The Ballad of Moll Magee
By William Butler Yeats
Come round me, little childer;
There, don’t fling stones at me
Because I mutter as I go;
But pity Moll Magee.
My man was a poor fisher
With shore lines in the say;
My work was saltin’ herrings
The whole of the long day.
And sometimes from the Saltin’ shed
I scarce could drag my feet,
Under the blessed moonlight,
Along thc pebbly street.
I’d always been but weakly,
And my baby was just born;
A neighbour minded her by day,
I minded her till morn.
I lay upon my baby;
Ye little childer dear,
I looked on my cold baby
When the morn grew frosty and clear.
A weary woman sleeps so hard!
My man grew red and pale,
And gave me money, and bade me go
To my own place, Kinsale.
He drove me out and shut the door.
And gave his curse to me;
I went away in silence,
No neighbour could I see.
The windows and the doors were shut,
One star shone faint and green,
The little straws were turnin round
Across the bare boreen.
I went away in silence:
Beyond old Martin’s byre
I saw a kindly neighbour
Blowin’ her mornin’ fire.
She drew from me my story —
My money’s all used up,
And still, with pityin’, scornin’ eye,
She gives me bite and sup.
She says my man will surely come
And fetch me home agin;
But always, as I’m movin’ round,
Without doors or within,
Pilin’ the wood or pilin’ the turf,
Or goin’ to the well,
I’m thinkin’ of my baby
And keenin’ to mysel’.
And Sometimes I am sure she knows
When, openin’ wide His door,
God lights the stats, His candles,
And looks upon the poor.
So now, ye little childer,
Ye won’t fling stones at me;
But gather with your shinin’ looks
And pity Moll Magee.
There, don’t fling stones at me
Because I mutter as I go;
But pity Moll Magee.
My man was a poor fisher
With shore lines in the say;
My work was saltin’ herrings
The whole of the long day.
And sometimes from the Saltin’ shed
I scarce could drag my feet,
Under the blessed moonlight,
Along thc pebbly street.
I’d always been but weakly,
And my baby was just born;
A neighbour minded her by day,
I minded her till morn.
I lay upon my baby;
Ye little childer dear,
I looked on my cold baby
When the morn grew frosty and clear.
A weary woman sleeps so hard!
My man grew red and pale,
And gave me money, and bade me go
To my own place, Kinsale.
He drove me out and shut the door.
And gave his curse to me;
I went away in silence,
No neighbour could I see.
The windows and the doors were shut,
One star shone faint and green,
The little straws were turnin round
Across the bare boreen.
I went away in silence:
Beyond old Martin’s byre
I saw a kindly neighbour
Blowin’ her mornin’ fire.
She drew from me my story —
My money’s all used up,
And still, with pityin’, scornin’ eye,
She gives me bite and sup.
She says my man will surely come
And fetch me home agin;
But always, as I’m movin’ round,
Without doors or within,
Pilin’ the wood or pilin’ the turf,
Or goin’ to the well,
I’m thinkin’ of my baby
And keenin’ to mysel’.
And Sometimes I am sure she knows
When, openin’ wide His door,
God lights the stats, His candles,
And looks upon the poor.
So now, ye little childer,
Ye won’t fling stones at me;
But gather with your shinin’ looks
And pity Moll Magee.
Poem Analysis:
William Butler Yeats, a masterful Irish poet, often explored themes of human suffering and resilience in his work. "The Ballad of Moll Magee" is a poignant example of his ability to capture the trials of an ordinary woman's life and her enduring spirit in the face of adversity. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and emotional depth within this evocative ballad.
- The Poet's Sympathy: From the very beginning, Yeats calls upon the reader's empathy. The opening lines address "little childer," implying innocence and vulnerability, and immediately request that they do not throw stones at Moll Magee. This plea invites the reader to take a compassionate stance, as the poet clearly wishes to convey the harshness of Moll's life.
- A Life of Toil: Moll's life is one of unrelenting toil. She was married to a poor fisherman, and her days were spent laboriously salting herrings. The poet's description of her dragging her feet and the arduous work under the moonlight paints a vivid picture of her relentless struggle to make ends meet. This depiction of her life is a powerful commentary on the challenges faced by many working-class individuals.
- The Tragedy of Loss: Amidst her grueling labor, Moll has the added burden of caring for her newborn baby. The loss of her baby is conveyed with heartbreaking simplicity. She lays her baby down to rest, only to find it lifeless in the cold morning. This loss is a pivotal moment in Moll's life, symbolizing the fragility of human existence and the cruelties of fate.
- Abandonment and Isolation: The poem takes a tragic turn as Moll's husband, rather than offering solace or support in the wake of their shared loss, drives her away. He gives her money and sends her to her "own place," Kinsale, effectively abandoning her. Moll's isolation is palpable as she goes away in silence, disconnected from her community and left to her own devices.
- Acts of Kindness and Resilience: In the face of her dire circumstances, Moll encounters a kindly neighbor who listens to her story and provides her with sustenance. This act of compassion in a harsh world contrasts starkly with her husband's heartlessness. Moll's resilience shines through as she endures her struggles, often lost in thoughts of her lost child but persevering nonetheless.
- Divine Compassion: The poem closes on a note of divine compassion. Moll contemplates the stars and envisions God lighting His candles for the poor. This image reinforces the theme of empathy and suggests that, in the grand scheme of things, Moll's suffering is recognized and understood by a higher power.
"The Ballad of Moll Magee" by W.B. Yeats is a moving portrayal of a woman's resilience in the face of hardship and loss. Yeats' skillful use of imagery and his ability to evoke empathy in the reader make this ballad a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit. Moll Magee's story serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by many in society and the importance of compassion and empathy in alleviating their burdens. Yeats' poem is a timeless exploration of the human experience and a call to recognize and alleviate the suffering of others.