NOW all the truth is out,
Be secret and take defeat
From any brazen throat,
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 neighbours' eyes?
Bred to a harder thing
Than Triumph, turn away
And like a laughing string
Whereon mad fingers play
Amid a place of stone,
Be secret and exult,
Because of all things known
That is most difficult.
Notes
First published in: Poems Written in Discouragement 1913.
According to Yeats, this poem was addressed to Lady Gregory, and her dishonourable yet unnamed antagonist is William Martin Murphy.
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Comments
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well put margaret. i agree.
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This says to me that it is no dishonour to lose in an unfair competition, so take heart, ignore the loss of face. Taking back one's happiness amidst the assaults of life is a greater victory than any other.
Thanks to passionvine for referring me to this poem.
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