வளையல்கள் கழன்று தோள்கள் மெலிய, அவரைக் கொடுமையானவர் என்று அவை நொந்து பேசுவதைக் கேட்டு நான் வருந்துகிறேன்.

என் தோள்கள் மெலிவதையும், வளையல்கள் கழன்று விழுவதையும் காண்போர் என்னுடையவர் இரக்கமற்றவர் என இயம்புவது கேட்டு இதயம் நொந்து போகிறேன்

வளையல்கள் கழன்று தோள்களும் மெலிவடைவதால் (அவற்றைக் காண்போர்) காதலரைக் கொடியவர் என்று கூறுவதைக் கேட்டு வருந்துகின்றேன்.

I am greatly pained to hear you call him a cruel man, just because your shoulders are reduced and your bracelets loosened

This Thiru Kural verse (1236) portrays the deep pain of a lover who is distressed by the physical changes in her beloved due to their separation. The verse describes how the beloved has lost weight to such an extent that her bracelets have loosened and her shoulders have become thin. This has led others to label her lover as cruel for causing her such suffering. However, the speaker in the verse expresses anguish not at her lover's supposed cruelty, but at the misinterpretation of others who view his absence as an act of unkindness. The speaker is in profound pain upon hearing these accusations against her lover, as she understands the complexity of their situation and his true feelings. This verse hence emphasizes the depth of understanding and empathy in true love. It's a reminder that external judgments often fail to grasp the nuances of personal relationships and circumstances. The verse underlines the painful effects of separation, but also the strength of love that endures despite hardships and misunderstandings.