The modest rose puts forth a thorn

For works with similar titles, see The Lily.

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Notebook 22. "The modest rose puts forth a thorn..."
by William Blake

When the voices of children are heard on the green

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From Notebook, p. 109, reversed. First draft of The Lily from Songs of Experience.

1543312Notebook 22. "The modest rose puts forth a thorn..."William Blake

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The [rose put envious del.] [lustful del.] modest rose puts forth a thorn,
The [coward del.] humble sheep a threat’ning horn:
While the Lily white shall in love delight,
[And the lion increase freedom & piece, del.]
[The priest loves war & the soldier peace. del.]
Nor a thorn nor a threat stain her beauty bright.