Honor those who dedicated their lives
To guard the Thermopylae.
Never budging from their duties;
Just and honorable in all their actions,
But also showing sorrow and compassion;
Generous when rich, but also
When poor, doing what they can for
Their fellow humans;
Always speaking the truth
But not hating those lying.

And even more honor is due to those
Who foresee (and many do foresee)
That Ephialtes will finally show up
And that the Medians will finally pass.

By C. P. Cavafis
Translated by Constantine Santas