“And did those feet in ancient time” is a short poem by William Blake from the preface to his epic Milton: a Poem, which was printed in 1808. Today, the poem is best known as the stirring anthem ‘Jerusalem’, with music written by Sir Hubert Parry in 1916 (check it out in the audio above). The anthem...
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.
And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time was written by William Blake.