The Voice of the Ancient Bard
The Voice of the Ancient Bard - context Summary
Published 1794 in Songs of Experience
Published in 1794 as part of Songs of Experience, Blake’s poem stages a prophetic bard addressing youthful optimism. It contrasts a newly born image of truth with the clouded, misleading forces of reason, dispute, and folly. The speaker warns that those entangled in intellectual pride stumble through moral darkness and falsely presume to guide others. The poem functions as a cautionary, moral voice within Blake’s counterpoint of innocence and experience.
Read Complete AnalysesYouth of delight, come hither, And see the opening morn, Image of truth new born. Doubt is fled, & clouds of reason, Dark disputes & 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.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.