AFTER FIONA McLEOD, W. B.
YEATS, AND OTHERS

THE CULT OF THE CELTIC

WHEN the eager squadrons of day are faint and disbanded,

And under the wind-swept stars the reaper gleans

The petulant passion flowers—although, to be candid,

I haven't the faintest notion what that means—

Surely the Snow-White Bird makes melody sweeter

High in the air than skimming the clogging dust.

(Yes, there's certainly something queer about this metre,

But, as it's Celtic, you and I must take it on trust.)