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Raphael, they want you to compose

some verses as an epitaph for the poet Ammon.

Something very artistic and polished. You’ll be able,

you’re the perfect choice, to write what’s suitable

for the poet Ammon, one of our own.

Certainly you’ll talk about his poetry—

but do say something, too, about his beauty,

about the delicate beauty that we loved.

Your Greek is always beautiful and musical.

But now we want all of your craftsmanship.

Into a foreign tongue our pain and love are passing.

Pour your Egyptian feeling into a foreign tongue.

Raphael, your verses should be written

so that they have, you know, something of our lives within them,

so that the rhythm and every phrasing makes it clear

that an Alexandrian is writing of an Alexandrian.

[1915; 1917]