Giving
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iṉṉā tirakkap paṭuta lirantava / riṉmukaṅ kāṇu maḷavu
Being made to ask is painful; that pain lasts for the giver until the person who asked can leave with a relieved face.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“The suppliants' cry for aid yields scant delight, / Until you see his face with grateful gladness bright.”
“The heart of the giver is not glad until he seeth the smile of content on the face of the suppliant.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
இரக்கப் படுதல் இனனாது= இரத்தலேயன்றி இரக்கப்படுதலும் இனிது அன்று; இரந்தவர் இன் முகம் காணும் அளவு= ஒரு பொருளை இரந்தவர் அது பெற்றதனால் இனிதாகிய அவர் முகங் காணும் அளவும்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
The verse says the discomfort of being petitioned is unresolved until the asker's face shows the need has been met. The image names relief, not a debt of gratitude.