Chapter 65: Power of Speech

நாநலம் என்னும் நலனுடைமை அந்நலம்
யாநலத்து உள்ளதூஉம் அன்று.

Naanalam Ennum Nalanutaimai Annalam
Yaanalaththu Ulladhooum Andru

The goodness called goodness of speech Is goodness which nothing can reach

Meaning: The possession of that goodness which is called the goodness of speech is (even to others) better than any other goodness

ஆக்கமுங் கேடும் அதனால் வருதலால்
காத்தோம்பல் சொல்லின்கட் சோர்வு.

Aakkamung Ketum Adhanaal Varudhalaal
Kaaththompal Sollinkat Sorvu

Since gain or ruin speeches bring Guard against the slips of tongue

Meaning: Since (both) wealth and evil result from (their) speech, ministers should most carefully guard themselves against faultiness therein

கேட்டார்ப் பிணிக்கும் தகையவாய்க் கேளாரும்
வேட்ப மொழிவதாம் சொல்.

Kettaarp Pinikkum Thakaiyavaaik Kelaarum
Vetpa Mozhivadhaam Sol

A speech is speech that holds ears And attracts ev'n those that are averse

Meaning: The (minister's) speech is that which seeks (to express) elements as bind his friends (to himself) and is so delivered as to make even his enemies desire (his friendship)

திறனறிந்து சொல்லுக சொல்லை அறனும்
பொருளும் அதனினூஉங்கு இல்.

Thiranarindhu Solluka Sollai Aranum
Porulum Adhaninooungu Il

Weigh thy words and speak; because No wealth or virtue words surpass

Meaning: Understand the qualities (of your hearers) and (then) make your speech; for superior to it, there is neither virtue nor wealth

சொல்லுக சொல்லைப் பிறிதோர்சொல் அச்சொல்லை
வெல்லுஞ்சொல் இன்மை அறிந்து.

Solluka Sollaip Piridhorsol Achchollai
Vellunjol Inmai Arindhu

Speak out thy world so that no word Can win it and say untoward

Meaning: Deliver your speech, after assuring yourself that no counter speech can defeat your own

வேட்பத்தாஞ் சொல்லிப் பிறர்சொல் பயன்கோடல்
மாட்சியின் மாசற்றார் கோள்.

Vetpaththaanj Chollip Pirarsol Payankotal
Maatchiyin Maasatraar Kol

Spotless men speak what is sweet And grasp in others what is meet

Meaning: It is the opinion of those who are free from defects in diplomacy that the minister should speak so as to make his hearers desire (to hear more) and grasp the meaning of what he hears himself

சொலல்வல்லன் சோர்விலன் அஞ்சான் அவனை
இகல்வெல்லல் யார்க்கும் அரிது.

Solalvallan Sorvilan Anjaan Avanai
Ikalvellal Yaarkkum Aridhu

No foe defies the speaker clear Flawless, puissant, and free from fear

Meaning: It is impossible for any one to conquer him by intrique who possesses power of speech, and is neither faulty nor timid

விரைந்து தொழில்கேட்கும் ஞாலம் நிரந்தினிது
சொல்லுதல் வல்லார்ப் பெறின்.

Viraindhu Thozhilketkum Gnaalam Nirandhinidhu
Solludhal Vallaarp Perin

The world will quickly carry out The words of counsellors astute

Meaning: If there be those who can speak on various subjects in their proper order and in a pleasing manner, the world would readily accept them

பலசொல்லக் காமுறுவர் மன்றமா சற்ற
சிலசொல்லல் தேற்றா தவர்.

Palasollak Kaamuruvar Mandramaa Satra
Silasollal Thetraa Thavar

They overspeak who do not seek A few and flawless words to speak

Meaning: They will desire to utter many words, who do not know how to speak a few faultless ones

இணருழ்த்தும் நாறா மலரனையர் கற்றது
உணர விரித்துரையா தார்.

Inaruzhththum Naaraa Malaranaiyar Katradhu
Unara Viriththuraiyaa Thaar

Who can't express what they have learnt Are bunch of flowers not fragrant

Meaning: Those who are unable to set forth their acquirements (before others) are like flowers blossoming in a cluster and yet without fragrance