William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) was an Irish poet from an artistic family; his work was greatly influenced by his country's beauty, folklore, and politics.

'Brown Penny' by William Butler Yeats is an expression of the various levels of honest “love” that follow us from birth to death.

Brown Penny by William Butler Yeats - I whispered, 'I am too young,' And then, 'I am old enough'; Wherefore I threw a penny To find out if I might love. '

May 15, 2001 · 'Go and love, go and love, young man, If the lady be young and fair.' Ah, penny, brown penny, brown penny, I am looped in the loops of her hair.

Unbridled1 - This is such a simple, yet very sweet poem of longing for love. Casting that penny into the fountain and wishing for the dream to come true. So ...

Duration: 1:25
Posted: Sep 16, 2016

Duration: 1:31
Posted: Mar 1, 2013

Brown penny is used here as a symbol of chance. Chance that people take when they decide to carry on with their infatuated hearts not knowing if they will fail ...

Oct 1, 2014 · In 'Brown Penny', Yeats explores the question of love; specifically in opening lines of the poem the speaker is pondering whether he is in love ...