Queen and huntress, chaste and fair,
Now the sun is laid to sleep,
Seated in a silver chair,
State in wonted manner keep:
Earth, let not an envious shade
Dare itself to interpose;
Cynthia's shining orb was made
Heav'n to cheer when day did close:
Lay thy bow of pearl apart,
And thy crystal-shining quiver;
Give unto the flying hart
s***e to breathe, how short soever;
Hesperus entreats thy light,
Goddess, excellently bright.
Bless us then with wished sight,
Thou who makes a day of night...
Now the sun is laid to sleep,
Seated in a silver chair,
State in wonted manner keep:
Earth, let not an envious shade
Dare itself to interpose;
Cynthia's shining orb was made
Heav'n to cheer when day did close:
Lay thy bow of pearl apart,
And thy crystal-shining quiver;
Give unto the flying hart
s***e to breathe, how short soever;
Hesperus entreats thy light,
Goddess, excellently bright.
Bless us then with wished sight,
Thou who makes a day of night...