Hesperus! say what flame more gladsome in Heavens be shining?Thou whose light makes sure long-pledged connubial promisePlighted erewhile by men and erstwhile plighted by parents.Yet to be ne'er fulfilled before thy fire's ardours have risen!What better boon can the gods bestow than hour so desirèd?Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!

DamselsHesperus! one of ourselves (Companions!) carried elsewhither>Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!

YouthsFor at thy coming in sight a guard is constantly watching.Hidden o'nights lurk thieves and these as oft as returnest,Hesper! thou seizest them with title changed to Eous.Pleases the bevy unwed with feigned complaints to accuse thee.What if assail they whom their souls in secrecy cherish?Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!

DamselsE'en as a flow'ret born secluded in garden enclosed,Unto the flock unknown and ne'er uptorn by the ploughshare,Soothed by the zephyrs and strengthened by suns and nourish't by showersLoves her many a youth and longs for her many a maiden:Yet from her lissome stalk when cropt that flower deflowered,Loves her never a youth nor longs for her ever a maiden:Thus while the virgin be whole, such while she's the dearling of kinsfolk;Yet no sooner is lost her bloom from body polluted,Neither to youths she is joy, nor a dearling she to the maidens.Hymen O Hymenaeus, Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!