William Butler Yeats

Who Goes with Fergus?

Who Goes with Fergus? - context Summary

Published in the Rose

Written early in Yeats's career and published in The Rose (1892), this short lyric draws on Irish myth to offer a ritualized invitation. It summons the youth to join Fergus — a mythic ruler who governs woods, sea and stars — promising escape from anxious love and private brooding. The poem reflects Yeats's early romantic interest in national mythology and symbolic, consolatory imagery rather than autobiographical detail.

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Who will go drive with Fergus now, And pierce the deep wood's woven shade, And dance upon the level shore? Young man, lift up your russet brow, And lift your tender eyelids, maid, And brood on hopes and fear no more. And no more turn aside and brood Upon love's bitter mystery; For Fergus rules the brazen cars, And rules the shadows of the wood, And the white breast of the dim sea And all dishevelled wandering stars.

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