The Shepherd
The Shepherd - context Summary
Songs of Innocence (1789)
Published in William Blake's Songs of Innocence (1789), "The Shepherd" presents an idealized pastoral scene where a simple shepherd tends his flock from morning to evening. The poem emphasizes care, watchfulness, and mutual trust between shepherd and sheep, linking pastoral duty to spiritual innocence. Its tone is gentle and celebratory, framing guidance and protection as natural, humble virtues consistent with the collection's themes of childhood and purity.
Read Complete AnalysesHow sweet is the shepherd's sweet lot! From the morn to the evening he strays; He shall follow his sheep all the day, And his tongue shall be filled with praise. For he hears the lambs' innocent call, And he hears the ewes' tender reply; He is watchful while they are in peace, For they know when their shepherd is nigh.
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