Motto to the Songs of Innocence & of Experience (1982 ed.)

by William Blake

Motto to the Songs of Innocence & of Experience

The Good are attracted by Men’s perceptions
And think not for themselves,
Till Experience teaches them to catch
And to Cage the Fairies & Elves.

And then the Knave begins to snarl,
And the Hypocrite to howl,
And all his good Friends show their private ends,
And the Eagle is know from the Owl.