Classic Poem

Purananuru 102

The young bull
does not feel the yoke,
though the cart is loaded
with salt and things.

But who can
foresee the damages
when it dips into creeks
and climbs the hills?

So the salt merchants keep
a second safety axle
under the axletree.

You are such,

lofty one
with bright umbrellas of fame:

whoever lives in your shade,
living as under the fullest moon,

has any fear
of night?