ST. MICHAEUS COLLEGE
TORONTO, CANADA
LIBRARY
PRESENTED BY
J. J, McKnieht
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THE HARVARD CLASSICS
The Five-Fool Shelf of Books
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THE HARVARD CLASSICS
EDITED BY CHARLES W. ELIOT, LL.D.
The Poems and Songs
0/ Robert Burns
W/fA IniradHelion^ '^oUs and Glossary
Vohtiiie 6
P. F. Collier & Son Ct^rporation
NEW YORK
Bt F- F- Coi-T-ifiR S SON
tjA?^t.-rACTl."BOT l> U- S^ A-
MAY 2 1 1953'
CONTENTS
PjLGE
'773-' 779
Son^^ — Handsome NVit . . . . , p + . ^ + + icj
Sony — O Tjbbivp I h^c wen llic day .> ^ ...,,,,, _^, ,.. . 20
Song — [ drcani'J I lay , ^ il
Scjjij; — In th*; Chifjcttr of a Ruit^cfl Fanner n . . . + ji
Tfj^ic iVs^incnt^-All vifLiJn as I jm --■**. + ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 23
The Tarboiton Lassc:^ .■**■**>;, ^v ,- v + * . - - . 31
Ahf 1%'oc i& mc, m>" Mother dejir ► ^ v * * ^ ., . , , * , h ^ ^ 24
Sonji — MontijtFnicrie'i Pcgyj' * - ■ - , * "^ ► * ■ ^ ► * . . . . 35
The PJouyh man's Li £e * - * ^ - * , 15
1780
Tl^t Ronald^ ol the Bcnnals ♦ 25
■ fwn^^ — Hcres io ihy healthp my bonk l-iss - ^ + , t ^ ■.---* f 27
Song — The Lass ci Cti5r^u^;k Hanks - ... * * * . 28
Son^ — Bonie i^egny Alison - - - - * ^ ^ . ^ , ^ ^ ^ ^ , , , . 30
Soo-ji — Mary Morion . « #. 1 » a «^ « « ^ » « , , 31
1781
Winter: A Dirge ,*.*,,.*.. ^. * ^ * ^ i i i ,,;,. , 31
A Prayer, under ili[+ Pressure oi Vli^k-nt Anguish h - . * -^ 31
Pa[":iphrasc o( ihe Fir^t Psalm . . . * h . ^ ^. ^ ^ , . , , ^ ^ ^ 3,
"lilt i-irsi Sk Vtrsej c^f f|i« XincEiecli Wtiln'y ^orttfieJ * ^ ■**... , 33
A Pra>-er, in tfi*; Prospect of Deith f ►*-.,,*..... ^ , t(4
StanzaSt on d]t same Ct^:A:lio(l ^ + + , - 35
Pitkle Fortunei A Fragmtnt , • ■ i - - , 36
Sun^i — Raginp FortuntE A Fraynieni ^6
111 go and be j Sodger ■ * h . 1 f ^ ^ ^ * , . , ^ ^ . , , ^ 3^
Siin^l — -Nc^ CHiirchmin am [ ^ ^ ^^
My Father ivai i l-jfiTn;r: A Banjd - , * . , , 38
John flarle>cofn- A Ballad . h . . , . ^ 3g
TJie Dea(h and Dying Words of Poor Mailie , . . ^ , jl
I^oor Matlies Elegy **-,-, ^ , 41
2 CONTENTS
SoftB — The Rigs o" Barley . ^ + . ^ + - f ^ « . . « . ^ ^ ^ . 44
Son^ — CuIn^K^HtJ \n AtjfiUit , * * 4$
S^sfig— My Naniep 0| * ^ , 46
Song — Green Grow th^2 Il3^h<]s ^ ^ + . ^ « . ^ « « . « 47
Sons — "Indeed will I,'' quo' Findlay ...... ^ .+ .,« ^ ,, , 4S
17S4
Epitaph on WitlisiJn Hood, Senior . , r . . t < . » . 50
Epkaph c>n Jjmi^ Grkvc ^***m^'*wm****^'^*. ^d
Epiciph on WilUani Muir « ^ . . . 5&
Epitaph on my Evc^r HonoiifcJ J^Li]i[:r v ._■.... i ^ ,«.« ^ _^ fi_ . 50
Bjllad r>n ilic AmLri*:an Wjr n ^. ■-,-,-,,*, ^ ^ :*., ► 51
Reply to ^n AnnoTincement by Jr Bankinc . h * * * . , 53
Epiiile 10 fohn R^ifikiiu] h - - ^ _^ . i + * . . . ^ 53
A Poet's Welcome to his Love-DcfiotTen Tlnu^ht^r 55
Sofij^ — O Lravc No^tIs! ,.» p- ^ p t ««>'»+.«--- « 57
Tbt Mftuchllnc Lady: A Frajjmenc ,.,** + ^,**. 57
My Girl ^he's Al^^: A Pragmcnl ^ . . -^ * » ^ ^ . ^ . : « . . , 5G
