Talking About Rumours (By St. Thiruvalluvar) Poem by Rajendran Muthiah

1141. My life lasts long as the rumours by the women, spread.
My Goodluck! Many do not know this.
1142. Knowing not the rumours of the maiden with flower like eyes
The village circulates rumours to help us.
1143. Rumours should spread for the whole village to know.
Though I haven’t got her love, I feel joy as if I had got it.
1144. As the people pass rumours my love waxes.
If the rumour mongers are silent my love would fade.
1145. The more they drink toddy, the more they desire it.
The more rumours they circulate, the more pleasure I feel.
1146. I saw him but one single day. But the rumours spread
Everywhere as the dragon seized and eclipsed the moon.
1147. The crop of love-sickness grows up with rumours of women
as the manure, and harsh words of mother as the water.
1148. To think that talking gossips will extinguish love
Is like putting out fire with ghee.
1149. “Fear not! ”, he said then, but left me now to make all ashamed.
Why should I be ashamed of scandals?
1150. The village spread the rumours we desired.
Our lover would take us with him if we sought.