Couplet: These two: the code renowned and spies, In these let king confide as eyes English Explanation: Let a king consider as his eyes these two things, a spy and a book (of laws) universally esteemed Transliteration: Otrum Uraisaandra Noolum Ivaiyirantum Thetrenka Mannavan Kan
Couplet: Each day, of every subject every deed, 'Tis duty of the king to learn with speed English Explanation: 'Tis duty of the king to learn with speed Transliteration: Ellaarkkum Ellaam Nikazhpavai Egngnaandrum Vallaridhal Vendhan Thozhil
Couplet: By spies who spies, not weighing things they bring, Nothing can victory give to that unwary king English Explanation: There is no way for a king to obtain conquests, who knows not the advantage of discoveries made by a spy Transliteration: Otrinaan Otrip Poruldheriyaa Mannavan Kotrang Kolakkitandhadhu Il
Couplet: His officers, his friends, his enemies, All these who watch are trusty spies English Explanation: He is a spy who watches all men, to wit, those who are in the king's employment, his relatives, and his enemies Transliteration: Vinaiseyvaar Thamsutram Ventaadhaar Endraangu Anaivaraiyum Aaraaivadhu Otru
Couplet: Of unsuspected mien and all-unfearing eyes, Who let no secret out, are trusty spies English Explanation: A spy is one who is able to assume an appearance which may create no suspicion (in the minds of others), who fears no man's face, and who never reveals (his purpose) Transliteration: Kataaa Uruvotu Kannanjaadhu Yaantum Ukaaamai Valladhe Otru
Couplet: As monk or devotee, through every hindrance making way, A spy, whate'er men do, must watchful mind display English Explanation: He is a spy who, assuming the appearance of an ascetic, goes into (whatever place he wishes), examines into (all, that is needful), and never discovers himself, whatever may be done to him Transliteration: Thurandhaar Pativaththa Raaki Irandhaaraaindhu Enseyinum Sorviladhu Otru
Couplet: A spy must search each hidden matter out, And full report must render, free from doubt English Explanation: A spy is one who is able to discover what is hidden and who retains no doubt concerning what he has known Transliteration: Maraindhavai Ketkavar Raaki Arindhavai Aiyappaatu Illadhe Otru
Couplet: Spying by spies, the things they tell To test by other spies is well English Explanation: Let not a king receive the information which a spy has discovered and made known to him, until he has examined it by another spy Transliteration: Otrotrith Thandha Porulaiyum Matrumor Otrinaal Otrik Kolal
Couplet: One spy must not another see: contrive it so; And things by three confirmed as truth you know English Explanation: Let a king employ spies so that one may have no knowledge of the other; and when the information of three agrees together, let him receive it Transliteration: Otrer Runaraamai Aalka Utanmoovar Sotrokka Therap Patum
Couplet: Reward not trusty spy in others' sight, Or all the mystery will come to light English Explanation: Let not a king publicly confer on a spy any marks of his favour; if he does, he will divulge his own secret Transliteration: Sirappariya Otrinkan Seyyarka Seyyin Purappatuththaan Aakum Marai