Selection and Confidence

How treats he virtue, wealth and pleasure? How, when life's at stake,
Comports himself? This four-fold test of man will full assurance make

Explanation
Let (a minister) be chosen, after he has been tried by means of these four things, viz,-his virtue, (love of) money, (love of) sexual pleasure, and tear of (losing) life.

Tamil Transliteration
Aramporul Inpam Uyirachcham Naankin
Thirandherindhu Therap Patum.

Of noble race, of faultless worth, of generous pride
That shrinks from shame or stain; in him may king confide

Explanation
(The king's) choice should (fall) on him, who is of good family, who is free from faults, and who has the modesty which fears the wounds (of sin).

Tamil Transliteration
Kutippirandhu Kutraththin Neengi Vatuppariyum
Naanutaiyaan Sutte Thelivu.

Though deeply learned, unflecked by fault, 'tis rare to see,
When closely scanned, a man from all unwisdom free

Explanation
When even men, who have studied the most difficult works, and who are free from faults, are (carefully) examined, it is a rare thing to find them without ignorance.

Tamil Transliteration
Ariyakatru Aasatraar Kannum Theriyungaal
Inmai Aridhe Veliru.

Weigh well the good of each, his failings closely scan,
As these or those prevail, so estimate the man

Explanation
Let (a king) consider (a man's) good qualities, as well as his faults, and then judge (of his character) by that which prevails.

Tamil Transliteration
Kunamnaatik Kutramum Naati Avatrul
Mikainaati Mikka Kolal.

Of greatness and of meanness too,
The deeds of each are touchstone true

Explanation
A man's deeds are the touchstone of his greatness and littleness.

Tamil Transliteration
Perumaikkum Enaich Chirumaikkum Thaththam
Karumame Kattalaik Kal.

Beware of trusting men who have no kith of kin;
No bonds restrain such men, no shame deters from sin

Explanation
Let (a king) avoid choosing men who have no relations; such men have no attachment, and thereforehave no fear of crime.

Tamil Transliteration
Atraaraith Therudhal Ompuka Matravar
Patrilar Naanaar Pazhi.

By fond affection led who trusts in men of unwise soul,
Yields all his being up to folly's blind control

Explanation
Yields all his being up to folly's blind control.

Tamil Transliteration
Kaadhanmai Kandhaa Arivariyaarth Therudhal
Pedhaimai Ellaan Tharum.

Who trusts an untried stranger, brings disgrace,
Remediless, on all his race

Explanation
Sorrow that will not leave even his posterity will come upon him chooses a stranger whose character he has not known.

Tamil Transliteration
Theraan Piranaith Thelindhaan Vazhimurai
Theeraa Itumpai Tharum.

Trust no man whom you have not fully tried,
When tested, in his prudence proved confide

Explanation
Let (a king) choose no one without previous consideration; after he has made his choice, let him unhesitatingly select for each such duties as are appropriate.

Tamil Transliteration
Therarka Yaaraiyum Theraadhu Therndhapin
Theruka Therum Porul.

Trust where you have not tried, doubt of a friend to feel,
Once trusted, wounds inflict that nought can heal

Explanation
To make choice of one who has not been examined, and to entertain doubts respecting one who has been chosen, will produce irremediable sorrow.

Tamil Transliteration
Theraan Thelivum Thelindhaankan Aiyuravum
Theeraa Itumpai Tharum.