உயிர்மேல் காதலை உடைய என் நெஞ்சு, நாமும் அவரை இகழ்ந்தால் பிறகு நமக்கும் இழிவுவரும் என்று எண்ணி, அவர் வரவையும் கலவியையுமே நினைத்து நின்றது.

பிரிந்து சென்ற காதலரை இகழ்வது தனக்கே இழிவாகும் என்பதால், அவருடைய பெருமையைப் பற்றியே என்னுயிர்க் காதல் நெஞ்சம் எண்ணிக் கொண்டிருக்கும்

உயரின் மேல் காதல் கொண்ட என் நெஞ்சம், பிரிந்த காதலரை இகழ்ந்தால் இழிவாகும் என்று எண்ணி அவருடைய உயர்ந்த பண்புகளையே நினைக்கின்றது.

My soul which clings to life thinks only of his (own) gain in the belief that it would be disgraceful for it to despise him

Kural 1298 is a poignant reflection on love and separation. It talks about the deep emotional attachment one feels towards a loved one, even when they are not physically present. The verse states that the heart, which holds a deep affection, continues to value the departed lover due to a fear of disgrace if it were to belittle them. In other words, the heart is so much in love that it fears the thought of disrespecting or diminishing the loved one in their absence. It clings to the idea of the beloved's virtues, constantly reminding itself of their greatness and qualities. This verse is a testament to the power of love, where the love for someone can be so strong that it makes one honour the beloved even in their absence. It captures the essence of undying affection, where love isn't merely a feeling, but becomes a matter of one's honor and dignity. Thus, this couplet underlines the depth of genuine love - a love that does not diminish or fade away with separation, but continues to hold the beloved in high regard, cherishing their virtues and fearing the thought of belittling them.