எல்லாரும் வேலையின்றி உறங்கும் நடுச்சாமத்திலும் என் நெஞ்சத்தைத் தண்டித்து வேலை வாங்குவதால் காதல் என்று சொல்லப்படும் ஒன்று இரக்கமற்றதாக இருக்கிறது.

காதல் வேட்கை எனப்படும் ஒன்று இரக்கமே இல்லாதது; ஏனெனில் அது என் நெஞ்சில் நள்ளிரவிலும் ஆதிக்கம் செலுத்தி அலைக்கழிக்கிறது

காமம் என்று சொல்லப்படுகின்ற ஒன்று கண்ணோட்டம் இல்லாதது. அது என் நெஞ்சத்தை நள்ளிரவில் ஏவல் கொண்டு ஆள்கிறது.

Even at midnight is my mind worried by lust, and this one thing, alas! is without mercy

Kural 1252 delves into the powerful and all-consuming nature of desire or lust. The poet laments that this strong emotion, referred to as 'kamam', is relentless and merciless. It doesn't let his heart rest even during the quietest hours of the night, constantly stirring emotions and thoughts that disrupt his peace. This verse emphasizes the magnitude of passion that can take over one's mind and thoughts completely. The poet uses the imagery of the midnight hour, a time typically associated with rest and tranquility, to illustrate how lust intrudes and causes unrest, showcasing its unyielding nature. The cultural context here is that lust is often viewed as a powerful emotion that can dominate one's thoughts and actions if not controlled. This kural serves as a metaphorical reminder of the need for self-control and the potential turmoil that unregulated passions can cause. The moral interpretation of this kural is about understanding the strength of our emotions and the need to regulate them. It's a call for self-discipline, control and balance in our emotional responses.