Sir Joshua praised Rubens with a Smile

by William Blake

Blake manuscript - Notebook 1808 - 19 Sir Joshua praised Rubens with a Smile

Edited text:^[1]

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Sir Joshua praised Rubens with a Smile
By Calling his the ornamental Style;
[Because del.] And yet his praise of Flaxman was the smartest
When he call'd him the Ornamental Artist.
5 But sure such ornaments we well may spare,
[Like a fithty infections head of hair del.]
[A Crooked Stick & louzy head of hear del.]
As Crooked limbs & louzy heads of hair

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The original text:^[2]

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Sir Jo[s]hua praised Rubens with a Smile
By Calling his the ornamental Style
And yet his praise of Flaxman was the smartest
When he calld him the Ornamental Artist
But sure such ornaments we well may spare 5
As Crooked limbs & louzy heads of hair

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Notes

1. "Blake Complete Writings", ed. Geoffrey Keynes, pub. OUP 1966/85, p. 540.
2. "The Complete Poetry & Prose of William Blake", ed. by David V. Erdman, Anchor Books, 1988, p. 511.