Monday, June 6, 2016

Thirukkural Chapter 127 - Mutual Desire


Couplet 1261 
My eyes have lost their brightness, sight is dimmed; my fingers worn,
With nothing on the wall the days since I was left forlorn
Explanation
My finger has worn away by marking (on the wall) the days he has been absent while my eyes have lost their lustre and begin to fail

Couplet 1262 
O thou with gleaming jewels decked, could I forget for this one day,
Henceforth these bracelets from my arms will slip, my beauty worn away
Explanation
O you bright-jewelled maid, if I forget (him) today, my shoulders will lose their beauty even in the other life and make my bracelets loose

Couplet 1263 
On victory intent, His mind sole company he went;
And I yet life sustain And long to see his face again
Explanation
I still live by longing for the arrival of him who has gone out of love for victory and with valour as his guide

Couplet 1264 
'He comes again, who left my side, and I shall taste love's joy,'-
My heart with rapture swells, when thoughts like these my mind employ
Explanation
My heart is rid of its sorrow and swells with rapture to think of my absent lover returning with his love

Couplet 1265 
O let me see my spouse again and sate these longing eyes!
That instant from my wasted frame all pallor flies
Explanation
May I look on my lover till I am satisfied and thereafter will vanish the sallowness of my slender shoulders

Couplet 1266 
O let my spouse but come again to me one day!
I'll drink that nectar: wasting grief shall flee away
Explanation
May my husband return some day; and then will I enjoy (him) so as to destroy all this agonizing sorrow

Couplet 1267 
Shall I draw back, or yield myself, or shall both mingled be,
When he returns, my spouse, dear as these eyes to me
Explanation
On the return of him who is as dear as my eyes, am I displeased or am I to embrace (him); or am I to do both?

Couplet 1268 
O would my king would fight, o'ercome, devide the spoil;
At home, to-night, the banquet spread should crown the toil
Explanation
Let the king fight and gain (victories); (but) let me be united to my wife and feast the evening

Couplet 1269 
One day will seem like seven to those who watch and yearn
For that glad day when wanderers from afar return
Explanation
To those who suffer waiting for the day of return of their distant lovers one day is as long as seven days

Couplet 1270 
What's my return, the meeting hour, the wished-for greeting worth,
If she heart-broken lie, with all her life poured forth
Explanation
After (my wife) has died of a broken heart, what good will there be if she is to receive me, has received me, or has even embraced me?

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