This poem is from Songs of Innocence by William Blake (1757 – 1827). Its unique alternation of five and seven-syllable lines gives way to continuous seven-syllable lines in the last two verses highlighting the transformation of this lullaby into a powerful statement of faith. The illustrations provided by Blake highlight this change as fanciful background gives way to a clear depiction of the Virgin Mary tending to the infant Jesus.
This musical setting follows this same journey as well.