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THE CLOD AND THE PEBBLE, FR. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Love seeketh not itself to please
Last Line: "and builds a hell in heaven's despite."
Variant Title(s): True And False Love
Subject(s): Bible; Humility; Love; Mythology


"Love seeketh not Itself to please,
Nor for itself hath any care;
But for another gives its ease,
And builds a Heaven in Hell's despair."

So sang a little Clod of Clay,
Trodden with the cattle's feet;
But a Pebble of the brook,
Warbled out these metres meet:

"Love seeketh only Self to please,
To bind another to its delight,
Joys in another's loss of ease,
And builds a Hell in Heaven's despite."




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