The Voice of the Ancient Bard

Songs of Innocence and of Experience, by William Blake, [1789-1794], at sacred-texts.com

p. 54

The Voice of the Ancient Bard.

Youth of delight come hither,
And see the opening morn,
Image of truth new born.
Doubt is fled & clouds of reason,
Dark disputes & artful teazing.
Folly is an endless maze.
Tangled roots perplex her ways,
How many have fallen there!
They stumble all night over bones of the dead:
And feel they know not what but care:
And wish to lead others when they should be led