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Chapter 56: கொடுங்கோன்மை

On Wealth & Statecraft Kingship Chapter 56

Kural 552

கொடுங்கோன்மை

Position 2/10

திருக்குறள்

வேலொடு நின்றான் இடுவென் றதுபோலும் கோலொடு நின்றான் இரவு.

Velotu Nindraan Ituven Radhupolum Kolotu Nindraan Iravu

“Sceptered tyrant exacting gold Is \"give\" of lanced robber bold”

As 'Give' the robber cries with lance uplift,So kings with sceptred hand implore a gift

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Kural #552

The Shadow of the Sceptre

The story illustrates how a ruler using his authority to demand goods is perceived as a threat, much like a robber with a weapon. The request (for money) of him who holds the sceptre is like the word of a highway robber who stands with a weapon in hand and says "give up your wealth"

6–10 yr 1 min