Couplet: Where spreads fertility unfailing, where resides a band, Of virtuous men, and those of ample wealth, call that a 'land' English Explanation: A kingdom is that in which (those who carry on) a complete cultivation, virtuous persons, and Transliteration: Thallaa Vilaiyulum Thakkaarum Thaazhvilaach Chelvarum Servadhu Naatuv
Couplet: That is a 'land' which men desire for wealth's abundant share, Yielding rich increase, where calamities are rare English Explanation: A kingdom is that which is desire for its immense wealth, and which grows greatly in prosperity, being free from destructive causes Transliteration: Perumporulaal Pettakka Thaaki Arungettaal Aatra Vilaivadhu Naatu
Couplet: When burthens press, it bears; Yet, With unfailing hand To king due tribute pays: that is the 'land' English Explanation: A kingdom is that which can bear any burden that may be pressed on it (from adjoining kingdoms) and (yet) pay the full tribute to its sovereign Transliteration: Poraiyorungu Melvarungaal Thaangi Iraivarku Iraiyorungu Nervadhu Naatu
Couplet: That is a 'land' whose peaceful annals know, Nor famine fierce, nor wasting plague, nor ravage of the foe English Explanation: A kingdom is that which continues to be free from excessive starvation, irremediable epidemics, and destructive foes Transliteration: Urupasiyum Ovaap Piniyum Serupakaiyum Seraa Thiyalvadhu Naatu
Couplet: From factions free, and desolating civil strife, and band Of lurking murderers that king afflict, that is the 'land' English Explanation: A kingdom is that which is without various (irregular) associations, destructive internal enemies, and murderous savages who (sometimes) harass the sovereign Transliteration: Palkuzhuvum Paazhseyyum Utpakaiyum Vendhalaikkum Kolkurumpum Illadhu Naatu
Couplet: Chief of all lands is that, where nought disturbs its peace; Or, if invaders come, still yields its rich increase English Explanation: The learned say that the best kingdom is that which knows no evil (from its foes), and, if injured (at all), suffers no diminution in its fruitfulness Transliteration: Ketariyaak Ketta Itaththum Valangundraa Naatenpa Naattin Thalai
Couplet: Waters from rains and springs, a mountain near, and waters thence; These make a land, with fortress' sure defence English Explanation: The constituents of a kingdom are the two waters (from above and below), well situated hills and an undestructible fort Transliteration: Irupunalum Vaaindha Malaiyum Varupunalum Vallaranum Naattirku Uruppu
Couplet: A country's jewels are these five: unfailing health, Fertility, and joy, a sure defence, and wealth English Explanation: Freedom from epidemics, wealth, produce, happiness and protection (to subjects); these five, the learned, say, are the ornaments of a kingdom Transliteration: Piniyinmai Selvam Vilaivinpam Emam Aniyenpa Naattiv Vaindhu
Couplet: That is a land that yields increase unsought, That is no land whose gifts with toil are bought English Explanation: The learned say that those are kingdom whose wealth is not laboured for, and those not, whose wealth is only obtained through labour Transliteration: Naatenpa Naataa Valaththana Naatalla Naata Valandharu Naatu
Couplet: Though blest with all these varied gifts' increase, A land gains nought that is not with its king at peace English Explanation: Although in possession of all the above mentioned excellences, these are indeed of no use to a country, in the absence of harmony between the sovereign and the sujects Transliteration: Aangamai Veydhiyak Kannum Payamindre Vendhamai Villaadha Naatu