The Majesty of a King
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"koṭaiyaḷi ceṅkōl kuṭiyōmpal nāṉkum / uṭaiyāṉām vēntark koḷi"
“Gifts, grace, right sceptre, care of people's weal; / These four a light of dreaded kings reveal.”
“Behold the prince who is liberal and gracious and just, and who tendeth his people with care: he is a light among kings.”
Generosity, gracious concern, just rule, and care for the people—one who possesses all four is a light among rulers.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
கொடை= வேண்டுவார்க்கு வேண்டுவன கொடுத்தலும்; அளி= யாவர்க்கும் தலையளி செய்தலும்; செங்கோல்= முறை செய்தலும்; குடி ஓம்பல்= தளர்ந்த குடிகளைப் பேணலும் ஆகிய; நான்கும் உடையான்= இந்நான்கு செயலையும் உடையவன்; வேந்தர்க்கு ஒளியாம்= வேந்தர்க்கு எல்லாம் விளக்காம் என்றவாறு.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Munificent generosity, gracious compassion, impartial justice, and tireless care for the citizens—a ruler who possesses these four virtues shines as a beacon among kings.