The Abandonment of Reserve

To those who 've proved love's joy, and now afflicted mourn,
Except the helpful 'horse of palm', no other strength remains

Explanation
To those who after enjoyment of sexual pleasure suffer (for want of more), there is no help so efficient as the palmyra horse.

Tamil Transliteration
Kaamam Uzhandhu Varundhinaarkku Emam
Matalalladhu Illai Vali.

My body and my soul, that can no more endure,
Will lay reserve aside, and mount the 'horse of palm'

Explanation
Having got rid of shame, the suffering body and soul save themselves on the palmyra horse.

Tamil Transliteration
Nonaa Utampum Uyirum Matalerum
Naaninai Neekki Niruththu.

I once retained reserve and seemly manliness;
To-day I nought possess but lovers' 'horse of palm'

Explanation
Modesty and manliness were once my own; now, my own is the palmyra horse that is ridden by the lustful.

Tamil Transliteration
Naanotu Nallaanmai Pantutaiyen Indrutaiyen
Kaamutraar Erum Matal.

Love's rushing tide will sweep away the raft
Of seemly manliness and shame combined

Explanation
The raft of modesty and manliness, is, alas, carried-off by the strong current of lust.

Tamil Transliteration
Kaamak Katumpunal Uykkum Naanotu
Nallaanmai Ennum Punai.

The maid that slender armlets wears, like flowers entwined,
Has brought me 'horse of palm,' and pangs of eventide

Explanation
She with the small garland-like bracelets has given me the palmyra horse and the sorrow that is endured at night.

Tamil Transliteration
Thotalaik Kurundhoti Thandhaal Matalotu
Maalai Uzhakkum Thuyar.

Of climbing 'horse of palm' in midnight hour, I think;
My eyes know no repose for that same simple maid

Explanation
Mine eyes will not close in sleep on your mistress's account; even at midnight will I think of mounting the palmyra horse.

Tamil Transliteration
Mataloordhal Yaamaththum Ulluven Mandra
Patalollaa Pedhaikken Kan.

There's nought of greater worth than woman's long-enduring soul,
Who, vexed by love like ocean waves, climbs not the 'horse of palm'

Explanation
There is nothing so noble as the womanly nature that would not ride the palmyra horse, though plunged a sea of lust.

Tamil Transliteration
Katalanna Kaamam Uzhandhum Mataleraap
Pennin Perundhakka Thil.

In virtue hard to move, yet very tender, too, are we;
Love deems not so, would rend the veil, and court publicity

Explanation
Even the Lust (of women) transgresses its secrecy and appears in public, forgetting that they are too chaste and liberal (to be overcome by it).

Tamil Transliteration
Niraiyariyar Manaliyar Ennaadhu Kaamam
Maraiyirandhu Mandru Patum.

'There's no one knows my heart,' so says my love,
And thus, in public ways, perturbed will rove

Explanation
And thus, in public ways, perturbed will rove.

Tamil Transliteration
Arikilaar Ellaarum Endreen Kaamam
Marukin Marukum Maruntu.

Before my eyes the foolish make a mock of me,
Because they ne'er endured the pangs I now must drie

Explanation
Even strangers laugh (at us) so as to be seen by us, for they have not suffered.

Tamil Transliteration
Yaamkannin Kaana Nakupa Arivillaar
Yaampatta Thaampataa Aaru.