The whore and gambler, by the state
Licensed, build that nation's fate.
The harlot's cry from street to street
Shall weave old England's winding-sheet.

1. What does this stanza mean?

-In this stanza Blake is trying to explain to readers that if people keep up with 

old habits then we shouldn't be surprised of the consequences that come from them.

We as human beings will make mistakes, but it is also important to come to a certain

point where we can draw the line in making bad decisions make up who and where we live

live as a society. In the end, we are who make up this world, so we shouldn't trying 

to destroy it with bad habits. 

2.  How does Blake use a literary device to convey that meaning?

-Blake uses imagery in the first and third lines to make readers see common bad habits of

society and how crucial it is for readers to see how its changing the good in life.

Blake wanted readers so actually imagine living in a world like this and how it's becoming.