Couplet: Search out, to no one favour show; with heart that justice loves Consult, then act; this is the rule that right approves English Explanation: To examine into (the crimes which may be committed), to show no favour (to any one), to desire to act with impartiality towards all, and to inflict (such punishments) as may be wisely resolved on, Transliteration: Orndhukan Notaadhu Iraipurindhu Yaarmaattum Therndhusey Vaqdhe Murai
Couplet: All earth looks up to heav'n whence raindrops fall; All subjects look to king that ruleth all English Explanation: When there is rain, the living creation thrives; and so when the king rules justly, his subjects thrive Transliteration: Vaanokki Vaazhum Ulakellaam Mannavan Kol Nokki Vaazhung Kuti
Couplet: Learning and virtue of the sages spring, From all-controlling sceptre of the king English Explanation: The sceptre of the king is the firm support of the Vedas of the Brahmin, and of all virtues therein described Transliteration: Andhanar Noorkum Araththirkum Aadhiyaai Nindradhu Mannavan Kol
Couplet: Whose heart embraces subjects all, lord over mighty land Who rules, the world his feet embracing stands English Explanation: The world will constantly embrace the feet of the great king who rules over his subjects with love Transliteration: Kutidhazheeik Kolochchum Maanila Mannan Atidhazheei Nirkum Ulaku
Couplet: Where king, who righteous laws regards, the sceptre wields, There fall the showers, there rich abundance crowns the fields English Explanation: Rain and plentiful crops will ever dwell together in the country of the king who sways his sceptre with justice Transliteration: Iyalpulik Kolochchum Mannavan Naatta Peyalum Vilaiyulum Thokku
Couplet: Not lance gives kings the victory, But sceptre swayed with equity English Explanation: It is not the javelin that gives victory, but the king's sceptre, if it do no injustice Transliteration: Velandru Vendri Tharuvadhu Mannavan Koladhooung Kotaa Thenin
Couplet: The king all the whole realm of earth protects; And justice guards the king who right respects English Explanation: The king defends the whole world; and justice, when administered without defect, defends the king Transliteration: Iraikaakkum Vaiyakam Ellaam Avanai Muraikaakkum Muttaach Cheyin
Couplet: Hard of access, nought searching out, with partial hand The king who rules, shall sink and perish from the land English Explanation: The king who gives not facile audience (to those who approach him), and who does not examine and pass judgment (on their complaints), will perish in disgrace Transliteration: Enpadhaththaan Oraa Muraiseyyaa Mannavan Thanpadhaththaan Thaane Ketum
Couplet: Abroad to guard, at home to punish, brings No just reproach; 'tis work assigned to kings English Explanation: 68 In guarding his subjects (against injury from others), and in preserving them himself; to punish crime Transliteration: Kutipurang Kaaththompik Kutram Katidhal Vatuvandru Vendhan Thozhil
Couplet: By punishment of death the cruel to restrain, Is as when farmer frees from weeds the tender grain English Explanation: For a king to punish criminals with death, is like pulling up the weeds in the green corn Transliteration: Kolaiyir Kotiyaarai Vendhoruththal Paingoozh Kalaikat Tadhanotu Ner