Europe A Prophecy E-Book

William Blake

• Herausgeber: DigiCat
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

William Blake's 'Europe A Prophecy' is a visionary poetic work that explores the socio-political landscape of Europe during the 18th century. Through rich imagery and symbolic language, Blake presents a prophetic narrative that reflects his concerns about the rise of industrialism and its impact on society. The poem is characterized by its complex mythological references and allegorical storytelling, making it a challenging yet rewarding read for those interested in Romantic literature. 'Europe A Prophecy' is considered a pivotal work in Blake's poetic oeuvre, showcasing his unique blend of mysticism, radical politics, and artistic innovation. The poem touches on themes of revolution, oppression, and the cyclical nature of history, making it a timeless commentary on human nature and society.

Leseprobe

William Blake

Europe A Prophecy

With the Original Illustrations by William Blake

 

EAN 8596547001850

DigiCat, 2022 Contact: [email protected]

Table of Contents

Preludium

A Prophecy

Five windows light the cavern’d Man; thro’ one he breathes the air; 

Thro’ one, hears music of the spheres; thro’ one, the eternal vine 

Flourishes, that he may recieve the grapes; thro’ one can look.

And see small portions of the eternal world that ever groweth; 

Thro’ one, himself pass out what time he please, but he will not; 

For stolen joys are sweet, & bread eaten in secret pleasant.

So sang a Fairy mocking as he sat on a streak’d Tulip, 

Thinking none saw him: when he ceas’d I started from the trees!

And caught him in my hat as boys knock down a butterfly.

How know you this said I small Sir? where did you learn this song?

Seeing himself in my possession thus he answered me:

My master, I am yours. command me, for I must obey.

Then tell me, what is the material world, and is it dead?

He laughing answer’d: I will write a book on leaves of flowers, 

If you will feed me on love-thoughts, & give me now and then 

A cup of sparkling poetic fancies; so when I am tipsie, 

I’ll sing to you to this soft lute; and shew you all alive 

The world, when every particle of dust breathes forth its joy.

I took him home in my warm bosom: as we went along

Wild flowers I gatherd; & he shew’d me each eternal flower: 

He laugh’d aloud to see them whimper because they were pluck’d.

They hover’d round me like a cloud of incense: 

when I came Into my parlour and sat down, and took my pen to write: 

My Fairy sat upon the table, and dictated EUROPE.