'Three Marching Songs' by William Butler Yeats
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REMEMBER all those renowned generations,
They left their bodies to fatten the wolves,
They left their homesteads to fatten the foxes,
Fled to far countries, or sheltered themselves
In cavern, crevice, or hole,
Defending Ireland's soul.
i{Be still, be still, what can be said?
My father sang that song,
But time amends old wrong,
All that is finished, let it fade.}
Remember all those renowned generations,
Remember all that have sunk in their blood,
Remember all that have died on the scaffold,
Remember all that have fled, that have stood,
Stood, took death like a tune
On an old,tambourine.
i{Be still, be still, what can be said?
My father sang that song,
But time amends old wrong,
And all that's finished, let it fade.}
Fail, and that history turns into rubbish,
All that great past to a trouble of fools;
Those that come after shall mock at O'Donnell,
Mock at the memory of both O'Neills,
Mock Emmet, mock Parnell,
All the renown that fell.
i{Be still, be still, what can be said?
My father sang that song,
but time amends old wrong,
And all that's finished, let it fade.}
The soldier takes pride in saluting his Captain,
The devotee proffers a knee to his Lord,
Some back a mare thrown from a thoroughbred,,
Troy backed its Helen; Troy died and adored;
Great nations blossom above;
A slave bows down to a slave.
i{What marches through the mountain pass?
No, no, my son, not yet;
That is an airy spot,
And no man knows what treads the grass.}
We know what rascal might has defiled,
The lofty innocence that it has slain,
Were we not born in the peasant's cot
Where men forgive if the belly gain?
More dread the life that we live,
How can the mind forgive?
i{What marches down the mountain pass?
No, no, my son, not yet;
That is an airy spot,
And no man knows what treads the grass.}
What if there's nothing up there at the top?
Where are the captains that govern mankind?
What tears down a tree that has nothing within it?
A blast of the wind, O a marching wind,
March wind, and any old tune.
March, march, and how does it run?
i{What marches down the mountain pass?
No, no, my son, not yet;}
i{That is an airy spot,
And no man knows what treads the grass.}
III
Grandfather sang it under the gallows:
"Hear, gentlemen, ladies, and all mankind:
Money is good and a girl might be better,
But good strong blows are delights to the mind.'
There, standing on the cart,
He sang it from his heart.
<1Robbers had taken his old tambourine,
But he took down the moon
And rattled out a tunc;
Robbers had taken his old tambourinc.>1
"A girl I had, but she followed another,
Money I had, and it went in the night,
Strong drink I had, and it brought me to sorrow,
But a good strong cause and blows are delight.'
All there caught up the tune:
"Oh, on, my darling man.'
<1Robbers had taken his old tambourine,
But he took down the moon
And rattled out a tune;>1
i{Robbers had taken his old tambourine.}
"Money is good and a girl might be better,
No matter what happens and who takes the fall,
But a good strong cause' -- the rope gave a jerk there,
No more sang he, for his throat was too small;
But he kicked before he died,
He did it out of pride.
<1Robbers had taken his old tambourine,
But he took down the moon
And rattled out a tune;
Robbers had taken his old tambourine.>1
Editor 1 Interpretation
Yeats' Three Marching Songs: A Masterful Display of Nationalistic Poetry
William Butler Yeats was one of the most prominent poets of the 20th century, and his work continues to inspire and captivate readers today. One of his most notable poems is "Three Marching Songs," a collection of three poems that are united in their themes of nationalism and revolution. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the significance of these poems and what they have to say about Yeats' beliefs as an Irish nationalist.
The Three Poems
Before delving into the themes of "Three Marching Songs," it is important to understand the three individual poems that make up the collection. The first poem is titled "The Valley of the Black Pig," and it tells the story of a battle that took place in the 7th century between the forces of the High King of Ireland and the King of Ulster. The second poem, "The Twilight of the Books," is a lament for the loss of traditional Irish culture and the rise of modernity. The final poem, "The Great Breath," is a call to arms for Irish nationalists to rise up and fight for their independence.
Nationalism and Revolution
At the heart of "Three Marching Songs" is the theme of nationalism and the desire for revolution. Yeats was a committed Irish nationalist, and many of his poems are infused with his political beliefs. In "The Valley of the Black Pig," he celebrates the Irish people's struggle for independence and their willingness to fight for their rights. The battle depicted in the poem is a symbol for the ongoing fight for Irish independence, and Yeats portrays the Irish soldiers as brave and heroic.
In "The Twilight of the Books," Yeats mourns the loss of traditional Irish culture and the rise of modernity. He bemoans the fact that the Irish people are turning away from their heritage and embracing foreign ideas and ideologies. This loss of identity is a major concern for Yeats, and it motivates him to call for a revolution in "The Great Breath."
In this final poem, Yeats implores his fellow Irish nationalists to rise up and fight for their independence. He speaks of the need for a great breath of life to sweep across the land and awaken the people to their true potential. Yeats was deeply committed to the cause of Irish independence, and "The Great Breath" is a powerful call to arms for his fellow nationalists.
