Classic Poem

Since you were born in his lineage, he who dispelled the pain
of a dove by climbing upon a scale with its fixed pointer
white at the ends because tusks of an elephant with spotted feet
had been cut off and set there, your generosity cannot increase
your fame! And when I think of how your ancestors destroyed
those walls hanging in space, immensely strong and resistant,
which enemies feared to approach, your skill at killing in battle
cannot increase your fame! And since Righteousness has been established
and abides in the court of the city of Urantai of the Cholas
who are imbued with Martial Courage and never suffer harm,
governing with justice cannot increase your fame! Valavan!
you who won the battle kindled by courage, whose thick arms
are like crossbars, whose chaplet is blinding, who ride a proud horse!
How may I describe you, since you made Unwithering Vañci
wither and destroyed the Chera king with his lofty chariot
so finely built, who had inscribed his symbol of the bow to adorn
Himalaya with its immeasurable heights, its towering
summits of gold, how can I sing of your great and powerful acts?