Inspirata: Daemon irrepit callidus - György Orbán

From our Light and Shadow Concert
University Park United Methodist Church, Dallas, TX
May 26, 2023

The text is taken from an anonymous medieval Goliardic text "Anonymi Hungari affectus in Jesum super omnia amabilem."

Daemon irrepit callidus,
Allicit cor honoribus,
Ponit fraudes inter laudes,
cantus, saltus.
Quidquid amabile Daemon dat,
Cor Jesu minus aestimat.

Caro venatur sensibus;
Sensus adhaeret dapibus;
Inescatur, impinguatur, dilatatur.
Quidquid amabile Caro dat,
Cor Jesu minus aestimat.

Adde mundorum milia,
Mille millena gaudia;
Cordis aestum non explebunt, non arcebunt.
Quidquid amabile Totum dat,
Cor Jesu minus aestimat.
 
(translation)
The Demon sneaks expertly
Tempting the honorable heart:
He sets forth trickery amidst praise, song and dance.
However amiably the Demon acts,
It is still worth less than the heart of Jesus.

The Flesh is tempted by sensuality;
Gluttony clings to our senses;
It overgrows, it encroaches, it stretches.
However appealing the Flesh is,
It is still worth less than the heart of Jesus.

Though the Universe may confer
Thousands upon thousands of praises,
They neither fulfill nor put out the desire of the heart.
However appealing the whole Universe is,
It is still worth less than the heart of Jesus.