Bal Masqué

Abstract

Translated by Peter Mackridge, who until his recent death was Emeritus Prof of Modern Greek Literature at Oxford University. To Katerina To write one line you first have to write another. To recite Shakespeare’s Sonnet VIII you first have to hear Catullus’ nightingale singing in your garden. To describe the shades of green on Cézanne’s apple you first have to snatch the palette out of Velasquez’ hands. I know what it means to be in love: You dive head first into the sea from a rock, you touch the bottom, stroke the sand with your fingers and, watching the sun’s rays refracted in the water, you very slowly rise to the surface. When you pronounce her name you are already someone else.