The IStlkb oE Mjuchhnc ^ ..... l 58
Epitaph on a Noisy Polenitc - , + ■ + 58
Epicjph oti a Henpecked Squire ,.-,.,,. jS
Ep]yr:hni on the said Occa&if^n * * 58
Another on lUi: said QccJ^iun . . h - + f - ^ + , . , 5^
On T^in the Chairman . , . . « * « ^ . * .« < * « 511
Epitaph on T^lm Rnnkinc^ . « « ». ^ « ^ ^ . . , « ^ 59
Eincs f^n the Author'i Death ^ -.,*..*,., . 60
Man was made lo Momn^ A D\tg^ + . . h + > r* , 60
The T^va Herd&T ofp The Holy Tulyic . . . - 63
173^
/
Epistle to Da^je, a BrotlK^f P<>ct * s - * - 66
t-loly WlUui's PfjjjLr -......*..._*.,.. ^ ^ ^ jo
Epitaph on Holy Witlic ^-^ ■*,,..,.,».,. , 73
Death and Dr, HnriitK]ok , ^ , , . . , *_. ^ 74
Epistle to J. Lapraik . . , * + , + 79
S^ond Ei>j5dt to }r Lapraik .-,..* , * ^ * ► * S3
Epistle to Wiltiani SLm^n .^ . . . , 86
One Nighi as i ditj Wander , - , *.,.,* 31
Fragment of Song — "My Jeanl" * + -^ r*. , 92
SoHE — Ran[Ln\ Rf^^in' Robin * . - - i - jz
Ekgy on tht Death of Rohcrt Ruis-^eau'^ , * , . , ^ ♦ * 03
BjvistFe To John Goldiei in Kiln^ai^nock ■; ^ 94
The Holy Fair .......,, * . . . 95
CONTENTS 3
Third Epbdc to ]. Laprjik - ^ .--*,, h ,, ^ joi
Episilc tti ihe Rev. Jnhn MMiA^b . * ■*■ , ^ ,^ * * i. ifi-l
Second E|>iick to Di>ic . , , , , r . r , * , ^ ♦*.,,,. , 157
Son^:— Youjii; Peyt'V Bl^mi , ^ ^ . . * loj
Soiifj — Farewell io nnilSwcliniilc - - * * ■ * - t - p + , ^ , log
Frasnicnl— "Her Fluwinjj ly)^k$ * ► - ■ * * - ■ * ^ * * . . , ^ ^ jjo
tlalluwcen - , T - - - - .« . . . . H - » > < IW
To a Maii^c * . * * - . , Ijg
Ej>i([i|]h fin John DovCj Innkecptr **4.,^ + ,.^»^^,. 120
Epitj[>b Eflr Jaines Smith -----.-.*.. ^ - ♦♦ ^ . ^ , , 120
Ad^ni Armfiur's Pr,ij-cr «. + .««.. ^ «»,, ^ 121
The ][J3y flcrg^ars: A CintJtq . . ^ . ^ - h * . . lai
Son;, — Fnr 0" il],i[ ,,►;/**,■.*,.,, ^ , ... ^ ^ , X31
Song — Kissing my Katit: ■--- + ■*■*■*,--,,,,,. ijj
The Qitter's Saturda}^ Night .-.*..,, 134
Addrc^ to ihii Dcil ,,F,r,,..^»^^^^^**^^ tjd
ScoKll Dfink ,.»,-., ,.^ ^ 144
1766
The AuUr Farmer's Ne w- Year -Morn inj; Salutnition ro hiij Au!d Niirt, Mai;gic . . 147
The Twa Doys , ^ ^ . * , * ■^ >. .,. * * * 151
The Authors Earnest Cry and PrajTr . , ,..-.*, 157
The Ordjn:iEJo[l * . - * . ^ ^ . ^ h - - . . ^ * , , , ^ . . 163
F-pJstle tn Jin^L-s Smith ___*_* * ► r 1S7
The Vision ..*.►*--*-** 17^
StipprL^scd Sianzas ni The Vnjun" h . - * * ^ - * * ► iSo
The Rantii^' Uoy> the Diddk o'l , h - - * * , k .-,.,,,, , j8*
Htrt'5 his Heahh in Water . ^ ^ . ^ .«,,«» , * 1S3
Address to d\c UiKo CuitI * . h * . ► * 183
The Im-cntory , - * * , --*.-*,. 1B6
To John Ktnfaedyj Dumfries Hf>uM ^ . ^ * . + ^ .-«...«,. + iSB
To Mr. WAdam, of Craiscn-Glllan , ^ , -* , ^ » *. ^ * iSg
To a Louse T .■ V ^ * ♦ ^ , ♦ ^ *. ., , 19Q
ImeribEKl on a Work of tbnn^h Mare's , h . . , ipr
Song — Composed in Sprinj^ « * - - * . h * .^ , * igi
To a MfluntaJn D^tisy « . ^ *,,. + , ^ * icjj
To Ruin »-*,.,,, ,,.*,., 194
The Lainent *.*..... h . * 135
Despondency; An Ode * - - tg?
