Was weary night and day;
For half his flock were in their beds,
Or under green sods lay.
Once, while he nodded on a chair,
At the moth-hour of eve,
Another poor man sent for him,
And he began to grieve.
‘I have no rest, nor joy, nor peace,
For people die and die’;
And after cried he, ‘God forgive!
My body spake, not I!’
He knelt, and leaning on the chair
He prayed and fell asleep;
And the moth-hour went from the fields,
And stars began to peep.
They slowly into millions grew,
And leaves shook in the wind;
And God covered the world with shade,
And whispered to mankind.
Upon the time of sparrow-chirp
When the moths came once more.
The old priest Peter Gilligan
Stood upright on the floor.
‘Mavrone, mavrone! the man has died
While I slept on the chair’;
He roused his horse out of its sleep,
And rode with little care.
He rode now as he never rode,
By rocky lane and fen;
The sick man’s wife opened the door:
‘Father! you come again!’
‘And is the poor man dead?’ he cried.
‘He died an hour ago.’
The old priest Peter Gilligan
In grief swayed to and fro.
‘When you were gone, he turned and died
As merry as a bird.’
The old priest Peter Gilligan
He knelt him at that word.
‘He Who hath made the night of stars
For souls who tire and bleed,
Sent one of His great angels down
To help me in my need.
‘He Who is wrapped in purple robes,
With planets in His care,
Had pity on the least of things
Asleep upon a chair.’
Poem Analysis:
"The Ballad of Father Gilligan" by William Butler Yeats is a poignant narrative poem that delves into themes of exhaustion, faith, and divine intervention. Through the story of Father Gilligan, a weary old priest, Yeats explores the human condition and the spiritual challenges faced by those who serve their communities.
Weariness and Duty: The poem opens with a vivid portrayal of Father Gilligan's exhaustion. He is described as "weary night and day" from attending to his parishioners, many of whom are either bedridden or have passed away. This sets the tone for the poem and establishes the central conflict of the narrative.
Grief and Self-Reflection: Father Gilligan's weariness is compounded by his grief over the constant stream of deaths among his flock. He is deeply troubled by the suffering and mortality he encounters, lamenting, "I have no rest, nor joy, nor peace, / For people die and die." This expression of despair reflects the emotional toll of his vocation.
Divine Intervention: In a moment of vulnerability, Father Gilligan falls asleep while praying for solace. During his slumber, he experiences a divine encounter as God covers the world with shade and whispers words of comfort to humanity. This celestial intervention serves as a source of solace and renewal for the beleaguered priest.
Tragic Discovery: Upon awakening, Father Gilligan learns that a parishioner has passed away during his brief respite. Despite his initial shock and grief, he finds solace in the knowledge that the man died peacefully, "as merry as a bird." This revelation prompts Father Gilligan to kneel in prayer, acknowledging the presence of divine grace even in moments of despair.
Redemption and Compassion: Through the character of Father Gilligan, Yeats emphasizes the redemptive power of compassion and faith. Despite his weariness and doubts, the priest remains steadfast in his commitment to his parishioners, ultimately finding solace in the belief that divine providence guides even the most humble of servants.
In conclusion, "The Ballad of Father Gilligan" is a moving exploration of the human experience, spiritual resilience, and the transformative power of divine grace. Through vivid imagery and poignant storytelling, Yeats crafts a timeless narrative that speaks to the universal themes of suffering, redemption, and the enduring nature of faith.