earth Is tyrants bound to fools uncouth

Meaning: The earth bears up no greater burden than ignorant men whom a cruel sceptre attaches to itself (as the ministers of its evil deeds)