Source text
Jorge Luis Borges
La casa de Asterión
Jorge Luis Borges
La casa de Asterión
Translation starts
The House of Asterion
And the queen gave birth to a son
who was called Asterion.
Apollodorus: Library, III, I.
I know they accuse me of arrogance, and perhaps of misanthropy, and
perhaps madness. Such accusations (which I shall punish in due course) are derisory.
It is true that I never leave my house, but it is also true that its doors (whose
number is infinite) are open day and night to both man and animal. Anyone who
wishes to enter may do so. They shall not find female pompousness or courtly
rituals customary of palaces. They will, however, find peace and solitude.
They will also find a house like no other on the face of the earth (liars
are those who claim that a similar one exists in Egypt). Even my detractors concede
that there is not a single piece of
furniture in the house. Another absurd claim is that I, Asterion, am a
prisoner. Shall I repeat that there is no closed door? Should I add that there
is no lock? Besides, I´ve walked the streets an evening or two. If I returned
before night, I did it out of the fear that the faces of the commoners instilled
in me, flat and pale faces, like an open palm.
Translation ends
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