Now the sun is laid to sleep

    Seated in thy silver chair

    State in wonted manner keep：

    Hesperus entreats² thy light

    Goddess excellently bright.

    Earth let not thy envious³ shade

    Dare itself to interpose；

    Cynthia's shining orb⁴ 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.