Power of Speech

A tongue that rightly speaks the right is greatest gain,
It stands alone midst goodly things that men obtain

Explanation
The possession of that goodness which is called the goodness of speech is (even to others) better than any other goodness.

Tamil Transliteration
Naanalam Ennum Nalanutaimai Annalam
Yaanalaththu Ulladhooum Andru.

Since gain and loss in life on speech depend,
From careless slip in speech thyself defend

Explanation
Since (both) wealth and evil result from (their) speech, ministers should most carefully guard themselves against faultiness therein.

Tamil Transliteration
Aakkamung Ketum Adhanaal Varudhalaal
Kaaththompal Sollinkat Sorvu.

'Tis speech that spell-bound holds the listening ear,
While those who have not heard desire to hear

Explanation
The (minister's) speech is that which seeks (to express) elements as bind his friends (to himself) and is so delivered as to make even his enemies desire (his friendship).

Tamil Transliteration
Kettaarp Pinikkum Thakaiyavaaik Kelaarum
Vetpa Mozhivadhaam Sol.

Speak words adapted well to various hearers' state;
No higher virtue lives, no gain more surely great

Explanation
Understand the qualities (of your hearers) and (then) make your speech; for superior to it, there is neither virtue nor wealth.

Tamil Transliteration
Thiranarindhu Solluka Sollai Aranum
Porulum Adhaninooungu Il.

Speak out your speech, when once 'tis past dispute
That none can utter speech that shall your speech refute

Explanation
Deliver your speech, after assuring yourself that no counter speech can defeat your own.

Tamil Transliteration
Solluka Sollaip Piridhorsol Achchollai
Vellunjol Inmai Arindhu.

Charming each hearer's ear, of others' words to seize the sense,
Is method wise of men of spotless excellence

Explanation
It is the opinion of those who are free from defects in diplomacy that the minister should speak so as to make his hearers desire (to hear more) and grasp the meaning of what he hears himself.

Tamil Transliteration
Vetpaththaanj Chollip Pirarsol Payankotal
Maatchiyin Maasatraar Kol.

Mighty in word, of unforgetful mind, of fearless speech,
'Tis hard for hostile power such man to overreach

Explanation
It is impossible for any one to conquer him by intrique who possesses power of speech, and is neither faulty nor timid.

Tamil Transliteration
Solalvallan Sorvilan Anjaan Avanai
Ikalvellal Yaarkkum Aridhu.

Swiftly the listening world will gather round,
When men of mighty speech the weighty theme propound

Explanation
If there be those who can speak on various subjects in their proper order and in a pleasing manner, the world would readily accept them.

Tamil Transliteration
Viraindhu Thozhilketkum Gnaalam Nirandhinidhu
Solludhal Vallaarp Perin.

Who have not skill ten faultless words to utter plain,
Their tongues will itch with thousand words man's ears to pain

Explanation
They will desire to utter many words, who do not know how to speak a few faultless ones.

Tamil Transliteration
Palasollak Kaamuruvar Mandramaa Satra
Silasollal Thetraa Thavar.

Like scentless flower in blooming garland bound
Are men who can't their lore acquired to other's ears expound

Explanation
Those who are unable to set forth their acquirements (before others) are like flowers blossoming in a cluster and yet without fragrance.

Tamil Transliteration
Inaruzhththum Naaraa Malaranaiyar Katradhu
Unara Viriththuraiyaa Thaar.