Cavafy: Nero's Term
On hearing Delphi's prophecy, Nero was not
Alarmed at what the Oracle foretold:
"Let him beward the age of seventy-three years."
Time to enjoy himself? He had a lot
Still, being only thirty years of age—more than
Enough, the span of time the god allots
To be prepared to vanquish any future danger.
Only a little tired now, he will return to Rome—
A little tired from this visit, but exquisitely made so
By days filled full of pleasure he's enjoyed
In theatres, in gardens, in gymnasia...
Those evenings in the cities of Achaea...
Delighting in the naked bodies more than anything...
This is what Nero thinks, while Galba, off in Spain
Is mustering and drilling troops. He plans and plots,
That aged man who is seventy-three years old.
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