Orpheus

Que ton coeur soit l’appât et le ciel, la piscine !
Car, pécheur, quel poisson d’eau douce ou bien marine
Égale-t-il, et par la forme et la saveur,
Ce beau poisson divin qu’est JÉSUS, Mon Sauveur ?

Dat uw hart het aas zij en de hemel, het bassin !
Want, zondaar, welke zoetwater- of zeevis
Evenaart, wat vorm en smaak betreft,
Deze mooie goddelijke vis die JEZUS is, Mijn Redder ?

May your heart be the bait and the heavens your pool!
For, sinner, what fish of fresh water or sea
Can equal in form and savour
That divine fish, JESUS, My Saviour ?

Apollinaire professes doctrines of Orphism, a Greek religious cult (Orphic Mysteries), dating back to the sixth century b.c., This cult was based on sacred poems attributed to Orpheus. In the christian era the figure of the mythic poet was 'baptised' (christened), placed on the same level as David, the Psalm poet, who cured Saul with his music). He who charmed the animal kingdom became a prophet of Christ. Playful seriousness.