Introduction

Songs of Innocence and of Experience, 1794

Hear the voice of the Bard!Who Present, Past, & Future seesWhose ears have heard,The Holy Word,That walk'd among the ancient trees.

Calling the lapsed SoulAnd weeping in the evening dew:That might controllThe starry pole;And fallen fallen light renew!

O Earth O Earth return!Arise from out the dewy grass;Night is worn,And the mornRises from the slumberous mass.

Turn away no more:Why wilt thou turn awayThe starry floorThe watry shoreIs giv'n thee till the break of day.

From Songs of Innocence and of Experience, via the English Wikisource transcription (1826 edition).

Public domainThis poem is in the public domain. You may read it, copy it, recite it and publish it without asking anyone.