Constantine P. Cavafy

29 April 1863 – 29 April 1933 / Alexandria

Anna Dalassini

In the royal decree that Alexios Komninos
put out specially to honour his mother-
the very intelligent Lady Anna Dalassini,
noteworthy in both her works and her manners-
much is said in praise of her.
Here I offer one phrase only,
a phrase that is beautiful, sublime:
'She never uttered those cold words 'mine' or 'yours'.'
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