How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon Englands mountains green: (1-2)
Right away, the speaker lets us know that "Jerusalem" is a poem about the past. In the first line he starts talking about "ancient time," although it's not yet clear that he is referring to Jesus. Nevertheless, since he's asking a question, it's immediately clear that he's not sure just what exactly happened back then.
Quote #2
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On England's pleasant pastures seen! (3-4)
Okay, now things start to get a little more magical. The speaker is wondering if Jesus (the "holy Lamb of God") once came to England. As with the first lines of the poem, the speaker is asking questions, which suggests that he's not quite sure about the past.
Quote #3
And was Jerusalem builded here,
Among these dark Satanic Mills? (7-8)
Okay, now wait a second. The "mills" clearly refers to something modern (like eighteenth-century modern), but the speaker is talking about ancient times, right? Hmm, is the speaker confusing his eras here? Maybe, but maybe he's making a point about how the past is like the present, or about how history repeats itself.