John Fletcher (1579–1625)

CYNTHIA, to thy power and thee

We obey.

Joy to this great company!

And no day

Come to steal this night away

Till the rites of love are ended,

And the lusty bridegroom say,

Welcome, light, of all befriended!

Pace out, you watery powers below;

Let your feet,

Like the galleys when they row,

Even beat;

Let your unknown measures, set

To the still winds, tell to all

That gods are come, immortal, great,

To honour this great nuptial!