Kural 1138 · நிறையரியர் மன்அளியர் என்னாது காமம்
Without thinking, "These are steadfast and pitiable," my desire goes beyond concealment and appears in the public assembly.
The Eighteen Lesser Texts, including the Thirukkural.
Without thinking, "These are steadfast and pitiable," my desire goes beyond concealment and appears in the public assembly.
Thinking that none of them know, my desire wanders bewildered in the streets.
Because they have not suffered what we suffered, the unfeeling laugh at us before our very eyes.
My precious life stands firm only as the rumour rises; it is my good fortune that many do not know this truth.
Not knowing the rarity of her whose eyes are like flowers, this village has given me the gift of rumour.
Does the village's known rumour not help me? Without having obtained her, it makes me feel as though I have.
Because of the rumour, love gains relish; without it, love would lose its flavour and turn dull.
As a drinker, each time he is intoxicated, longs for more toddy, so love grows sweeter each time it is revealed.
We met on only one day, but the rumour spreads everywhere, as if a snake had seized the moon.
The village's gossip becomes manure and my mother's words become water, and this affliction of love grows tall like a plant.