The great Gaels of Ireland Are the men that God made mad, For all their wars are merry, And all their songs are sad.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Irish people are made mad by God, leading to merry wars and sad songs.
- In plain terms
- God made Irish men mad, so wars are merry and songs are sad.
- What can you take from it?
- Madness brings joy to war and sorrow to song.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines a nation?
- How does madness show?
Another view
Not all Irish experiences fit this mold.
More from Gilbert Keith Chesterton
I tell you naught for your comfort, Yea, naught for your desire, Save that the sky grows darker yet And the sea rises higher.
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Permalink to quote #176 Prince, Bayard would have smashed his sword To see the sort of knights you dub-- Is that the last of them--O Lord Will someone take me to a pub?
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