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Kural 579

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oṟuttāṟṟum paṇpiṉār kaṇṇuṅkaṇ ṇōṭip / poṟuttāṟṟum paṇpē talai.

🎬 குறள் கதை · Story
G.U. Pope1886

“To smile on those that vex, with kindly face, / Enduring long, is most excelling grace.”

V.V.S. Aiyar1916

“It is nobility to forbear and show indulgence even unto those that have offended thee.”

Modern readingAI draft

For rulers, foremost is the quality of showing regard and patiently forbearing even toward people inclined to punish or hurt them.

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Parimelazhagar’s commentary

13th century · public domain

Parimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.

ஒறுத்தாற்றும் பண்பினார் கண்ணும்= தம்மை ஒறுக்கும் இயல்புடையார் இடத்தும்; கண்ணோடிப் பொறுத்து ஆற்றும் பண்பே தலை= கண்ணோட்டம் உடையராய்க் குற்றத்தைப் பொறுக்கும் இயல்பே அரசர்க்குத் தலையாய இயல்பாவது.

Source: Tamil Wikisource

In plain EnglishAI draft · pending review

The highest mark of noble character is to extend compassionate regard and patiently forbear even toward those who inflict harm upon you.