The Greatness of a King

An army, people, wealth, a minister, friends, fort: six things-
Who owns them all, a lion lives amid the kings

Explanation
He who possesses these six things, an army, a people, wealth, ministers, friends and a fortress, is a lion among kings.

Tamil Transliteration
Pataikuti Koozhamaichchu Natparan Aarum
Utaiyaan Arasarul Eru.

Courage, a liberal hand, wisdom, and energy: these four
Are qualities a king adorn for evermore

Explanation
Never to fail in these four things, fearlessness, liberality, wisdom, and energy, is the kingly character.

Tamil Transliteration
Anjaamai Eekai Arivookkam Innaankum
Enjaamai Vendhark Kiyalpu.

A sleepless promptitude, knowledge, decision strong:
These three for aye to rulers of the land belong

Explanation
These three things, viz, vigilance, learning, and bravery, should never be wanting in the ruler of a country.

Tamil Transliteration
383 Thoongaamai Kalvi Thunivutaimai Immoondrum
Neengaa Nilanaan Pavarkku.

Kingship, in virtue failing not, all vice restrains,
In courage failing not, it honour's grace maintains

Explanation
He is a king who, with manly modesty, swerves not from virtue, and refrains from vice.

Tamil Transliteration
Aranizhukkaa Thallavai Neekki Maranizhukkaa
Maanam Utaiya Tharasu.

A king is he who treasure gains, stores up, defends,
And duly for his kingdom's weal expends

Explanation
He is a king who is able to acquire (wealth), to lay it up, to guard, and to distribute it.

Tamil Transliteration
Iyatralum Eettalung Kaaththalum Kaaththa
Vakuththalum Valla Tharasu.

Where king is easy of access, where no harsh word repels,
That land's high praises every subject swells

Explanation
The whole world will exalt the country of the king who is easy of access, and who is free from harsh language.

Tamil Transliteration
Kaatchik Keliyan Katunjollan Allanel
Meekkoorum Mannan Nilam.

With pleasant speech, who gives and guards with powerful liberal hand,
He sees the world obedient all to his command

Explanation
The world will praise and submit itself to the mind of the king who is able to give with affability, and to protect all who come to him.

Tamil Transliteration
Insolaal Eeththalikka Vallaarkkuth Thansolaal
Thaankan Tanaiththiv Vulaku.

Who guards the realm and justice strict maintains,
That king as god o'er subject people reigns

Explanation
That king, will be esteemed a God among men, who performs his own duties, and protects (his subjects)..

Tamil Transliteration
Muraiseydhu Kaappaatrum Mannavan Makkatku
Iraiyendru Vaikkap Patum.

The king of worth, who can words bitter to his ear endure,
Beneath the shadow of his power the world abides secure

Explanation
The whole world will dwell under the umbrella of the king, who can bear words that embitter the ear.

Tamil Transliteration
Sevikaippach Chorporukkum Panputai Vendhan
Kavikaikkeezhth Thangum Ulaku.

Gifts, grace, right sceptre, care of people's weal;
These four a light of dreaded kings reveal

Explanation
He is the light of kings who has there four things, beneficence, benevolence, rectitude, and care for his people.

Tamil Transliteration
Kotaiyali Sengol Kutiyompal Naankum
Utaiyaanaam Vendhark Koli.