The Kural
All chapters › Wealth (பொருட்பால்) › Chapter 69
தூது
Kurals 681–690 of the Thirukkural, in the book of Wealth (பொருட்பால்).
அன்புடைமை ஆன்ற குடிப்பிறத்தல் வேந்தவாம்
பண்புடைமை தூதுரைப்பான் பண்பு.
Benevolence high birth, the courtesy kings love:-
These qualities the envoy of a king approve.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A good representative is caring, well-raised and has qualities that win respect from the top.
Open in the appஅன்பறிவு ஆராய்ந்த சொல்வன்மை தூதுரைப்பார்க்கு
இன்றி யமையாத மூன்று.
Love, knowledge, power of chosen words, three things,
Should he possess who speaks the words of kings.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: Loyalty, knowledge and careful speech are the three things every representative must have.
Open in the appநூலாருள் நூல்வல்லன் ஆகுதல் வேலாருள்
வென்றி வினையுரைப்பான் பண்பு.
Mighty in lore amongst the learned must he be,
Midst jav'lin-bearing kings who speaks the words of victory.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: To speak for your side before powerful people, you need to be the best negotiator among the learned.
Open in the appஅறிவுரு வாராய்ந்த கல்விஇம் மூன்றன்
செறிவுடையான் செல்க வினைக்கு.
Sense, goodly grace, and knowledge exquisite.
Who hath these three for envoy's task is fit.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: Send someone with good sense, a good presence and solid learning.
Open in the appதொகச்சொல்லித் தூவாத நீக்கி நகச்சொல்லி
நன்றி பயப்பதாந் தூது.
In terms concise, avoiding wrathful speech, who utters pleasant word,
An envoy he who gains advantage for his lord.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A good representative speaks briefly, avoids harsh words, makes people smile and gets results.
Open in the appகற்றுக்கண் அஞ்சான் செலச்சொல்லிக் காலத்தால்
தக்கது அறிவதாம் தூது.
An envoy meet is he, well-learned, of fearless eye
Who speaks right home, prepared for each emergency.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A good representative knows their subject, speaks convincingly, isn't afraid of angry looks and reads the moment.
Open in the appகடனறிந்து காலங் கருதி இடனறிந்து
எண்ணி உரைப்பான் தலை.
He is the best who knows what's due, the time considered well,
The place selects, then ponders long ere he his errand tell.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: The best representative knows the etiquette, thinks before speaking and waits for the right moment and place.
Open in the appதூய்மை துணைமை துணிவுடைமை இம்மூன்றின்
வாய்மை வழியுரைப்பான் பண்பு.
Integrity, resources, soul determined, truthfulness.
Who rightly speaks his message must these marks possess.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: Someone who carries your message needs integrity, allies, courage and honesty.
Open in the appவிடுமாற்றம் வேந்தர்க்கு உரைப்பான் வடுமாற்றம்
வாய்சேரா வன்கணவன்.
His faltering lips must utter no unworthy thing,
Who stands, with steady eye, to speak the mandates of his king.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: Only send someone steady enough never to let slip a word that embarrasses the person they represent.
Open in the appஇறுதி பயப்பினும் எஞ்சாது இறைவற்கு
உறுதி பயப்பதாம் தூது.
Death to the faithful one his embassy may bring;
True envoy gains assured advantage for his king.
G.U. Pope, 1886
In today's words: A true representative pursues their side's interest fearlessly, even at the risk of their life.
Open in the app