C.P. Cavafy
(1863-1933)
Thermopylae
Translated by
Edmund Keeley & Philip Sherrard
Thermopylae
-
Honor to those who in the life they lead- define and guard a Thermopylae.
- Never betraying what is right,
- consistent and just in all they do
- but showing pity also, and compassion;
- generous when they're rich, and when they're poor,
- still generous in small ways,
- still helping as much as they can;
- always speaking the truth,
- yet without hating those who lie.
- And even more honor is due to them
- when they foresee (as many do foresee)
- that Ephialtis will turn up in the end,
- that the Medes will break through after all.
NOTES:
Written January 1901.
Published November 30, 1903..
In 11-syllable unrhymed lines.
Ephialtis was the Greek traitor who guided a section of the Medes (i.e the Persian Army) over a mountain path in order to attack the rear of the Greek forces which were protecting the pass of Thermopylae under the Spartan king Leonidas (480 B.C.).