'The Players Ask For A Blessing On The Psalteries And On Themselves' by William Butler Yeats
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i{Three Voices [together].} Hurry to bless the hands that play,
The mouths that speak, the notes and strings,
O masters of the glittering town!
O! lay the shrilly trumpet down,
Though drunken with the flags that sway
Over the ramparts and the towers,
And with the waving of your wings.
i{First Voice.} Maybe they linger by the way.
One gathers up his purple gown;
One leans and mutters by the wall --
He dreads the weight of mortal hours.
i{Second Voice.} O no, O no! they hurry down
Like plovers that have heard the call.
i{Third Voice.} O kinsmen of the Three in One,
O kinsmen, bless the hands that play.
The notes they waken shall live on
When all this heavy history's done;
Our hands, our hands must ebb away.
i{Three Voices [together].} The proud and careless notes live on,
But bless our hands that ebb away.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"The Players Ask For A Blessing On The Psalteries And On Themselves" by William Butler Yeats: A Deconstruction of Irish Cultural Identity
William Butler Yeats, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, was a master of the art of poetic rhetoric. His works are characterized by their intricate use of symbolism, themes and motifs that intertwine with each other, often creating a complex web of meanings that can be difficult to unravel. One such work is his poem, "The Players Ask For A Blessing On The Psalteries And On Themselves," which was first published in 1914 in his collection "Responsibilities." In this poem, Yeats explores the themes of Irish cultural identity, tradition and spirituality through the prism of the Celtic harp, an instrument that has long been a symbol of Irish culture.
The Harp: A Symbol of Irish Identity
The harp has been an important symbol in Irish culture for centuries, long before it was adopted as the official emblem of Ireland. In Celtic mythology, the harp was associated with the god Dagda, who was said to have played a magical harp that could control the seasons and the elements. It was also said that the harp had the power to heal the sick and soothe the troubled mind. In medieval times, the harp was the instrument of choice for Irish bards, who used it to recite poetry and tell stories. Over time, the harp became a symbol of Irish cultural identity, and it was often depicted in Irish art and literature.
In "The Players Ask For A Blessing On The Psalteries And On Themselves," Yeats uses the harp as a metaphor for Irish culture and identity. The poem begins with a group of musicians asking for a blessing on their psalteries, which are small harps. They then ask for a blessing on themselves, saying that they are the descendants of the old bards. The harp, then, is not just an instrument, but a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Ireland.
The Importance of Tradition
One of the main themes of the poem is the importance of tradition. The musicians in the poem see themselves as the heirs to a long line of Irish bards, and they are proud of their heritage. They ask for a blessing on their psalteries, which they see as a link to the past. By playing the harp, they are continuing a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Yeats himself was deeply interested in Irish folklore and mythology, and he saw himself as a custodian of Irish cultural heritage. In "The Players Ask For A Blessing On The Psalteries And On Themselves," he is celebrating the importance of tradition and the need to preserve it.
Spirituality and the Divine
Another theme of the poem is spirituality and the divine. The musicians ask for a blessing on their psalteries and on themselves, suggesting that they see their music as a form of prayer or worship. They also mention the names of several saints and religious figures, such as St. Patrick and St. Brigid. This suggests that they see music as a way of connecting with the divine.
Yeats himself was deeply interested in spirituality and the occult, and his poetry often reflects this interest. In "The Players Ask For A Blessing On The Psalteries And On Themselves," he is exploring the idea that music can be a form of spiritual expression.
Rhetoric and Symbolism
The poem is also notable for its use of rhetorical and symbolic devices. The repetition of the phrase "bless this," for example, creates a sense of ritual and ceremony. The use of the harp as a metaphor for Irish culture is also a powerful symbol that resonates throughout the poem.
Yeats was a master of poetic rhetoric, and his use of language is often highly symbolic and metaphorical. In "The Players Ask For A Blessing On The Psalteries And On Themselves," he uses these devices to great effect, creating a powerful sense of Irish cultural identity and spirituality.
The Role of the Poet
Finally, the poem raises questions about the role of the poet in society. The musicians in the poem see themselves as the heirs to a long line of Irish bards, and they take their role as cultural custodians seriously. They see their music as a way of preserving Irish tradition and identity.
Yeats himself saw poetry as a form of cultural and spiritual expression. He believed that poetry had the power to shape society and to connect individuals with the divine. In "The Players Ask For A Blessing On The Psalteries And On Themselves," he is exploring the idea that the poet has a responsibility to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Irish Identity
In "The Players Ask For A Blessing On The Psalteries And On Themselves," William Butler Yeats is celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Ireland. He uses the harp as a metaphor for Irish identity, and he explores themes of tradition, spirituality, and the role of the poet in society. The poem is a powerful expression of Yeats' belief in the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage, and it remains a powerful symbol of Irish identity to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
William Butler Yeats is a name that is synonymous with poetry. His works are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and beauty. One of his most famous poems is "The Players Ask for a Blessing on the Psalteries and on Themselves." This poem is a masterpiece of language and imagery, and it is a testament to Yeats' skill as a poet.
The poem is set in a medieval court, where a group of musicians and performers are preparing to entertain the king and his courtiers. The players are asking for a blessing on their instruments, the psalteries, and on themselves before they begin their performance. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the players' request.
The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the players. Yeats describes them as "young men and women" who are "full of music." They are dressed in "bright clothes" and are carrying their instruments, which are "shaped like the crescent moon." The players are eager to begin their performance, but before they do, they ask for a blessing on their psalteries.
The psaltery is an ancient stringed instrument that was popular in medieval Europe. It is similar to a harp or a zither, and it produces a beautiful, ethereal sound. In the poem, the players ask for a blessing on their psalteries so that they may produce the most beautiful music possible. They want their instruments to be in tune and to sound perfect, so that they may please the king and his courtiers.
The second stanza of the poem explores the players' request for a blessing on themselves. Yeats describes the players as "young men and women" who are "full of life." They are eager to perform and to show off their skills, but they also recognize that they need a blessing in order to do so. They ask for a blessing on themselves so that they may have the strength and the energy to perform to the best of their abilities.
The players' request for a blessing on themselves is a reminder of the importance of faith and spirituality in medieval Europe. In this era, religion was a central part of daily life, and people believed that blessings from God or from the saints could help them in all aspects of their lives. The players' request for a blessing on themselves is a reflection of this belief, and it shows how deeply ingrained religion was in medieval culture.
The third and final stanza of the poem is a prayer for the king and his courtiers. The players ask for a blessing on the king and his courtiers so that they may be pleased with the performance. They want to entertain the king and his courtiers, and they recognize that their success depends on the approval of their audience.
The players' prayer for the king and his courtiers is a reflection of the hierarchical nature of medieval society. In this era, the king was the ultimate authority, and his approval was essential for success. The players recognize this, and they pray for the king's favor so that they may succeed in their performance.
Overall, "The Players Ask for a Blessing on the Psalteries and on Themselves" is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the themes of faith, spirituality, and hierarchy in medieval Europe. Yeats' use of language and imagery is masterful, and he creates a vivid and evocative picture of the players and their world. The poem is a testament to Yeats' skill as a poet, and it is a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today.
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