Section VI: Ministers
Chapter 64: Ministers
Kural 631
A minister is he who can conceive a great enterprise,
rightly choose the ways, means and time, then carry it out.
Kural 632
Added to the above five, a minister is well-endowed with
steadfastness, learning, perseverance and protection of the people.
Kural 633
He who can divide enemies, bind friends more firmly
and reunite estranged allies is unequivocally a minister.
Kural 634
Call him a minister who comprehends things,
effectively executes them and competently directs others.
Kural 635
The helpful aide understands codes of conduct, discerns what is
fitting in every situation and speaks with learned deliberation.
Kural 636
When shrewd intelligence combines with scholastic study,
who can stand before such peerless subtlety?
Kural 637
Though thoroughly learned in theoretical methods,
one should act only after fathoming the world’s proven practices.
Kural 638
The loyal minister’s duty is to communicate his counsel,
even if his leader is a dullard who spurns advice.
Kural 639
Better for the king to face 700 million far-off foes
than to retain a single counselor who conspires at his side.
Kural 640
Little matter that they can devise the perfect plan;
those without executive skills never finish their work.
