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காதற் சிறப்புரைத்தல்: Declaration of Love's Special Excellence
About this chapter
காதற் சிறப்புரைத்தல், the declaration of love's special excellence, shifts voice in the middle. The first half is the lover (தலைவன்) speaking of her and of their bond. The second half is the beloved (தலைவி), who speaks of her own love for him and of how the town talks.
Kural 1121 compares the moisture of her speech to milk mixed with honey. Kural 1122, the chapter's standout, says that the friendship between him and the woman he loves is like the bond of body and soul. In Kural 1123 he tells the image in the pupil of his eye to go away, since there is no room for her, and in Kural 1124 he says that she is like life itself when near and like death when she leaves. Kural 1125 says that he could remember her only if he could forget her, and he never forgets. The beloved's voice enters with Kural 1126. She says her lover never leaves her eyes, so she will not wink (Kural 1126), will not paint her eyes (Kural 1127) and will not eat hot food (Kural 1128), for fear that she would hurt him within. Kural 1129 says the town calls him cold because she does not blink, and Kural 1130 ends with the town's belief that he is far off, while he lives in her heart with delight.
Kural 1122 is the one to start with.
The 10 kurals of காதற் சிறப்புரைத்தல்
Each kural is shown in Tamil with a transliteration and G. U. Pope's English verse translation. Open a kural for its plain English meaning.
பாலொடு தேன்கலந் தற்றே பணிமொழி
வாலெயிறு ஊறிய நீர்.
Paalotu Thenkalan Thatre Panimozhi
Vaaleyiru Ooriya Neer
The dew on her white teeth, whose voice is soft and low, Is as when milk and honey mingled flow
உடம்பொடு உயிரிடை என்னமற் றன்ன
மடந்தையொடு எம்மிடை நட்பு.
Utampotu Uyiritai Ennamar Ranna
Matandhaiyotu Emmitai Natpu
Between this maid and me the friendship kindIs as the bonds that soul and body bind
கருமணியிற் பாவாய்நீ போதாயாம் வீழும்
திருநுதற்கு இல்லை இடம்.
Karumaniyir Paavaainee Podhaayaam Veezhum
Thirunudharku Illai Itam
For her with beauteous brow, the maid I love, there place is none; To give her image room, O pupil of mine eye, begone
வாழ்தல் உயிர்க்கன்னள் ஆயிழை சாதல்
அதற்கன்னள் நீங்கும் இடத்து.
Vaazhdhal Uyirkkannal Aayizhai Saadhal
Adharkannal Neengum Itaththu
Life is she to my very soul when she draws nigh; Dissevered from the maid with jewels rare, I die
உள்ளுவன் மன்யான் மறப்பின் மறப்பறியேன்
ஒள்ளமர்க் கண்ணாள் குணம்.
Ulluvan Manyaan Marappin Marappariyen
Ollamark Kannaal Kunam
I might recall, if I could once forget; but from my heartHer charms fade not, whose eyes gleam like the warrior's dart
கண்ணுள்ளின் போகார் இமைப்பின் பருகுவரா
நுண்ணியர்எம் காத லவர்.
Kannullin Pokaar Imaippin Parukuvaraa
Nunniyarem Kaadha Lavar
My loved one's subtle form departs not from my eyes; I wink them not, lest I should pain him where he lies
கண்ணுள்ளார் காத லவராகக் கண்ணும்
எழுதேம் கரப்பாக்கு அறிந்து.
Kannullaar Kaadha Lavaraakak Kannum
Ezhudhem Karappaakku Arindhu
My love doth ever in my eyes reside; I stain them not, fearing his form to hide
நெஞ்சத்தார் காத லவராக வெய்துண்டல்
அஞ்சுதும் வேபாக் கறிந்து.
Nenjaththaar Kaadha Lavaraaka Veydhuntal
Anjudhum Vepaak Karindhu
Within my heart my lover dwells; from food I turnThat smacks of heat, lest he should feel it burn
இமைப்பின் கரப்பாக்கு அறிவல் அனைத்திற்கே
ஏதிலர் என்னும் இவ் வூர்.
Imaippin Karappaakku Arival Anaiththirke
Edhilar Ennum Iv Voor
I fear his form to hide, nor close my eyes:'Her love estranged is gone!' the village cries
உவந்துறைவர் உள்ளத்துள் என்றும் இகந்துறைவர்
ஏதிலர் என்னும் இவ் வூர்.
Uvandhuraivar Ullaththul Endrum Ikandhuraivar
Edhilar Ennum Iv Voor
Rejoicing in my very soul he ever lies;'Her love estranged is gone far off!' the village cries
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