Florilege Poems | Examples

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