Kural #687
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Tamil text
கடனறிந்து காலம் கருதி
இடனறிந்து எண்ணி உரைப்பான் தலை
Kaṭaṉaṟintu kālam karuti
Iṭaṉaṟintu eṇṇi uraippāṉ talai
English translation
The chief among envoys is one who knows his duty, considers timing, understands the place, and speaks thoughtfully.
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Explanation
The supreme envoy knows four things: கடன் (duty/what must be said), காலம் (timing), இடன் (appropriate place), and எண்ணி உரைத்தல் (speaking after reflection). Such a one is தலை (chief/best).
விளக்கம்
தூது அதிகாரத்தில், தூதுவரின் திறமை கூறப்படுகிறது. தன் கடமை, பேசும் நேரம், இடம் அறிந்து, யோசித்து பேசுபவரே சிறந்த தூதுவர். இது வெற்றிக்கு உதவும்.
Word meanings
- கடன்kaṭaṉduty
- அறிந்துaṟintuknowing
- காலம்kālamtime
- கருதிkaruticonsidering
- இடன்iṭaṉplace
- எண்ணிeṇṇithinking/reflecting
- உரைப்பான்uraippāṉone who speaks
- தலைtalaichief/head
Story behind this kural
The King of Eldoria needed a new alliance. He chose a young, eager messenger named Thomas. "Go to the kingdom of Silverwood," the King commanded, "and secure a trade agreement." Thomas, thrilled, rushed to Silverwood. He immediately presented himself to their King, blurting out his request during a royal feast. He spoke loudly, ignoring the hushed conversations and the King's raised eyebrow. The Silverwood King, annoyed, dismissed him. Later, the King of Eldoria sent his wise advisor, Silas. Silas arrived humbly, observing Silverwood's customs. He learned of their recent famine, and when the moment was right, offered Eldoria's surplus grain as a gift. He spoke softly, at a private audience, detailing the benefits of trade for both kingdoms. The Silverwood King, touched by Silas's understanding and thoughtfulness, readily agreed. The kingdoms prospered together.