Sunday Poetry: C.P. Cavafy

The Glories Of The Ptolemies

I am the son of Lagus, king. The absolute possessor
(with my power and my wealth) of voluptuous delight.
No Macedonian, or barbarian, can be found
my equal, or even to compare with me. The son of Seleucus
is ludicrous with his vulgar luxury.
But if you want more, see, these too are clear.
The city -- the teacher, summit of panhellenism,
in the word, in very art, the wisest.

--C.P. Cavafy