Orphic Hymns (Excerpts)

I shall utter to whom it is lawful; but let the doors be closed, Nevertheless, against all the profane. But do thou hear, Oh Musæus, for I will declare what is true. . . .

He is the One, self-proceeding; and from him all things proceed, And in them he himself exerts his activity; no mortal Beholds Him, but he beholds all.

There is one royal body in which all things are enwombed, Fire and Water, Earth, Æther, Night and Day, And Counsel [Metis], the first producer, and delightful Love,— For all these are contained in the great body of Zeus.

Zeus, the mighty thunderer, is first; Zeus is last; Zeus is the head, Zeus the middle of all things; From Zeus were all things produced. He is male, he is female; Zeus is the depth of the earth, the height of the starry heavens;

He is the breath of all things, the force of untamed fire; The bottom of the sea; Sun, Moon, and Stars; Origin of all; King of all; One Power, one God, one Great Ruler.