they believe the Sidhe to be passing by” (Jeffares 59). In “The Hosting of the Sidhe” Niamh says that the “winds awaken, the leaves whirl around” as if her presence has created chaos with nature (CP 40). Niamh speaks about the wind. The fairy is a temptress and the idea of wind is associated with a desire to “come away,” perhaps with her. In the poem "He Hears the Cry of the Sedge" the wind is personified by voice and tells him "that he will never achieve a physical union with the woman he loves until the entire universe is destroyed" (An International Companion). HAIR Hair and feet are two very feminine and prominent images in this collection. The hair has been likened to that of many women, but Yeats attributes it to that of the Sidhe who "wear no covering upon their heads, and to let their hair stream out" (WAR65-66 or Jeffares 59). The image of loose, streaming hair symbolizes the freedom that these fairies possess. For Yeats, hair is an erotic image and may be associated with the women who, much like the Sidhe, tempted him (Kline 86). Beloved, let your eyes half close, and your heart beatOver my heart, and your hair fall over my breast. (CP 53)The beauty of women's hair and the unconscious movements they create with it seem to torture and play with the male:You need but lift a pearl-pale hand,And bind up your long hair and sigh;And all men's hearts must burn and beat. (64)FIRE, LIGHTThe fairy character In “The Song of the Wandering Aengus” the girl figure is surrounded by light. Aegnus is led to the “glimmering girl” because of a fire in his head, but she “faded through the brightening air.” (CP 59). ROSE/FLOWERMaud Gonne, the unattainable beauty, was often compared to the most beautiful of flowers. The rose represents perfection, seduction, and perfect order. In "The Secret Rose," Yeats begs the flower to "Enfold me in my hour of hours" ...
