The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 65
CHAPTER 65
ELOQUENCE
641. The blessing of the tongue is a blessing indeed : for it is a blessing apart and formeth not part of other blessings.
642. Death and life are in the power of the tongue : guard thou therefore against imprudence of speech.
643. Behold the speech that bindeth friends more closely and fascinateth even enemies: that alone is worthy of its name.
644. Weigh each circumstance aright and then speak the speech that is fit : for the increase of righteousness and profit there is no other thing of more worth to thee than it.
645. Speak thou the speech that cannot be silenced by any other speech.
646. To speak so as to captivate one's own hearers and to seize the sense in the words of others, that is the part of the consummate statesman.
647. Behold the man who is eloquent of speech and knoweth neither confusion nor fear: it is impossible for any one to beat him in debate.
648. Behold the men whose speech is well ordered and couched in persuasive language: the world will be at their beck and call.
649. Verily they have a passion for much speaking who know not to say their mind in few and well chosen words.
650. Behold the men who cannot expound unto others the knowledge that they have acquired : they are like unto the flower that blossometh but giveth forth no fragrance.
