Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition

Closing Rhymes (Author: William Butler Yeats)

p.63

1. While I, from that reed-throated whisperer
   Who comes at need, although not now as once
   A clear articulation in the air
   But inwardly, surmise companions
   Beyond the fling of the dull ass's hoof,
   —Ben Jonson's phrase—and find when June is come
   At Kyle-na-no under that ancient roof
   A sterner conscience and a friendlier home,
   I can forgive even that wrong of wrongs,
   Those undreamt accidents that have made me
   —Seeing that Fame has perished this long while
   Being but a part of ancient ceremony—
   Notorious, till all my priceless things
   Are but a post the passing dogs defile.