07.02.09: from jubilate agno
For he counteracts the powers of darkness by his electrical skin and glaring eyes.
For he counteracts the Devil, who is death, by brisking about the life.
For in his morning orisons he loves the sun and the sun loves him.
For he is of the tribe of Tiger.
For the Cherub Cat is a term of the Angel Tiger.*
For he has the subtlety and hissing of a serpent, which in goodness he suppresses.
For he will not do destruction, if he is well-fed, neither will he spit without provocation.
For he purrs in thankfulness, when God tells him he's a good Cat.
For he is an instrument for the children to learn benevolence upon.
For every house is incomplete without him and a blessing is lacking in the spirit.

(christopher smart, c. 1758-1763)

*i know, i know, but it was the eighteenth century (in a madhouse). i still think christopher smart is great.

2 comments:

uncle paul said...

Ray transcribed the whole thing a while back, with frame links for the possible call-and-response parts... hold on kidneys.

anonymous said...

good cat, take care.