Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
Ben Jonson. 15731637184. Hymn to Diana
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, | 5 |
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: | 10 |
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 | 15 |
Space to breathe, how short soever: | |
Thou that mak’st a day of night— | |
Goddess excellently bright. |