Music: Rejoice in the Lamb - Benjamin Britten

(via Darrell Grizzle on AnamTuras)

[See the opening pages of Tad Williams' novel Tailchaser's Song for the full text of this excellent poem, but] Benjamin Britten's "Rejoice in the Lamb" cites the poem by Christopher Smart (1722-1771) which elegizes his cat:

"For I will consider my cat, Geoffrey. For he is the servant of the Living God, duly and daily serving him. For at the first glance of the glory of God in the East he worships in his way. For this is done by wreathing his body seven times 'round with elegant quickness. For he knows that God is his Saviour. For God has bless'd him in the variety of his movements. For there is nothing sweeter than his peace when at rest. For I am possessed of a cat, surpassing in beauty, from whom I take occasion to bless Almighty God."