Couplet: Who punishes, investigation made in due degree, So as to stay advance of crime, a king is he English Explanation: He is a king who having equitably examined (any injustice which has been brought to his notice), suitably punishes it, so that it may not be again committed Transliteration: Thakkaangu Naatith Thalaichchellaa Vannaththaal Oththaangu Oruppadhu Vendhu
Couplet: For length of days with still increasing joys on Heav'n who call, Should raise the rod with brow severe, but let it gently fall English Explanation: Let the king, who desires that his prosperity may long remain, commence his preliminary enquires with strictness, and then punish with mildness Transliteration: Katidhochchi Mella Erika Netidhaakkam Neengaamai Ventu Pavar
Couplet: Where subjects dread of cruel wrongs endure, Ruin to unjust king is swift and sure English Explanation: The cruel-sceptred king, who acts so as to put his subjects in fear, will certainly and quickly come to ruin Transliteration: Veruvandha Seydhozhukum Vengola Naayin Oruvandham Ollaik Ketum
Couplet: 'Ah! cruel is our king', where subjects sadly say, His age shall dwindle, swift his joy of life decay English Explanation: The king who is spoken of as cruel will quickly perish; his life becoming shortened Transliteration: Iraikatiyan Endruraikkum Innaachchol Vendhan Uraikatuki Ollaik Ketum
Couplet: Whom subjects scarce may see, of harsh forbidding countenance; His ample wealth shall waste, blasted by demon's glance English Explanation: The great wealth of him who is difficult of access and possesses a sternness of countenance, is like that which has been obtained by a devil Transliteration: Arunjevvi Innaa Mukaththaan Perunjelvam Peeykan Tannadhu Utaiththu
Couplet: The tyrant, harsh in speach and hard of eye, His ample joy, swift fading, soon shall die English Explanation: The abundant wealth of the king whose words are harsh and whose looks are void of kindness, will instantly perish instead of abiding long, with him Transliteration: Katunjollan Kannilan Aayin Netunjelvam Neetindri Aange Ketum
Couplet: Harsh words and punishments severe beyond the right, Are file that wears away the monarch's conquering might English Explanation: Severe words and excessive punishments will be a file to waste away a king's power for destroying (his enemies) Transliteration: Katumozhiyum Kaiyikandha Thantamum Vendhan Atumuran Theykkum Aram
Couplet: Who leaves the work to those around, and thinks of it no more; If he in wrathful mood reprove, his prosperous days are o'er English Explanation: The prosperity of that king will waste away, who without reflecting (on his affairs himself), commits them to his ministers, and (when a failure occurs) gives way to anger, and rages against them Transliteration: Inaththaatri Ennaadha Vendhan Sinaththaatrich Cheerir Sirukum Thiru
Couplet: Who builds no fort whence he may foe defy, In time of war shall fear and swiftly die English Explanation: The king who has not provided himself with a place of defence, will in times of war be seized with fear and quickly perish Transliteration: Seruvandha Pozhdhir Siraiseyyaa Vendhan Veruvandhu Veydhu Ketum
Couplet: Tyrants with fools their counsels share: Earth can no heavier burthen bear English Explanation: The earth bears up no greater burden than ignorant men whom a cruel sceptre attaches to itself (as the ministers of its evil deeds) Transliteration: Kallaarp Pinikkum Katungol Adhuvalladhu Illai Nilakkup Porai