Tirukural/Chapter 133

Kural - 1321 Although there be no fault in him, the sweetness of his love Hath power in me a fretful jealousy to move. Although my husband is free from defects, the way in which he embraces me is such as to make me feign dislike.

Kural - 1322 My 'anger feigned' gives but a little pain; And when affection droops, it makes it bloom again. His love will increase though it may (at first seem to) fade through the short-lived distress caused by (my) dislike.

Kural - 1323 Is there a bliss in any world more utterly divine, Than 'coyness' gives, when hearts as earth and water join? Is there a celestial land that can please like the feigned dislike of those whose union resembles that of earth and water?

Kural - 1324 'Within the anger feigned' that close love's tie doth bind, A weapon lurks, which quite breaks down my mind. In prolonged dislike after an embrace there is a weapon that can break my heart.

Kural - 1325 Though free from fault, from loved one's tender arms To be estranged a while hath its own special charms. Though free from defects, men feel pleased when they cannot embrace the delicate shoulders of those whom they love.

Kural - 1326 'Tis sweeter to digest your food than 'tis to eat; In love, than union's self is anger feigned more sweet. To digest what has been eaten is more delightful than to eat more; likewise love is more delightful in dislike than intercourse.

Kural - 1327 In lovers' quarrels, 'tis the one that first gives way, That in re-union's joy is seen to win the day. Those are conquerors whose dislike has been defeated and that is proved by the love (which follows).

Kural - 1328 And shall we ever more the sweetness know of that embrace With dewy brow; to which 'feigned anger' lent its piquant grace. Will I enjoy once more through her dislike, the pleasure of that love that makes her forehead perspire?

Kural - 1329 Let her, whose jewels brightly shine, aversion feign! That I may still plead on, O night, prolong thy reign! May the bright-jewelled one feign dislike, and may the night be prolonged for me to implore her!

Kural - 1330 A 'feigned aversion' coy to pleasure gives a zest; The pleasure's crowned when breast is clasped to breast. Dislike adds delight to love; and a hearty embrace (thereafter) will add delight to dislike.