Cat and Copying

A gentleman sits in his father’s study,
stroking a cat while his scribe takes dictation.

Presently the scribe has done.

His master rises, and the cat asks in wonder,

‘Where are you going? Did you not sit down here

Just to be with me? 

My longing for you never ends.

My love is as great as the Earth. 

I want nothing in life but your presence. 

Why are you turning away?’.

His master smiles, and does not answer,
But thinks:

‘If I say No, I did not come for you,

I risk breaking your heart.

If I say Yes, I came only for you,

I risk telling a lie. 

Between breaking your heart and telling a lie,

What can I choose?

You haven’t the words to know what I came for,

Nor was I unhappy when we were together;

Be content with that’.