I would be ignorant as the dawn
That has looked down
On that old queen measuring a town
With the pin of a brooch,
Or on the withered men that saw
From their pedantic Babylon
The careless planets in their courses,
The stars fade out where the moon comes.
And took their tablets and did sums;
I would be ignorant as the dawn
That merely stood, rocking the glittering coach
Above the cloudy shoulders of the horses;
I would be — for no knowledge is worth a straw —
Ignorant and wanton as the dawn.
(William Butler Yeats)
More Poetry from William Butler Yeats:
William Butler Yeats Poems based on Topics: Wisdom & Knowledge- 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)
- Peace (William Butler Yeats Poems)
- Crazy Jane And The Bishop (William Butler Yeats Poems)
- Before The World Was Made (William Butler Yeats Poems)
Readers Who Like This Poem Also Like:
Based on Topics: Wisdom & Knowledge PoemsBased on Keywords: pedantic, brooch