The Majesty of a King
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tūṅkāmai kalvi tuṇivuṭaimai yimmūṉṟum / nīṅkā nilaṉāḷ pavaṟku
“A sleepless promptitude, knowledge, decision strong: / These three for aye to rulers of the land belong.”
“Behold the men that are destined to rule the earth: the three virtues, alertness, learning, and decision, leave them not.”
Prompt action, learning, and resolute decision—these three must never leave the person who governs the land.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
பரிமேலழகர் உரை; நிலன் ஆள்பவற்கு- நிலத்தினை ஆளும் திருவுடையாற்கு; தூங்காமை கல்வி துணிவுடைமை இம் மூன்றும் நீங்கா- அக்காரியங்களில் விரைவுடைமையும், அவை அறிதற்கு ஏற்ற கல்வி உடைமையும், ஆண்மை உடைமையும் ஆகிய இம்மூன்று குணமும் ஒருகாலும் நீங்கா என்றவாறு.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Vigilant promptness without procrastination, sound knowledge of statecraft, and resolute decisiveness—these three qualities must never depart from those who govern the realm.