Songs of Experience

by William Blake


Previous Chapter

The Voice of the Ancient Bard


The Voice of the Ancient Bard from Songs of Experience

Youth of delight! come hither
And see the opening morn,
Image of Truth new-born.
Doubt is fled, and clouds of reason,
Dark disputes and artful teazing.
Folly is an endless maze;
Tangled roots perplex her ways;
How many have fallen there!
They stumble all night over bones of the dead;
And feel—they know not what but care;
And wish to lead others, when they should be led.

 

Previous Chapter      

Return to the Songs of Experience Summary Return to the William Blake Library

© 2024 AmericanLiterature.com