From Songs of Experience, published 1794, this was one of the series of poems which explore 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. Most of the poems in the “Songs of Experience” category are matched by an idealistic portrayal in Songs of Innocence. The contrast is Blake’s method of social protest.

The lion represents Jesus Christ in the form of the symbol of the tribe of Judah (see Revelations 5:5). The innocent girl is freed by death from earthly suffering and finds peace for eternity. The parents, dedicated to finding their lost daughter, are similarly rewarded, although the poem doesn’t explain the details. The anticipation of a future perfect world could be described as eschatological, that is thematically concerned with ultimate spiritual ends.

This poem should be read in conjunction with A Little Girl Lost. Both deal with parental authority, the trials of the physical world and the salvation promised in the future life.

Structure
The poem comprises thirteen quatrains, that is four-lind stanzas. Each stanza comprises two rhyming couplets. There are five syllables per line, which creates a fast pace, appropriate to the story of panicking parents seeking their child.

Language adn Imagery
While the language is simple and accessible the symbolism is powerful and complex. The biblical lion represents Christ and salvation for the child and her parents.