Thirukkural · பொருட்பால் · கொடுங்கோன்மை

Thirukkural 552

Chapter 56: கொடுங்கோன்மை (The Cruel Sceptre) · Wealth

Kural 552

வேலொடு நின்றான் இடுவென் றதுபோலும்
கோலொடு நின்றான் இரவு.

Velotu Nindraan Ituven Radhupolum
Kolotu Nindraan Iravu

As 'Give' the robber cries with lance uplift, So kings with sceptred hand implore a gift

Meaning

The request (for money) of him who holds the sceptre is like the word of a highway robber who stands with a weapon in hand and says "give up your wealth".

Plain English meaning from the 19th-century prose translation by W. H. Drew and John Lazarus. The verse above is G. U. Pope's translation (1886).

Other kurals in கொடுங்கோன்மை

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