Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Thirukkural Chapter 110 - Recognition of the Signs


Couplet 1091 
A double witchery have glances of her liquid eye;
One glance is glance that brings me pain; the other heals again
Explanation
There are two looks in the dyed eyes of this (fair one); one causes pain, and the other is the cure thereof

Couplet 1092 
The furtive glance, that gleams one instant bright,
Is more than half of love's supreme delight
Explanation
A single stolen glance of her eyes is more than half the pleasure (of sexual embrace)

Couplet 1093 
She looked, and looking drooped her head:
On springing shoot of love 'its water shed
Explanation
She has looked (at men) and stooped (her head); and that (sign) waters as it were (the corn of) our love

Couplet 1094 
I look on her: her eyes are on the ground the while:
I look away: she looks on me with timid smile
Explanation
When I look, she looks down; when I do not, she looks and smiles gently

Couplet 1095 
She seemed to see me not; but yet the maid
Her love, by smiling side-long glance, betrayed
Explanation
She not only avoids a direct look at me, but looks as it were with a half-closed eye and smiles

Couplet 1096 
Though with their lips affection they disown,
Yet, when they hate us not, 'tis quickly known
Explanation
Though they may speak harshly as if they were strangers, the words of the friendly are soon understood

Couplet 1097 
The slighting words that anger feign, while eyes their love reveal
Are signs of those that love, but would their love conceal
Explanation
Little words that are harsh and looks that are hateful are (but) the expressions of lovers who wish to act like strangers

Couplet 1098 
I gaze, the tender maid relents the while;
And, oh the matchless grace of that soft smile
Explanation
When I look, the pitying maid looks in return and smiles gently; and that is a comforting sign for me

Couplet 1099 
The look indifferent, that would its love disguise,
Is only read aright by lovers' eyes
Explanation
Both the lovers are capable of looking at each other in an ordinary way, as if they were perfect strangers

Couplet 1100 
When eye to answering eye reveals the tale of love,
All words that lips can say must useless prove
Explanation
The words of the mouths are of no use whatever, when there is perfect agreement between the eyes (of lovers)

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