The Reading of the Signs

Thou hid'st it, yet thine eye, disdaining all restraint,
Something, I know not, what, would utter of complaint

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

Tamil Transliteration
Karappinung Kaiyikan Thollaanin Unkan
Uraikkal Uruvadhon Runtu.

The simple one whose beauty fills mine eye, whose shoulders curve
Like bambu stem, hath all a woman's modest sweet reserve

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

Tamil Transliteration
Kanniraindha Kaarikaik Kaamperdhot Pedhaikkup
Penniraindha Neermai Peridhu.

As through the crystal beads is seen the thread on which they 're strung
So in her beauty gleams some thought cannot find a tongue

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

Tamil Transliteration
Maniyil Thikazhdharu Noolpol Matandhai
Aniyil Thikazhvadhondru Untu.

As fragrance in the opening bud, some secret lies
Concealed in budding smile of this dear damsel's eyes

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

Tamil Transliteration
Mukaimokkul Ulladhu Naatrampol Pedhai
Nakaimokkul Ulladhon Runtu.

The secret wiles of her with thronging armlets decked,
Are medicines by which my raising grief is checked

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

Tamil Transliteration
Seridhoti Seydhirandha Kallam Urudhuyar
Theerkkum Marundhondru Utaiththu.

While lovingly embracing me, his heart is only grieved:
It makes me think that I again shall live of love bereaved

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

Tamil Transliteration
Peridhaatrip Petpak Kalaththal Aridhaatri
Anpinmai Soozhva Thutaiththu.

My severance from the lord of this cool shore,
My very armlets told me long before

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

Tamil Transliteration
Thannan Thuraivan Thanandhamai Namminum
Munnam Unarndha Valai.

My loved one left me, was it yesterday?
Days seven my pallid body wastes away

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

Tamil Transliteration
Nerunatruch Chendraarem Kaadhalar Yaamum
Ezhunaalem Meni Pasandhu.

She viewed her tender arms, she viewed the armlets from them slid;
She viewed her feet: all this the lady did

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

Tamil Transliteration
Thotinokki Mendholum Nokki Atinokki
Aqdhaan Tavalsey Thadhu.

To show by eye the pain of love, and for relief to pray,
Is womanhood's most womanly device, men say

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

Tamil Transliteration
Penninaal Penmai Utaiththenpa Kanninaal
Kaamanoi Solli Iravu.