Hurrah for revolution and more cannon-shot! A beggar upon horseback lashes a beggar on foot. Hurrah for revolution and cannon come again! The beggars have changed places, but the lash goes on.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Revolution often replaces one ruler with another without changing the suffering of the poor.
- In plain terms
- Power changes hands but the people still get beaten.
- What can you take from it?
- Be skeptical of political revolutions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does change truly help people?
- Is violence ever justified for change?
Another view
Some revolutions do lead to genuine progress.
More from William Butler Yeats
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