From Blake’s Songs of Innocence. published in 1794, this was one of the series of poems which present an idealised world, in contrast to the harsh realities of late 18th and early 19th Century life during the time of King George III, known — ironically given the terrible social conditions of the time — as the Romantic Era. Each poem in the “Songs of Innocence” category is matched by a grim portrayal in Songs of Experience. The contrast is Blake’s method of social protest.

This poem paints an ideal, though Blake was well aware of the realities. The children play innocently, with no restrictions, at one with nature and the world around them. The nurse is a benign guardian, perhaps even a Virgin Mary or Christ-like figure, who watches over them, also peaceful and at one with the surroundings. This contrasts with the Nurse’s Song in Songs of Experience, which has a darker, more sinister tone, anticipating the trials the children may face in the future.

Structure
The poem comprises four quatrains or four-lined stanzas. The rhyme scheme is a regular ABCB pattern throughout. The metrical rhythm is broadly Anapestic, meaning two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable. This creaetes a gentle rhythmic quality.

Language and Imagery
The voice is that of the Nurse; an idealised mouthpiece of contentment. The language is simple and accessible, though the underlying imagery is more complex.