Couplet: How treats he virtue, wealth and pleasure? How, when life's at stake, Comports himself? This four-fold test of man will full assurance make English Explanation: Let (a minister) be chosen, after he has been tried by means of these four things, viz,-his virtue, (love of) money, (love of) sexual pleasure, and tear of (losing) life Transliteration: Aramporul Inpam Uyirachcham Naankin Thirandherindhu Therap Patum
Couplet: Of noble race, of faultless worth, of generous pride That shrinks from shame or stain; in him may king confide English Explanation: (The king's) choice should (fall) on him, who is of good family, who is free from faults, and who has the modesty which fears the wounds (of sin) Transliteration: Kutippirandhu Kutraththin Neengi Vatuppariyum Naanutaiyaan Sutte Thelivu
Couplet: Though deeply learned, unflecked by fault, 'tis rare to see, When closely scanned, a man from all unwisdom free English Explanation: When even men, who have studied the most difficult works, and who are free from faults, are (carefully) examined, it is a rare thing to find them without ignorance Transliteration: Ariyakatru Aasatraar Kannum Theriyungaal Inmai Aridhe Veliru
Couplet: Weigh well the good of each, his failings closely scan, As these or those prevail, so estimate the man English Explanation: Let (a king) consider (a man's) good qualities, as well as his faults, and then judge (of his character) by that which prevails Transliteration: Kunamnaatik Kutramum Naati Avatrul Mikainaati Mikka Kolal
Couplet: Of greatness and of meanness too, The deeds of each are touchstone true English Explanation: A man's deeds are the touchstone of his greatness and littleness Transliteration: Perumaikkum Enaich Chirumaikkum Thaththam Karumame Kattalaik Kal
Couplet: Beware of trusting men who have no kith of kin; No bonds restrain such men, no shame deters from sin English Explanation: Let (a king) avoid choosing men who have no relations; such men have no attachment, and thereforehave no fear of crime Transliteration: Atraaraith Therudhal Ompuka Matravar Patrilar Naanaar Pazhi
Couplet: By fond affection led who trusts in men of unwise soul, Yields all his being up to folly's blind control English Explanation: Yields all his being up to folly's blind control Transliteration: Kaadhanmai Kandhaa Arivariyaarth Therudhal Pedhaimai Ellaan Tharum
Couplet: Who trusts an untried stranger, brings disgrace, Remediless, on all his race English Explanation: Sorrow that will not leave even his posterity will come upon him chooses a stranger whose character he has not known Transliteration: Theraan Piranaith Thelindhaan Vazhimurai Theeraa Itumpai Tharum
Couplet: Trust no man whom you have not fully tried, When tested, in his prudence proved confide English Explanation: Let (a king) choose no one without previous consideration; after he has made his choice, let him unhesitatingly select for each such duties as are appropriate Transliteration: Therarka Yaaraiyum Theraadhu Therndhapin Theruka Therum Porul
Couplet: Trust where you have not tried, doubt of a friend to feel, Once trusted, wounds inflict that nought can heal English Explanation: To make choice of one who has not been examined, and to entertain doubts respecting one who has been chosen, will produce irremediable sorrow Transliteration: Theraan Thelivum Thelindhaankan Aiyuravum Theeraa Itumpai Tharum