The Pleasures of Temporary Variance

Although there be no fault in him, the sweetness of his love
Hath power in me a fretful jealousy to move

Explanation
Although my husband is free from defects, the way in which he embraces me is such as to make me feign dislike.

Tamil Transliteration
Illai Thavaravarkku Aayinum Ootudhal
Valladhu Avaralikku Maaru.

My 'anger feigned' gives but a little pain;
And when affection droops, it makes it bloom again

Explanation
His love will increase though it may (at first seem to) fade through the short-lived distress caused by (my) dislike.

Tamil Transliteration
Ootalin Thondrum Sirudhuni Nallali
Vaatinum Paatu Perum.

Is there a bliss in any world more utterly divine,
Than 'coyness' gives, when hearts as earth and water join

Explanation
Is there a celestial land that can please like the feigned dislike of those whose union resembles that of earth and water?.

Tamil Transliteration
Pulaththalin Puththelnaatu Unto Nilaththotu
Neeriyain Thannaar Akaththu.

'Within the anger feigned' that close love's tie doth bind,
A weapon lurks, which quite breaks down my mind

Explanation
In prolonged dislike after an embrace there is a weapon that can break my heart.

Tamil Transliteration
Pulli Vitaaap Pulaviyul Thondrumen
Ullam Utaikkum Patai.

Though free from fault, from loved one's tender arms
To be estranged a while hath its own special charms

Explanation
Though free from defects, men feel pleased when they cannot embrace the delicate shoulders of those whom they love.

Tamil Transliteration
Thavarilar Aayinum Thaamveezhvaar Mendrol
Akaralin Aangon Rutaiththu.

'Tis sweeter to digest your food than 'tis to eat;
In love, than union's self is anger feigned more sweet

Explanation
To digest what has been eaten is more delightful than to eat more; likewise love is more delightful in dislike than intercourse.

Tamil Transliteration
Unalinum Untadhu Aralinidhu Kaamam
Punardhalin Ootal Inidhu.

In lovers' quarrels, 'tis the one that first gives way,
That in re-union's joy is seen to win the day

Explanation
160 Those are conquerors whose dislike has been defeated and that is proved by the love (which.

Tamil Transliteration
Ootalil Thotravar Vendraar Adhumannum
Kootalir Kaanap Patum.

And shall we ever more the sweetness know of that embrace
With dewy brow; to which 'feigned anger' lent its piquant grace

Explanation
Will I enjoy once more through her dislike, the pleasure of that love that makes her forehead perspire?.

Tamil Transliteration
Ootip Perukuvam Kollo Nudhalveyarppak
Kootalil Thondriya Uppu.

Let her, whose jewels brightly shine, aversion feign
That I may still plead on, O night, prolong thy reign

Explanation
May the bright-jewelled one feign dislike, and may the night be prolonged for me to implore her!.

Tamil Transliteration
Ootuka Manno Oliyizhai Yaamirappa
Neetuka Manno Iraa.

A 'feigned aversion' coy to pleasure gives a zest;
The pleasure's crowned when breast is clasped to breast

Explanation
Dislike adds delight to love; and a hearty embrace (thereafter) will add delight to dislike.

Tamil Transliteration
Ootudhal Kaamaththirku Inpam Adharkinpam
Kooti Muyangap Perin.