Shadows and Spirits

I. Apprentice

I asked a thief to steal me a peach,

I asked a thief to steal me a peach,He turned up his eyes;

He turned up his eyes;I ask"d a lithe lady to lie her down,

I ask"d a lithe lady to lie her down,Holy & meek she cries.

Holy & meek she cries.As soon as I went

As soon as I wentAn angel came.

An angel came.He wink"d at the thief

He wink"d at the thiefAnd smild at the dame–

And smild at the dame–And without one word said

And without one word saidHad a peach from the tree

Had a peach from the treeAnd still as a maid

And still as a maidEnjoy"d the lady.

Enjoy"d the lady.

William Blake