Page:The Kural or The Maxims Of Tiruvalluvar.pdf/203

 686. Learning, sang-froid, persuasive speech, and a just instinct for what is meet for each occasion, all these are necessary qualifications in the envoy.

687. He is the fittest ambassador who hath a just eye for time and place, who knoweth his duty, and who weigheth his words before uttering them.

688. The man that is sent on embassies shall be firm of mind, pure of heart, and engaging in his ways.

689. Behold the firm-minded man that will never let fall from his lips words that are weak and unbecoming: he is the fit man to deliver the messages of princes at foreign courts.

690. Even when threatened with death the perfect ambassador will not fail in his duty but will endeavour to secure his master's profit. Rh