Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 1281
Gladness at the thought, rejoicing at the sight,
Not palm-tree wine, but love, yields such delight.
Explanation
To please by thought and cheer by sight is peculiar, not to liquor but lust.
Transliteration
Ullak Kaliththalum Kaana Makizhdhalum
Kallukkil Kaamaththir Kuntu.
Couplet 1282
When as palmyra tall, fulness of perfect love we gain,
Distrust can find no place small as the millet grain.
Explanation
If women have a lust that exceeds even the measure of the palmyra fruit, they will not desire (to feign) dislike even as much as the millet.
Transliteration
Thinaiththunaiyum Ootaamai Ventum Panaith Thunaiyum
Kaamam Niraiya Varin.
Couplet 1283
Although his will his only law, he lightly value me,
My heart knows no repose unless my lord I see.
Explanation
Though my eyes disregard me and do what is pleasing to my husband, still will they not be satisfied unless they see him.
Transliteration
Penaadhu Petpave Seyyinum Konkanaik
Kaanaa Thamaiyala Kan.
Couplet 1284
My friend, I went prepared to show a cool disdain;
My heart, forgetting all, could not its love restrain.
Explanation
My heart, forgetting all, could not its love restrain.
Transliteration
Ootarkan Sendrenman Thozhi Adhumarandhu
Kootarkan Sendradhu En Nenju.
Couplet 1285
The eye sees not the rod that paints it; nor can I
See any fault, when I behold my husband nigh.
Explanation
Like the eyes which see not the pencil that paints it, I cannot see my husband’s fault (just) when I meet him.
Transliteration
Ezhudhungaal Kolkaanaak Kannepol Konkan
Pazhikaanen Kanta Itaththu.
Couplet 1286
When him I see, to all his faults I ‘m blind;
But when I see him not, nothing but faults I find.
Explanation
When I see my husband, I do not see any faults; but when I do not see him, I do not see anything but faults.
Transliteration
Kaanungaal Kaanen Thavaraaya Kaanaakkaal
Kaanen Thavaral Lavai.
Couplet 1287
As those of rescue sure, who plunge into the stream,
So did I anger feign, though it must falsehood seem.
Explanation
Like those who leap into a stream which they know will carry them off, why should a wife feign dislike which she knows cannot hold out long?.
Transliteration
Uyththal Arindhu Punalpaai Pavarepol
Poiththal Arindhen Pulandhu.
Couplet 1288
Though shameful ill it works, dear is the palm-tree wine
To drunkards; traitor, so to me that breast of thine.
Explanation
O you rogue! your breast is to me what liquor is to those who rejoice in it, though it only gives them an unpleasant disgrace.
Transliteration
Iliththakka Innaa Seyinum Kaliththaarkkuk
Kallatre Kalvanin Maarpu.
Couplet 1289
Love is tender as an opening flower In season due
To gain its perfect bliss is rapture known to few.
Explanation
Sexual delight is more delicate than a flower, and few are those who understand its real nature.
Transliteration
Malarinum Mellidhu Kaamam Silaradhan
Sevvi Thalaippatu Vaar.
Couplet 1290
Her eye, as I drew nigh one day, with anger shone:
By love o’erpowered, her tenderness surpassed my own.
Explanation
She once feigned dislike in her eyes, but the warmth of her embrace exceeded my own.
Transliteration
Kannin Thuniththe Kalanginaal Pulludhal
Enninum Thaanvidhup Putru.