The Sick Rose / Blake

"The Sick Rose" is a poem by William Blake. The first publication was in 1794, when it was included in his collection titled Songs of Experience as the 39th plate. The incipit of the poem is O Rose thou art sick. Blake composed the page sometime after 1789, and presents it with the illuminated border and illustrations that were typical of his self publications. Most aspects of the original production were undertaken by the author, the composition of the poem and design, engraving, and promotion of the work. The printing was usually done by Blake's wife, Catherine, as well as any colouring not performed by Blake himself.

Text of the poem
The text has been republished in typeset many times, with slight variations, and is usually included in collections of the authors work. As with many of Blake's 'songs', such as "The Tyger", the verse is contained in numerous anthologies of English poetry.