The Chimney Sweeper (Experience)

A little black thing among the snow,

Crying ‘Weep! Weep!’ in notes of woe!

‘Where are thy father & mother? Say?’

‘They are both gone up to the church to pray.

‘Because I was happy upon the heath,

And smil’d among the winter’s snow,

They clothed me in the clothes of death,

And taught me to sing the notes of woe.

And because I am happy & dance & sing,

They think they have done me no injury,

And are gone to praise God & his Priest & his King,

Who make up a heaven of our misery.’