The Poetry Corner

Hymn To Diana

By Ben Jonson

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; Cynthias shining orb was made Heaven to clear when day did close: Bless us then with wish'd 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 makst a day of night, Goddess excellently bright.