The Office of Minister of state

A minister is he who grasps, with wisdom large,
Means, time, work's mode, and functions rare he must discharge

Explanation
The minister is one who can make an excellent choice of means, time, manner of execution, and the difficult undertaking (itself).

Tamil Transliteration
Karuviyum Kaalamum Seykaiyum Seyyum
Aruvinaiyum Maantadhu Amaichchu.

A minister must greatness own of guardian power, determined mind,
Learn'd wisdom, manly effort with the former five combined

Explanation
The minister is one who in addition to the aforesaid five things excels in the possession of firmness,.

Tamil Transliteration
Vankan Kutikaaththal Katraridhal Aalvinaiyotu
Aindhutan Maantadhu Amaichchu.

A minister is he whose power can foes divide,
Attach more firmly friends, of severed ones can heal the breaches wide

Explanation
The minister is one who can effect discord (among foes), maintain the good-will of his friends and restore to friendship those who have seceded (from him).

Tamil Transliteration
Piriththalum Penik Kolalum Pirindhaarp
Poruththalum Valla Thamaichchu.

A minister has power to see the methods help afford,
To ponder long, then utter calm conclusive word

Explanation
The minister is one who is able to comprehend (the whole nature of an undertaking), execute it in the best manner possible, and offer assuring advice (in time of necessity).

Tamil Transliteration
Theridhalum Therndhu Seyalum Orudhalaiyaach
Chollalum Valladhu Amaichchu.

The man who virtue knows, has use of wise and pleasant words
With plans for every season apt, in counsel aid affords

Explanation
He is the best helper (of the king) who understanding the duties, of the latter, is by his special learning, able to tender the fullest advice, and at all times conversant with the best method (of.

Tamil Transliteration
Aranarindhu Aandramaindha Sollaanenj Gnaandrun
Thiranarindhaan Therchchith Thunai.

When native subtilty combines with sound scholastic lore,
'Tis subtilty surpassing all, which nothing stands before

Explanation
What (contrivances) are there so acute as to resist those who possess natural acuteness in addition to learning ?.

Tamil Transliteration
Madhinutpam Noolotu Utaiyaarkku Adhinutpam
Yaavula Munnir Pavai.

Though knowing all that books can teach, 'tis truest tact
To follow common sense of men in act

Explanation
Though you are acquainted with the (theoretical) methods (of performing an act), understand the ways of the world and act accordingly.

Tamil Transliteration
Seyarkai Arindhak Kataiththum Ulakaththu
Iyarkai Arindhu Seyal.

'Tis duty of the man in place aloud to say
The very truth, though unwise king may cast his words away

Explanation
Although the king be utterly ignorant, it is the duty of the minister to give (him) sound advice.

Tamil Transliteration
Arikondru Ariyaan Eninum Urudhi
Uzhaiyirundhaan Kooral Katan.

A minister who by king's side plots evil things
Worse woes than countless foemen brings

Explanation
Far better are seventy crores of enemies (for a king) than a minister at his side who intends (his) ruin.

Tamil Transliteration
Pazhudhennum Mandhiriyin Pakkadhadhul Thevvor
Ezhupadhu Koti Urum.

For gain of end desired just counsel nought avails
To minister, when tact in execution fails

Explanation
Those ministers who are destitute of (executive) ability will fail to carry out their projects, although they may have contrived aright.

Tamil Transliteration
Muraippatach Choozhndhum Mutivilave Seyvar
Thirappaatu Ilaaa Thavar.