Sage Thiru-valluvar
"The Bard of Universal Man"
Click the links here to read Thirukural in
Hindi,
Arabic, French, Kannada, Konkani, Latin, Malayalam, Marathi, Russian

Chapter - 69 : The Envoy
 

Introductory Note

Rev G U Pope says: “The character of the accomplished ambassador or a resident at a foreign court is admirably drawn.”

[I am not sure whether this chapter was meant for messengers of one king to another king or to a resident ambassador. In ancient India, messengers are mentioned more often. They are called “doot” in Sanskrit. In the epic Ramayana, Angad goes as a messenger of Rama to King Ravana. He conveys the terms & conditions on which Rama would not declare war. In epic Mahabharata, Krishna goes as a messenger of Yudhister to King Duryodhana. He also conveys the terms & conditions on which Yudhister would not declare war.

Translation(s)

A king may approve the envoy with these qualities – benevolence, high birth, the courtesy which kings love.

 

Translation(s)

He who speaks the words of kings should possess three things – love, knowledge, power of chosen words.

Explanation

Here love means special attachment to the king the envoy represents.

Translation(s)

One who speaks words of victory amidst javelin-bearing kings; he must by mighty in lore amongst the learned.

Explanation

This verse points to the danger inherent in role of an envoy that he may even be killed if he conveys a message which is not liked by the king of the other country since the envoy is in territory and court of another king.

Translation(s)

Who has these three qualities is fit for envoy’s task – sense, goodly grace, and exquisite knowledge.

 

Translation(s)

In concise terms, he is an envoy who avoiding wrathful speech utters pleasant words and gains advantage for his lord.

 

Translation(s)

He is competent as an envoy who is well learned, of fearless eye, speaks right home, prepares for each emergency.

Explanation

‘right home’ is not clear

Translation(s)

He is the best (amongst envoys) who knows what is due, considers the right time, selects the place, and then ponders long before he tells his errand.

 

Translation(s)

(The envoy) who rightly speaks his message must possess these marks – integrity, resources, determined soul, and truthfulness.

 

Translation(s)

He, who stands with steady eye, who speaks the mandate of his king; his faltering lips must utter no unworthy thing.

 

Translation(s)

His embassy may bring death to the faithful one; the envoy gains assured advantage for his king.

Explanation

This verse implies that the life of an envoy is in danger, just like that of a soldier, and he should be rewarded keeping this in view.

Sunrise in Kanyakumari (India) with Thiruvalluvar Statue in Foreground.
Witnessing the Sunrise at this Southernmost Tip of India is an Attraction
Credit: Indian~man, Flickr

References