Kural #694
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Tamil text
செவிச்சொல்லும் சேர்ந்த நகையும்
அவித்தொழுகல் ஆன்ற பெரியா ரகத்து
Ceviccollum cērnta nakaiyum
Avittoḻukal āṉṟa periyā rakattu
English translation
In the presence of great kings, one should avoid whispering and excessive familiarity in laughter.
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Explanation
Two behaviors to avoid near kings: செவிச்சொல் (whispering/secret talk) and சேர்ந்த நகை (overly familiar laughter). Such conduct breeds suspicion. Maintain formal dignity.
விளக்கம்
பெரிய அரசர்கள் முன்னிலையில், காதோடு காது பேசுவதையும், அதிகமாக சிரித்து பழகுவதையும் தவிர்க்க வேண்டும். இது சந்தேகத்தை உண்டாக்கும். அரசரிடம் பணிவும் மரியாதையும் அவசியம். இது மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்தொழுகல் அதிகாரத்தின் முக்கிய கருத்து.
Word meanings
- செவிceviear
- சொல்colword/speech
- சேர்ந்தcērntaclose/familiar
- நகைnakailaughter
- அவித்துavittusuppressing/avoiding
- ஒழுகல்oḻukalconducting oneself
- ஆன்றāṉṟadignified/great
- பெரியார்periyārgreat ones
- அகத்துakattuin the presence of
Story behind this kural
In a prosperous kingdom, two merchants, Arun and Bala, sought an audience with the King. Arun, known for his discreet nature, presented his wares with respectful silence, his eyes meeting the King's only when necessary. He spoke plainly, his voice measured. Bala, however, was boisterous. He chuckled loudly at the King's jokes, leaned in to whisper secrets about the other merchants, and clapped the King on the shoulder in what he thought was friendly camaraderie. The King, initially amused, soon became distant. He subtly shifted away from Bala's touch and answered his whispers with clipped responses. Later, the King summoned Arun. He listened intently to Arun's proposals and, impressed by his respectful demeanor, granted him a lucrative trading license. Bala, meanwhile, was left to grumble amongst the other merchants, his requests for favor unanswered, his loud laughter now sounding hollow in the grand hall.