Thomas Campion (1567–1620)

OF Neptune’s empire let us sing,

At whose command the waves obey;

To whom the rivers tribute pay,

Down the high mountains sliding:

To whom the scaly nation yields

Homage for the crystal fields

Wherein they dwell:

And every sea-god pays a gem

Yearly out of his wat’ry cell

To deck great Neptune’s diadem.

The Tritons dancing in a ring

Before his palace gates do make

The waters with their echoes quake,

Like the great thunder sounding:

The sea-nymphs chant their accents shrill,

And the sirens, taught to kill

With their sweet voice,

Make ev’ry echoing rock reply

Unto their gentle murmuring noise

The praise of Neptune’s empery.