Pangur BanThe book is “dual language” –the 9th C. Irish of the original, and my facing page translation in English. The original was found written in the margin of a manuscript in another Library –that of Saint Paul’s Monastery in Carinthia, in modern day Austria.
Herewith, a couple of verses –the first two in Irish Gaelic, and the last two in English– to give you an idea of this lovely and lively poem:
Meisse ocus Pangur Ban,
cectar natar fria saindan
bit a menma-sam fri seilgg
mo menma cein im sainceird.
Caraim-se foss, ferr cac clu,
oc mo lebran leir ingnu;
ne foirmtec frimm Pangur Ban,
caraid cesin a maccdan.
Me and Pangur Ban my cat,
each has his aspiration;
Pangur’s mind is set on mice
and mine on education.
More than any fame I love
my books, pursuing learning;
nor does my friend envy me–
mice are Pangur’s yearning.
Khadi Black cover with cat-linocut.
The book title is Malachi's calligraphy
with gold ink.
Miniature: 2" 1/4 x 2" 3/4.
[Sewn 16pp. 64vo. ]
Price: $7.00
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