Ode To Cynthia

by Ben Jonson
music by Mike Oldfield
sung by Maddy Prior and Sally Oldfield

Last revised: 12 December 1995

Queen and huntress chaste and fair.
Now the sun is laid to sleep,
Seated in a silver chair,
State in wanted manner keep.


Earth let not an envious shade
Dare itself to interpose.
Cynthia's shining orb was made
Heaven to cheer when day did close.


Lay the bow of pearl apart,
And the crystal-shining quiver,
Give unto the flying heart
Space to breathe how short so ever


Hesperus entreats thy light
Goddess excellently bright.
Bless us then with wished sight
Thou who makes a day of night.