Happy birthday, Blake.

Phillips, William Blake, 1807

William Blake was born on this day in 1757.

INTRODUCTION to the SONGS of EXPERIENCE

Hear the voice of the Bard! 

Who Present, Past, & Future sees 

Whose ears have heard, 

The Holy Word, 

That walk'd among the ancient trees. 

Calling the lapsed Soul 

And weeping in the evening dew: 

That might controll, 

The starry pole; 

And fallen fallen light renew! 

O Earth O Earth return! 

Arise from out the dewy grass; 

Night is worn, 

And the morn 

Rises from the slumberous mass. 

Turn away no more: 

Why wilt thou turn away 

The starry floor 

The watry shore 

Is giv'n thee till the break of day. 

William Blake

South Bank Show's "William Blake" ...