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
      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!

by Ben Johnson.