Giving
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iṉṉā tirakkap paṭuta lirantava / riṉmukaṅ kāṇu maḷavu
“The suppliants' cry for aid yields scant delight, / Until you see his face with grateful gladness bright.”
“The heart of the giver is not glad until he seeth the smile of content on the face of the suppliant.”
It is painful to beg, and painful to be begged from; but both sorrows vanish the moment one gives and sees the petitioner's face light up with joy.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
இரக்கப் படுதல் இனனாது= இரத்தலேயன்றி இரக்கப்படுதலும் இனிது அன்று; இரந்தவர் இன் முகம் காணும் அளவு= ஒரு பொருளை இரந்தவர் அது பெற்றதனால் இனிதாகிய அவர் முகங் காணும் அளவும்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
It is painful to beg, and painful to be begged from; but both sorrows vanish the moment one gives and sees the petitioner's face light up with joy.