Wealth (பொருட்பால்) / Royalty
Chapter 55
செங்கோன்மை
The Right Sceptre
Sengonmai. Malay: Pemerintahan yang Adil. Kurals 541 to 550.
When justice and fair governance are required.
How to say it
Orndhukan Notaadhu Iraipurindhu YaarmaattumTherndhusey Vaqdhe Murai
Meaning in plain English
To examine into (the crimes which may be committed), to show no favour (to any one), to desire to act with impartiality towards all, and to inflict (such punishments) as may be wisely resolved on,
Poetic translation
Search out, to no one favour show; with heart that justice lovesConsult, then act; this is the rule that right approves
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Vaanokki Vaazhum Ulakellaam MannavanKol Nokki Vaazhung Kuti
Meaning in plain English
When there is rain, the living creation thrives; and so when the king rules justly, his subjects thrive
Poetic translation
All earth looks up to heav'n whence raindrops fall; All subjects look to king that ruleth all
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Andhanar Noorkum Araththirkum AadhiyaaiNindradhu Mannavan Kol
Meaning in plain English
The sceptre of the king is the firm support of the Vedas of the Brahmin, and of all virtues therein described
Poetic translation
Learning and virtue of the sages spring, From all-controlling sceptre of the king
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kutidhazheeik Kolochchum Maanila MannanAtidhazheei Nirkum Ulaku
Meaning in plain English
The world will constantly embrace the feet of the great king who rules over his subjects with love
Poetic translation
Whose heart embraces subjects all, lord over mighty landWho rules, the world his feet embracing stands
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Iyalpulik Kolochchum Mannavan NaattaPeyalum Vilaiyulum Thokku
Meaning in plain English
Rain and plentiful crops will ever dwell together in the country of the king who sways his sceptre with justice
Poetic translation
Where king, who righteous laws regards, the sceptre wields, There fall the showers, there rich abundance crowns the fields
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Velandru Vendri Tharuvadhu MannavanKoladhooung Kotaa Thenin
Meaning in plain English
It is not the javelin that gives victory, but the king's sceptre, if it do no injustice
Poetic translation
Not lance gives kings the victory, But sceptre swayed with equity
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Iraikaakkum Vaiyakam Ellaam AvanaiMuraikaakkum Muttaach Cheyin
Meaning in plain English
The king defends the whole world; and justice, when administered without defect, defends the king
Poetic translation
The king all the whole realm of earth protects; And justice guards the king who right respects
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Enpadhaththaan Oraa Muraiseyyaa MannavanThanpadhaththaan Thaane Ketum
Meaning in plain English
The king who gives not facile audience (to those who approach him), and who does not examine and pass judgment (on their complaints), will perish in disgrace
Poetic translation
Hard of access, nought searching out, with partial handThe king who rules, shall sink and perish from the land
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kutipurang Kaaththompik Kutram KatidhalVatuvandru Vendhan Thozhil
Meaning in plain English
In guarding his subjects (against injury from others), and in preserving them himself; to punish crime
Poetic translation
Abroad to guard, at home to punish, bringsNo just reproach; 'tis work assigned to kings
G. U. Pope, 1886
How to say it
Kolaiyir Kotiyaarai Vendhoruththal PaingoozhKalaikat Tadhanotu Ner
Meaning in plain English
For a king to punish criminals with death, is like pulling up the weeds in the green corn
Poetic translation
By punishment of death the cruel to restrain, Is as when farmer frees from weeds the tender grain
G. U. Pope, 1886