chapter 40. It is worthwhile to remember that in Tamil literature the topic of “Love” has occupied a large portion of the Caṅkam Classics. If we follow Pope’s line, they can be considered as more or less one- act plays; writing in Kalittokai he says it is “a series if lyrics each of which reads like a short act of drama and elucidates some theme.”¹¹¹

It is apparent that Pope was acquainted with Ellis’ translation of these verses which he gave for amplification and reference in his commentary on the Kuṟaḷ. Pope more often that not is in agreement¹¹² with Ellis but occasionally he does disagree.¹¹³

Pope has not failed to enumerate various other commentaries but he has not mentioned the authors’ name.¹¹⁴ Justifiable generous praise is paid to the Tamil commentators Parimēlaḻakar and Nacciṉārkkiṉiyar by Pope. He declares, “The Tamil commentators are inferior to none. Parimēlaḻakar’s splendid work on the Kuṟaḷ and Nacciṉārkkiṉiyar’s on Civakacintāmani are models of profound and accute criticism and lucid exposition.”¹¹⁵ Mention of one commentator by name Murukēca Muṭaliār is found in Pope’s work but nothing much is known about him.¹¹⁶

In Pope’s translation we find three proverbs from common talk- which are translated by him.¹¹⁷ This kind of inclusion is novel since he has chosen from “floating literature” a notion to imbed in “fixed literature.”

From all available Tamil works of that day within his reach, Pope has included significant opinion agreeing with his own views

111. P.L.T. Vol.II, No.6, 1898, Pp. 140, 143.

112. Ibid. Pp. 221, 224 etc.

113. Ibid. Pp. 370, 373

114. Ibid.P. 221

115. Ibid.P. 207

116. Ibid.P. 59

117. Ibid.P. 130