Aye sick with hope deferred, the expecting maid,

  That Phoebus' steeds were foundered one while deemed;

  Then that his wheels were out of frame, so stayed,

  Beyond the wonted term, his chariot seemed.

  Yet longer than that day when Faith delayed

  The sun, which on the righteous Hebrew beamed,

  Or than that night Alcides was conceived,

  She every day and every night believed.