Thermopylae by C.P. Cavafy

Thermopylae

by C.P. Cavafy

Translated by David Connolly

Honour to those who in their lives 

resolved to defend some Thermopylae. 

Never wavering from duty; 

just and forthright in all their deeds, 

but with pity and compassion too; 

generous whenever rich, and when 

poor, still generous in smaller ways, 

still helping all they can; 

always speaking the truth, 

yet without hatred for those who lie. 

And still more honour is their due 

when they foresee (and many do foresee) 

that Ephialtes will eventually appear, 

and the Medes will, in the end, get through.