Cynthia's Revels: Queen and huntress, chaste and fair

Cynthia's Revels: Queen and huntress, chaste and fair

Original Text
Ben Jonson, The workes of Benjamin Jonson (London: Will Stansby, 1616). STC 14751.
2Now the sun is laid to sleep,
3Seated in thy silver chair
4State in wonted manner keep:
5      Hesperus entreats thy light,
6      Goddess excellently bright.
7Earth, let not thy envious shade
8Dare itself to interpose;
9Cynthia's shining orb was made
10Heaven to clear when day did close:
11      Bless us then with wished sight,
12      Goddess excellently bright.
13Lay thy bow of pearl apart
14And thy crystal-shining quiver;
15Give unto the flying hart
16Space to breathe, how short soever:
17      Thou that mak'st a day of night,
18      Goddess excellently bright.

Notes

1] An early play by Jonson, first printed in 1601. Queen Elizabeth was often addressed in literature as Cynthia, virgin-goddess of the moon. The song is sung by Hesperus (line 5), god of the evening star. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1601
Publication Notes
Cynthia's Revels
RPO poem Editors
F. D. Hoeniger
RPO Edition
3RP 1.153.
Rhyme