If a poet interprets a poem of his own he limits its suggestibility.
What were all the world's alarms To mighty Paris when he found Sleep upon a golden bed That first dawn in Helen's arms?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the profound joys of love and intimacy, suggesting that nothing else mattered to Paris when he was with Helen.
In this quote, Yeats evokes the image of Paris finding solace and contentment in Helen's embrace, portraying love as a powerful force that eclipses all worldly concerns. The reference to 'world's alarms' highlights how love can bring a sense of peace and refuge from external chaos, symbolized by the 'golden bed' that signifies luxury, comfort, and desire. This moment illustrates the timeless theme of love as a refuge, indicating that in the face of life's challenges, true love offers profound solace.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote would be fitting to share at a wedding to emphasize the power of love.
More from William Butler Yeats
All quotes βIt was my first meeting with a philosophy that confirmed my vague speculations and seemed at once logical and boundless.
But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
How far away the stars seem, and how far is our first kiss, and ah, how old my heart.
For he would be thinking of love Till the stars had run away And the shadows eaten the moon.
Love is created and preserved by intellectual analysis, for we love only that which is unique, and it belongs to contemplation, not to action, for we would not change that which we love.
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If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.