Ο Αντώνης
Mikis Theodorakis / Mίκης Θεοδωράκης| Alternative English version | |
| ANTONIS There on the wide staircase the staircase of tears in Willegraben the deep stone quarry of lamentations Jews and partisans walk Jews and partisans fall down a rock they carry on their back a rock a cross of death There Antonis to the voice the voice, voice he listens oh camarand, oh camarand help me to climb the stairs But there on the wide staircase that staircase of tears such a help is an insult such compassion can be a curse The Jew falls on the step and the staircase bleeds crimson and you young lad come over here a double rock you’ll carry I’ll take a double, a triple I’ll take me, they cal me Antoni so come and meet me if you are a man at the threshing circle, the one paved with marble* | ANDONIS There, on the great staircase, On the staircase of tears. In the dark sentry of death, In the quarry of lamentation. Jews and partisans are marching. Jews and partisans are falling, They carry a rock on their backs. A rock, a cross of death. It's there that Andonis hears a voice. The voice "Oh comrade, oh, comrade. Help me climb the stairs." But there, on the great staircase. On the staircase of tears. Help is an insult. Compassion is a curse. The Jew falls on the stair, And the staircase turns red "And you, my boy, you, come this way Get hold of a second rock." I lift two rocks. I lift three rocks. Me, my name is Andonis. And if you are a man, well then, come here On this marble threshing-floor. |
* The marble threshing circle that is paved with marble, το μαρμαρενιο αλωνι: a connection to the heroic epic of Digenis Acritas of the Byzantine Middle ages, where Akritas showing a manly contempt for death, challenges Death himself to a duel on a marble paved threshing circle.