Thematic sections

5.4.1 Anthimos (Akakios) Diakrousis

They seized the villages and reached the City,

the mighty Fortress, they're attacking it now,

pursuing and enslaving young and old,

like wildfire raging in the height of summer.

Their aim was not to waste a single hour,

with such a mass of men, to smash the walls.

Such was their valour, such their impetus,

their exploits there brought awe and wonderment,

fighting to take the Fortress and enslave it,

and to annihilate the stricken Christians.

But they went on resisting, night and day,

and casting countless foes to death's dark realm.

But, Christ, how can you bear so many tears,

fresh tears each day, how can you tolerate it?

— if gathered up, those tears would fill a lake

so broad and deep that ships could sail upon it!

Come hither, springs, bring water for my eyes,

to weep and to lament with all my soul.

Candia, my lips falter, my limbs are trembling,

my hands have not the strength to grasp the pen,

to tell of all the havoc, all the grief,

that's fallen on this hapless, ravaged city.

.

O Candia, jewel of Venice, Doge's crown,

your rulers looked upon you with such pride!

O Candia, all who've seen you yearn for you;

wherever they may be, they speak your praise;

all cities praise you, Candia, for your beauty,

yet here you are today in desperate straits.

1. Anthimos (Akakios) Diakrousis, The Cretan war, 2008 More

Same thematic section texts (6)

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5. The “Cretan War”
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5.1 The Siege and the Fall of Candia (1648-1669)
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5.2 Cretan War and sank of La Thérèse
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5.3 The evacuation of Candia
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5.4 The Cretan War in the Literature
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5.4.1 Anthimos (Akakios) Diakrousis
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5.4.2 Marinos Tzanes Bounialis