CHE FECE . . . IL GRAN RIFIUTO by constantine cavafy

[wicked-sassy.livejournal.com]

CHE FECE . . . IL GRAN RIFIUTO


A day comes to some people when
they must pronounce the great Yes or the great No.
It is instantly clear who has the Yes within,
ready; and by uttering it, he crosses over to

his honor and conviction. The one who
refuses has no remorse. If asked again,
he'd say no again. And yet that No —
the right No — weighs him down to his life's end.


[1901]
Translated with Willis Barnstone


C. P. Cavafy
Translated by Aliki Barnstone