Detectives

These two: the code renowned and spies,
In these let king confide as eyes

Explanation
Let a king consider as his eyes these two things, a spy and a book (of laws) universally esteemed.

Tamil Transliteration
Otrum Uraisaandra Noolum Ivaiyirantum
Thetrenka Mannavan Kan.

Each day, of every subject every deed,
'Tis duty of the king to learn with speed

Explanation
'Tis duty of the king to learn with speed.

Tamil Transliteration
Ellaarkkum Ellaam Nikazhpavai Egngnaandrum
Vallaridhal Vendhan Thozhil.

By spies who spies, not weighing things they bring,
Nothing can victory give to that unwary king

Explanation
There is no way for a king to obtain conquests, who knows not the advantage of discoveries made by a spy.

Tamil Transliteration
Otrinaan Otrip Poruldheriyaa Mannavan
Kotrang Kolakkitandhadhu Il.

His officers, his friends, his enemies,
All these who watch are trusty spies

Explanation
He is a spy who watches all men, to wit, those who are in the king's employment, his relatives, and his enemies.

Tamil Transliteration
Vinaiseyvaar Thamsutram Ventaadhaar Endraangu
Anaivaraiyum Aaraaivadhu Otru.

Of unsuspected mien and all-unfearing eyes,
Who let no secret out, are trusty spies

Explanation
A spy is one who is able to assume an appearance which may create no suspicion (in the minds of others), who fears no man's face, and who never reveals (his purpose).

Tamil Transliteration
Kataaa Uruvotu Kannanjaadhu Yaantum
Ukaaamai Valladhe Otru.

As monk or devotee, through every hindrance making way,
A spy, whate'er men do, must watchful mind display

Explanation
He is a spy who, assuming the appearance of an ascetic, goes into (whatever place he wishes), examines into (all, that is needful), and never discovers himself, whatever may be done to him.

Tamil Transliteration
Thurandhaar Pativaththa Raaki Irandhaaraaindhu
Enseyinum Sorviladhu Otru.

A spy must search each hidden matter out,
And full report must render, free from doubt

Explanation
A spy is one who is able to discover what is hidden and who retains no doubt concerning what he has known.

Tamil Transliteration
Maraindhavai Ketkavar Raaki Arindhavai
Aiyappaatu Illadhe Otru.

Spying by spies, the things they tell
To test by other spies is well

Explanation
Let not a king receive the information which a spy has discovered and made known to him, until he has examined it by another spy.

Tamil Transliteration
Otrotrith Thandha Porulaiyum Matrumor
Otrinaal Otrik Kolal.

One spy must not another see: contrive it so;
And things by three confirmed as truth you know

Explanation
Let a king employ spies so that one may have no knowledge of the other; and when the information of three agrees together, let him receive it.

Tamil Transliteration
Otrer Runaraamai Aalka Utanmoovar
Sotrokka Therap Patum.

Reward not trusty spy in others' sight,
Or all the mystery will come to light

Explanation
Let not a king publicly confer on a spy any marks of his favour; if he does, he will divulge his own secret.

Tamil Transliteration
Sirappariya Otrinkan Seyyarka Seyyin
Purappatuththaan Aakum Marai.