Hymn to Diana

by Ben Jonson [1573-1637]

Queen and huntress, chaste and fair,
 Now the sun is laid to sleep,
Seated in thy silver chair
 State in wonted manner keep:
  Hesperus entreats thy light,
  Goddess excellently bright.

Earth, let not thy envious shade
 Dare itself to interpose;
Cynthia's shining orb was made
 Heaven to clear when day did close:
  Bless us then with wished sight,
  Goddess excellently bright.

Lay thy bow of pearl apart
 And thy crystal-shining quiver;
Give unto the flying hart
 Space to breath, how short soever:
  Thou that makest a day of night,
  Goddess excellently bright.

                      


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