The Kural
All chapters › Wealth (பொருட்பால்) › Chapter 59
ஒற்றாடல்
Kurals 581–590 of the Thirukkural, in the book of Wealth (பொருட்பால்).
ஒற்றும் உரைசான்ற நூலும் இவையிரண்டும்
தெற்றென்க மன்னவன் கண்.
These two: the code renowned and spies,
In these let king confide as eyes.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A leader's two eyes are good information and wise, respected rules.
Open in the appஎல்லார்க்கும் எல்லாம் நிகழ்பவை எஞ்ஞான்றும்
வல்லறிதல் வேந்தன் தொழில்.
Each day, of every subject every deed,
'Tis duty of the king to learn with speed.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A leader should know quickly what's happening, every day, everywhere.
Open in the appஒற்றினான் ஒற்றிப் பொருள்தெரியா மன்னவன்
கொற்றங் கொளக்கிடந்தது இல்.
By spies who spies, not weighing things they bring,
Nothing can victory give to that unwary king.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A leader who doesn't value good information can't win anything.
Open in the appவினைசெய்வார் தம்சுற்றம் வேண்டாதார் என்றாங்கு
அனைவரையும் ஆராய்வது ஒற்று.
His officers, his friends, his enemies,
All these who watch are trusty spies.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: Real intelligence keeps watch on everyone: staff, relatives and rivals.
Open in the appகடாஅ உருவொடு கண்ணஞ்சாது யாண்டும்
உகாஅமை வல்லதே ஒற்று.
Of unsuspected mien and all-unfearing eyes,
Who let no secret out, are trusty spies.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A good investigator blends in, fears no one and never gives away their purpose.
Open in the appதுறந்தார் படிவத்த ராகி இறந்தாராய்ந்து
என்செயினும் சோர்விலது ஒற்று.
As monk or devotee, through every hindrance making way,
A spy, whate'er men do, must watchful mind display.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A good investigator can go anywhere in disguise, find out everything and never reveal themselves, whatever happens.
Open in the appமறைந்தவை கேட்கவற் றாகி அறிந்தவை
ஐயப்பாடு இல்லதே ஒற்று.
A spy must search each hidden matter out,
And full report must render, free from doubt.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A good investigator uncovers what's hidden and leaves no doubt about what they've found.
Open in the appஒற்றொற்றித் தந்த பொருளையும் மற்றுமோர்
ஒற்றினால் ஒற்றிக் கொளல்.
Spying by spies, the things they tell
To test by other spies is well.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: Don't act on information from one source until another source has checked it.
Open in the appஒற்றெற் றுணராமை ஆள்க உடன்மூவர்
சொற்றொக்க தேறப் படும்.
One spy must not another see: contrive it so;
And things by three confirmed as truth you know.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: Use sources that don't know about each other, and trust it when three of them agree.
Open in the appசிறப்பறிய ஒற்றின்கண் செய்யற்க செய்யின்
புறப்படுத்தான் ஆகும் மறை.
Reward not trusty spy in others' sight,
Or all the mystery will come to light.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: Don't praise your informants in public; that gives away your own secrets.
Open in the app