(Translated from the Old Irish by Robin Flower.1912, The Poem-Book of the Gael)
I and Pangur Ban my cat,
'Tis a like task we are at:
Hunting mice is his delight,
Hunting words I sit all night.
Better far than praise of men
'Tis to sit with book and pen;
Pangur bears me no ill-will,
He too plies his simple skill.
'Tis a merry task to see
At our tasks how glad are we,
When at home we sit and find
Entertainment to our mind.
Oftentimes a mouse will stray
In the hero Pangur's way;
Oftentimes my keen thought set
Takes a meaning in its net.
'Gainst the wall he sets his eye
Full and fierce and sharp and sly;
'Gainst the wall of knowledge I
All my little wisdom try.
When a mouse darts from its den,
O how glad is Pangur then!
O what gladness do I prove
When I solve the doubts I love!
So in peace our task we ply,
Pangur Ban, my cat, and I;
In our arts we find our bliss,
I have mine and he has his.
Practice every day has made
Pangur perfect in his trade;
I get wisdom day and night
Turning darkness into light.
Was born at Meanwood in Yorkshire, and educated at Leeds Grammar School and Pembroke College, Oxford.
He worked from 1929 as Deputy Keeper of Manuscripts in the British Museum and, completing the work of Standish Hayes O'Grady, compiled a catalogue of the Irish manuscripts there.
He wrote several collections of poetry, translations of the Irish poets for the Cuala Press, and verses on Blasket Island. He first visited Blasket in 1910, at the recommendation of Carl Marstrander, his teacher at the School of Irish Learning in Dublin; he acquired there the Irish nickname Blaithin. He suggested a Norse origin for the name "Blasket"] Under Flower's influence, George Derwent Thomson and Kenneth Hurlstone Jackson made scholarly visits to Blasket
After his death his ashes were scattered on the Blasket Islands.
The poem "The Scholar and His Cat, Pangur Bán," translated by Robin Flower, beautifully captures the parallel between the scholar and his cat, each engaged in their respective pursuits. Here’s a closer look at the key themes and imagery in the poem:
Key Themes:
Parallel Pursuits: The scholar and his cat, Pangur Bán, both engage in hunting—Pangur hunts mice, while the scholar hunts for words and knowledge. This parallel sets the tone for the entire poem, illustrating a shared diligence and satisfaction in their work.
Simple Joys and Satisfaction: The poem emphasizes the simple pleasures found in their respective tasks. Pangur finds joy in catching mice, and the scholar finds joy in solving intellectual problems. This shared joy underscores a deeper connection between the two.
Independence and Companionship: While the scholar and his cat work independently, they share a companionship rooted in mutual respect and understanding of each other's work.
Skill and Mastery: Both the scholar and Pangur have honed their skills through daily practice. The scholar's pursuit of wisdom and Pangur’s hunting prowess reflect dedication and mastery over their respective crafts.
Imagery and Symbolism:
Hunting Mice vs. Hunting Words: This central metaphor highlights the contrast and connection between the physical act of hunting and the intellectual pursuit of knowledge.
'Gainst the wall he sets his eye': Pangur’s intense focus on the wall where the mouse might appear symbolizes the scholar’s focus on the wall of knowledge, representing barriers to understanding that he strives to overcome.
Darkness into Light: This imagery symbolizes enlightenment and the scholar’s journey from ignorance to knowledge through persistent effort.
Reflection:
The poem is not just about a man and his cat but also about the nature of scholarly work and the quiet contentment that comes from dedication to a craft. The scholar’s relationship with Pangur Bán serves as a metaphor for finding harmony and purpose in one’s daily activities, no matter how modest they may seem. The shared simplicity and joy in their respective tasks provide a timeless reflection on the nature of work, companionship, and the pursuit of knowledge.