The Land of Heart's Desire by W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
page 24 of 29 (82%)
page 24 of 29 (82%)
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SHAWN. Awake out of that trance--and cover up Your eyes and ears. FATHER HART. She must both look and listen, For only the soul's choice can save her now. Come over to me, daughter; stand beside me; Think of this house and of your duties in it. THE CHILD. Stay and come with me, newly-married bride, For if you hear him you grow like the rest; Bear children, cook, and bend above the churn, And wrangle over butter, fowl, and eggs, Until at last, grown old and bitter of tongue, You're crouching there and shivering at the grave. FATHER HART. Daughter, I point you out the way to Heaven. THE CHILD. But I can lead you, newly-married bride, Where nobody gets old and crafty and wise, Where nobody gets old and godly and grave, Where nobody gets old and bitter of tongue, And where kind tongues bring no captivity; For we are but obedient to the thoughts That drift into the mind at a wink of the eye. FATHER HART. . By the dear Name of the One crucified, I bid you, Mary Bruin, come to me. THE CHILD. I keep you in the name of your own heart. |
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