'To Ireland In The Coming Times' by William Butler Yeats
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Know, that I would accounted be
True brother of a company
That sang, to sweeten Ireland's wrong,
Ballad and story, rann and song;
Nor be I any less of them,
Because the red-rose-bordered hem
Of her, whose history began
Before God made the angelic clan,
Trails all about the written page.
When Time began to rant and rage
The measure of her flying feet
Made Ireland's heart hegin to beat;
And Time bade all his candles flare
To light a measure here and there;
And may the thoughts of Ireland brood
Upon a measured guietude.
Nor may I less be counted one
With Davis, Mangan, Ferguson,
Because, to him who ponders well,
My rhymes more than their rhyming tell
Of things discovered in the deep,
Where only body's laid asleep.
For the elemental creatures go
About my table to and fro,
That hurry from unmeasured mind
To rant and rage in flood and wind,
Yet he who treads in measured ways
May surely barter gaze for gaze.
Man ever journeys on with them
After the red-rose-bordered hem.
Ah, faerics, dancing under the moon,
A Druid land, a Druid tune.!
While still I may, I write for you
The love I lived, the dream I knew.
From our birthday, until we die,
Is but the winking of an eye;
And we, our singing and our love,
What measurer Time has lit above,
And all benighted things that go
About my table to and fro,
Are passing on to where may be,
In truth's consuming ecstasy,
No place for love and dream at all;
For God goes by with white footfall.
I cast my heart into my rhymes,
That you, in the dim coming times,
May know how my heart went with them
After the red-rose-bordered hem.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"To Ireland In The Coming Times": A Timeless Ode to Ireland's Future
The act of reading a piece of literature is more than just a mechanical exercise of interpreting words on a page. It is an engagement with the soul of the author and the culture that gave birth to their work. When one reads “To Ireland In The Coming Times,” it is an invitation to immerse oneself in the complexities of Irish culture and history, as well as the profound imagination of William Butler Yeats.
A Historical Context
At the time of Yeats’ writing, Ireland was still under the British rule, and the struggle for independence was at its peak. The poem was written in 1892, and the British rule would continue for another 28 years. Ireland was a nation of divided loyalties, with some fighting for independence, while others were content with the British status quo. Yeats saw beyond these divisions and envisioned a future where Ireland could be united, prosperous, and free.
An Ode to Cultural Resilience
Yeats understood that the heart of any nation is its culture. The poem begins with a reference to Ireland’s past, where many great writers, musicians, and artists had emerged. This is the foundation that Yeats builds his vision of the future on. He believed that Irish culture would be the driving force behind the nation’s renewal and resurgence.
“Know that I would accounted be True brother of a company That sang, to sweeten Ireland’s wrong, Ballad and story, rann and song.”
Yeats’ emphasis on the importance of Irish art in the nation’s identity is clear. The “ballad and story, rann and song” that he speaks of are the cultural artifacts that have defined Ireland throughout its history. Yeats believed that by embracing and celebrating its culture, Ireland could thrive in the coming times.
A United Ireland
The poem’s central theme is the vision of a united Ireland. Yeats was dismayed by the divisions within the country, and he saw a united Ireland as the solution to many of the nation’s problems. The second stanza of the poem is a call for unity:
“And may those characters too, Whose genius did the work we view, Be with us in this gathering, For, maybe, their own right and wrong Taught them their right and wrong.”
Yeats believed that the differences between the Irish people were not insurmountable. He saw a future where the achievements of the past would be celebrated, and the people of Ireland would work together to build a better future. He believed that the creative energy of Irish culture would be the catalyst for this unity.
A Vision of Prosperity
The final stanza of the poem is a vision of a prosperous Ireland. Yeats believed that by embracing its culture and working towards a united future, Ireland could be a nation of great prosperity. He speaks of a time when Ireland will be known for its success and its people:
“And may those days joy-dropping hours, And all their moments dance away Careless of politics or powers – These beautiful, these happy hours, In Erin’s green enchanted bowers And in the golden western isles, When first the westering sun-beam smiles.”
