And did those feet in ancient time
And did those feet in ancient time is a poem by William Blake from the preface to his work Milton (1804).
Today it is best known as the hymn Jerusalem, with music by Charles H. H. Parry (1916).
This is considered to be one of England's most popular patriotic songs. It is variously associated (thereby holding a somewhat unique position) with English and British nationalism, anti-modernism, post-modernism, socialist ideals, and Christianity. Jerusalem is the official anthem of the British Women's Institute, and historically was used by the National Union of Suffrage Societies.
The poem was inspired by the old legend that Jesus, whilst still a young man, accompanied Joseph of Arimathea to Glastonbury via the nearby Roman port. Blake's biographers tell us that he believed in this legend.
Text
- 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.
See also: civil religion; Deep England; UK topics
Referenced By
BBC Promenade Concerts | BBC Proms | British Women's Institute | Chariots of Fire | Charles Hubert Parry | Charles Parry | Glastonbury | Glastonbury, England | God Save The Queen | God Save the King | Hubert Parry | I was glad | I was glad when they said unto me we shall go into the house of the Lord | I was glad when they said unto me we will go into the house of the Lord | Jerusalem (disambiguation) | Jesus Christ as the Messiah | Last Night of the Proms | List of English words with disputed usage | List of poems | Promenade Concerts | Proms | Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry | The Proms | William Blake
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