For some people the day comes
when they have to declare the great Yes
or the great No. It's clear at once who has the Yes
ready within him; and saying it,
he goes from honor to honor, strong in his conviction.
He who refuses does not repent. Asked again,
he'd still say no. Yet that no-the right no-
drags him down all his life.
Translated by Edmund Keeley & Philip Sherrard
Back to Constantine Cavafy
Get a free collection of Classic Poetry ↓
To be able to leave a comment here you must be registered. Log in or Sign up.