To Gjvin Hamilton, Eiq,, Mauchlint^j rtconimtndms a Boy 199
Versified Repfy to ;in Invitation .,♦ - ^ ,.. ^ , ^ *♦.-_, . aor
Song — Will ye yo to the IndiL^E^ tiiy M,irj'? , ^ . ^ «...«,«» h sot
My H]j;hUnd Lassie, O , *,->*.*- 4-: - - 20a
■4 CONTENTS
Epistle lo a Y^un^i IVtLHtl ,..-*- * M3
Adtlj^s? lu Btel^cbub . , , + . ^ -^ « ^ ^ ^ - , Mj
A Dream i - * , . . . * :io7
A D«licj[ion to G^^in Hjrnilton, Lsq. . . ^ - ^ y _* ill
VersiEitd Ntin; tu Dr. M:Lcken-iic, M^u-^hlirit «,,>>,.. ^ ,. . 215
Tht Farewell lo Jw Urizihccn €]f St. Janiei'^ Lod^Cn Tarhylcon h + » , . ^ , 315
On a Scuich Bard, et^ne to tlie Wust lii<[iLi ^ .,. .^ ■ . 2i<j
Son^ — FarErwcLI to Elj?j * - - - * ■+ - * .* - » * * - , aiS
A Jlarcl's Einufiti - - - - * ^ .- ► ■ - - .* .# -^ * - 21&
Epitaph for Robert Alktn, Ksq * - . ai?
Epitaph for O^vin Haii^ilton, l:st]r , ^ ^ « . . + « . 219
Epitaph on ^'Wee Johnnie" * + .-,»*► + h - , * 213
TheLaHo' l5j]lochitiylc 2iO
LJfic^ to an Old SiveothearE ^ , , - , * ♦ * * *^' * r . ^ + ^^l
Motro preEi:<cd 10 ths^ Auilic^r^ iirst Publication r ..,.. + h . - « ^^1
LinL'^ to Mr. John Kcnntitly . + ..,, . 21E
Lines wntcen on a Bink-note ^ . - * , , ^ , ^ - - 211
ST^nzni un Naethins » ^ « . , r, , + + « . 2;i^
The FartwtH *.,..*,-..- , . . 314
Tho Calf .,,,...,*. H ,.. , 255
Nalurjj's LaW3 A Poem , - . . . 125
Song— Wi]iie Chalmers . > . , *..-*. - , 227
Rt?pL>' to n Trimming Epistli^, receivul from a TdilEjr . h - h ^ « « - h ^^3
Thi; Brio's of Ayf , ^ ...*-- ^ * * . . . 130
Fraj^mcnt of SoriB—The Ni.L;ht was Siil! i i - » * i . r . k . . - =37
Epit;r:^ni on Rough RoLtd^ + + + + «... ^.^ ^> ....««. . 137
Prayer— O 1 hoLt iJrtad Power 1 ... ^ i * *. /^ •.**.,.. aj^
Song^^'artWLlI to the Ranks of A^t - . - - , . . * 3^8
Addr4^s5 to the Tooshjeht » ^» «...« x *«...-... - 139
Lln^:s on Met^tin^r with Loj'd DsEjr . . h * * * ' - - ^ « « «,; - - ijo
M^^nic Sonfi — Yu St^ns of Old KUlie - -x- x-. ,--.-, 2^2
Tarn S^rnisoii'i Elt^gy - . . . . h * * - * ,- p ^ , - ^ r . . . 142
Epi&tle to Major Logan * ,^ *. , * h - - h * - - - * ^45
Fra^tncnt on Sensibility + + ...»* ^ « ^ s , 24S
A Winter Night ^^3^
Song — Von Wild Mosiy Mountiins . * * , , * 25!
