Wealth (பொருட்பால்) / Minister of State
Chapter 69
தூது
The Envoy
Thoodhu. Malay: Utusan. Kurals 681 to 690.
When representing others or negotiating.
How to say it
Anputaimai Aandra Kutippiraththal VendhavaamPanputaimai Thoodhuraippaan Panpu
Meaning in plain English
The qualification of an ambassador are affection (for his relations) a fitting birth, and the possession of attributes pleasing to royalty
Poetic translation
Benevolence high birth, the courtesy kings love:-These qualities the envoy of a king approve
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Anparivu Aaraaindha Solvanmai ThoodhuraippaarkkuIndri Yamaiyaadha Moondru
Meaning in plain English
Love (to his sovereign), knowledge (of his affairs), and a discriminating power of speech (before other sovereigns) are the three sine qua non qualifications of an ambassador
Poetic translation
Love, knowledge, power of chosen words, three things, Should he possess who speaks the words of kings
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Noolaarul Noolvallan Aakudhal VelaarulVendri Vinaiyuraippaan Panpu
Meaning in plain English
To be powerful in politics among those who are learned (in ethics) is the character of him who speaks
Poetic translation
Mighty in lore amongst the learned must he be, Midst jav'lin-bearing kings who speaks the words of victory
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Arivuru Vaaraaindha Kalviim MoondranSerivutaiyaan Selka Vinaikku
Meaning in plain English
He may go on a mission (to foreign rulers) who has combined in him all these three viz, (natural) sense, an attractive bearing and well-tried learning
Poetic translation
Sense, goodly grace, and knowledge exquisiteWho hath these three for envoy's task is fit
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Thokach Chollith Thoovaadha NeekkiNakachcholli Nandri Payappadhaan Thoodhu
Meaning in plain English
He is an ambassador who (in the presence of foreign rulers) speaks briefly, avoids harshness, talks so as to make them smile, and thus brings good (to his own sovereign)
Poetic translation
In terms concise, avoiding wrathful speech, who utters pleasant word, An envoy he who gains advantage for his lord
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Katrukkan Anjaan Selachchollik KaalaththaalThakkadhu Arivadhaam Thoodhu
Meaning in plain English
He is an ambassador who having studied (politics) talks impressively, is not afraid of angry looks, and knows (to employ) the art suited to the time
Poetic translation
An envoy meet is he, well-learned, of fearless eyeWho speaks right home, prepared for each emergency
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Katanarindhu Kaalang Karudhi ItanarindhuEnni Uraippaan Thalai
Meaning in plain English
He is chief (among ambassadors) who understands the proper decorum (before foreign princes), seeks the (proper) occasion, knows the (most suitable) place, and delivers his message after (due)
Poetic translation
He is the best who knows what's due, the time considered well, The place selects, then ponders long ere he his errand tell
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Thooimai Thunaimai Thunivutaimai ImmoondrinVaaimai Vazhiyuraippaan Panpu
Meaning in plain English
The qualifications of him who faithfully delivers his (sovereign's) message are purity, the support (of foreign ministers), and boldness, with truthfulness in addition to the (aforesaid) three
Poetic translation
Integrity, resources, soul determined, truthfulnessWho rightly speaks his message must these marks possess
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Vitumaatram Vendharkku Uraippaan VatumaatramVaaiseraa Vanka Navan
Meaning in plain English
He alone is fit to communicate (his sovereign's) reply, who possesses the firmness not to utter even inadvertently what may reflect discredit (on the latter)
Poetic translation
His faltering lips must utter no unworthy thing, Who stands, with steady eye, to speak the mandates of his king
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Irudhi Payappinum Enjaadhu IraivarkuUrudhi Payappadhaam Thoodhu
Meaning in plain English
He is the ambassador who fearlessly seeks his sovereign's good though it should cost him his life (to deliver his message)
Poetic translation
Death to the faithful one his embassy may bring; To envoy gains assured advantage for his king
G. U. Pope, 1886