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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 it ease, And builds a heaven in hell's despair.”

So sang 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