explains all that is necessary for elucidating the text for the man in the street - the defied abstraction of modern democracy; and serves, therefore, as a valuable key for unlocking the closely preserved treasure - chest of the old commentary.

The Sangam poets caught the spirit of the poetic moment and enshrined it in the most appropriate and correct poetic phrase, afraid of spoiling its effect by any elaboration. Brevity is the life of their poetry. This explains why the anthologies of the Sangam verses are arranged according to the length of verses, as Kurum Tokai, Nanum Togai, Aim Kuru Noru etc. In every poem there is the heart or life centre -a beautiful phrase which is the very quint essence of the poem and this phrase by common acceptance and appreciation, becomes according to Sangam usage, the very name of the verse. This is seen in every one of the verses in the present work. The new commentary has brought out the poetic significance of all these poetic phrases, thus helping us to understand the poetic theory of the Sangam age.

On an occasion like this, one cannot but think with reverential gratitude, of the late lamented Dr. Swaminatha Aiyar, but for whose untiring zeal and toil we could not be boasting either of Patirruppattu or its ancient commentary. What has been thus made available is now made more and more popular by the present commentator. My friend Tiru Vellaivaranan has brought out the importance of the new commentary. Whether one agrees with all the points or not one has to agree that this commentary is very valuable for a close study of the ancient work by the modern man. I deem it, therefore, a great privilege, as desired by my friend Tiru Avvai Duraiswami Pillai, to introduce, with heartfelt thanks, this work, to the ever grateful public of Tamil land.