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மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல்: Conduct in the Presence of the King
About this chapter
மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல் is about how a minister or courtier should behave in the presence of a ruler. The chapter is mostly cautionary: it warns against over-familiarity, curiosity and presumption.
Kural 691 gives the governing image. One should keep a distance from a king like someone warming at a fire, neither too far nor too near. Kural 692 advises not to covet what the king covets, and Kural 693 warns that once suspicion is aroused it is very hard to remove, so serious errors must be avoided from the start. Kurals 694 and 695 deal with etiquette in the royal presence: no whispering or exchanging smiles, no listening in on secret talks, and no prying; listen when the matter is shared. Kurals 696 and 697 turn to how advice should be given. Read the king's mood, pick the time, say what is needed in an agreeable way, and never recommend something useless, even if the king asks for it. Kurals 698 to 700 close with three warnings about presumption: do not despise the king as young or as a relative (698), do not assume his favour excuses bad conduct (699), and do not treat old friendship as licence (700).
Kural 691 is the one to remember, for the fire image. Kural 697 is the most useful, since it puts honest advice above pleasing advice.
For the syllabus, it relates to governance, in particular the relationship between those who advise and those who rule.
The 10 kurals of மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல்
Each kural is shown in Tamil with a transliteration and G. U. Pope's English verse translation. Open a kural for its plain English meaning.
அகலாது அணுகாது தீக்காய்வார் போல்க
இகல்வேந்தர்ச் சேர்ந்தொழுகு வார்.
Akalaadhu Anukaadhu Theekkaaivaar Polka
Ikalvendharch Cherndhozhuku Vaar
Who warm them at the fire draw not too near, nor keep too much aloof; Thus let them act who dwell beneath of warlike kings the palace-roof
மன்னர் விழைப விழையாமை மன்னரால்
மன்னிய ஆக்கந் தரும்.
Mannar Vizhaipa Vizhaiyaamai Mannaraal
Manniya Aakkan Tharum
To those who prize not state that kings are wont to prize, The king himself abundant wealth supplies
போற்றின் அரியவை போற்றல் கடுத்தபின்
தேற்றுதல் யார்க்கும் அரிது.
Potrin Ariyavai Potral Katuththapin
Thetrudhal Yaarkkum Aridhu
Who would walk warily, let him of greater faults beware; To clear suspicions once aroused is an achievement rare
செவிச்சொல்லும் சேர்ந்த நகையும் அவித்தொழுகல்
ஆன்ற பெரியா ரகத்து.
Sevichchollum Serndha Nakaiyum Aviththozhukal
Aandra Periyaa Rakaththu
All whispered words and interchange of smiles repress, In presence of the men who kingly power possess
எப்பொருளும் ஓரார் தொடரார்மற் றப்பொருளை
விட்டக்கால் கேட்க மறை.
Epporulum Oraar Thotaraarmar Rapporulai
Vittakkaal Ketka Marai
Seek not, ask not, the secret of the king to hear; But if he lets the matter forth, give ear
குறிப்பறிந்து காலங் கருதி வெறுப்பில
வேண்டுப வேட்பச் சொலல்.
Kuripparindhu Kaalang Karudhi Veruppila
Ventupa Vetpach Cholal
Knowing the signs, waiting for fitting time, with courteous care, Things not displeasing, needful things, declare
வேட்பன சொல்லி வினையில எஞ்ஞான்றும்
கேட்பினும் சொல்லா விடல்.
Vetpana Solli Vinaiyila Egngnaandrum
Ketpinum Sollaa Vital
Speak pleasant things, but never utter idle word; Not though by monarch's ears with pleasure heard
இளையர் இனமுறையர் என்றிகழார் நின்ற
ஒளியோடு ஒழுகப் படும்.
Ilaiyar Inamuraiyar Endrikazhaar Nindra
Oliyotu Ozhukap Patum
Say not, 'He's young, my kinsman,' despising thus your king; But reverence the glory kingly state doth bring
கொளப்பட்டேம் என்றெண்ணிக் கொள்ளாத செய்யார்
துளக்கற்ற காட்சி யவர்.
Kolappattem Endrennik Kollaadha Seyyaar
Thulakkatra Kaatchi Yavar
'We've gained his grace, boots nought what graceless acts we do', So deem not sages who the changeless vision view
பழையம் எனக்கருதிப் பண்பல்ல செய்யும்
கெழுதகைமை கேடு தரும்.
Pazhaiyam Enakkarudhip Panpalla Seyyum
Kezhudhakaimai Ketu Tharum
Who think 'We're ancient friends' and do unseemly things; To these familiarity sure ruin brings
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