Just Rule
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iṟaikākkum vaiyaka mellā mavaṉai / muṟaikākkum muṭṭāc ceyiṉ.
“The king all the whole realm of earth protects; / And justice guards the king who right respects.”
“The prince is the protector of all his people: and him his sceptre shall guard, provided he alloweth it not ever to lean to either side.”
The ruler protects the whole world; just order protects the ruler, if he maintains it without obstruction or lapse.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
வையகம் எல்லாம் இறை காக்கும்= வையகத்தை எல்லாம் அரசன் காக்கும்; அவனை முறை காக்கும்= அவன்தன்னை அவனது செங்கோலே காக்கும்; முட்டாச் செயின்= அதனை முட்டவந்துழியும் முட்டாமற் செலுத்துவானாயின்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
The ruler protects the entire realm from harm; and the impartial justice he administers will faithfully protect him, provided he enforces it without fear or lapse.