Constantine P. Cavafy
Greek-Egyptian · 1863–1933
Alexandrian Greek poet whose spare, conversational verse explored history, sensuality, and the interplay of memory and desire with quiet, devastating precision.
Wikipedia ↗“— Τι περιμένουμε συναθροισμένοι στην αγορά; — Είναι οι βάρβαροι να φθάσουν σήμερα.”
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“What are we waiting for, assembled in the forum? The barbarians are due here today.”
Waiting for the Barbarians ↗ (1898)
“Σα βγεις τον πηγαιμό για την Ιθάκη, να εύχεσαι νάναι μακρύς ο δρόμος, γεμάτος περιπέτειες, γεμάτος γνώσεις.”
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“As you set out for Ithaka, hope the voyage is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery.”
Ithaka ↗ (1911)