Black hair Quote by Constantinos P. Cavafis
““One of Their Gods When one of them passed through the forum of Seleucia just as night began to fall, young, tall, perfect in his beauty, with the joy of imperishability in his eyes and his aromatic black hair, the passers-by would stare, asking each other if they knew the man: was he a Greek from Syria, or a foreigner? But some, who watched with greater attention, understood and drew aside for him to pass; and as he vanished under the arcades, amid the shadow and light of evening, proceeding to that neighbourhood which comes alive only at night, with orgies and debauchery, every kind of drunkenness and lust, they wondered which of Them he might be, and for which of his suspect passions had he come down to the streets of Seleucia from the Venerable and Sacred Abodes.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Gods” by Cavafis, 1913
A mysterious, beautiful figure passes through Seleucia at night, prompting speculation about his divine or mortal identity and motives.
In simple terms: A striking stranger appears, causing curiosity about his nature.
Key Takeaway
Observe and question appearances before judging.
Themes
mystery
identity
divinity
urban night
temptation
Mood
enigmatic
curious
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- nighttime city streets
- cultural festivals
- encounters with strangers
- exploring unknown motives
Key Concepts
mythology
human desire
perception
social judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do we make about strangers?
- How does night change our perception of people?
A Different Perspective
The passage may romanticize exoticism, overlooking everyday realities of the city.
