Κωνσταντίνος Πέτρου Καβάφης, «More happy thou, performing Member»

More happy thou, performing Member,
Who hast not need of wit's keen temper;
Thou standst on every side possessed
Of what Parnassus boasts as best.
On thy right sits, chief in wisdom's college,

Profound experience crowned with knowledge.

And further on, historic lore,

With erudition's ample store.

Third on thy right, imagination

Holds by no means a humble station.

But in thy front a dazzling light

Obscures your wavering mortal sight.

How shall I praise this man so blessed

Above the poor lot of the rest?

Diplomacy, Religion, Art,

Of Letters also every part,

Find in his penetrating eye,

Judgement which no man dares belie.

No one stands with him on a par,

Except of wits the transcendant star,

To whose seat, on thy left hand side,

My duteous hommage I shall guide.

       The tide of wit for ever flows

From his high throne. Now beliquose,

Fiery; now laughing and jocose.

And as men always persecute

True worth when joined to mind acute,

Against him anger is directed

When aught of wrong has been detected;

And all inspired by exasparation

Shout for a speedy situation.

Then, sole amid the increasing noise,

His wit to fruitful ends employs -

Silences every accusing voice

By proofs that none denies.-

    
 Be happy, Foreman, with thy station

Which offers wit and information

For every question and occasion.

Have always thy untiring sight

On thy left and on thy right;

Study each conduct and be taught

From every word and every thought,

What to believe & what to say -

When to say "yes" & when to say "nay",

What to eat and what to drink,

What on everything to think,

How to dress and how to talk,

How to sleep and how to walk,

For every human thing is brought

To perfection, and is taught

In this Pancosmium of Thought.-

(1877)

Τα Ανέκδοτα (1877-1923)

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