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1865–1939

IN THE SEVEN WOODS

William Butler Yeats

I HAVE heard the pigeons of the Seven Woods Make their faint thunder, and the garden bees Hum in the lime tree flowers; and put away The unavailing outcries and the old bitterness

That empty the heart. I have forgot awhile Tara uprooted, and new commonness Upon the throne and crying about the streets And hanging its paper flowers from post to post,

Because it is alone of all things happy. I am contented for I know that Quiet Wanders laughing and eating her wild heart Among pigeons and bees, while that Great Archer,

Who but awaits His hour to shoot, still hangs A cloudy quiver over Parc-na-Lee.

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