Hymn to Diana

by Ben Jonson

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 wishèd sight,     Goddess excellently bright. Lay thy bow of pearl apart,   And thy crystal-shining quiver; Give unto the flying hart   Space to breathe, how short soever:     Thou that mak'st a day of night—     Goddess excellently bright.

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