But else, in deep of night, when drowsiness

Hath locked up mortal sense, then listen I

To [the celestial Sirens’ harmony],

That sit upon [the nine infolded spheres],

[And sing to those that hold the vital shears], 65

And turn the adamantine spindle round

On which the fate of gods and men is wound.

Such sweet compulsion doth in music lie,

To lull [the daughters of Necessity],

And keep unsteady Nature to her law, 70