Avoiding Fear-Inspiring Rule
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kaṭumoḻiyuṅ kaiyikanta taṇṭamum vēnta / ṉaṭumuraṇ ṭēykku maram.
Harsh speech and punishment exceeding the offence are a file that wears away the ruler's iron strength for conquering enemies.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“Harsh words and punishments severe beyond the right, / Are file that wears away the monarch's conquering might.”
“Words that are harsh and punishments that are excessive are the files that file away the iron of power.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
கடு மொழியும் கை இகந்த தண்டமும்= கடிய சொல்லும் குற்றத்தின் மிக்க தண்டமும்; வேந்தன் அடு முரண் தேய்க்கும் அரம்= அரசனது பகை வெல்லுதற்கு ஏற்ற மாறுபாடாகிய இரும்பினைத் தேய்க்கும் அரமாம்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar says that harsh words and punishment greater than the offence act like a metal file, wearing down the king's iron-like military strength used to overcome enemies.