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Ode to Cynthia

Original source: Ben Jonson, as seen in Quiller-Couch, Arthur, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse.
Oldfieldian source: James F. Glass.

Here is the original Ode to Cynthia:

Ben Jonson. 1573-1637

Hymn to Diana (Ode to Cynthia)

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.