Couplet: Men, pure in heart, who know of words the varied force, The mighty council's moods discern, nor fail in their discourse English Explanation: The pure who know the classification of words having first ascertained the nature (of the court) will not (through fear) falter in their speech before the powerful body Transliteration: Vakaiyarindhu Vallavai Vaaisoraar Sollin Thokaiyarindha Thooimai Yavar
Couplet: Who what they've learned, in penetrating words heve learned to say, Before the learn'd among the learn'd most learn'd are they English Explanation: Those who can agreeably set forth their acquirements before the learned will be regarded as the most learned among the learned Transliteration: Katraarul Katraar Enappatuvar Katraarmun Katra Selachchollu Vaar
Couplet: Many encountering death in face of foe will hold their ground; Who speak undaunted in the council hall are rarely found English Explanation: Many indeed may (fearlessly) die in the presence of (their) foes; (but) few are those who are fearless in the assembly (of the learned) Transliteration: Pakaiyakaththuch Chaavaar Eliyar Ariyar Avaiyakaththu Anjaa Thavar
Couplet: What you have learned, in penetrating words speak out before The learn'd; but learn what men more learn'd can teach you more English Explanation: (Ministers) should agreeably set forth their acquirements before the learned and acquire more (knowledge) from their superiors (in learning) Transliteration: Katraarmun Katra Selachchollith Thaamkatra Mikkaarul Mikka Kolal
Couplet: By rule, to dialectic art your mind apply, That in the council fearless you may make an apt reply English Explanation: In order to reply fearlessly before a foreign court, (ministers) should learn logic according to the rules (of grammar) Transliteration: Aatrin Alavarindhu Karka Avaiyanjaa Maatrang Kotuththar Poruttu
Couplet: To those who lack the hero's eye what can the sword avail Or science what, to those before the council keen who quail English Explanation: What have they to do with a sword who are not valiant, or they with learning who are afraid of an intelligent assembly ? Transliteration: Vaaloten Vankannar Allaarkku Nooloten Nunnavai Anju Pavarkku
Couplet: As shining sword before the foe which 'sexless being' bears, Is science learned by him the council's face who fears English Explanation: The learning of him who is diffident before an assembly is like the shining sword of an hermaphrodite in the presence of his foes Transliteration: Pakaiyakaththup Petikai Olvaal Avaiyakaththu Anju Mavankatra Nool
Couplet: Though many things they've learned, yet useless are they all, To man who cannot well and strongly speak in council hall English Explanation: Those who cannot agreeably speak good things before a good assembly are indeed unprofitable persons inspite of all their various acquirements Transliteration: Pallavai Katrum Payamilare Nallavaiyul Nanku Selachchollaa Thaar
Couplet: Who, though they've learned, before the council of the good men quake, Than men unlearn'd a lower place must take English Explanation: They who, though they have learned and understood, are yet afraid of the assembly of the good, are said to be inferior (even) to the illiterate Transliteration: Kallaa Thavarin Kataiyenpa Katrarindhum Nallaa Ravaiyanju Vaar
Couplet: Who what they've learned, in penetrating words know not to say, The council fearing, though they live, as dead are they English Explanation: Those who through fear of the assembly are unable to set forth their learning in an interesting manner, though alive, are yet like the dead Transliteration: Ulareninum Illaarotu Oppar Kalananjik Katra Selachchollaa Thaar