William Blake (1757–1827)

THE SUN does arise,

And make happy the skies;

The merry bells ring

To welcome the Spring;

The sky lark and thrush,

The birds of the bush,

Sing louder around

To the bells’ cheerful sound,

While our sports shall be seen

On the Echoing Green.

Old John, with white hair,

Does laugh away care,

Sitting under the oak,

Among the old folk.

They laugh at our play,

And soon they all say:

‘Such, such were the joys

When we all, girls and boys,

In our youth time were seen

On the Echoing Green.’

Till the little ones, weary,

No more can be merry;

The sun does descend,

And our sports have an end.

Round the laps of their mothers

Many sisters and brothers,

Like birds in their nest,

Are ready for rest,

And sport no more seen

On the darkening Green.