And did those feet in ancient time: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

And did those feet in ancient time is a poem by William Blake from the preface to his work Milton (1804). Today it is best known as the hymn Jerusalem, with music by Charles H. H. Parry (1916).

This is considered to be one of England's most popular patriotic songs. It is variously associated (thereby holding a rather odd position) with English and British nationalism, anti-modernism, post-modernism, socialist ideals, and Christianity. Jerusalem is the official anthem of the British Women's Institute, and historically was used by the National Union of Suffrage Societies.

The poem was inspired by the old legend that Jesus, whilst still a young man, accompanied Joseph of Arimathea to Glastonbury via the nearby Roman port. Blake's biographers tell us that he believed in this legend.

Text

And did those feet in ancient time

Walk upon England's mountains green?

And was the holy Lamb of God

On England's pleasant pastures seen?

And did the Countenance Divine

Shine forth upon our clouded hills?

And was Jerusalem builded here

Among these dark Satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold:

Bring me my arrows of desire:

Bring me my spear: O clouds unfold!

Bring me my chariot of fire.

I will not cease from mental fight,

Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand

Till we have built Jerusalem

In England's green and pleasant land.

See also: civil religion; Deep England; UK topics