V.
But peacefull was the night
Wherein the Prince of Light
His raign of peace upon the earth began;
The windes, with wonder whist,[15]
Smoothly the waters kist,
Whispering new joyes to the milde ocean,
Who now hath quite forgot to rave,
While birds of calm sit brooding on the charmed wave.
VI.
The stars, with deep amaze,
Stand fixt in stedfast gaze,
Bending one way their precious influence,[16]
And will not take their flight
For[17] all the morning light
Or Lucifer[18] that often warn'd them thence;
But in their glimmering orbs did glow,
Untill their Lord himself bespake, and bid them go.
VII.
And, though the shady Gloom
Had given day her room,
The sun himself withheld his wonted speed,
And hid his head for shame,
As his inferiour flame
The new-enlightn'd world no more should need;
He saw a greater sun appear
Than his bright throne or burning axle-tree[19] could bear.
VIII.
The shepherds on the lawn[20]
Or ere[21] the point of dawn
Sate simply chatting in a rustick row;
Full little thought they than
That the mighty Pan[22]
Was kindly com to live with them below;
Perhaps their loves, or else their sheep,
Was all that did their silly[23] thoughts so busie keep.
