If Men will act like a maid smiling over a Churn

by William Blake

Blake manuscript - Notebook - page 065

Edited text:^[1]

81
 
If Men will act like a maid smiling over a Churn,
They ought not, when it comes to another's turn
To grow sower at what a friend may utter,
Knowing & feeling that we all have need of Butter.

5 False Friends fie! fie! our Friendship you shan't sever,^[2]
In spite we will be greater friends than ever.^[3]

________________________________________

The original text:^[4]

*

If Men will act like a maid smiling over a Churn
They ought not when it comes to anothers turn

To grow sower at what a friend may utter
Knowing & feeling that we all have need of Butter

5 False Friends fie fie our Friendship you shant sever^[5]
In spite we will be greater friends than ever^[6]

________________________________________

Notes

1. "Blake Complete Writings", ed. Geoffrey Keynes, pub. OUP 1966/85, p. 556.
2. 5 fie! fie!] O no 1st rdg del you shant] ne'er shall 1st rdg del
3. 6 In spite] For now 1st rdg del
4. "The Complete Poetry & Prose of William Blake", ed. by David V. Erdman, Anchor Books, 1988, p. 502.
5. 5 fie fie] O no 1st rdg del you shant] neer shall 1st rdg del
6. 6 In spite] For now 1st rdg del