While it's tempting to assume he's writing about Maud Gonne, a renowned Irish actress and activist who was a major love interest and muse in his life, there's no definitive answer. Here's why:
* No direct naming: The poem never explicitly names the woman.
* Themes of unattainable love: "Her Praise" speaks of a love that is "always distant," "always veiled," and "always out of reach." These themes resonate with Yeats's relationship with Gonne, who rejected his numerous marriage proposals.
* Other potential muses: Yeats was known for his many relationships with women who inspired his work, including Lady Gregory and Eva Gore-Booth. It's possible the poem could refer to one of them.
* Symbolic representation: Some scholars argue the poem represents a larger idea of idealized femininity, embodying a longing for the unattainable and the feminine mystique.
Ultimately, the beauty of "Her Praise" lies in its open-endedness. It invites us to interpret the poem through our own understanding of love, loss, and the nature of desire. While the specific identity of the woman remains unclear, the poem's timeless themes resonate with readers across generations.