"And did those feet in ancient time" by William Blake

And did those feet in ancient time.
Walk upon England's mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On England's 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 England's green & pleasant Land

(from preface to Milton, a Poem)

(Whatever you think about today's wedding, this poem, set to music by Sir Hubert Parry, is a moving anthem.  The crowds sang it as William and Catherine passed by in horse and carriage. Here's Todd Swift on the ceremony. -- sdh )

Comments

[Laura Orem]

I'm sorry, but "Jerusalem" always makes me laugh. I heard it sung by various Monty Pythons too many times. Also, the idea that Jesus made it to England and wandered around the sward(a common belief in Blake's time) is silly, although I do think Blake got the part about "Satanic Mills" right.

[Laura Orem]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGEeLtqtNvU