Thirukkural Chapter 73 - Not to dread the Council

Couplet 721 
Men, pure in heart, who know of words the varied force,
The mighty council's moods discern, nor fail in their discourse
Explanation
The pure who know the classification of words having first ascertained the nature (of the court) will not (through fear) falter in their speech before the powerful body

Couplet 722 
Who what they've learned, in penetrating words heve learned to say,
Before the learn'd among the learn'd most learn'd are they
Explanation
Those who can agreeably set forth their acquirements before the learned will be regarded as the most learned among the learned

Couplet 723 
Many encountering death in face of foe will hold their ground;
Who speak undaunted in the council hall are rarely found
Explanation
Many indeed may (fearlessly) die in the presence of (their) foes; (but) few are those who are fearless in the assembly (of the learned)

Couplet 724 
What you have learned, in penetrating words speak out before
The learn'd; but learn what men more learn'd can teach you more
Explanation
(Ministers) should agreeably set forth their acquirements before the learned and acquire more (knowledge) from their superiors (in learning)

Couplet 725 
By rule, to dialectic art your mind apply,
That in the council fearless you may make an apt reply
Explanation
In order to reply fearlessly before a foreign court, (ministers) should learn logic according to the rules (of grammar)

Couplet 726 
To those who lack the hero's eye what can the sword avail
Or science what, to those before the council keen who quail
Explanation
What have they to do with a sword who are not valiant, or they with learning who are afraid of an intelligent assembly ?

Couplet 727 
As shining sword before the foe which 'sexless being' bears,
Is science learned by him the council's face who fears
Explanation
The learning of him who is diffident before an assembly is like the shining sword of an hermaphrodite in the presence of his foes

Couplet 728 
Though many things they've learned, yet useless are they all,
To man who cannot well and strongly speak in council hall
Explanation
Those who cannot agreeably speak good things before a good assembly are indeed unprofitable persons inspite of all their various acquirements

Couplet 729 
Who, though they've learned, before the council of the good men quake,
Than men unlearn'd a lower place must take
Explanation
They who, though they have learned and understood, are yet afraid of the assembly of the good, are said to be inferior (even) to the illiterate

Couplet 730 
Who what they've learned, in penetrating words know not to say,
The council fearing, though they live, as dead are they
Explanation
Those who through fear of the assembly are unable to set forth their learning in an interesting manner, though alive, are yet like the dead