The Majesty of a King
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aṟaṉiḻukkā tallavai nīkki maṟaṉiḻukkā / māṉa muṭaiya taracu
True government does not depart from virtue, removes what is unjust, and possesses honour that does not fail in courage.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“Kingship, in virtue failing not, all vice restrains, / In courage failing not, it honour's grace maintains.”
“The prince shall not fail in virtue and shall abolish unrighteousness: he shall guard his honour jealously but shall not sin against the laws of valour.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
அறன் இழுக்காது = தனக்கு ஓதிய அறத்தின் வழுவாது ஒழுகி; அல்லவை நீக்கி = அறன் அல்லவை தன் நாட்டின் கண்ணும் நிகழாமல் கடிந்து; மறன் இழுக்கா மானம் உடையது அரசு = வீரத்தின் வழுவாத தாழ்வின்மையினை உடையான் அரசன் என்றவாறு.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar describes a ruler who follows the prescribed moral path, prevents injustice within the country, and maintains honour without departing from courage. Modern public leadership must translate this into constitutional rights, due process, equal protection, and accountable courage—not moral policing, caste rules, militarism, or personal honour above law.