Address to Edinburjih * ^ « . » ». ^ * 252
Addles to a Haggis . . , . . h . - - » ^ ^ ^ » ^ ^ - - » ^ 153
1787
To Misi LoE,Tn, with Beanie's Poems 255
Mr. William SmdUti: A SkcTch . . - .; ....,., 155
S,in^_RjrrlJn\ Rojrin' Willjj" , , - , . . 1^6
COXTl!NTS 5
PACE
Sons — B&fiic DuntlM: A FrsiBJiic^nL . ^ ^ « » , « « ^ - - . ^ ^ ^ ^5*
EKtc(3ipore in the Courc ol Sciiion . , p^ .,. v .^ ^ - ► * - - - ^ - i^^
Inscription for iht Headstone ot J^trf^ui^an ihe Pncl ,,,,****. 3^7
Lines Insi-TJIjcci under Ft-fgiisson's Porfnlc * ^ ^ ., , - - - 257
l-p]^tle to Mrs, Si^ott vt Wauchopc Hauie ..*-*-*.,.*-.** ^5*
VcrM& Inscribed undiir a Nc^lc Earls Piaurc - , , - i * ^263
T'ruloyuiii spoken by Mr. Woods AC Ldinburiih ^ :,»,,-..- « 360
Sons— Tht ^^"t^i*^ Moorhen . . . , * h - . . ; \ , - h * * • afil
Sonj; — My Lord a-Huncin^ he h yartc ^ * aSi
Epigtafn at Rc]sEin Inn - *" * » • afe
Ei^iyrans Addre^ud to an Aitisf ...,-,*,,-* + ■--■ ^63
The liookworrr^s * ,♦■♦■* h f 264
On Llphinstont'^ Translation nf Martij]"^ l:pit;ra»ii h - ^ . - ^ h .^ t- ♦■ ^64
Suns — -"^ ISollIc arid Friend ^ ^ ^ , + ., + ^ . h « . - * - - ^ 5*4
Lints Written under the Pitl^fc of Mtsi Purns * 164
Epitaph lor Williiin Nleol- Hi;;h Si^biwl, KdJnbur>ih ,***-,,♦* 365
Epitaph for Mr. Williscn MiehicTp Schwlmaiter , ^ ^ ^ , 2S5
Eic^iE Sons;— He>. Ca^ Thro* ^ i *:,.,,-.. 265
rtddrt.5s to Wm. Tyder, Eiq.^ of Woodhftuselec ......,,--- 266
rpifc^rani to MJis Ainslic in Church .--,*-***f»*--- 267
BurlntiUL^ Lament for Win. Creech^ Abienee * . . , 2C7
Note to Mr. Rcni&n oi Lamurtt;n * *♦-.,* ^69
Elegy on Stella ,.*-*,** , . . , , 263
The Ban! at Invenrj- , ^ ^ , . h ^ , * . - - * * * - ► * - ^7*
Epij^rjm to Mtsi Jean Scott - * i *. ^7^
On [he Death oi Jc^hn M'Leod, Ti^i). ..♦.*.* f ■ ,¥.+■*.**»?* ^73
EUey ^fl th4! Death of Sir ]jnies Kunter Qlair . . . * 273
Im|>rDniptu on Carran Iron Wi^rks -♦** + hF- 275
To Miss Fijrnerr enclostng Hleiiy on Sir ]. H. Blair - * * 275
Written by Somtbod> cjn the Window ol an Inn at Stirllny . . * - * * h 176
Reply ift the Thrtat of a Censf^nous Critic .,**-.►* 57^
The Libelkr'i S<?lf-rLpruaE * =76
Vtrses Written with a Pencil M the Inn -ti Kencnore .-*..--.* 276
Song— The Birks of Aberfcld/ * . - . 277
The Humble Petition of Bru-ir W»c«r . ^ * * <■ . - ^ 378
Lines on the Tall ot Fycrs . ^ ,,,...»* ^ ^Si
Epigram on Parting wirh a kind Honi In the Highlinds .*---.** aflr
Sony — Strathillan'5 Lanrrnc ,,*t^t*^-*--*-^'-- 28r
Verses on Ca&de Gc^rdon * .282
