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The Orphic Hymns
the Orphic tradition · Hymn 87, lines 8–9 · Unmoved by prayers
87.8
The Orphic Hymns 87.8 · Unmoved by prayers
What is decided for each person is completed in Death alone, and he cannot be persuaded by prayers.
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γὰρ1
gàr
for
ἐν2
en
in
σοὶ3
soì
you
μούνῳ4
moúnōi
alone
τὸ5
tò
what
κριθὲν6
krithèn
has been decided
πάντων7
pántōn
for all
τελεοῦται8
teleoûtai
is fulfilledbrought to its end
; γὰρ9
gàr
for
μόνος10
mónos
you alone
πείθῃ11
peíthēi
are persuaded
οὔτε12
oúte
neither
εὐχῇσιν13
euchêisin
by prayers
οὔτε14
oúte
nor
λιτῇσιν15
litêisin
by entreaties
. for in you alone what has been decided for all is fulfilled; for you alone are persuaded neither by prayers nor by entreaties.
for in you alone what has been decided for all is fulfilled; for you alone are persuaded neither by prayers nor by entreaties.
Interpretation
for in you alone what has been decided for all is brought to its end; for you alone are moved neither by prayers nor by entreaties.
This was an old Greek idea. A line of Aeschylus, quoted in Aristophanes' Frogs, says that "Death alone of the gods loves no gifts." The hymn as printed here agrees: Death "alone" is not persuaded by prayers. That word "alone" is an editor's correction; the manuscripts say only that he is not moved by prayer.
87.10
The Orphic Hymns 87.10 · Old age, a noble prize
The prayer that closes the collection: may Death come only after a long life, so that old age is an honor among men.
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But, blessed one, I ask you to come near after long years of life, pleading with sacrifices and prayers, so that old age may be a noble prize among men.