Couplet: Who warm them at the fire draw not too near, nor keep too much aloof; Thus let them act who dwell beneath of warlike kings the palace-roof English Explanation: Thus let them act who dwell beneath of warlike kings the palace-roof Transliteration: Akalaadhu Anukaadhu Theekkaaivaar Polka Ikalvendharch Cherndhozhuku Vaar
Couplet: To those who prize not state that kings are wont to prize, The king himself abundant wealth supplies English Explanation: For ministers not to cover the things desired by their kings will through the kings themselves yield them everlasting wealth Transliteration: Mannar Vizhaipa Vizhaiyaamai Mannaraal Manniya Aakkan Tharum
Couplet: Who would walk warily, let him of greater faults beware; To clear suspicions once aroused is an achievement rare English Explanation: Ministers who would save themselves should avoid (the commission of) serious errors for if the king's suspicion is once roused, no one can remove it Transliteration: Potrin Ariyavai Potral Katuththapin Thetrudhal Yaarkkum Aridhu
Couplet: All whispered words and interchange of smiles repress, In presence of the men who kingly power possess English Explanation: While in the presence of the sovereign, ministers should neither whisper to nor smile at others Transliteration: Sevichchollum Serndha Nakaiyum Aviththozhukal Aandra Periyaa Rakaththu
Couplet: Seek not, ask not, the secret of the king to hear; But if he lets the matter forth, give ear English Explanation: (When the king is engaged) in secret counsel (with others), ministers should neither over-hear anything whatever nor pry into it with inquisitive questions, but (wait to) listen when it is divulged (by Transliteration: Epporulum Oraar Thotaraarmar Rapporulai Vittakkaal Ketka Marai
Couplet: Knowing the signs, waiting for fitting time, with courteous care, Things not displeasing, needful things, declare English Explanation: Knowing the (king's disposition and seeking the right time, (the minister) should in a pleasing manner suggest things such as are desirable and not disagreeable Transliteration: Kuripparindhu Kaalang Karudhi Veruppila Ventupa Vetpach Cholal
Couplet: Speak pleasant things, but never utter idle word; Not though by monarch's ears with pleasure heard English Explanation: Ministers should (always) give agreeable advice but on no occasion recommend useless actions, though requested (to do so) Transliteration: Vetpana Solli Vinaiyila Egngnaandrum Ketpinum Sollaa Vital
Couplet: Say not, 'He's young, my kinsman,' despising thus your king; But reverence the glory kingly state doth bring English Explanation: Ministers should behave in accordance with the (Divine) light in the person of kings and not despise them saying, "He is our junior (in age) and connected with our family!" Transliteration: Ilaiyar Inamuraiyar Endrikazhaar Nindra Oliyotu Ozhukap Patum
Couplet: 'We've gained his grace, boots nought what graceless acts we do', So deem not sages who the changeless vision view English Explanation: Those whose judgement is firm will not do what is disagreeable (to the sovereign) saying (within Transliteration: Kolappattem Endrennik Kollaadha Seyyaar Thulakkatra Kaatchi Yavar
Couplet: Who think 'We're ancient friends' and do unseemly things; To these familiarity sure ruin brings English Explanation: The (foolish) claim with which a minister does unbecoming acts because of his (long) familiarity (with the king) will ensure his ruin Transliteration: Pazhaiyam Enakkarudhip Panpalla Seyyum Kezhudhakaimai Ketu Tharum