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பிரிவு ஆற்றாமை: Separation unendurable
About this chapter
பிரிவு ஆற்றாமை, separation unendurable, is the first chapter in the section on post-marital love (கற்பியல்). The speaker is the wife (தலைவி), whose husband (தலைவன்) is about to leave her. The chapter is her appeal, spoken to him in some kurals and to her confidante (தோழி) in others.
Kural 1151 begins with a plea: tell me if you are not going, and keep news of a swift return for those who will still be alive. Kural 1152 says that his sight once pleased her, but now even the embrace hurts through the fear of parting. Kurals 1153 and 1154 are about trust. It is hard to be sure of even a wise lover who may go, and if one who said "fear not" departs, those who trusted him are not at fault. Kural 1155 is spoken to her confidante: if you wish to save my life, stop him from leaving. Kural 1156 says that it is hard to hope for his grace when he can speak so easily of going. Kural 1157 notes the bracelets slipping from her wrist as if they announced his leaving. Kural 1158 says that living in a town without friends is painful but parting from a dear one is worse. Kural 1159 compares the sickness of love to a fire that burns even when it is not touched, and Kural 1160 ends on how many people manage to bear such parting.
Kural 1157 is the most vivid image.
The 10 kurals of பிரிவு ஆற்றாமை
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.
செல்லாமை உண்டேல் எனக்குரை மற்றுநின்
வல்வரவு வாழ்வார்க் குரை.
Sellaamai Untel Enakkurai Matrunin
Valvaravu Vaazhvaark Kurai
If you will say, 'I leave thee not,' then tell me so; Of quick return tell those that can survive this woe
இன்கண் உடைத்தவர் பார்வல் பிரிவஞ்சும்
புன்கண் உடைத்தால் புணர்வு.
Inkan Utaiththavar Paarval Pirivanjum
Punkan Utaiththaal Punarvu
It once was perfect joy to look upon his face; But now the fear of parting saddens each embrace
அரிதரோ தேற்றம் அறிவுடையார் கண்ணும்
பிரிவோ ரிடத்துண்மை யான்.
Aridharo Thetram Arivutaiyaar Kannum
Pirivo Ritaththunmai Yaan
To trust henceforth is hard, if ever he depart, E'en he, who knows his promise and my breaking heart
அளித்தஞ்சல் என்றவர் நீப்பின் தெளித்தசொல்
தேறியார்க்கு உண்டோ தவறு.
Aliththanjal Endravar Neeppin Theliththasol
Theriyaarkku Unto Thavaru
If he depart, who fondly said, 'Fear not,' what blame's incurredBy those who trusted to his reassuring word
ஓம்பின் அமைந்தார் பிரிவோம்பல் மற்றவர்
நீங்கின் அரிதால் புணர்வு.
Ompin Amaindhaar Pirivompal Matravar
Neengin Aridhaal Punarvu
If you would guard my life, from going him restrainWho fills my life! If he depart, hardly we meet again
பிரிவுரைக்கும் வன்கண்ணர் ஆயின் அரிதவர்
நல்குவர் என்னும் நசை.
Pirivuraikkum Vankannar Aayin Aridhavar
Nalkuvar Ennum Nasai
To cherish longing hope that he should ever gracious be, Is hard, when he could stand, and of departure speak to me
துறைவன் துறந்தமை தூற்றாகொல் முன்கை
இறைஇறவா நின்ற வளை.
Thuraivan Thurandhamai Thootraakol Munkai
Iraiiravaa Nindra Valai
The bracelet slipping from my wrist announced beforeDeparture of the Prince that rules the ocean shore
இன்னாது இனன்இல்ஊர் வாழ்தல் அதனினும்
இன்னாது இனியார்ப் பிரிவு.
Innaadhu Inaniloor Vaazhdhal Adhaninum
Innaadhu Iniyaarp Pirivu
'Tis sad to sojourn in the town where no kind kinsmen dwell;'Tis sadder still to bid a friend beloved farewell
தொடிற்சுடின் அல்லது காமநோய் போல
விடிற்சுடல் ஆற்றுமோ தீ.
Thotirsutin Alladhu Kaamanoi Pola
Vitirsutal Aatrumo Thee
Fire burns the hands that touch; but smart of loveWill burn in hearts that far away remove
அரிதாற்றி அல்லல்நோய் நீக்கிப் பிரிவாற்றிப்
பின்இருந்து வாழ்வார் பலர்.
Aridhaatri Allalnoi Neekkip Pirivaatrip
Pinirundhu Vaazhvaar Palar
Sorrow's sadness meek sustaining, Driving sore distress away, Separation uncomplaining Many bear the livelong day
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