K.P Kavafis - did we?

What are we waiting for, assembled in the forum?

The barbarians are to arrive today.

Why such inaction in the Senate?
Why do the Senators just sit out and do not legislate?

Because the barbarians are to arrive today.
What laws can the Senators pass from now on?
When the barbarians come they will pass their own laws.

Why did our emperor wake up so early,
and he is sitting, now, at the greatest gate of the city,
on the throne, solemn, wearing the crown?

Because the barbarians are to arrive today.
And the emperor is waiting to greet
their chief. Indeed he has prepared
a scroll for him. Therein, he inscribed
many titles and names of honour.

Why have our two consuls and the praetors come out
today in their red, embroidered togas;
why have they put on amethyst-studded bracelets,
and rings with brilliant, glittering emeralds;
why are they carrying precious canes today,
wonderfully carved with silver and gold?

Because the barbarians are to arrive today,
and such things dazzle the barbarians.

Why don't the worshipful orators come, as usual,
to make their speeches, to have their say?

Because the barbarians are to arrive today;
and they get bored with eloquence and orations.

Why all of a sudden this unrest and confusion. 
and confusion. (How solemn the faces have become).
Why are the streets and squares clearing quickly,
and they are all returning to their homes, so deep in thought?

Because night is here but the barbarians have not come.
And some people arrived from the borders,
and said that there are no longer any barbarians.

And now what shall we become without any barbarians?
These people were some kind of solution.