Chapter 59: Detectives

ஒற்றும் உரைசான்ற நூலும் இவையிரண்டும்
தெற்றென்க மன்னவன் கண்.

Otrum Uraisaandra Noolum Ivaiyirantum
Thetrenka Mannavan Kan

A king should treat these two as eyes The code of laws and careful spies

Meaning: Let a king consider as his eyes these two things, a spy and a book (of laws) universally esteemed

எல்லார்க்கும் எல்லாம் நிகழ்பவை எஞ்ஞான்றும்
வல்லறிதல் வேந்தன் தொழில்.

Ellaarkkum Ellaam Nikazhpavai Egngnaandrum
Vallaridhal Vendhan Thozhil

All that happens, always, to all The king should know in full detail

Meaning: 'Tis duty of the king to learn with speed

ஒற்றினான் ஒற்றிப் பொருள்தெரியா மன்னவன்
கொற்றங் கொளக்கிடந்தது இல்.

Otrinaan Otrip Poruldheriyaa Mannavan
Kotrang Kolakkitandhadhu Il

Conquests are not for the monarch Who cares not for the Spy's remark

Meaning: There is no way for a king to obtain conquests, who knows not the advantage of discoveries made by a spy

வினைசெய்வார் தம்சுற்றம் வேண்டாதார் என்றாங்கு
அனைவரையும் ஆராய்வது ஒற்று.

Vinaiseyvaar Thamsutram Ventaadhaar Endraangu
Anaivaraiyum Aaraaivadhu Otru

His officers, kinsmen and foes Who watch keenly are worthy spies

Meaning: He is a spy who watches all men, to wit, those who are in the king's employment, his relatives, and his enemies

கடாஅ உருவொடு கண்ணஞ்சாது யாண்டும்
உகாஅமை வல்லதே ஒற்று.

Kataaa Uruvotu Kannanjaadhu Yaantum
Ukaaamai Valladhe Otru

Fearless gaze, suspectless guise Guarding secrets mark the spies

Meaning: A spy is one who is able to assume an appearance which may create no suspicion (in the minds of others), who fears no man's face, and who never reveals (his purpose)

துறந்தார் படிவத்த ராகி இறந்தாராய்ந்து
என்செயினும் சோர்விலது ஒற்று.

Thurandhaar Pativaththa Raaki Irandhaaraaindhu
Enseyinum Sorviladhu Otru

Guised as monks they gather secrets They betray them not under threats

Meaning: He is a spy who, assuming the appearance of an ascetic, goes into (whatever place he wishes), examines into (all, that is needful), and never discovers himself, whatever may be done to him

மறைந்தவை கேட்கவற் றாகி அறிந்தவை
ஐயப்பாடு இல்லதே ஒற்று.

Maraindhavai Ketkavar Raaki Arindhavai
Aiyappaatu Illadhe Otru

A spy draws out other's secrets Beyond a doubt he clears his facts

Meaning: A spy is one who is able to discover what is hidden and who retains no doubt concerning what he has known

ஒற்றொற்றித் தந்த பொருளையும் மற்றுமோர்
ஒற்றினால் ஒற்றிக் கொளல்.

Otrotrith Thandha Porulaiyum Matrumor
Otrinaal Otrik Kolal

The reports given by one spy By another spy verify

Meaning: Let not a king receive the information which a spy has discovered and made known to him, until he has examined it by another spy

ஒற்றெற் றுணராமை ஆள்க உடன்மூவர்
சொற்றொக்க தேறப் படும்.

Otrer Runaraamai Aalka Utanmoovar
Sotrokka Therap Patum

Engage the spies alone, apart When three agree confirm report

Meaning: Let a king employ spies so that one may have no knowledge of the other; and when the information of three agrees together, let him receive it

சிறப்பறிய ஒற்றின்கண் செய்யற்க செய்யின்
புறப்படுத்தான் ஆகும் மறை.

Sirappariya Otrinkan Seyyarka Seyyin
Purappatuththaan Aakum Marai

Give not the spy open reward It would divulge the secret heard!

Meaning: Let not a king publicly confer on a spy any marks of his favour; if he does, he will divulge his own secret