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The Defiled Sanctuary, By: William Blake

October 15, 2026 by Editors

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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 forced and forced and forced
Till he the golden hinges tore:

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

He vomited his poison out
On the bread and on the wine.
So I turned into a sty,
And laid me down among the swine.

Read all of William Blake's poems · About William Blake

More by William Blake

  • Barren Blossom
  • Opportunity
  • Love's Secret
  • The Grey Monk
  • Cupid

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