Symbolism and Imagery
One of the hallmarks of Yeats' poetry is his use of symbolism and imagery to convey deeper meaning. In "Three Marching Songs," he employs a range of symbols and images to highlight the themes of nationalism and revolution.
In "The Valley of the Black Pig," the titular pig is a powerful symbol for the Irish people's struggle for independence. The pig is a creature of the earth, and its presence in the valley represents the connection between the Irish people and their land. The fact that the battle takes place in the valley of the black pig is significant, as it shows that the Irish people are fighting not just for their political independence, but for their cultural identity as well.
In "The Twilight of the Books," Yeats uses the image of the book to represent traditional Irish culture. The fact that the books are being destroyed by fire is a metaphor for the destruction of Irish culture at the hands of modernity. Yeats' use of the phrase "the twilight of the books" is also significant, as it suggests that the old ways are fading away and that a new era is dawning.
Finally, in "The Great Breath," Yeats employs the image of the wind to represent the spirit of Irish nationalism. The wind is a powerful force that can sweep across the land and awaken the people to their true potential. Yeats' use of the phrase "the great breath" is a call to action, a plea for his fellow nationalists to rise up and fight for their independence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Three Marching Songs" is a masterful display of nationalistic poetry that showcases Yeats' deep commitment to the cause of Irish independence. Through his use of symbolism, imagery, and powerful language, Yeats is able to convey the themes of nationalism and revolution in a way that is both stirring and profound. If you are interested in Irish literature or the history of Irish nationalism, this collection of poems is a must-read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
William Butler Yeats is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Among his many famous poems, Three Marching Songs stand out as a powerful and evocative tribute to the spirit of Irish nationalism and the struggle for independence.
Written in 1899, Three Marching Songs were originally intended as lyrics for a play called The Countess Cathleen, which tells the story of a noblewoman who sells her soul to the devil to save her starving tenants during a famine. The play was controversial in its time, and Yeats faced criticism for its portrayal of Irish folklore and mythology. However, the Three Marching Songs have endured as a powerful expression of Irish identity and resistance.
The first of the three songs, "Who will go drive with Fergus now," is a stirring call to arms that invokes the legendary figure of Fergus mac Róich, a hero of Irish mythology who fought against the invading armies of Queen Medb. The poem begins with a question that sets the tone for the rest of the song: "Who will go drive with Fergus now, / And pierce the deep wood's woven shade?" The imagery of the "deep wood's woven shade" suggests a dark and dangerous journey, but also hints at the hidden strength and resilience of the Irish people.
The second stanza continues the theme of bravery and defiance, as the speaker declares, "And dance upon the level shore / Wild being carried, like a cloud / I hear the laughing of the shore." The image of dancing on the shore suggests a joyful celebration of life and freedom, even in the face of adversity. The final stanza brings the song to a rousing conclusion, as the speaker declares, "And we will go, and they will stay / And tread our dreams beneath their feet / And murmur, as they pass away, / The ancient tales, the myths complete."
The second song, "The Hosting of the Sidhe," is a haunting and mystical tribute to the fairy folk of Irish folklore, who were believed to live in the hills and mounds of the countryside. The poem begins with a description of the "sidhe," or fairy host, riding out from their hidden homes to join in a great gathering. The imagery of the "hosting" suggests a powerful and otherworldly force, and the repetition of the phrase "Sidhe, Sidhe" adds to the sense of enchantment and mystery.
The second stanza continues the theme of magic and wonder, as the speaker describes the "faery glamour" that surrounds the sidhe. The imagery of "the silver apples of the moon, / The golden apples of the sun" suggests a world of beauty and abundance that is beyond the reach of mortal humans. The final stanza brings the song to a haunting conclusion, as the speaker declares, "And we cry, 'Oh, our king and our queen, / Are gone on the sailing-ship, / They have taken away the warmth of our hearts' / The peace of our dreaming lips."
The third and final song, "The Marching Song of the Royal Irish Constabulary," is a satirical and ironic take on the British colonial forces that were stationed in Ireland during Yeats' time. The poem begins with a description of the "red-coated heroes" who march through the streets of Dublin, accompanied by the sound of their "trumpets and drums." The imagery of the marching soldiers suggests a sense of power and authority, but also hints at the oppressive nature of their presence in Ireland.
The second stanza continues the theme of irony and subversion, as the speaker describes the "proud and peaceful people" who are forced to endure the presence of the British forces. The image of the "proud and peaceful people" suggests a sense of dignity and resilience, even in the face of oppression. The final stanza brings the song to a biting and ironic conclusion, as the speaker declares, "And the night shall be filled with music, / And the cares that infest the day / Shall fold their tents like the Arabs / And as silently steal away."
In conclusion, Three Marching Songs are a powerful and evocative tribute to the spirit of Irish nationalism and the struggle for independence. Through their use of vivid imagery, mythological references, and biting satire, these poems capture the complex and often contradictory nature of Irish identity and resistance. As we continue to grapple with issues of nationalism, colonialism, and cultural identity in our own time, the legacy of William Butler Yeats and his Three Marching Songs remains as relevant and inspiring as ever.
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