244 



Report on the Mackenzie Manuscripts. 



[Oct. 



These two little works ar-e tied up together in one book, absurdly en- 

 titled, on the label outside, both in Tamil and English letters, Niti-sdramy 

 like the preceding. 



The first epitome is by Tiru Vencatdiyar ; and the second, so termed 

 gems, by Pugerenti, a poet of some repute, formerly patronised by a 

 Pandiya \!mg\ and author of the Tamil poetical version of the story of 

 Nala-raja. 



The "epitome" contains a specification of the metaphors to be used 

 in poetry, on the perfections of the more elegant portion of the human 

 species ; and the gems" are of the hdna class ; for a definition of 

 which see catalogue of ^^/^^?^^ works, in the second Report (MS. book 

 No. 21. §9). 



The book is entered in Des. Catal . vol. 1. p. 232. art. LIX, copying 

 the erroneous title ; and it is stated to " contain moral precepts and illus- 

 trations by Olaganath." 



23. Niti-sdra-caru (or iVii{2-sas^m), the essence of morality, No. 178. 

 —Countermark 193. 



This book contains sixty-six stanzas, of the species termed, Viruttam, 

 The name of the author does not appear. Some stanzas are occupied on 

 public laws, regulations, and punishments. Following ones relate to the 

 dispositions of men, with their respective faculties, or intelligence. 

 Next are distinguishing marks between justice, and injustice, or equity 

 and want of equity. The rules for the proper swaying of the kingly 

 sceptre follow ; together with the due mode of protecting the good, and 

 punishing the evil. Some subsequent stanzas are on forethought and 

 counsel, and the propriety of mature consideration ; with the addition of 

 some cautions on the need of fully understanding any one's disposition 

 before employing him in weighty affairs. Every thing should be en- 

 tered on with full consideration : when done, it should be with severity, 

 firmness, or decision. 



Note. — It is doubtful if the MS. is complete. It is in tolerably 

 good preservation. It would seem to merit translation. It is entered 

 in the Des. Catal. vol. I. p. 232. art. LXIII. and ascribed to Sivagnd 

 jprakasa. 



24. Sarangadhara Yachaganam. No. 117. — Countepmark 122. 



