Couplet: A tongue that rightly speaks the right is greatest gain, It stands alone midst goodly things that men obtain English Explanation: The possession of that goodness which is called the goodness of speech is (even to others) better than any other goodness Transliteration: Naanalam Ennum Nalanutaimai Annalam Yaanalaththu Ulladhooum Andru
Couplet: Since gain and loss in life on speech depend, From careless slip in speech thyself defend English Explanation: Since (both) wealth and evil result from (their) speech, ministers should most carefully guard themselves against faultiness therein Transliteration: Aakkamung Ketum Adhanaal Varudhalaal Kaaththompal Sollinkat Sorvu
Couplet: 'Tis speech that spell-bound holds the listening ear, While those who have not heard desire to hear English Explanation: 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) Transliteration: Kettaarp Pinikkum Thakaiyavaaik Kelaarum Vetpa Mozhivadhaam Sol
Couplet: Speak words adapted well to various hearers' state; No higher virtue lives, no gain more surely great English Explanation: Understand the qualities (of your hearers) and (then) make your speech; for superior to it, there is neither virtue nor wealth Transliteration: Thiranarindhu Solluka Sollai Aranum Porulum Adhaninooungu Il
Couplet: Speak out your speech, when once 'tis past dispute That none can utter speech that shall your speech refute English Explanation: Deliver your speech, after assuring yourself that no counter speech can defeat your own Transliteration: Solluka Sollaip Piridhorsol Achchollai Vellunjol Inmai Arindhu
Couplet: Charming each hearer's ear, of others' words to seize the sense, Is method wise of men of spotless excellence English Explanation: 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 Transliteration: Vetpaththaanj Chollip Pirarsol Payankotal Maatchiyin Maasatraar Kol
Couplet: Mighty in word, of unforgetful mind, of fearless speech, 'Tis hard for hostile power such man to overreach English Explanation: It is impossible for any one to conquer him by intrique who possesses power of speech, and is neither faulty nor timid Transliteration: Solalvallan Sorvilan Anjaan Avanai Ikalvellal Yaarkkum Aridhu
Couplet: Swiftly the listening world will gather round, When men of mighty speech the weighty theme propound English Explanation: 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 Transliteration: Viraindhu Thozhilketkum Gnaalam Nirandhinidhu Solludhal Vallaarp Perin
Couplet: Who have not skill ten faultless words to utter plain, Their tongues will itch with thousand words man's ears to pain English Explanation: They will desire to utter many words, who do not know how to speak a few faultless ones Transliteration: Palasollak Kaamuruvar Mandramaa Satra Silasollal Thetraa Thavar
Couplet: Like scentless flower in blooming garland bound Are men who can't their lore acquired to other's ears expound English Explanation: Those who are unable to set forth their acquirements (before others) are like flowers blossoming in a cluster and yet without fragrance Transliteration: Inaruzhththum Naaraa Malaranaiyar Katradhu Unara Viriththuraiyaa Thaar