Classic Poem

When your army moves forward, you advance before the army
opposing you as they brandish arms and fling their missiles but when
their army advances, you shift to the rear of your army, supporting it,
taking your stand there like a mountain damming up a broad river!
For these reasons, O greatness! it is always hard to catch
any sight of you! and the anguish of my family is a great anguish!
Please grant a gift to me right now! May your power prosper
for a very long time! May it never fall before your enemies!
May it be like a towering pole made of the murukku tree
with its broad leaves and raised up to serve as a target
for many young Kocars as if they were its enemies,
to launch their conquering spears and learn the art of glittering weapons!