When suddenly at midnight an invisible
procession is heard passing
with unearthly music, and with voices -
do not mourn in vain your fate that's fading now,
your works all failed, your life's
ambitions proving all a sham.
As if you had been ready for some time,
as one with courage, bid farewell to her,
the Alexandria that's leaving.
Above all don't be fooled, don't say it was
a dream, and that your hearing was mistaken;
don't stoop to such vain hopes.
As if you had been ready for some time,
as one with courage, as befits a man who
once was worthy of a city such as this,
approach the window steadily,
and listen with emotion - not with
a coward's pleas, entreaties -
up to the end enjoy the sounds,
unearthly instruments of the mysterious
procession... bid farewell to her,
the Alexandria you're losing.
|
