Chapter 65: Eloquence
Kural 641
Among a man's many good possessions,
none can equal having a good tongue.
Kural 642
Prosperity and ruin issue from the power of the tongue.
Therefore, guard yourself against thoughtless speech.
Kural 643
The substance of artful speech holds friends spell-bound,
and its eloquence enchants even enemies.
Kural 644
Judge the nature of your listeners and speak accordingly.
There is nothing more virtuous or valuable than this.
Kural 645
Speak out your speech after ascertaining that
no speech can be spoken to refute that speech.
Kural 646
To speak so that listeners long to hear more and to listen so that
others' meaning is grasped are ideals of the impeccably great.
Kural 647
In a war of words, none can defeat a persuasive man
who never succumbs to fear or forgetfulness.
Kural 648
Upon finding men whose forceful speech is couched
in cogent and enchanting ways, the world swiftly gathers around.
Kural 649
Unaware of the artful use of a few flawless words,
men become enamored with excessive verbiage.
Kural 650
Men who cannot communicate their knowledge to others
resemble a bouquet of unfragrant flowers in full bloom.