Tirukural/Chapter 51

501 How treats he virtue, wealth and pleasure? How, when life's at stake, Comports himself? This four-fold test of man will full assurance make. Let (a minister) be chosen, after he has been tried by means of these four things, viz,-his virtue, (love of) money, (love of) sexual pleasure, and tear of (losing) life.

502 Of noble race, of faultless worth, of generous pride That shrinks from shame or stain; in him may king confide.

(The king's) choice should (fall) on him, who is of good family, who is free from faults, and who has the modesty which fears the wounds (of sin).

503 Though deeply learned, unflecked by fault, 'tis rare to see, When closely scanned, a man from all unwisdom free.

When even men, who have studied the most difficult works, and who are free from faults, are (carefully) examined, it is a rare thing to find them without ignorance.

504 Weigh well the good of each, his failings closely scan, As these or those prevail, so estimate the man.

Let (a king) consider (a man's) good qualities, as well as his faults, and then judge (of his character) by that which prevails.

505 Of greatness and of meanness too, The deeds of each are touchstone true.

A man's deeds are the touchstone of his greatness and littleness.

506 Beware of trusting men who have no kith of kin; No bonds restrain such men, no shame deters from sin.

Let (a king) avoid choosing men who have no relations; such men have no attachment, and thereforehave no fear of crime.

507 By fond affection led who trusts in men of unwise soul, Yields all his being up to folly's blind control.

To choose ignorant men, through partiality, is the height of folly.

508 Who trusts an untried stranger, brings disgrace, Remediless, on all his race.

Sorrow that will not leave even his posterity will come upon him chooses a stranger whose character he has not known.

509 Trust no man whom you have not fully tried, When tested, in his prudence proved confide.

Let (a king) choose no one without previous consideration; after he has made his choice, let him unhesitatingly select for each such duties as are appropriate.

510 Trust where you have not tried, doubt of a friend to feel, Once trusted, wounds inflict that nought can heal.

To make choice of one who has not been examined, and to entertain doubts respecting one who has been chosen, will produce irremediable sorrow.