POEM FROM TAMIL LITERATURE - DO NOT DESPAIR, MY HEART

ABOUT THE POEM:The poet consoles his own anxious heart while subtly reminding King Athiyaman of his legendary generosity in the poem titled DO NOT DESPAIR, MY HEART.He declares that the king never grows weary of rewarding poets, no matter how many come to him or how long they must wait. Athiyaman receives every visitor with the same warmth and willingness as he did the very first. Even if the reward is delayed, it is as certain as the morsel of food safely held between an elephant's tusks—it cannot be lost. Therefore, the poet urges his heart not to be troubled by hunger, uncertainty, or delay, but to remain patient and confident in the king's unfailing generosity. The speaker addresses his own heart yet the words are meant for King Athiyaman, gently reminding him of his renowned generosity.DO NOT DESPAIR, MY HEARTI speak to my own heart,yet let these wordsfind their wayto Athiyaman.Not for a day,nor merely for two days,have poets journeyedto seek his generous gifts.Many have come,over many days,their footsteps gatheringalong the roads to his court.Yet every one of themhas been welcomedwith the same gladnessthat marked the very first arrival.His hand has never learnedthe weariness of giving.He is Athiyaman Anji,who ridesupon a richly adorned elephant,radiant in royal splendor.Whether his giftcomes without delayor after patient waiting,it will surely reach us.Just as the mouthful of foodheld securebetween the mighty tusksof a great elephantcan never be lostto the beast that bears it,so toothe reward he has destined for uswill never fail us.Therefore,my heart,hungry with longing,do not grieve.Do not surrenderto despair.{This translation seeks to preserve the Sangam poet's quiet confidence in Athiyaman's unfailing generosity, using the elephant's secure grasp of its food as a powerful metaphor for the certainty of the patron's gift.}PURANANURU - 101POET: AVVAIYARPATRON:ADHIYAMAN NEDUMAN ANJI