Theophilos Palaeologos

Theophilos Palaeologos

C.P. Cavafy 

translated by Rae Dalven.

This is the last year.  He is the last

of the Greek emperors.  And alas

how grievously they speak when they are near him.

In his despair, in his pain

Kyr Theophilos Palaeologos

says, “I’d rather die than live.”

Ah, Kyr Theophilos Palaeologos

how much longing of our people and how much exhaustion

(how much weariness from injustices and persecution)

your five tragic words contained.