Prais'd be Diana's Fair and Harmless Light
Prais'd be Diana's Fair and Harmless Light
Original Text
R. S., The Phoenix Nest. London, 1593 (Menston: Scolar Press, 1973). PR 1207 P5 1593a ROBA.
2Prais'd be the dews wherewith she moists the ground;
3Prais'd be her beams, the glory of the night;
4Prais'd be her power by which all powers abound.
5Prais'd be her nymphs with whom she decks the woods,
6Prais'd be her knights in whom true honour lives;
7Prais'd be that force by which she moves the floods;
8Let that Diana shine which all these gives.
9In heaven queen she is among the spheres;
10In aye she mistress-like makes all things pure;
11Eternity in her oft change she bears;
12She beauty is; by her the fair endure.
13Time wears her not: she doth his chariot guide;
14Mortality below her orb is plac'd;
15By her the virtue of the stars down slide;
16In her is virtue's perfect image cast.
17 A knowledge pure it is her worth to know:
18 With Circes let them dwell that think not so.
Notes
1] Reprinted in England's Helicon, 1600, signed with Ralegh's initials. Queen Elizabeth was often addressed as Diana. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1593
RPO poem Editors
F. D. Hoeniger
RPO Edition
3RP 1.149.
Rhyme