Letter by John Cavafy to C. P. Cavafy

GR-OF CA CA-SF02-S01-SS02-F20-SF001-0027 (402)

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Alexandria 10 July 1883
    My dear Constantine,
         Your letter 2nd instant came duly to hand.     I am much obliged for the butterfly, and shall bury it     deep in a little box, where the clatter and noise of this     world may not disturb its innocent slumber ― ’Tis a     beauty, and its loveliness well nigh inspired me with     a poetical outbreak, which however was speedily scattered     to the winds, by the idea that I might be     verging on the commonplace. (and there is hardly     anything more hateful to me!) ―     You are quite right in taking care of your eyes ―     and I should certainly advise you not to overstrain
    them. Your news is very interesting and I am     very glad to notice the favourable progress Paul     is making. Aristides writes you fully about the     Cholera in reply to Alexander’s letters. Pray assure     mother she need be under no anxiety. You know     yourself how fast ill news travels and what exaggeration     is generally attached thereto! We are all well     and take great care of ourselves.
    I am glad to see you like the Egypt. Unfortunately     this paper has had but a short career. Mr. Goodrich     has been obliged to suspend its publication for want     of printers, and the periodical is now a thing of the
past: the letter signed I.C.C. is written by Chapman, who, with John C. Carlisle and myself, constitutes the triumvirate of I.C.C.s in Egypt. I know Goodrich personally. He is an interesting young man and a thorough classical scholar. I need say no more: for, as you know, “classics” with me, are the true basis of all knowledge. ― Your friend Stephen Schilizzi is leaving for Liverpool on the 12th instant by one of our ships, the Neera: he is accompanied by his brother Nicholas: they purpose staying in England for a month or two. ― The Ruscovichs are here and I see them occasionally: I don’t know them to speak to. ― “Ah wad some power the giftie gie us” etc are favourite lines with me, and, curious to say, I was looking for them the night previous to the arrival of your letter.
On a separate sheet I give you the translation from Irving you ask for and respond to your other linguistic queries. There is a rumour being spread about today here, that the British Government has decided upon a protectorate in Egypt for an unfixed period. The unified has consequently risen three points say from 69 to 72. Conformably with Alexander’s request, I shall now post you, regularly, the Pays Financier ―
    Many many kisses to dear mother, and again     beg of her not to fret about us. ― We are perfectly     safe. Give my best love to Alexander and Paul and     remember me to all our relations ― and believe     me to be your devoted and affectionate brother
               Johannisberg.

    P.S. I hope, next week, I shall be able to afford     the time for a longer and more interesting letter.     This, I know, is hardly presentable, both in style     and calligraphy, but I trust to yr. kind forbearance.
               id.

    P.S. No 2. I enclose two photos of Aristides and myself.     I don’t think we have either of us changed much     since you saw us last. ―

               id. again ―

DIGITAL OBJECT DESCRIPTION

IDENTITY AREA

REFERENCE CODE:

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GR-OF CA CA-SF02-S01-SS02-F20-SF001-0027 (402)

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Letter by John Cavafy to C. P. Cavafy

DATE(S):

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10/7/1883

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Item

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27 x 22 cm

FORMER REFERENCE CODE:

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F52_Φ1-31

CONTEXT AREA

NAME OF CREATOR(S):

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Cavafy, John

CONTENT AND STRUCTURE AREA

SCOPE AND CONTENT:

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Handwritten letter by John Cavafy to C. P. Cavafy on one side of a sheet and on both sides of a second sheet. The author comments on the problems of C. P. Cavafy with his eyes and to the cholera epidemic in Alexandria. Social and political news. (Alexandria)

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CC BY-SA 4.0 Cavafy Archive Onassis Foundation

LANGUAGE AND SCRIPT NOTES:

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English

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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Writing in ink. Watermark: Mc. Corquodale. Physical item wear: oxidations.

NOTES AREA

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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.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

Literary annotation, providing additional information on the digital object.

John informs C. P. Cavafy that he has translated an unidentified work by Washington Irving, which he encloses for the poet.