Three nightingales sat singing in the trees,

And praised the Goddess for the fallen rain;

Which yet their unseen motions did arouse,

Or parting Zephyrs shook out from the boughs.

And o’er the treetops, scattered in mid air,

The exhausted clouds, laden with crimson light

Floated, or seemed to sleep; and, highest there,

One planet broke the lingering ranks of night;

Daring day’s company, so he might spy

The Virgin-queen once with his watchful eye.