Couplet: A minister is he who grasps, with wisdom large, Means, time, work's mode, and functions rare he must discharge English Explanation: The minister is one who can make an excellent choice of means, time, manner of execution, and the difficult undertaking (itself) Transliteration: Karuviyum Kaalamum Seykaiyum Seyyum Aruvinaiyum Maantadhu Amaichchu
Couplet: A minister must greatness own of guardian power, determined mind, Learn'd wisdom, manly effort with the former five combined English Explanation: The minister is one who in addition to the aforesaid five things excels in the possession of firmness, Transliteration: Vankan Kutikaaththal Katraridhal Aalvinaiyotu Aindhutan Maantadhu Amaichchu
Couplet: A minister is he whose power can foes divide, Attach more firmly friends, of severed ones can heal the breaches wide English Explanation: The minister is one who can effect discord (among foes), maintain the good-will of his friends and restore to friendship those who have seceded (from him) Transliteration: Piriththalum Penik Kolalum Pirindhaarp Poruththalum Valla Thamaichchu
Couplet: A minister has power to see the methods help afford, To ponder long, then utter calm conclusive word English Explanation: The minister is one who is able to comprehend (the whole nature of an undertaking), execute it in the best manner possible, and offer assuring advice (in time of necessity) Transliteration: Theridhalum Therndhu Seyalum Orudhalaiyaach Chollalum Valladhu Amaichchu
Couplet: The man who virtue knows, has use of wise and pleasant words With plans for every season apt, in counsel aid affords English Explanation: He is the best helper (of the king) who understanding the duties, of the latter, is by his special learning, able to tender the fullest advice, and at all times conversant with the best method (of Transliteration: Aranarindhu Aandramaindha Sollaanenj Gnaandrun Thiranarindhaan Therchchith Thunai
Couplet: When native subtilty combines with sound scholastic lore, 'Tis subtilty surpassing all, which nothing stands before English Explanation: What (contrivances) are there so acute as to resist those who possess natural acuteness in addition to learning ? Transliteration: Madhinutpam Noolotu Utaiyaarkku Adhinutpam Yaavula Munnir Pavai
Couplet: Though knowing all that books can teach, 'tis truest tact To follow common sense of men in act English Explanation: Though you are acquainted with the (theoretical) methods (of performing an act), understand the ways of the world and act accordingly Transliteration: Seyarkai Arindhak Kataiththum Ulakaththu Iyarkai Arindhu Seyal
Couplet: 'Tis duty of the man in place aloud to say The very truth, though unwise king may cast his words away English Explanation: Although the king be utterly ignorant, it is the duty of the minister to give (him) sound advice Transliteration: Arikondru Ariyaan Eninum Urudhi Uzhaiyirundhaan Kooral Katan
Couplet: A minister who by king's side plots evil things Worse woes than countless foemen brings English Explanation: Far better are seventy crores of enemies (for a king) than a minister at his side who intends (his) ruin Transliteration: Pazhudhennum Mandhiriyin Pakkadhadhul Thevvor Ezhupadhu Koti Urum
Couplet: For gain of end desired just counsel nought avails To minister, when tact in execution fails English Explanation: Those ministers who are destitute of (executive) ability will fail to carry out their projects, although they may have contrived aright Transliteration: Muraippatach Choozhndhum Mutivilave Seyvar Thirappaatu Ilaaa Thavar