Down by the Salley Gardens
Down by the Salley Gardens - context Summary
Published in 1889's the Rose
Published in 1889 in The Rose, this short lyric draws on Yeats's memories of youth and a lost love. It frames a simple, pastoral encounter beside willow-lined gardens and a river, where a lover counsels taking love and life gently. The speaker, remembering youthful stubbornness, expresses late regret and sorrow. The poem reads as a nostalgic confession shaped by personal reminiscence rather than a public event.
Read Complete AnalysesDown by the salley gardens my love and I did meet; She passed the salley gardens with little snow-white feet. She bid me take love easy, as the leaves grow on the tree; But I, being young and foolish, with her would not agree. In a field by the river my love and I did stand, And on my leaning shoulder she laid her snow-white hand. She bid me take life easy, as the grass grows on the weirs; But I was young and foolish, and now am full of tears.
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