1,059 Quotes by William Butler Yeats

When we are high and airy hundreds say That if we hold that flight they’ll leave the place, While those same hundreds mock another day Because we have made our art of common things...

Boughs have their fruit and blossom At all times of the year; Rivers are running over With red beer and brown beer.

Nor seek, for this is also sooth, To hunger fiercely after truth, Lest all thy toiling only breeds New dreams, new dreams; there is no truth Saving in thine own heart.

If Michael, leader of God’s host When Heaven and Hell are met, Looked down on you from Heaven’s door-post He would his deeds forget.

The old priest Peter Gilligan Was weary night and day; For half his flock were in their beds, Or under green sods lay.

O would, beloved, that you lay Under the dock-leaves in the ground, While lights were paling one by one.

And learn that the best thing is To change my loves while dancing And pay but a kiss for a kiss.

Thought is a garment and the soul’s a bride That cannot in that trash and tinsel hide: Hatred of God may bring the soul to God.

For how can you compete Being honour bred, with one Who, were it proved he lies, Were neither shamed in his own Nor in his neighbour’s eyes?