| Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900. |
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| Ben Jonson. 1573–1637 |
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| 184. Hymn to Diana |
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| 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, | 5 |
| Goddess excellently bright. | |
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| Earth, let not thy envious shade | |
| Dare itself to interpose; | |
| Cynthia's shining orb was made | |
| Heaven to clear when day did close: | 10 |
| Bless us then with wishèd sight, | |
| Goddess excellently bright. | |
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| Lay thy bow of pearl apart, | |
| And thy crystal-shining quiver; | |
| Give unto the flying hart | 15 |
| Space to breathe, how short soever: | |
| Thou that mak'st a day of night— | |
| Goddess excellently bright. | |
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