Responsibilities

Abstract

Y eatswas now writing lyrics again at something like his old pace (never a very rapid one) ; the lovers’ dialogue “ The Mask,” which was made for The Player Queen and took its place in his next volume Responsibilities, is a beautiful example of his work at this time, masculine and astringent, freed from nostalgic yearnings:

‘ Put off that mask of burning gold,

With emerald eyes.’

‘ O, no, my dear, you make so bold

To find if hearts be wild and wise,

And yet not cold….’