The Majesty of a King
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iṉcolā līttaḷikka vallāṟkut taṉcolāṟ / ṟāṉkaṇ ṭaṉaittiv vulaku
For one able to give and protect with pleasant speech, this world will, by that leader's word, become as extensive as the leader intends.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“With pleasant speech, who gives and guards with powerful liberal hand, / He sees the world obedient all to his command.”
“Behold the prince who can give with grace and rule with love: his name will fill the world.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
இன்சொலால் ஈத்து அளிக்க வல்லாற்கு= இனிய சொல்லுடனே ஈதலைச் செய்து அளிக்கவல்ல அரசனுக்கு; இவ்வுலகு தன் சொலால் தான் கண்டனைத்து= இவ்வுலகம் தன் புகழோடு மேவித் தான் கருதிய அளவிற்றாம் என்றவாறு.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar says a ruler who gives and protects while speaking graciously gains a world aligned with his fame and purpose. Modern readers must not turn this into obedience to charisma: legitimate trust rests on rights, consent, evidence, fair distribution, protection, elections, and review; pleasant speech cannot launder coercion.