Quotes by William Butler Yeats

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

I heard the old, old, men say 'all that's beautiful drifts away, like the waters.'

William Butler Yeats

I think it better that in times like these a poet's mouth be silent, for in truth we have no gift to set a statesman right.

William Butler Yeats

Man can embody truth but he cannot know it.

William Butler Yeats

Every conquering temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.

William Butler Yeats

I wonder anybody does anything at Oxford but dream and remember, the place is so beautiful. One almost expects the people to sing instead of speaking. It is all like an opera.

William Butler Yeats

Be secret and exult, Because of all things known That is most difficult.

William Butler Yeats

Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.

William Butler Yeats

We are happy when for everything inside us there is a corresponding something outside us.

William Butler Yeats

All empty souls tend toward extreme opinions.

William Butler Yeats

Joy is of the will which labours, which overcomes obstacles, which knows triumph.

William Butler Yeats

Come Fairies, take me out of this dull world, for I would ride with you upon the wind and dance upon the mountains like a flame!

William Butler Yeats

I am still of opinion that only two topics can be of the least interest to a serious and studious mood - sex and the dead.

William Butler Yeats

An aged man is but a paltry thing, a tattered coat upon a stick, unless soul clap its hands and sing, and louder sing for every tatter in its mortal dress.

William Butler Yeats

And say my glory was I had such friends.

William Butler Yeats

Once you attempt legislation upon religious grounds, you open the way for every kind of intolerance and religious persecution.

William Butler Yeats

But was there ever dog that praised his fleas?

William Butler Yeats

Talent perceives differences; genius, unity.

William Butler Yeats

A line will take us hours maybe; Yet if it does not seem a moment's thought, our stitching and unstitching has been naught.

William Butler Yeats

Too long a sacrifice can make a stone of the heart. O when may it suffice?

William Butler Yeats

An intellectual hatred is the worst.

William Butler Yeats

How can we know the dancer from the dance?

William Butler Yeats