Lyrics by G.P. Cavafy

Translated by G. Valassopoulo (poem is public domain)

When at the hour of midnight

An invisible choir is suddenly heard

Passing with exquisite music, with voices



Do not lament you fortune

That at last subsides

You life's work that has failed,

You dreams that have proved illusions



But like a man prepared

Like a brave man

Bid farewell to her to



Alexandria, who is departing



Above all do not delude yourself

Do not say that it is a dream

That you ear was mistaken

Do not condescend to such empty hopes



Like a man for long prepared

Like a brave man

Like to the man who was worthy of such a city



Go to the window

And listen with emotion

Ah! Supreme rapture



Listen to the notes, 

to the exquisite instruments

of the mystic choir



And bid farewell to her, to



Alexandria, Alexandria

whom you are losing