And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time
From Milton
And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time - context Summary
Written 1804, Published 1808
Composed in 1804 and published in 1808 as part of Milton, the poem imagines a divine presence visiting England and contrasts sacred possibility with industrial blight — the famous phrase "dark satanic mills". Blake blends visionary mysticism and social critique, then shifts to militant, prophetic rhetoric: the speaker summons mythical weapons and vows unceasing spiritual struggle to "build Jerusalem" in England, expressing a desire for moral and communal redemption.
Read Complete AnalysesAnd 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 and pleasant land.
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