“Tell me, benign countenance, why thou burnest, why thou glowest: tell me the cause of this fire. Has the full moon concentrated all its rays in thy body? When I touch thee, it appears to me as if I were about to melt.” Ciannanam tannilninu vàhni yennadupòle Sunari ninghelninnu Ciùdinendadò bandham. “Tell me, thou most beautiful of the beautiful, why thy body burns so, why it is so hot, and at the same time emits an odour as delicious as sandalwood when it is consumed by the fire.” Inganeyulla vàku Kettapol còbatòdu Anganà manni paragnìdinàl nrbanòdu Aadi Càlame cennu sahasam pravarticiàl Kèdamundàgum bàla strìguelka dharica nì. When the enchanting _Calàbadi_ heard these words, not without considerable agitation of mind, she said to the king: “Know, O my Lord, that it grieves and pains a young tender maid when she is about to subject herself, for the first time, to the embraces of a man.” Onnumè nirbhandiciu vannatu taramalla Mannava Shigha manne anga pòvirnnàlum Sangamàgraham inikundàgum nèrattu gnàn Angu vannannugula kriddayum ceidìduven. “O King, my spouse! noblest jewel of my crown! remove from me, and seat thyself in a distant place. Do not again surprise my inclination; when Nature prompts, I will voluntarily obey her soft impulse, and resign myself to thee as thy property.” Angalànanam còndum ishda dànanguel còndum Manganmàrude manò ragnam varuttenam Nalla vàkuguel condu nanaciu tannupiciu Vollabhen shubhaguennullatu tonnikenam Mallave vashattay tìrum à càlam pinne Valladu prayoguiciàlapriam illàdàgum. “It is only by politeness, sportfulness, and agreeable presents, that the inclination of a young maid can be captivated. A lover must employ sweet words: the long restrained and involuntary tears must trickle down his cheeks. When his beloved then perceives that he is magnanimous and kind; when he has insensibly secured her approbation; then--then, without doubt, no part of his conduct can give her offence.” * * * * * All these verses consist of fourteen feet, and are sung in a soft recitative tone. But however some may attempt to vindicate the liberties used by these theatrical poets, it is an undoubted truth that they have a very pernicious influence on the morals. To guard against this destructive effect, the Christians of St. Thomas have been here and there induced to convert some of the historical parts of the Bible into dramas, and to represent them on the stage. _Alangatta Capiar_, and the catechumen _Rama Nayer_, who died while I was in India, have distinguished themselves with great advantage in this kind of composition.