Old Tamil Poetry

Thirukkural – 1125

I’d recall, if I ever forgot; but never did I forget
the charms of the girl with lively gleaming eyes.

உள்ளுவன்மன், யான் மறப்பின்; மறப்பு அறியேன்,
ஒள் அமர்க் கண்ணாள் குணம்.

Fearing the town gossip, he hasn’t come to meet her for some days. When he comes back, her friend asks him “Did you ever remember us once you went back to your town?” To which he replies “I would have recalled the memories of your friend, the girl with shining combative eyes, if I ever forgot her. But not for a moment did I forget her. So this question of remembering her doesn’t arise at all”

உள்ளுதல் – Recall / to think (of her)
யான் – I
மறப்பின் – if I forgot
மறப்பு – forgetting
அறியேன் – I never
ஒள் – shining / gleam
அமர் – lively / combative
குணம் – nature / charm