The Lamb

William Blake · 1789

Catalog grade guidance: 2–8 — Two short stanzas in simple words.

21 content lines · 120 words · Est. recitation about 1 min 9 sec (approx.)

Public-domain text for reading and recitation practice. Source: Project Gutenberg #1934: Songs of Innocence and of Experience.Estimated time uses ~120 words/minute plus short pauses—not a contest rule.

THE LAMB


Little lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee,
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed
By the stream and o’er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?
    Little lamb, who made thee?
    Dost thou know who made thee?

Little lamb, I’ll tell thee;
Little lamb, I’ll tell thee:
He is callèd by thy name,
For He calls Himself a Lamb.
He is meek, and He is mild,
He became a little child.
I a child, and thou a lamb,
We are callèd by His name.
    Little lamb, God bless thee!
    Little lamb, God bless thee!