The Lamb

Synopsis:

In this poem like The Shepherd, Blake again brings out the traditional associations between the Lamb and Christ, in a simple lyric which relies on a pastoral setting. The speaker is presumably the child, which allows Blake to express a joyous state of protected innocence and harmony within and amongst creation.

Poem:

Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed
By the stream and o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?

Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee:
He is called by thy name,
For he calls himself a Lamb;

He is meek and he is mild,
He became a little child:
I a child, and thou a lamb,
We are called by his name.
Little lamb, God bless thee!
Little lamb, God bless thee!