A Model For The Laureate Poem by William Butler Yeats
A Model For The Laureate
ON thrones from China to Peru
All sorts of kings have sat
That men and women of all sorts
proclaimed both good and great;
And what's the odds if such as these
For reason of the State
Should keep their lovers waiting,
Keep their lovers waiting?
Some boast of beggar-kings and kings
Of rascals black and white
That rule because a strong right arm
Puts all men in a fright,
And drunk or sober live at ease
Where none gainsay their right,
And keep their lovers waiting,
Keep their lovers waiting.
The Muse is mute when public men
Applaud a modern throne:
Those cheers that can be bought or sold,
That office fools have run,
That waxen seal, that signature.
For things like these what decent man
Would keep his lover waiting,
Keep his lover waiting?
Marvelous poem with amazing fluency. In the line of duty love takes a back seat and noble kings keep their lovers waiting but so do the drunken and incompetent fool kings indulge in Ayyashi (licentiousness) .
" What decent man would keep his lover waiting" Price paid for the throne criticized in the superb poetic expression.
It's the old, timeless story, oft lamented, of the tug between duty (and obligations) , v.s. family and emotional ties.
Nation is supreme. Love is not. So one has to attend the call of the nation first. Love can wait. Very insightful poem with a nice flow. Thanks for sharing.
Lovers can wait but not duties of a nation except fools ever! Nice composition by W B Yeats!
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
4/25/2024 6:26:50 PM # 1.0.0.1119
I just read this poem last month. As a matter of fact whole last week almost all the poems were repetition. Poemhunter Needs to its share of work to retain its visitors.There are plenty of poets classical or new age waiting to be read!
Yes, I agree with @Savita Tyagi.
In Total Agreement with you, Savita! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !