And find my health again in the sea air,’
Beggar to beggar cried, being frenzy-struck,
‘And make my soul before my pate is bare.—
‘And get a comfortable wife and house
To rid me of the devil in my shoes,’
Beggar to beggar cried, being frenzy-struck,
‘And the worse devil that is between my thighs.’
‘And though I’d marry with a comely lass,
She need not be too comely — let it pass,’
Beggar to beggar cried, being frenzy-struck,
‘But there’s a devil in a looking-glass.’
‘Nor should she be too rich, because the rich
Are driven by wealth as beggars by the itch,’
Beggar to beggar cried, being frenzy-struck,
‘And cannot have a humorous happy speech.’
‘And there I’ll grow respected at my ease,
And hear amid the garden’s nightly peace.’
Beggar to beggar cried, being frenzy-struck,
‘The wind-blown clamour of the barnacle-geese.’
Poem Analysis:
William Butler Yeats' poem "Beggar to Beggar Cried" delves into the restless yearnings and desires that drive individuals in their pursuit of happiness, health, and fulfillment. The poem presents a series of poignant monologues, where beggars share their fervent wishes, emphasizing the human desire for comfort, companionship, and respect. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem.
Themes:
- Desire and Longing: The primary theme of the poem revolves around the desires and aspirations that beggars express. Each beggar articulates their yearning for specific things such as health, a comfortable life, a spouse, and respect.
- Human Frailty: The poem subtly highlights the vulnerability and fragility of human existence. Beggars, often seen as marginalized individuals, reveal their deep-seated desires, underscoring the universality of human longing.
- Pursuit of Happiness: The poem examines the varied paths people take in their quest for happiness. It suggests that happiness is subjective and may involve different goals for different individuals.
Structure:
"Beggar to Beggar Cried" is composed of five quatrains (four-line stanzas), each presenting the monologue of a different beggar. The poem has a regular rhyme scheme (AABC), which adds a sense of order and rhythm to the verses.
Analysis:
- "Time to put off the world and go somewhere...": The poem opens with a beggar expressing a desire for a change of scenery and the healing qualities of the sea air. The urgency of the beggar's plea reflects a longing for rejuvenation and escape from life's challenges.
- "And make my soul before my pate is bare...": This line suggests the beggar's desire for spiritual growth or self-discovery. The term "pate" refers to the head, and the beggar wishes to nurture their soul before aging or hardships take their toll.
- "And get a comfortable wife and house...": The second beggar seeks domestic comfort and companionship. The devil mentioned here symbolizes the inner turmoil or restlessness that the beggar hopes to dispel through marriage and a stable home.
- "But there’s a devil in a looking-glass.": This line alludes to vanity and the beggar's recognition that appearances can be deceiving. The reflection in a mirror may reveal a darker or less desirable aspect of oneself.
- "And there I’ll grow respected at my ease...": The final beggar aspires to live a respected life in a tranquil environment, symbolized by the "garden’s nightly peace." The mention of barnacle-geese adds a touch of the wild and free to the beggar's vision of contentment.
"Beggar to Beggar Cried" by W.B. Yeats portrays the deeply human desire for happiness, fulfillment, and an escape from life's hardships. Through the voices of beggars, the poem reflects on the various paths individuals take in their pursuit of contentment, whether through health, companionship, or domestic stability. It offers a poignant glimpse into the universal nature of human longing and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.