METERED NOVEL

First Prize from the Academy of Athens

In this book of mine, whoever reads it,
will quickly see how the world changes today.

The customs and traditions, how they are and how they were,
and what troubles those had who loved, no matter how much.

They will also see how parents chose the girl,
and how often the boys accepted her.

And the power of love they will see how far it reaches,
and what deeds love can perform.

What my mind wrote down is what has been written,
it is neither true nor borrowed.

I wrote the verses in fifteen-syllable meter,
a beautiful story about two lovers.

I wrote my book in our Cretan language,
the one our parents gave us back then.

I did not write too many verses to avoid boredom,
so that anyone who wishes can read it easily.