The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 114
CHAPTER 114
OVERPASSING THE BOUNDS OF DECORUM
HE
1131. To those who are torn from their loved one and suffer the pangs of their passion there is no other resource left but the riding of the palmyra stalk.[1]
1132. Body and soul cannot support this anguish and have consented to ride the palm: they have trampled down all shame.
1133. Firmness and delicacy I had formerly: but now I possess only the stalk of the palmyra that is ridden by the love-lorn lover.
1134. I put my trust on the raft that was built of firmness and delicacy : but the rushing stream of passion hath carried it along in its course.
1135. This fair one who weareth tiny bracelets and who is tender as a flower, it is she that hath given me the palm-stalk and the anguish of eventide.
1136. My eyes cannot sleep for thinking of that artless one: I shall ride the stalk therefore even in this late hour of the night.
1137. Nothing is grander than the woman who refuseth to ride the palm-stalk even when the passion of her heart is deep as the ocean.
SHE
1138. My Passion considereth not the strength of my modesty nor my kindness towards itself, and betrayeth my secret by showing itself abroad.
1139. My passion seeth that none taketh notice of it: and it wandereth about in the streets in great anguish.
1140. Fools laugh at me to my very face : for they have not felt all the pangs that I feel.
- ↑ See preface page xxviii.