Much did I rage when young, Being by the world oppressed, But now with flattering tongue It speeds the parting guest.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Yeats contrasts his youthful anger against the world with his older acceptance of parting guests.
- In plain terms
- I was angry when young, but now I accept goodbyes with grace.
- What can you take from it?
- Peace often replaces youthful anger over time.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How has your anger changed?
- Do you feel more peaceful now?
Another view
It idealizes aging as always bringing peace.
More from William Butler Yeats
Does the imagination dwell the most Upon a woman won or woman lost?
Permalink to quote #103 Locke sank into a swoon; The Garden died; God took the spinning-jenny Out of his side.
Permalink to quote #105 Never had I more Excited, passionate, fantastical Imagination, nor an ear and eye That more expected the impossible.
Permalink to quote #102
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