Select Orphic Fragments

edited and translated by
Tiberius Caelius Quadratus
for Orphicaeum © MMXXVI
All Rights Reserved

The Orphic Seal

We are told that most (if not all) of the works of Orpheus begun with a single line of dactyllic hexameter intended to ward off non-initiates. Bernabé OF 1 F preserves two versions:

a:
άείσω ξυνετοΐσν· θύρας δ' έπίθεσθε, βέβηλοι

I will sing for the wise; but close the doors, you profane.

b:
φθέγξομαι οίς θέμις εστί· θύρας δ' έπίθεσθε, βέβηλοι

I will speak for whom it is lawful; but close the doors, you profane.