Сэмюэл Барбер. Hermit Songs - 2

VI. Sea-Snatch (8th-9th century) It has broken us, it has crushed us, it has drowned us, O King of the star-bright Kingdom of Heaven; The wind has consumed us, swallowed us, As timber is devoured by crimson fire from Heaven. It has broken us, it has crushed us, it has drowned us, O King of the star-bright Kingdom of Heaven! VIII. The Monk and His Cat (8th-9th century, tr. W. H. Auden) 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 together, Scholar and cat. IX. The Praises of God (11th century, tr. W. H. Auden) How foolish the man Who does not raise His voice and praise With joyful words, As he alone can, Heavens High King To Whom the light birds With no soul but air, All day, evrywhere, Laudation sing. X. The Desire for Hermitage (8th-9th century, tr. Sean OFaolain) Ah! To be all alone in a little cell with nobody near me; Beloved that pilgrimage before the last pilgrimage to Death. Singing the passing hours to cloudy Heaven; Feeding upon dry bread and water from the cold spring. That will be an end to evil when I am alone In a lovely little corner among tombs, Far from the houses of the great. Ah! To be all alone in a little cell, To be alone, all alone, Alone I came into the world, Alone I shall go from it.