I saw a chapel all of gold

by William Blake

Blake's manuscript: "I saw a chapel all of gold..."

 * * *

I saw a chapel all of gold
That none did dare to enter in;
And many weeping stood without,
Weeping, mourning, worshipping.

I saw a serpent rise between
The white pillars of the door,
And he forc’d & forc’d & forc’d –
Down the golden hinges tore,

And along the pavement sweet,
Set with pearls & rubies bright,
All his slimy length he drew,
Till upon the altar white

Vomiting his poison out
On the bread & on the wine.
So I turn’d into a sty
And laid me down among the swine.