Swift has sailed into his rest; Savage indignation there Cannot lacerate his breast. Imitate him if you dare, World-besotted traveller; he Served human liberty.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The poet honors Swift for his fierce defense of liberty and suggests others should emulate his moral courage.
- In plain terms
- Swift is at peace; his anger can no longer hurt him. Try to be like him and serve freedom.
- What can you take from it?
- True heroism involves sacrificing personal comfort for human liberty.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you serve liberty?
- What indignation do you face?
Another view
Swift's satire was often biting and cruel, which may not be fully imitable.
More from William Butler Yeats
Only God, my dear, Could love you for yourself alone And not your yellow hair.
Permalink to quote #127 The intellect of man is forced to choose Perfection of the life, or of the work, And if it take the second must refuse A heavenly mansion, raging in the dark.
Permalink to quote #129 Whether they knew or not, Goldsmith and Burke, Swift and the Bishop of Cloyne All hated Whiggery; but what is Whiggery? A levelling, rancorous, rational sort o…
Permalink to quote #126
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