Avoiding Faults
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ivaṟalu māṇpiṟanta māṉamu māṇā / vuvakaiyu mēta miṟaikku
For a ruler, refusing to give wealth when duty requires it, honor severed from excellence, and unmeasured delight are faults.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“A niggard hand, o'erweening self-regard, and mirth / Unseemly, bring disgrace to men of kingly brith.”
“Parsimony, overconfidence, and excessive amour propre are faults in the prince.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
இவறலும்= வேண்டும்வழிப் பொருள் கொடாமையும்; மாண்பு இறந்த மானமும்= நன்மையின் நீங்கிய மானமும்; மாணா உவகையும்= அளவிறந்த உவகையும்; இறைக்கு ஏதம்= அரசனுக்குக் குற்றம்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar names three faults of a ruler: withholding resources when they ought to be given, a sense of honor detached from goodness, and delight that exceeds fitting measure. The verse judges the use of authority, not prudent saving, healthy self-respect, joy, cultural expressiveness, or neurodivergent emotion.