The Poetry and Prose of William Blake Edited by David V. Erdman: Commentary by Harold Bloom |
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[To] Mr Butts, Gr Marlborough St, London |
 | The Poetry and Prose of William Blake |  |
698
[To] Mr Butts, Gr Marlborough St, London
Felpham August 16. 1803
700
O why was I born with a different face
Why was I not born like the rest of my race
When I look each one starts! when I speak I offend
Then I'm silent & passive & lose every Friend
Why was I not born like the rest of my race
When I look each one starts! when I speak I offend
Then I'm silent & passive & lose every Friend
Then my verse I dishonour. My pictures despise
My person degrade & my temper chastise
And the pen is my terror. the pencil my shame
All my Talents I bury, and dead is my Fame
My person degrade & my temper chastise
And the pen is my terror. the pencil my shame
All my Talents I bury, and dead is my Fame
I am either too low or too highly prizd
When Elate I am Envy'd, When Meek I'm despis'd
When Elate I am Envy'd, When Meek I'm despis'd
| The Poetry and Prose of William Blake | |