Reading the Signs
கண்நோக்கம்: அவளது பார்வை வெளிப்படுத்தும் உள்ளக்குறிப்பை அறிதல். — Glance reading: Discerning the secret love in her shy, sidelong glances.
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ētilār pōlap potunōkku nōkkutal / kātalār kaṇṇē yuḷa.
“The look indifferent, that would its love disguise, / Is only read aright by lovers' eyes.”
“It is only in lovers’ eyes that one can see the look of absolute unconcern, as if they were perfect strangers.”
Looking at each other like indifferent strangers is an art known only to true lovers.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
ஏதிலார் போலப் பொதுநோக்கு நோக்குதல்= முன் அறியாதார் போல ஒருவரை யொருவர் பொதுநோக்கத்தான் நோக்குதல்; காதலார் கண்ணே உள= இக்காதலை உடையார்கண்ணே உளவாகாநின்றன.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Looking at one another with the indifferent, casual gaze of strangers who have never met is an art found only among true lovers concealing their bond.