1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Quotations

Before the World Was Made

William Butler Yeats

By Simran Khurana, About.com

If I make the lashes dark
And the eyes more bright
And the lips more scarlet,
Or ask if all be right
From mirror after mirror,
No vanity's displayed:
I'm looking for the face I had
Before the world was made.

What if I look upon a man
As though on my beloved,
And my blood be cold the while
And my heart unmoved?
Why should he think me cruel
Or that he is betrayed?
I'd have him love the thing that was
Before the world was made.

Did you like this poem? Why not receive free classic poems by email? SUBSCRIBE

Explore Quotations

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Quotations
  4. Poem Lyrics Poetry Quotes
  5. Poem Lyrics
  6. Poem Lyrics by Title
  7. B
  8. Yeats Before the World Was Made>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.