Jerusalem
Jerusalem
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon Englands mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On Englands pleasant pastures seen!
And did the Countenance Divine,
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here,
Among these dark Satanic Mills?
Bring me my Bow of burning gold:
Bring me my arrows of desire:
Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold!
Bring me my Chariot of fire!
I will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In Englands green & pleasant Land.
English poet William Blake (1757 - 1827), largely unrecognized during his lifetime, has come to be considered one of the greatest of the English Romantic poets. Was he a madman, or a visionary? He wasn't well-adapted to the Industrial Revolution. Mrs. Blake used to ward off visitors by telling them that "At the moment, Mr. Blake is talking to angels."