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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WHILE I, FROM THAT RED-THROATED WHISPERER by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHILE I, FROM THAT REED-THROATED WHISPERER
Last Line: Are but a post the passing dogs defile.
Subject(s): FAME;

While I, from that reed-throated whisperer
Who comes at need, although not now as once
A clear articulation in the air,
But inwardly, surmise companions
Beyond the fling of the dull ass's hoof,
--Ben Jonson's phase--and find when June is come
At Kyle-na-no under that ancient roof
A sterner conscience and a friendlier home
I can forgive even that wrong of wrongs,
Those undreamt accidents that have made me
--Seeing that Fame has perished this long while,
Being but a part of ancient ceremony--
Notorious, till all my priceless things
While I, from that reed-throated whisperer
Who comes at need, although not now as once
A clear articulation in the air,
But inwardly, surmise companions
Beyond the fling of the dull ass's hoof,
--Ben Jonson's phase--and find when June is come
At Kyle-na-no under that ancient roof
A sterner conscience and a friendlier home
I can forgive even that wrong of wrongs,
Those undreamt accidents that have made me
--Seeing that Fame has perished this long while,
Being but a part of ancient ceremony--
Notorious, till all my priceless things
Are but a post the passing dogs defile.




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