Chapter 128: The Reading of the Signs

கரப்பினுங் கையிகந் தொல்லாநின் உண்கண்
உரைக்கல் உறுவதொன் றுண்டு.

Karappinung Kaiyikan Thollaanin Unkan
Uraikkal Uruvadhon Runtu

You hide; but your painted eyes Restraint off, report your surmise

Meaning: Though you would conceal (your feelings), your painted eyes would not, for, transgressing (their bounds), they tell (me) something

கண்ணிறைந்த காரிகைக் காம்பேர்தோட் பேதைக்குப்
பெண்நிறைந்த நீர்மை பெரிது.

Kanniraindha Kaarikaik Kaamperdhot Pedhaikkup
Penniraindha Neermai Peridhu

With seemly grace and stem-like arms The simple she has ample charms

Meaning: Unusually great is the female simplicity of your maid whose beauty fills my eyes and whose shoulders resemble the bamboo

மணியில் திகழ்தரு நூல்போல் மடந்தை
அணியில் திகழ்வதொன்று உண்டு.

Maniyil Thikazhdharu Noolpol Matandhai
Aniyil Thikazhvadhondru Untu

Something shines through her jewelled charm Like thread shining through wreathed gem

Meaning: There is something that is implied in the beauty of this woman, like the thread that is visible in a garland of gems

முகைமொக்குள் உள்ளது நாற்றம்போல் பேதை
நகைமொக்குள் உள்ளதொன் றுண்டு.

Mukaimokkul Ulladhu Naatrampol Pedhai
Nakaimokkul Ulladhon Runtu

Like scent in bud secrets conceal In the bosom of her half smile

Meaning: There is something in the unmatured smile of this maid like the fragrance that is contained in an unblossomed bud

செறிதொடி செய்திறந்த கள்ளம் உறுதுயர்
தீர்க்கும் மருந்தொன்று உடைத்து.

Seridhoti Seydhirandha Kallam Urudhuyar
Theerkkum Marundhondru Utaiththu

The close-bangled belle's hidden thought Has a cure for my troubled heart She to Her Maid

Meaning: The well-meant departure of her whose bangles are tight-fitting contains a remedy that can cure my great sorrow

பெரிதாற்றிப் பெட்பக் கலத்தல் அரிதாற்றி
அன்பின்மை சூழ்வ துடைத்து.

Peridhaatrip Petpak Kalaththal Aridhaatri
Anpinmai Soozhva Thutaiththu

His over-kind close embrace sooths; But makes me feel, loveless, he parts

Meaning: The embrace that fills me with comfort and gladness is capable of enduring (my former) sorrow and meditating on his want of love

தண்ணந் துறைவன் தணந்தமை நம்மினும்
முன்னம் உணர்ந்த வளை.

Thannan Thuraivan Thanandhamai Namminum
Munnam Unarndha Valai

Quick, my bracelets read before The mind of my lord of cool shore

Meaning: My bracelets have understood before me the (mental) separation of him who rules the cool seashore

நெருநற்றுச் சென்றார்எம் காதலர் யாமும்
எழுநாளேம் மேனி பசந்து.

Nerunatruch Chendraarem Kaadhalar Yaamum
Ezhunaalem Meni Pasandhu

My lover parted but yesterday; With sallowness it is seventh day The Maid Tells Him

Meaning: It was but yesterday my lover departed (from me); and it is seven days since my complexion turned sallow

தொடிநோக்கி மென்தோளும் நோக்கி அடிநோக்கி
அஃதாண் டவள்செய் தது.

Thotinokki Mendholum Nokki Atinokki
Aqdhaan Tavalsey Thadhu

She views her armlets, her tender arms And then her feet; these are her norms

Meaning: She looked at her bracelets, her tender shoulders, and her feet; this was what she did there (significantly)

பெண்ணினால் பெண்மை உடைத்தென்ப கண்ணினால்
காமநோய் சொல்லி இரவு.

Penninaal Penmai Utaiththenpa Kanninaal
Kaamanoi Solli Iravu

To express love-pangs by eyes and pray Is womanhood's womanly way

Meaning: To express their love-sickness by their eyes and resort to begging bespeaks more than ordinary female excellence