Chapter 64: The Office of Minister of state

கருவியும் காலமும் செய்கையும் செய்யும்
அருவினையும் மாண்டது அமைச்சு.

Karuviyum Kaalamum Seykaiyum Seyyum
Aruvinaiyum Maantadhu Amaichchu

He is minister who chooses Right means, time, mode and rare ventures

Meaning: The minister is one who can make an excellent choice of means, time, manner of execution, and the difficult undertaking (itself)

வன்கண் குடிகாத்தல் கற்றறிதல் ஆள்வினையோடு
ஐந்துடன் மாண்டது அமைச்சு.

Vankan Kutikaaththal Katraridhal Aalvinaiyotu
Aindhutan Maantadhu Amaichchu

With these he guards people, -by his Knowledge, firmness and manliness

Meaning: The minister is one who in addition to the aforesaid five things excels in the possession of firmness,

பிரித்தலும் பேணிக் கொளலும் பிரிந்தார்ப்
பொருத்தலும் வல்ல தமைச்சு.

Piriththalum Penik Kolalum Pirindhaarp
Poruththalum Valla Thamaichchu

A minister cherishes friends Divides foes and the parted blends

Meaning: The minister is one who can effect discord (among foes), maintain the good-will of his friends and restore to friendship those who have seceded (from him)

தெரிதலும் தேர்ந்து செயலும் ஒருதலையாச்
சொல்லலும் வல்லது அமைச்சு.

Theridhalum Therndhu Seyalum Orudhalaiyaach
Chollalum Valladhu Amaichchu

A minister must sift reflect Select and say surely one fact

Meaning: The minister is one who is able to comprehend (the whole nature of an undertaking), execute it in the best manner possible, and offer assuring advice (in time of necessity)

அறனறிந்து ஆன்றமைந்த சொல்லான்எஞ் ஞான்றுந்
திறனறிந்தான் தேர்ச்சித் துணை.

Aranarindhu Aandramaindha Sollaanenj Gnaandrun
Thiranarindhaan Therchchith Thunai

Have him for help who virtue knows Right wisdom speaks, ever apt in acts

Meaning: He is the best helper (of the king) who understanding the duties, of the latter, is by his special learning, able to tender the fullest advice, and at all times conversant with the best method (of

மதிநுட்பம் நூலோடு உடையார்க்கு அதிநுட்பம்
யாவுள முன்நிற் பவை.

Madhinutpam Noolotu Utaiyaarkku Adhinutpam
Yaavula Munnir Pavai

Which subtler brain can stand before The keen in brain with learned love?

Meaning: What (contrivances) are there so acute as to resist those who possess natural acuteness in addition to learning ?

செயற்கை அறிந்தக் கடைத்தும் உலகத்து
இயற்கை அறிந்து செயல்.

Seyarkai Arindhak Kataiththum Ulakaththu
Iyarkai Arindhu Seyal

Albeit you know to act from books Act after knowing world's outlooks

Meaning: Though you are acquainted with the (theoretical) methods (of performing an act), understand the ways of the world and act accordingly

அறிகொன்று அறியான் எனினும் உறுதி
உழையிருந்தான் கூறல் கடன்.

Arikondru Ariyaan Eninum Urudhi
Uzhaiyirundhaan Kooral Katan

The man in place must tell the facts Though the ignorant king refutes

Meaning: Although the king be utterly ignorant, it is the duty of the minister to give (him) sound advice

பழுதெண்ணும் மந்திரியின் பக்கததுள் தெவ்வோர்
எழுபது கோடி உறும்.

Pazhudhennum Mandhiriyin Pakkadhadhul Thevvor
Ezhupadhu Koti Urum

Seventy crores of foes are better Than a minister with mind bitter

Meaning: Far better are seventy crores of enemies (for a king) than a minister at his side who intends (his) ruin

முறைப்படச் சூழ்ந்தும் முடிவிலவே செய்வர்
திறப்பாடு இலாஅ தவர்.

Muraippatach Choozhndhum Mutivilave Seyvar
Thirappaatu Ilaaa Thavar

The unresolved, though well designed To fulfil an act they have no mind

Meaning: Those ministers who are destitute of (executive) ability will fail to carry out their projects, although they may have contrived aright