Recognition of the Signs
Chapter 110 – Recognition of the Signs / Kuripparidhal
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 1091
A double witchery have glances of her liquid eye;
One glance is glance that brings me pain; the other heals again.
Explanation
There are two looks in the dyed eyes of this (fair one); one causes pain, and the other is the cure thereof.
Transliteration
Irunokku Ivalunkan Ulladhu Orunokku
Noinokkon Rannoi Marundhu.
Couplet 1092
The furtive glance, that gleams one instant bright,
Is more than half of love’s supreme delight.
Explanation
A single stolen glance of her eyes is more than half the pleasure (of sexual embrace).
Transliteration
Kankalavu Kollum Sirunokkam Kaamaththil
Sempaakam Andru Peridhu.
Couplet 1093
She looked, and looking drooped her head:
On springing shoot of love ‘its water shed.
Explanation
She has looked (at men) and stooped (her head); and that (sign) waters as it were (the corn of) our love.
Transliteration
Nokkinaal Nokki Irainjinaal Aqdhaval
Yaappinul Attiya Neer.
Couplet 1094
I look on her: her eyes are on the ground the while:
I look away: she looks on me with timid smile.
Explanation
When I look, she looks down; when I do not, she looks and smiles gently.
Transliteration
Yaannokkum Kaalai Nilannokkum Nokkaakkaal
Thaannokki Mella Nakum.
Couplet 1095
She seemed to see me not; but yet the maid
Her love, by smiling side-long glance, betrayed.
Explanation
She not only avoids a direct look at me, but looks as it were with a half-closed eye and smiles.
Transliteration
Kurikkontu Nokkaamai Allaal Orukan
Sirakkaniththaal Pola Nakum.
Couplet 1096
Though with their lips affection they disown,
Yet, when they hate us not, ’tis quickly known.
Explanation
Though they may speak harshly as if they were strangers, the words of the friendly are soon understood.
Transliteration
Uraaa Thavarpol Solinum Seraaarsol
Ollai Unarap Patum.
Couplet 1097
The slighting words that anger feign, while eyes their love reveal
Are signs of those that love, but would their love conceal.
Explanation
Little words that are harsh and looks that are hateful are (but) the expressions of lovers who wish to act like strangers.
Transliteration
Seraaach Chirusollum Setraarpol Nokkum
Uraaarpondru Utraar Kurippu.
Couplet 1098
I gaze, the tender maid relents the while;
And, oh the matchless grace of that soft smile.
Explanation
When I look, the pitying maid looks in return and smiles gently; and that is a comforting sign for me.
Transliteration
Asaiyiyarku Untaantor Eeryaan Nokkap
Pasaiyinal Paiya Nakum.
Couplet 1099
The look indifferent, that would its love disguise,
Is only read aright by lovers’ eyes.
Explanation
Both the lovers are capable of looking at each other in an ordinary way, as if they were perfect strangers.
Transliteration
Edhilaar Polap Podhunokku Nokkudhal
Kaadhalaar Kanne Ula.
Couplet 1100
When eye to answering eye reveals the tale of love,
All words that lips can say must useless prove.
Explanation
The words of the mouths are of no use whatever, when there is perfect agreement between the eyes (of lovers).
Transliteration
Kannotu Kaninai Nokkokkin Vaaichchorkal
Enna Payanum Ila.
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