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Ben Jonson

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,

Goddess excellently bright.


Earth, let not thy envious shade

Dare itself to interpose;

Cynthia's shining orb was made

Heav'n to clear, when day did close:

Bless us then with wishéd 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.