Letter by John Cavafy to C. P. Cavafy
[Alexandria] Thursday 9 pm
8 March 1883My dearest Constantine Fotiadé,
I received your letter 26th ultimo on Tuesday and I thank you for the eloquent extract from Goethe. The stormy weather we have lately experienced, has been succeeded by hot southerly winds, and today there is a strong khamseen blowing: a delightful change I think.
I am glad to see you like Arvers’ sonnet. I have rarely read anything so beautiful, and you will agree, I feel sure, that in so narrow a compass it comprises the ideal of romantic writing. ― The motto I have chosen for “Truth” is from St. John chap. xviii
37…. “Everyone that is of the truth heareth My voice.
38 Pilate saith unto Him, what is Truth?” ―
The phrases you wish me to translate, I would render as follows:
“Terrible est le tourbillon des vents” = Terrible is the vortex of the winds, or terrible is the whirlwind.
“Une bonne femme est plus introuvable qu’un Corbeau blanc” = It is more difficult to find a good woman than a white raven.
“La nasse du pêcheur” = The fisherman’s net.
“fléau” = calamity (sometimes I believe this French word is used in the same sense as the English “plague”).
I trust you will have received, ere this reaches you, both Magazines ― the number for March has notyet come to hand.
I finished The Adventures of Philip last week and am now reading Esmond, which is rather flat.
I have also got hold of a book called Self-Culture and written by Prof. Blackie of Edinburgh. It is a marvel of cleverness and in a clear, tho’ concise, way sets forth a string of rules whereby a student should guide himself in the attainment of physical and moral privileges.
In one of your letters you say you feel my absence: this is fully reciprocated by me ― It is now over 7 months that I have been separated from you, and yet I think ’tis years when I look back on the time elapsed. You know the dictum:
“Time travelleth at divers paces with divers persons”.
With best love I am, dear Constantine,
Yours devotedly
Johannisberg
P.S. I enclose copy of the “Prelude”, as it now stands in my Scribbling-books. ―
DIGITAL OBJECT DESCRIPTION
IDENTITY AREA
27 x 22 cm
CONTEXT AREA
CONTENT AND STRUCTURE AREA
Handwritten letter by John Cavafy to C. P. Cavafy on the recto of two letterheads of R. J. Moss & Co., Alexandria. Everyday news. The sender translates French verses into English, as asked by his brother.
CONDITIONS OF ACCESS AND USE AREA
English
Writing in ink. Watermark: R. J. Moss & Co Alexandria. Physical item wear: oxidations.
NOTES AREA
The transcription and editing of the letters of John Constantine Cavafy addressed to C. P. Cavafy was first carried out by Katerina Ghika; said transcriptions were subsequently uploaded to the official website of the Cavafy Archive.
Literary remarks, lexilogical comments on English translations of French phrases, following the request of C. P. Cavafy. Reference to two poems by John Cavafy, entitled “Truth” and “Prelude”.