POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (24)

ABOUT THE POEM This is a translated version of an outstanding poem BEAUTY AND THE BEAST from Tamil literature. It is an enthusiastic proclamation of a boy about his Lady Love whom he met on a hillock. He says proudly that he was subdued by the gracefulness of her demeanor and hence confesses a complete transformation of his personality. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST She is the darling daughter of a hillman hailing from the hill folk’s hamlet amidst the tall mountains where an unadulterated white cascade tumbles down the slopes fumbles through the crannies I encountered thee in the ravines abundantly rich with blossoms - - a pretty young maid with wide shoulders. The water of her gentility has quelled the fire of my masculinity