poetry of Joost van den Vondel

End verses of theaterplay Lucifer
and a Christmas song
by Joost van den Vondel

after the angel Lucifer has fallen:

Salvator who will crush the serpents biting head
for guilt of mankind that from seduced Adam spread
bring God' s redemption in due time and then unlock
to Eva promised greater Eden for your flock

We count the ages and the years, yeah day and hour
till your fine grace appears and nature shall reflower
as then the bodies and the souls in your house dwell
and stand around the throne from where those angels fell
----------------------------

Christmas poem

We people, moved with joyous tears
now that the Bethlem star appears,
God's firstborn son, our Saviour greet
and kneel before the little feet
of Mary's child whom Herod fears

The babe that has the starlight guide
great Eastern kings from regions wide
to narrow streets in David's place,
while heaven's choirus bursts in praise
for Him so humble in dark hide

From outside world comes myrr and gold
which He in his small hands may hold
to equalize for drink and food,
though all creation is His good
and everything that's been unfold

The birds that glide on wings along
in nests they dwell and coo a song,
the fox contently shelters in a hole
but to their Lord between the foul
and ox a berth He thinks not wrong

The fudderbox is craddle His
whose reign spans all without a miss,
whose care aims feeding fish and beast;
oh Child, differing not the least
from Mother with inviting dish

It's here that God reveals His face
from which both sun and moon get grace
to shine on Earth their brilliant light;
but see Him ly in darkest night
though angels His command embrace

The heavens, Earth and even hell
obey the laws that He does tell
and has announced by fishermen,
by trumpet, flute and violin;
yes all His orders suit them well

The coloured wools that cloth this Child
design His majesty as mild;
the shepherds which to Bethlem rushed
see Him whom God the souls will trust
and guard His flock in tempest wild

This shepherd leads to waters still;
the wolves at distance keep He will
and search the sheepie lost and gone
till pleasure mounts because He won,
although with life He pays the bill

Man's wisdom in this stable lacks,
nobility like richness cracks;
It's from Above that small counts dear
All who on knees adore do near
rebirth, will walk in heaven's tracks

translation from Joost van den Vondel's "Wij edelingen blij van geest"
by Jitso Keizer
(see for melody dutch Liedboek der kerken)