by K. P. Kavafis
Translated by Alex Moskios
When suddenly at midnight
An invisible troupe is heard passing by,
With exquisite music, and great voices -
Your good luck that just abandoned you,
Your failed work, your life's plans that
Proved to be illusions, do not uselessly bemoan.
Like one prepared for so long, like a brave man,
Bid farewell to Alexandria that leaves you.
Especially do not be fooled, do not say that
It was a dream, that you have not heard right -
Such vain hopes do not befit one like you.
Like one prepared for so long, like a brave man,
You who were equal and deserved such a city,
Walk with steady foot to the window,
And listen with emotion, but not with
Timid entreaties and unseemly grief,
As your last pleasure, to the sounds,
The great organs from that mystic band,
And bid farewell to Alexandria you are losing.