As I relaxed my embracing arms a bit,
Golden bangled lass’s forehead grew pale.
முயங்கிய கைகளை யூக்கப் பசந்தது
பைந்தொடிப் பேதை நுதல்.
He was hugging her tight, and thought it might hurt her. So he relaxed his arms. When his embrace loosened a bit, she thought he is going to take leave of her. That thought pained her immensely, and her forehead grew pale.
முயக்கம் – embrace / hug
ஊக்குதல் – loosen
பசந்தது – grew pale
பைந் தொடி – golden bangle (wearing girl)
நுதல் – forehead
He who doesn’t seek pleasure but knows distress is normal,
Will not be afflicted with grief.
இன்பம் விழையான், ‘இடும்பை இயல்பு’ என்பான்,
துன்பம் உறுதல் இலன்.
A man who does not seek pleasure in life knows sorrow is natural human condition. Since he know this, he will not be bogged down by grief.
விழை – desire, விழையான் – he who does not desire
இடும்பை – distress / sorrow
இயல்பு – natural / normal
உறுதல் – feel
As my lover resides in my heart, I dread
eating hot food, lest it singe him.
நெஞ்சத்தார் காத லவராக வெய்துண்ட
லஞ்சுதும் வேபாக் கறிந்து.
Her friend asks her why she isn’t eating properly. She says my lover resides in my heart, so I avoid hot food as it might burn him.
What to say, Love is stupid.
வெய்து – hot
உண்டல் – to eat
அஞ்சுதும் – I fear / dread
வேபாக்கு – burn / singe
அறிந்து – I know
 | Anon on Kurunthokai 166 |
 | prasana on Thirukkural – 819 |
 | Smitha Komandoor on Kurunthokai 63 |
 | Sanjay Prasad on Thirukkural 675 |
 | Kirayukimuras on Thirikadugam – 28 |
Old Tamil Poetry 