"Love seeketh not itself to please, Nor for itself hath any care, But for another gives its ease, And builds a Heaven in Hell's despair." So sung a little Clod of Clay, Trodden with the cattle's feet, But a Pebble of the brook Warbled out these metres meet: "Love seeketh only self to please, To bind another to its delight, Joys in another's loss of ease, And builds a Hell in Heaven's despite." *** **A brief note on its structure:** The poem is a perfect contrast. The humble, selfless Clod speaks first, defining a love of sacrifice and compassion. The hard, smooth Pebble answers, defining a love of possession and selfishness. Blake doesn't add a comment; he simply presents both views and lets the reader hold them in balance. # Explanation