Kural #643
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
கேட்டார்ப் பிணிக்கும் தகையவாய்க்
கேளாரும் வேட்ப மொழிவதாம் சொல்
Kēṭṭārp piṇikkum takaiyavāyk
Kēḷārum vēṭpa moḻivatām col
English translation
True eloquence captivates those who hear it and creates a desire even in those who did not hear it.
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Explanation
Powerful speech has magnetic quality - it binds (பிணிக்கும்) listeners and creates longing (வேட்ப) in those who missed it. Great oratory spreads its own fame.
விளக்கம்
கேட்டவரை வசீகரிக்கும், கேட்காதவரையும் கேட்கத் தூண்டும் சொற்களே சிறந்த சொல்வன்மை. இது சொல்வன்மை அதிகாரத்தில் உள்ளது. நல்ல பேச்சு, புகழைத் தேடித் தரும்; பிறரையும் கவரும். பேசும் திறமையால் நன்மையே விளையும்.
Word meanings
- கேட்டார்kēṭṭārthose who heard
- பிணிக்கும்piṇikkumbinds/captivates
- தகைtakaiquality/nature
- அவாய்avāybeing
- கேளார்kēḷārthose who did not hear
- வேட்பvēṭpato desire
- மொழிவதுmoḻivatuspeaking
- ஆம்āmis
- சொல்colspeech
Story behind this kural
In a bustling marketplace, two merchants vied for customers. One, a gruff man named Silas, bellowed prices and boasted of his wares. People hurried past, ears ringing. The other, Elara, spoke softly, describing the qualities of her silks with gentle enthusiasm. Silas scoffed, "Look at her! Whispering won't sell anything!" Yet, as the day wore on, a small crowd gathered around Elara. She told tales of the silk's journey, the silkworms, the weavers, the vibrant dyes. Even those who didn't intend to buy lingered, captivated. They returned later, bringing friends. Silas, frustrated, watched as his own customers dwindled. He tried to mimic Elara's tone, but his voice cracked, his words sounded hollow. Finally, he gave up, muttering about unfair luck. As the sun set, Elara's stall was almost empty, while Silas still had much to sell. The next day, Silas sought out Elara, seeking her secret.