Chapter 70: Conduct in the Presence of the King

அகலாது அணுகாது தீக்காய்வார் போல்க
இகல்வேந்தர்ச் சேர்ந்தொழுகு வார்.

Akalaadhu Anukaadhu Theekkaaivaar Polka
Ikalvendharch Cherndhozhuku Vaar

Move with hostile kings as with fire Not coming close nor going far

Meaning: Thus let them act who dwell beneath of warlike kings the palace-roof

மன்னர் விழைப விழையாமை மன்னரால்
மன்னிய ஆக்கந் தரும்.

Mannar Vizhaipa Vizhaiyaamai Mannaraal
Manniya Aakkan Tharum

Crave not for things which kings desire This brings thee their fruitful favour

Meaning: For ministers not to cover the things desired by their kings will through the kings themselves yield them everlasting wealth

போற்றின் அரியவை போற்றல் கடுத்தபின்
தேற்றுதல் யார்க்கும் அரிது.

Potrin Ariyavai Potral Katuththapin
Thetrudhal Yaarkkum Aridhu

Guard thyself from petty excess Suspected least, there's no redress

Meaning: Ministers who would save themselves should avoid (the commission of) serious errors for if the king's suspicion is once roused, no one can remove it

செவிச்சொல்லும் சேர்ந்த நகையும் அவித்தொழுகல்
ஆன்ற பெரியா ரகத்து.

Sevichchollum Serndha Nakaiyum Aviththozhukal
Aandra Periyaa Rakaththu

Whisper not; nor smile exchange Amidst august men's assemblage

Meaning: While in the presence of the sovereign, ministers should neither whisper to nor smile at others

எப்பொருளும் ஓரார் தொடரார்மற் றப்பொருளை
விட்டக்கால் கேட்க மறை.

Epporulum Oraar Thotaraarmar Rapporulai
Vittakkaal Ketka Marai

Hear not, ask not the king's secret Hear only when he lets it out

Meaning: (When the king is engaged) in secret counsel (with others), ministers should neither over-hear anything whatever nor pry into it with inquisitive questions, but (wait to) listen when it is divulged (by

குறிப்பறிந்து காலங் கருதி வெறுப்பில
வேண்டுப வேட்பச் சொலல்.

Kuripparindhu Kaalang Karudhi Veruppila
Ventupa Vetpach Cholal

Discern his mood and time and tell No dislikes but what king likes well

Meaning: Knowing the (king's disposition and seeking the right time, (the minister) should in a pleasing manner suggest things such as are desirable and not disagreeable

வேட்பன சொல்லி வினையில எஞ்ஞான்றும்
கேட்பினும் சொல்லா விடல்.

Vetpana Solli Vinaiyila Egngnaandrum
Ketpinum Sollaa Vital

Tell pleasing things; and never tell Even if pressed what is futile

Meaning: Ministers should (always) give agreeable advice but on no occasion recommend useless actions, though requested (to do so)

இளையர் இனமுறையர் என்றிகழார் நின்ற
ஒளியோடு ஒழுகப் படும்.

Ilaiyar Inamuraiyar Endrikazhaar Nindra
Oliyotu Ozhukap Patum

As young and kinsman do not slight; Look with awe king's light and might

Meaning: Ministers should behave in accordance with the (Divine) light in the person of kings and not despise them saying, "He is our junior (in age) and connected with our family!"

கொளப்பட்டேம் என்றெண்ணிக் கொள்ளாத செய்யார்
துளக்கற்ற காட்சி யவர்.

Kolappattem Endrennik Kollaadha Seyyaar
Thulakkatra Kaatchi Yavar

The clear-visioned do nothing base Deeming they have the monarch's grace

Meaning: Those whose judgement is firm will not do what is disagreeable (to the sovereign) saying (within

பழையம் எனக்கருதிப் பண்பல்ல செய்யும்
கெழுதகைமை கேடு தரும்.

Pazhaiyam Enakkarudhip Panpalla Seyyum
Kezhudhakaimai Ketu Tharum

Worthless acts based on friendship old Shall spell ruin and woe untold

Meaning: The (foolish) claim with which a minister does unbecoming acts because of his (long) familiarity (with the king) will ensure his ruin