Chapter 72: The Knowledge of the Council Chamber

அவையறிநது ஆராய்ந்து சொல்லுக சொல்லின்
தொகையறிந்த தூய்மை யவர்.

Avaiyarinadhu Aaraaindhu Solluka Sollin
Thokaiyarindha Thooimai Yavar

The pure in thought and eloquence Adapt their words to audience

Meaning: Let the pure who know the arrangement of words speak with deliberation after ascertaining (the nature of) the court (then assembled)

இடைதெரிந்து நன்குணர்ந்து சொல்லுக சொல்லின்
நடைதெரிந்த நன்மை யவர்.

Itaidherindhu Nankunarndhu Solluka Sollin
Nataidherindha Nanmai Yavar

Who know the art of speech shall suit Their chosen words to time in fact

Meaning: Let the good who know the uses of words speak with a clear knowledge after ascertaining the time (suited to the court)

அவையறியார் சொல்லல்மேற் கொள்பவர் சொல்லின்
வகையறியார் வல்லதூஉம் இல்.

Avaiyariyaar Sollalmer Kolpavar Sollin
Vakaiyariyaar Valladhooum Il

They speak in vain at length who talk Words unversed which ears don't take

Meaning: Those who undertake to speak without knowing the (nature of the) court are ignorant of the quality of words as well as devoid of the power (of learning)

ஒளியார்முன் ஒள்ளிய ராதல் வெளியார்முன்
வான்சுதை வண்ணம் கொளல்.

Oliyaarmun Olliya Raadhal Veliyaarmun
Vaansudhai Vannam Kolal

Before the bright be brilliant light Before the muff be mortar white

Meaning: Ministers should be lights in the assembly of the enlightned, but assume the pure whiteness of mortar (ignorance) in that of fools

நன்றென்ற வற்றுள்ளும் நன்றே முதுவருள்
முந்து கிளவாச் செறிவு.

Nandrendra Vatrullum Nandre Mudhuvarul
Mundhu Kilavaach Cherivu

Modest restraint all good excels Which argues not before elders

Meaning: The modesty by which one does not rush forward and speak in (an assembly of) superiors is the best among all (one's) good qualities

ஆற்றின் நிலைதளர்ந் தற்றே வியன்புலம்
ஏற்றுணர்வார் முன்னர் இழுக்கு.

Aatrin Nilaidhalarn Thatre Viyanpulam
Etrunarvaar Munnar Izhukku

Tongue-slip before the talented wise is like slipping from righteous ways

Meaning: (For a minister) to blunder in the presence of those who have acquired a vast store of learning and know (the value thereof) is like a good man stumbling (and falling away) from the path (of virtue)

கற்றறிந்தார் கல்வி விளங்கும் கசடறச்
சொல்தெரிதல் வல்லார் அகத்து.

Katrarindhaar Kalvi Vilangum Kasatarach
Choldheridhal Vallaar Akaththu

The learning of the learned shines Valued by flawless scholar-minds

Meaning: The learning of those who have read and understood (much) will shine in the assembly of those who faultlessly examine (the nature of) words

உணர்வ துடையார்முன் சொல்லல் வளர்வதன்
பாத்தியுள் நீர்சொரிந் தற்று.

Unarva Thutaiyaarmun Sollal Valarvadhan
Paaththiyul Neersorin Thatru

To address understanding ones Is to water beds of growing grains

Meaning: Lecturing to those who have the ability to understand (for themselves) is like watering a bed of plants that are growing (of themselves)

புல்லவையுள் பொச்சாந்தும் சொல்லற்க நல்லவையுள்
நன்குசலச் சொல்லு வார்.

Pullavaiyul Pochchaandhum Sollarka Nallavaiyul
Nankusalach Chollu Vaar

O ye who speak before the keen Forgetful, address not the mean

Meaning: Those who are able to speak good things impressively in an assembly of the good should not even forgetfully speak them in that of the low

அங்கணத்துள் உக்க அமிழ்தற்றால் தங்கணத்தார்
அல்லார்முன் கோட்டி கொளல்.

Anganaththul Ukka Amizhdhatraal Thanganaththaar
Allaarmun Kotti Kolal

To hostiles who wise words utters Pours ambrosia into gutters

Meaning: To utter (a good word) in the assembly of those who are of inferior rank is like dropping nectar on the ground