Chapter 112: The Praise of her Beauty

நன்னீரை வாழி அனிச்சமே நின்னினும்
மென்னீரள் யாம்வீழ் பவள்.

Nanneerai Vaazhi Anichchame Ninninum
Menneeral Yaamveezh Paval

Soft blessed anicha flower, hail On whom I dote is softer still

Meaning: May you flourish, O Anicham! you have a delicate nature But my beloved is more delicate than you

மலர்காணின் மையாத்தி நெஞ்சே இவள்கண்
பலர்காணும் பூவொக்கும் என்று.

Malarkaanin Maiyaaththi Nenje Ivalkan
Palarkaanum Poovokkum Endru

You can't liken flowers by many eyed, To her bright eyes, O mind dismayed

Meaning: O my soul, fancying that flowers which are seen by many can resemble her eyes, you become confused at the sight of them

முறிமேனி முத்தம் முறுவல் வெறிநாற்றம்
வேலுண்கண் வேய்த்தோ ளவட்கு.

Murimeni Muththam Muruval Verinaatram
Velunkan Veyththo Lavatku

The bamboo-shouldered has pearl-like smiles Fragrant breath and lance-like eyes

Meaning: The complexion of this bamboo-shouldered one is that of a shoot; her teeth, are pearls; her breath,

காணின் குவளை கவிழ்ந்து நிலன்நோக்கும்
மாணிழை கண்ணொவ்வேம் என்று.

Kaanin Kuvalai Kavizhndhu Nilannokkum
Maanizhai Kannovvem Endru

Lily droops down to ground and says I can't equal the jewelled-one's eyes

Meaning: If the blue lotus could see, it would stoop and look at the ground saying, "I can never resemble the eyes of this excellent jewelled one."

அனிச்சப்பூக் கால்களையாள் பெய்தாள் நுகப்பிற்கு
நல்ல படாஅ பறை.

Anichchappook Kaalkalaiyaal Peydhaal Nukappirku
Nalla Pataaa Parai

Anicha flower with stem she wears To her breaking waist sad-drum-blares!

Meaning: No merry drums will be beaten for the (tender) waist of her who has adorned herself with the anicham without having removed its stem

மதியும் மடந்தை முகனும் அறியா
பதியின் கலங்கிய மீன்.

Madhiyum Matandhai Mukanum Ariyaa
Padhiyin Kalangiya Meen

Stars are confused to know which is The moon and which is woman's face

Meaning: The stars have become confused in their places not being able to distinguish between the moon and the maid's countenance

அறுவாய் நிறைந்த அவிர்மதிக்குப் க்குப் போல
மறுவுண்டோ மாதர் முகத்து.

Aruvaai Niraindha Avirmadhikkup Pola
Maruvunto Maadhar Mukaththu

Are there spots on the lady's face Just as in moon that changes phase?

Meaning: Could there be spots in the face of this maid like those in the bright full moon ?

மாதர் முகம்போல் ஒளிவிட வல்லையேல்
காதலை வாழி மத஧.

Maadhar Mukampol Olivita Vallaiyel
Kaadhalai Vaazhi Madhi

Like my lady's face if you shine All my love to you; hail O moon!

Meaning: If you can indeed shine like the face of women, flourish, O moon, for then would you be worth loving ?

மலரன்ன கண்ணாள் முகமொத்தி யாயின்
பலர்காணத் தோன்றல் மதி.

Malaranna Kannaal Mukamoththi Yaayin
Palarkaanath Thondral Madhi

Like the face of my flower-eyed one If you look, then shine alone O moon!

Meaning: O moon, if you wish to resemble the face of her whose eyes are like (these) flowers, do not appear so as to be seen by all

அனிச்சமும் அன்னத்தின் தூவியும் மாதர்
அடிக்கு நெருஞ்சிப் பழம்.

Anichchamum Annaththin Thooviyum Maadhar
Atikku Nerunjip Pazham

The soft flower and the swan's down are Like nettles to the feet of the fair

Meaning: The anicham and the feathers of the swan are to the feet of females, like the fruit of the (thorny) Nerunji