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1757–1827

THE CLOD AND THE PEBBLE

William Blake

‘ Love seeketh not itself to please, Nor for itself hath any care, But for another gives its ease, And builds a heaven in hell’ s despair.’

So sung a little clod of clay, Trodden with the cattle’ s feet, But a pebble of the brook Warbled out these metres meet:

‘ Love seeketh only Self to please, To bind another to its delight, Joys in another’ s loss of ease, And builds a hell in heaven’ s despite.’

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THE CLOD AND THE PEBBLE · William Blake · Poetry Cove