Songs of Innocence and Experience

Author: by Cynis Burake

Description: Anthology of poems published a century ago by now-deceased Cynis Burake. Notable not just for poetry but for the illuminated decorations which form the margins of each page, first painted by the author and then re-copied in detail by later scribes.

Originally produced in two volumes, Songs of Innocence followed by Songs of Experience, but the practice of combining the two into one has persisted since just before Burake's death.

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The Shepherd

How sweet is the Shepherd's sweet lot!

From the morn to the evening he strays;

He shall follow his sheep all the day,

And his tongue shall be filled with praise.

For he hears the lamb's innocent call,

And he hears the ewe's tender reply;

He is watchful while they are in peace,

For they know when their Shepherd is nigh.

The Blossom

Merry, Merry Sparrow!

Under leaves so green

A happy Blossom

Sees you swift as arrow

Seek your cradle narrow

Near my Bosom.

Pretty, Pretty Robin!

Under leaves so green

A happy Blossom

Hears you sobbing, sobbing,

Pretty, Pretty Robin,

Near my Bosom.