Page:The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago.djvu/92

Rh mercy to his subjects is renowned throughout the world. May he live for ever!"

The foot of Karikâl, lord of the land of floods, where honey bees form their hives on stalks of corn--which was raised to step on the three worlds, has measured only this earth : for, alas ! it was scorched by fire.”

Verses addressed to him by the poets Uraiyur--Maruthuvan Thâmotharanar and Konaddu-Erichchalur-Mâdalan—Mathurai - Kumaran also are found in the collection of ancient poems known as Pura-nânûrû.

Karikal Chola's daughter Nar-Sonai was married to the Chêra King Athan II. and became the mother of Chenkudduva Chera and of Ilankô-adikal, the author of the Chilappathikaram. The poet Karunk-kulal-âthanar who was present at the death of Karikâl gives expression to his grief in the following stanza :-

“He who stormed his enemies' forts dauntlessly; who feasted his minstrels and their families and treated them to endless draughts of toddy; who guided by priests learned in their duties, and attended by his noble and virtuous queens, performed sacrifices according to Vedic rites, in sacred spots which were walled round, and in the midst of which stood the tall sacrificial pillars which were crowded by vultures: He, the great and wise king is alas ! no more. Poor indeed is this world which has lost him. Like the branches of the vengai tree, which stand bare, when their bright foliage has been cut down by shepherds to feed their cattle in the hot season, are his fair queens, who have cast off their jewels."

Karikâl was succeeded by Chedchenni Nalank-killi about A. D. 95. He was an amiable and accomplished prince and was therefore called Nalankkilli, or “the good Killi." His predecessor having left the kingdom in a most prosperous condition, Nalankkilli had only to maintain it in peace and good order, but he was anxious to invade neighbouring kingdoms and extend his own dominion. The poet Kovur-Kilar addressed him as follows when he was encamped with his army on one of his expeditions :-