QUOTE(Amber @ Aug 6 2006, 10:30 AM)

Thanks Maggie. You're right, it's not really a random question. More the random thought going round in my mind that, if there wasn't any music already written for it, that I would be tempted to write some. But, I keep forgetting, I'm not a composer!!!!!

I'll see if I can track down Mr. Barber's version instead!
I'm afraid it's for baritone and string quartet - Barber was a singer himself. Anyway, that leaves the field open for you to compose a setting for female voice and whatever accompaniment you fancy.

Have you come across Barber's Hermit Songs for voice and piano? My favourite is called The Monk and his Cat. Read the texts here:
http://www.karadar.com/lieder/barber.html#3