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The Holy Kural
Written over two millenia ago by Saint Tiruvalluvar,
translated under the guidance of Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Judging the Audience |
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Verse 711
Let pure men of studied eloquence study the audience
Before speaking deliberate words.
Verse 712
Let those good men who have the gift of eloquence await
The right moment and then speak with clear knowledge.
Verse 713
Those who do not assess an audience before venturing to speak
Are unaware of the way of words and remain ineffective.
Verse 714
Be brilliant before brilliant men; but assume
The dullness of white mortar before the unlearned.
Verse 715
Among all good things the best is that diffidence
Which refrains from speaking first with elders.
Verse 716
To blunder before perceptive, erudite men
Is to slip and fall from a high place.
Verse 717
A learned man's learning shines brightest
Among luminaries who can capably critique his language.
Verse 718
Speaking to an audience of understanding men
Is like watering a bed of growing plants.
Verse 719
Those who speak good things to good and learned gatherings
Should never say them to ignorant groups, even forgetfully.
Verse 720
Speaking before men of alien mind
Is like pouring sweet nectar down a drain.
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The Holy Kural
Written over two millenia ago by Saint Tiruvalluvar,
translated under the guidance of Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Judging the Audience |
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