Roger Casement (Poem by William Butler Yeats)

Roger Casement

By William Butler Yeats

After reading ‘The Forged Casement Diaries’ by Dr. Maloney

I say that Roger Casement

Did what he had to do.

He died upon the gallows,

But that is nothing new.

Afraid they might be beaten

Before the bench of Time,

They turned a trick by forgery

And blackened his good name.

A perjurer stood ready

To prove their forgery true;

They gave it out to all the world,

And that is something new;

For Spring Rice had to whisper it,

Being their Ambassador,

And then the speakers got it

And writers by the score.

Come Tom and Dick, come all the troop

That cried it far and wide,

Come from the forger and his desk,

Desert the perjurer’s side;

Come speak your bit in public

That some amends be made

To this most gallant gentleman

That is in quicklime laid.

Poem Analysis:

"Roger Casement" by William Butler Yeats is a poem that reflects on the life and legacy of Roger Casement, an Irish nationalist and humanitarian who was executed for his role in the 1916 Easter Rising against British rule in Ireland. Through this poem, Yeats offers a critical examination of the circumstances surrounding Casement's trial and execution, highlighting the injustice and betrayal he faced.

Acknowledgment of Casement's Actions: Yeats begins the poem by asserting that Roger Casement "did what he had to do," suggesting that Casement's actions were driven by a sense of duty or necessity. This line establishes a tone of respect and admiration for Casement's convictions and sacrifices.

Betrayal and Forgery: The poem condemns the British authorities for resorting to forgery in order to discredit Casement. Yeats suggests that the British were afraid of being defeated in a fair trial, so they resorted to underhanded tactics to tarnish Casement's reputation. The use of forgery and perjury to secure Casement's conviction is depicted as a betrayal of justice and a violation of his rights.

Public Denunciation: Yeats criticizes the British government's propaganda campaign against Casement, noting that they spread lies and misinformation about him through various channels, including diplomats and media outlets. The poem calls on individuals, referred to as "Tom and Dick" and "all the troop," to speak out against this injustice and demand accountability for Casement's mistreatment.

Demand for Recognition and Reparation: The poem concludes with a plea for acknowledgment and redress for Casement's unjust treatment. Yeats urges society to make amends for the persecution of Casement and to honor his memory as a "most gallant gentleman" who was wrongfully condemned and executed.

Symbolism of Quicklime: The reference to Casement being "in quicklime laid" in the final line carries symbolic significance. Quicklime is often used to decompose organic matter, suggesting a sense of erasure or obliteration. By highlighting Casement's burial in quicklime, Yeats underscores the indignity and brutality of his treatment at the hands of the British authorities.

In summary, "Roger Casement" by William Butler Yeats is a powerful indictment of the British government's actions against Roger Casement, condemning their use of forgery and propaganda to unjustly convict and execute him. Through this poem, Yeats calls for recognition of Casement's sacrifices and demands accountability for the injustice he suffered.