And did those feet in ancient time

And did those feet in ancient time. William Blake* (1757-1827). This poem is often erroneously referred to as ‘Jerusalem’ (from the name of the famous tune). It comes not from Blake’s Jerusalem but from his Milton (composed partly at Felpham, 1800-1803, engraved 1809-10), where it forms part of the preface to Book I and is followed by the quotation; ‘Would to God that all the Lord’s people were prophets! Numbers xi.29.’ It is Blake at his most inspired and prophetic, as the demand for the chariot of fire suggests. He is recalling England to its ideal state as a green and pleasant land in which the holy Lamb of God could be found and the Divine Countenance could shine. Blake is referring...