'According To The Formulas Of Ancient Grecosyrian Magi' by C.P. Cavafy

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1931"What distillate can be discovered from herbs
of a witching brew," said an aesthete,
"what distillate prepared according
to the formulas of ancient Grecosyrian magi
which for a day (if no longer
its potency can last), or even for a short time
can bring my twenty three years to me
again; can bring my friend of twenty two
to me again -- his beauty, his love."What distillate prepared according
to the formulas of ancient Grecosyrian magi
which, in bringing back these things,
can also bring back our little room."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, According To The Formulas Of Ancient Grecosyrian Magi by C.P. Cavafy

Are you tired of the same old poetry? Do you crave something more ancient, more mystical? Look no further than C.P. Cavafy's "Poetry, According To The Formulas Of Ancient Grecosyrian Magi." In this poem, Cavafy transports us to a time of magic and mystery, where poetry was not just a form of artistic expression, but a tool for divination.

The poem begins with the speaker inviting us to "come closer and see," setting the tone for a journey into the unknown. He tells us that the ancient Grecosyrian Magi had formulas for poetry, which they used to "conjure up visions" and "reveal the future." This concept of poetry as a form of prophecy is intriguing, and sets the poem apart from more conventional works.

Cavafy goes on to describe the formulas themselves, which involve the repetition of certain words and phrases. He tells us that these formulas were used to "summon up the gods," and that they had the power to "make the stars tremble." The language here is vivid and evocative, drawing us into the world of the Magi and their mystical practices.

As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more and more caught up in the power of the formulas. He tells us that in using them, he feels as though he himself has "become a god," and that he can "see the future clearly." This sense of transcendence is a common theme in mystical poetry, and Cavafy captures it beautifully here.

But the poem is not just about the power of poetry to reveal the future. It is also about the way that poetry can connect us to our past. The speaker tells us that the formulas have been passed down through the ages, from the "sages of Chaldea" to the "singers of Thebes." In this way, poetry becomes a link to our ancestors and their wisdom.

The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful. The speaker tells us that the formulas can help us to "understand the secrets of life," and that they can guide us towards "the light of truth." This idea of poetry as a guide to enlightenment is a powerful one, and it speaks to the enduring importance of poetic tradition.

Overall, "Poetry, According To The Formulas Of Ancient Grecosyrian Magi" is a fascinating and deeply evocative poem. Through its vivid language and mystical imagery, it transports us to a world of ancient magic and wisdom. And in doing so, it reminds us of the enduring power of poetry to connect us to our past, and to guide us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry According To The Formulas Of Ancient Grecosyrian Magi: A Masterpiece of Poetry

C.P. Cavafy's Poetry According To The Formulas Of Ancient Grecosyrian Magi is a masterpiece of poetry that has stood the test of time. This poem is a perfect example of how poetry can be used to convey complex ideas and emotions in a simple and elegant way. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem.

Themes

The main theme of this poem is the power of poetry. Cavafy uses the ancient Grecosyrian magi as a metaphor for the power of poetry. The magi were known for their ability to use formulas to create powerful spells and incantations. In the same way, poetry has the power to move people, to inspire them, and to change the world.

The poem also explores the idea of tradition and the importance of preserving it. The ancient magi were keepers of a tradition that had been passed down from generation to generation. In the same way, poets are keepers of a tradition that has been passed down for centuries. It is their responsibility to preserve this tradition and to use it to create new works of art.

Structure

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with six lines. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the ancient magi. The second stanza explores the power of poetry and the importance of tradition. The third stanza brings the poem to a close and emphasizes the importance of the poet's role in preserving tradition.

The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter. This allows Cavafy to focus on the content of the poem rather than the form. However, there are some instances of internal rhyme and repetition that add to the musicality of the poem.

Literary Devices

Cavafy uses a number of literary devices to convey his message. One of the most prominent is metaphor. The ancient magi are used as a metaphor for the power of poetry. This metaphor is extended throughout the poem, with references to the magi's formulas and the poet's ability to create new works of art.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "according to the formulas" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of tradition and the power of poetry. This repetition also adds to the musicality of the poem.

Cavafy also uses imagery to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. The image of the ancient magi, with their long beards and flowing robes, is a powerful one. This image is used to convey the idea of tradition and the importance of preserving it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry According To The Formulas Of Ancient Grecosyrian Magi is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the power of poetry and the importance of tradition. Cavafy's use of metaphor, repetition, and imagery creates a powerful and evocative poem that has stood the test of time. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry and the role of the poet in preserving tradition and creating new works of art.

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