This vision of a prosperous Ireland is not just an idle dream. Yeats believed that it was possible if the people of Ireland could come together and work towards a common goal.
A Poem for All Generations
“To Ireland In The Coming Times” is a poem that has stood the test of time. It speaks to the heart of the Irish people, regardless of the era in which it is read. Yeats’ vision of a united, prosperous, and culturally rich Ireland is as relevant today as it was in 1892. The poem is a reminder that the challenges of the past can be overcome by embracing the nation’s culture and working towards a common goal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “To Ireland In The Coming Times” is a masterpiece of Irish literature. Its themes of cultural resilience, unity, and prosperity are as relevant today as they were when Yeats first wrote them down. The poem is not just a call to the Irish people but to all people who strive for a better future. As we read this poem, we are reminded of the power of culture and the human spirit to overcome even the most significant challenges.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Ireland In The Coming Times: A Poem of Hope and Renewal
William Butler Yeats is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his works continue to inspire and captivate readers today. Among his many masterpieces is the poem "To Ireland In The Coming Times," a powerful and evocative piece that speaks to the heart of Irish identity and the struggle for independence. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this classic poem, and examine its relevance to contemporary Ireland and the wider world.
At its core, "To Ireland In The Coming Times" is a poem of hope and renewal. Written in 1892, at a time when Ireland was still under British rule and the struggle for independence was gaining momentum, the poem expresses Yeats' belief in the eventual triumph of Irish culture and identity. The poem is addressed to Ireland itself, as if it were a living entity, and speaks of a future time when the country will be free and prosperous. The language is rich and evocative, full of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors that capture the essence of Irish history and culture.
The poem begins with a powerful invocation of Ireland's past, with Yeats calling upon the spirits of the ancient Irish heroes and legends:
"Know, that I would accounted be True brother of a company That sang, to sweeten Ireland's wrong, Ballad and story, rann and song; Nor be I any less of them, Because the red-rose-bordered hem Of her, whose history began Before God made the angelic clan, Trails all about the written page."
Here, Yeats is invoking the rich tradition of Irish storytelling and song, which has been passed down through the generations and remains a vital part of Irish culture today. He speaks of the "red-rose-bordered hem" of Ireland's history, which suggests the bloodshed and violence that has marked the country's past. Yet, despite this, Yeats sees Ireland's history as a source of strength and inspiration, and he calls upon the spirits of the ancient heroes to guide and protect the country in the future.
The poem then moves on to a vision of Ireland's future, when the country will be free and prosperous:
"When we have come to man's estate, Greatly to find upon the door, Where money is to be paid or lent, A calligraphy in the ancient hand: That if men bear burdens up With backs bent, eyes blind, hands supple, For Christ's sake, they shall not fail That come into their heritage."
Here, Yeats is speaking of a time when Ireland will be free from the burden of British rule, and will be able to take its place among the nations of the world. He speaks of a calligraphy in the ancient hand, which suggests a return to Ireland's cultural roots and a renewed appreciation for its history and traditions. He also speaks of the importance of hard work and sacrifice, and the idea that those who work hard and persevere will be rewarded in the end.
Throughout the poem, Yeats uses powerful imagery and metaphors to capture the essence of Irish culture and identity. For example, he speaks of the "red-rose-bordered hem" of Ireland's history, which suggests both the beauty and the violence of the country's past. He also speaks of the "great ships" that will come to Ireland's shores, which suggests the idea of Ireland as a gateway to the wider world. And he speaks of the "green flag" that will fly over Ireland, which suggests the idea of a renewed sense of national pride and identity.
Overall, "To Ireland In The Coming Times" is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the heart of Irish identity and the struggle for independence. It is a poem of hope and renewal, and it speaks to the idea that Ireland's past is a source of strength and inspiration for its future. Today, as Ireland continues to grapple with the challenges of the modern world, this poem remains a powerful reminder of the country's rich cultural heritage and its enduring spirit of resilience and determination.
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