William Blake, Songs of Experience: To Tirzah

Whate'er is Born of Mortal Birth,
Must be consumed with the Earth
To rise from Generation free:
4
Then what have I to do with thee?
The Sexes sprung from Shame & Pride
Blowd in the morn; in evening died
But Mercy changd Death into Sleep;
8
The Sexes rose to work & weep.
Thou Mother of my Mortal part.
With cruelty didst mould my heart.
And with false self-decieving tears.
12
Didst bind my Nostrils Eyes & Ears
Didst close my Tongue in senseless clay
And me to Mortal Life betray:
The Death of Jesus set me free.
16
Then what have I to do with thee? [*]

Notes

line 16: Below the poem is an illustration of a figure lying down, supported by two others, with a fourth figure holding a pitcher of water over the first. Down the fourth figure's yellow robe is written: "It is Raised / a Spiritual Body". [ Back to text ]