ABOUT ENVOYS AND MESSENGERS

The envoy should be learned in political science, fearless before wrathful eyes, persuasive in speech, resourceful and readywitted.

He should not be a mere messenger. He should know the courtesies due to men and be able to judge time and place, and think before speaking.

The qualifications for a mere messenger, vazhi vuraippaan are given in three aphorisms. He should be pure in conduct, command some support in the court of the prince he is sent to, be a man of courage and above all, truthful.

One who bears a prince's message should not by oversight or lack of courage give expression to anything that would lower the dignity of his prince or leave a scar on his honour.

He should not mind even being killed on account of it, but should convey his message loyally, without faltering.

[ Back ] [ Up ]