The Monk and his Cat - Len Vorster, Samuel Barber

Pangur, white Pangur

How happy we are

Alone together, Scholar and cat

Each has his own work to do daily;

For you it is hunting, for me, study

Your shining eye watches the wall;

My feeble eye is fixed on a book

You rejoice when your claws entrap a mouse;

I rejoice when my mind fathoms a problem

Pleased with his own art

Neither hinders the other;

Thus we live ever

Without tedium and envy

Pangur, white Pangur

How happy we are

Alone togethr, Scholar and cat