Florilege of Distiches From the Thiruk-Kural: K129, K752
Florilège of distichs from the THIRUK-KURAL: K129, K102
K129: thiiyinaal shutta*pun ullaarum aaraathE
naavinaal shutta vadu*
(*vadu (n.) = scar, ulcer; *shudu (v.) = burn)
In flesh by fire inflamed, nature may thoroughly heal the sore;
In soul by tongue inflamed, the ulcer healeth never more. (Transl. G.U. Pope)
The wound which has been burnt in. by fire may heal, but a wound burnt in by the tongue will never heal. (Transl. Drew & Lazarus)
(Even) a fire-scorched wound can fully heal by itself; but never will
a wound inflicted by the tongue. (Transl. T. Wignesan)
K752: illaarai ellaarum elluvar* selvarai
ellaarum seyvar sirappu*
(* ellu (v.) = despise; *sirappu (n.) = excellence, renown, esteem, etc.)
Those who have nought all will despise;
All raise the wealthy to the skies. (Transl. G.U. Pope)
All despise the poor; (but) all praise the rich. (Transl. Drew & Lazarus)
The have-nots by all are mocked;
The haves all will highly esteem. (Transl. T. Wignesan)
(to be continued)
(c) T. Wignesan - Paris, 2017
Copyright © T Wignesan | Year Posted 2017
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