A poem for St George's Day

It's St George's Day today and, although not an indigenous Angle, I thought I'd celebrate by posting what is, arguably, the most English of songs: Jerusalem.

I'm not, it has to be said, a particular fan of the words or the sentiment but this, dear reader, is for you:


Jerusalem by William Blake

And 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.


Andrew