The Abandonment of Reserve
Chapter 114 – The Abandonment of Reserve / Naanuththuravuraiththal
Couplets / kuratpaakal
Couplet 1131
To those who ‘ve proved love’s joy, and now afflicted mourn,
Except the helpful ‘horse of palm’, no other strength remains.
Explanation
To those who after enjoyment of sexual pleasure suffer (for want of more), there is no help so efficient as the palmyra horse.
Transliteration
Kaamam Uzhandhu Varundhinaarkku Emam
Matalalladhu Illai Vali.
Couplet 1132
My body and my soul, that can no more endure,
Will lay reserve aside, and mount the ‘horse of palm’.
Explanation
Having got rid of shame, the suffering body and soul save themselves on the palmyra horse.
Transliteration
Nonaa Utampum Uyirum Matalerum
Naaninai Neekki Niruththu.
Couplet 1133
I once retained reserve and seemly manliness;
To-day I nought possess but lovers’ ‘horse of palm’.
Explanation
Modesty and manliness were once my own; now, my own is the palmyra horse that is ridden by the lustful.
Transliteration
Naanotu Nallaanmai Pantutaiyen Indrutaiyen
Kaamutraar Erum Matal.
Couplet 1134
Love’s rushing tide will sweep away the raft
Of seemly manliness and shame combined.
Explanation
The raft of modesty and manliness, is, alas, carried-off by the strong current of lust.
Transliteration
Kaamak Katumpunal Uykkum Naanotu
Nallaanmai Ennum Punai.
Couplet 1135
The maid that slender armlets wears, like flowers entwined,
Has brought me ‘horse of palm,’ and pangs of eventide.
Explanation
She with the small garland-like bracelets has given me the palmyra horse and the sorrow that is endured at night.
Transliteration
Thotalaik Kurundhoti Thandhaal Matalotu
Maalai Uzhakkum Thuyar.
Couplet 1136
Of climbing ‘horse of palm’ in midnight hour, I think;
My eyes know no repose for that same simple maid.
Explanation
Mine eyes will not close in sleep on your mistress’s account; even at midnight will I think of mounting the palmyra horse.
Transliteration
Mataloordhal Yaamaththum Ulluven Mandra
Patalollaa Pedhaikken Kan.
Couplet 1137
There’s nought of greater worth than woman’s long-enduring soul,
Who, vexed by love like ocean waves, climbs not the ‘horse of palm’.
Explanation
There is nothing so noble as the womanly nature that would not ride the palmyra horse, though plunged a sea of lust.
Transliteration
Katalanna Kaamam Uzhandhum Mataleraap
Pennin Perundhakka Thil.
Couplet 1138
In virtue hard to move, yet very tender, too, are we;
Love deems not so, would rend the veil, and court publicity.
Explanation
Even the Lust (of women) transgresses its secrecy and appears in public, forgetting that they are too chaste and liberal (to be overcome by it).
Transliteration
Niraiyariyar Manaliyar Ennaadhu Kaamam
Maraiyirandhu Mandru Patum.
Couplet 1139
‘There’s no one knows my heart,’ so says my love,
And thus, in public ways, perturbed will rove.
Explanation
And thus, in public ways, perturbed will rove.
Transliteration
Arikilaar Ellaarum Endreen Kaamam
Marukin Marukum Maruntu.
Couplet 1140
Before my eyes the foolish make a mock of me,
Because they ne’er endured the pangs I now must drie.
Explanation
Even strangers laugh (at us) so as to be seen by us, for they have not suffered.
Transliteration
Yaamkannin Kaana Nakupa Arivillaar
Yaampatta Thaampataa Aaru.
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