Once again, a striking and beautiful translation, Armand. I am just about to set out to England from southern Spain….by train (well, five trains, to be exact). So, I will have the Ithaka message very much in mind! This poem could be a companion piece to Tennyson’s ‘Ulysses’(and especially to its final six lines) which I imagine Cavafy knew.
One of the best poems ever written and one of the best poets ever. It's not an easy job doing a translation of such a masterpiece but you've done it justice.
On reading your translation of Cavafy's 'Ithika' (encountered by me for the first time ever, just now - and thank you for posting it, it is beautiful), I was immediately struck by remembrance of a piece by my beloved Auden, titled 'Átlantis'. Auden must surely have been familiar with Cavafy, I think, the thematic concerns in Auden are like an echo, and a response, both?
In any case, I appreciate both poems, rather salient to me, and my quite recent journeys. I love them both. Here's a link to the full text of Auden's 'Atlantis' if you are interested. My thanks, again.
Once again, a striking and beautiful translation, Armand. I am just about to set out to England from southern Spain….by train (well, five trains, to be exact). So, I will have the Ithaka message very much in mind! This poem could be a companion piece to Tennyson’s ‘Ulysses’(and especially to its final six lines) which I imagine Cavafy knew.
One of the best poems ever written and one of the best poets ever. It's not an easy job doing a translation of such a masterpiece but you've done it justice.
Thank you. Cavafy is rigorous about the use of rhythm, however flexible it is, so I feel translators must try to be as well.
Definitely so. It’s as important to capture the feel, melody and essence of the poem as it is to get the words and language.
On reading your translation of Cavafy's 'Ithika' (encountered by me for the first time ever, just now - and thank you for posting it, it is beautiful), I was immediately struck by remembrance of a piece by my beloved Auden, titled 'Átlantis'. Auden must surely have been familiar with Cavafy, I think, the thematic concerns in Auden are like an echo, and a response, both?
In any case, I appreciate both poems, rather salient to me, and my quite recent journeys. I love them both. Here's a link to the full text of Auden's 'Atlantis' if you are interested. My thanks, again.
https://allpoetry.com/poem/8492995-Atlantis-by-W-H-Auden
Very interesting! I didn’t know it but you’re right, it is very reminiscent of and surely influenced by Ithaca.
Do not worry about Penelope.
She will still be there, waiting,
When you get home.
A good addition!
I appreciated this.
Ι cannot read the poem in English without listening Sir Sean Connery in my ear. Such a wonderful poem. Thank you, professor.
That's a wonderful rendition indeed.
Thanks!
‘‘Tis the journey and not the destination…