| William Blake (1757–1827). The Poetical Works. 1908. | | | | Selections from ‘The Four Zoas’ | | [Vala’s Going Forth] |
| | (Four Zoas, Night VII, First Version, ll. 267–83.)
AND she went forth and saw the forms of Life and of Delight | |
| Walking on mountains, or flying in the open expanse of heaven. | |
| She heard sweet voices in the winds, and in the voices of birds | |
| That rose from waters; for the waters were as the voice of Luvah, | |
| Not seen to her like waters, or like this dark world of death; | 5 |
| Tho’ all those fair perfections, which men know only by name. | |
| In beautiful substantial forms appear’d, and servèd her | |
| As food or drink or ornament, or in delightful works | |
| To build her bowers. For the elements brought forth abundantly | |
| The living Soul in glorious forms; and every one came forth, | 10 |
| Walking before her Shadowy face and bowing at her feet. | |
| But, in vain, delights were pourèd forth on the howling Melancholy! | |
| For her delight the Horse his proud neck bow’d, and his white mane; | |
| And the strong Lion deign’d in his mouth to wear the golden bit; | |
| While the far-beaming Peacock waited on the fragrant wind | 15 |
| To bring her fruits of sweet delight from trees of richest wonders; | |
| And the strong-pinion’d Eagle bore the fire of Heaven in the night-season. | | | | |
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