Now all the truth is out,
Be secret and take defeat
From any brazen throat,
For how can you compete,
Being honour bred, with one
Who, were it proved he lies,
Were neither shamed in his own
Nor in his neighbours’ eyes?
Bred to a harder thing
Than Triumph, turn away
And like a laughing string
Whereon mad fingers play
Amid a place of stone,
Be secret and exult,
Because of all things known
That is most difficult.
(William Butler Yeats)
More Poetry from William Butler Yeats:
William Butler Yeats Poems based on Topics: Place, Truth, Lies & Deceit, Competition- A Man Young And Old (William Butler Yeats Poems)
- A Lover's Quarrel Among the Fairies (William Butler Yeats Poems)
- A Deep-Sworn Vow (William Butler Yeats Poems)
- Running To Paradise (William Butler Yeats Poems)
- A Prayer On Going Into My House (William Butler Yeats Poems)
- Mad As The Mist And Snow (William Butler Yeats Poems)
Readers Who Like This Poem Also Like:
Based on Topics: Place Poems, Truth Poems, Lies & Deceit Poems, Competition PoemsBased on Keywords: exult