The Majesty of a King
Tap an underlined Tamil word to explore its sound, meaning, and use.
cevikaippac coṟpoṟukkum paṇpuṭai vēntaṉ / kavikaikkīḻt taṅku mulaku
The world will remain beneath the protective canopy of a ruler who has the character to endure words that are bitter to the ear.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“The king of worth, who can words bitter to his ear endure, / Beneath the shadow of his power the world abides secure.”
“Behold the prince who hath the virtue to bear with words that are bitter to the ear: the world will rest permanently under his umbrella.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
சொல் செவி கைப்பப் பொறுக்கும் பண்பு உடை வேந்தன்= இடிக்கும் துணையாயினார் சொற்களைத் தன் செவி பொறாதாகவும், விளைவு நோக்கிப் பொறுக்கும் பண்புடைய அரசனது; கவிகைக் கீழ்த் தங்கும் உலகு= குடை நிழற்கண்ணே தங்கும் உலகம் என்றவாறு.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar says a king should bear the painful corrective words of advisers because he looks to their beneficial result; such a ruler's realm remains secure. Modern leadership must protect criticism, whistleblowing, journalism, opposition, and expert dissent—not merely tolerate insult, demand politeness from victims, or punish truth as disloyalty.