Absence of Terrorism

Who punishes, investigation made in due degree,
So as to stay advance of crime, a king is he

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.

Tamil Transliteration
Thakkaangu Naatith Thalaichchellaa Vannaththaal
Oththaangu Oruppadhu Vendhu.

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

Explanation
Let the king, who desires that his prosperity may long remain, commence his preliminary enquires with strictness, and then punish with mildness.

Tamil Transliteration
Katidhochchi Mella Erika Netidhaakkam
Neengaamai Ventu Pavar.

Where subjects dread of cruel wrongs endure,
Ruin to unjust king is swift and sure

Explanation
The cruel-sceptred king, who acts so as to put his subjects in fear, will certainly and quickly come to ruin.

Tamil Transliteration
Veruvandha Seydhozhukum Vengola Naayin
Oruvandham Ollaik Ketum.

'Ah! cruel is our king', where subjects sadly say,
His age shall dwindle, swift his joy of life decay

Explanation
The king who is spoken of as cruel will quickly perish; his life becoming shortened.

Tamil Transliteration
Iraikatiyan Endruraikkum Innaachchol Vendhan
Uraikatuki Ollaik Ketum.

Whom subjects scarce may see, of harsh forbidding countenance;
His ample wealth shall waste, blasted by demon's glance

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.

Tamil Transliteration
Arunjevvi Innaa Mukaththaan Perunjelvam
Peeykan Tannadhu Utaiththu.

The tyrant, harsh in speach and hard of eye,
His ample joy, swift fading, soon shall die

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.

Tamil Transliteration
Katunjollan Kannilan Aayin Netunjelvam
Neetindri Aange Ketum.

Harsh words and punishments severe beyond the right,
Are file that wears away the monarch's conquering might

Explanation
Severe words and excessive punishments will be a file to waste away a king's power for destroying (his enemies).

Tamil Transliteration
Katumozhiyum Kaiyikandha Thantamum Vendhan
Atumuran Theykkum Aram.

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

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.

Tamil Transliteration
Inaththaatri Ennaadha Vendhan Sinaththaatrich
Cheerir Sirukum Thiru.

Who builds no fort whence he may foe defy,
In time of war shall fear and swiftly die

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.

Tamil Transliteration
Seruvandha Pozhdhir Siraiseyyaa Vendhan
Veruvandhu Veydhu Ketum.

Tyrants with fools their counsels share:
Earth can no heavier burthen bear

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).

Tamil Transliteration
Kallaarp Pinikkum Katungol Adhuvalladhu
Illai Nilakkup Porai.