Song^Lady Dnlid Honest Lui:k[e - ^ k * , - , Jfij
Song— Thcniel Menjies" Bonie Mary * - 2Sj
Sonp— The Bonie Lass tj Albany * ^^4
On Searing Eome Water-Fowl in Ltwrh Tutit * =&5
6 CONTENTS
Sonfr-Blirhc was She * ^^^
Sour— A Efhw-l^uJ by my Earlv Walk ...... ^ -*..--* ^87
HpjLtpk far Mr. W. Cnjti;ksfi.inh . - - h * . * ^**
Song—Briivint Anyr/ Wtnicr"^ Stornis ....--... =SB
Sonfi— My PcKK^b Charms ^^5
Song— Tiii^ Voun^lIiytilanJ Reiver . , - * "9
JljnhUy Otie (or jipt Dwcn^bttt 1787 - - *■ » =**
On the pLdth t^f Bubtn Iluniks, Esq., of Amistwi ^a
Sylvandcr (0 Cliimtla ,..*,--.♦♦- ^ ^ - ■■ - * - ^93
T738
SoiifT — Lovt m the Guisi^ nf Fricnchhtp . - . ■ ■ -*.*■♦*.♦■*■* 1^"
Sonfi— Cf> on, SwKt Htfcl :inJ SooiltL my Care , , . 155
S&riK — ClirifLilai MJ&Ercw uf my Saul * 395
Son^r — I'ni DVt Vaung co ^tJ^^^' yet - - * * , , , , , ;95
Sttny — To tlic Wtavtr's &■" V<^ fi<* ' * ' - - * 23&
ScsriK — M'Phcrsrm's FarcivLlI , * *.*..■*. h ig7
5on?;— Stay mt Ch.irmer .,,,*.----* =98
Sonj>— xMy Efo^yic , * . , * ,.....*,. 39S
Socle;— Rsivang WinJs Aroiim! her PIcjwehh ..*,----**-- ^99
Song— Ljji in ilct- Marnina Early , „¥ * ^ * ^ * * * * ► iWf
Song— How Luni; :ind [Jrcar^ is the Ni^ihc 300
Sons— Hey. ^^^ ^^^^> ^■"*^'' * - SP^*
Sonj;— Duncan Djvkon -.,,.*,, * * * - , got
Sony— The I^sd ihty ca' Jumpin John ..,.,, * * * ,, 3^
Sone—Talk ol hnn ihjt's Fnr Awi , - .^01
Song — To Dayni&fi Mc , , , ^ ^ , ^ * ^nj
SoriR— The Wmtcr it W Past ^ h »**«..****..«. . 303
c^Qg — The BnmE Lad that's Far Aw:) . * * » 304
Verses to Cbrind^in with Diinking Classes 304
Sanji — 'Th^ ChirviUer's Lament .*.*.*■•..•- + ■ ^ * * < * - - 305
Eputle to Hujrh Pafkvr . , , . h h * 305
Song — Of i" the Airti the Wind c^in lilaw , , ^ .*.-.» ..t .», .^ * ■ - - 306
Song — 1 h:LL i \Vi[e n' my Ain + + Hi_ *_ * * 307
Idincs VVriHL-rc in FrJars' Canse HcfmitaEe (firyf V€^fi<yn) 307
Tfl Alct- CunjiinjjhamH E^h^ Writer, ^dinbur^h 3^8
Sn^ng — Am^j^ thy Champs «. + + -«« )og
The Fl^ei! Chatnpctfc « 309
EiiisiFc Eo R[]l>^r[ Ciraham, E^.p of Fintry ^ * ^ * ^ « « « ^l
Sonj? — ThL^ Day Rciurns ^ p^ * ,.**».««,« ^ « 314
.Son^; — O ^VL-re I on Parn^^sii^ Htll , ^ + + + 314
A Mother's Lament Eor her Son's Dpith + 3J5
SoDg— Tilt: Fill flf Uw Uxaf *-.-.,, 315
■ ^ J
r
CONTENTS 7
Song — I R^E^ >Ei T^anic'i* Busotii ^ ^ 316
Sof\s — It is n2, }4j^np ihy Banu^ Face 316
Sony — Auld Lan^; Syne . . ^ ^ « ^ . ^ + « « « 317
Son£ — M^' Bonic Mjfy 31S
Verses on rt ParUng Kiss . . . * ... h * 318
Whilcn m Frtar&' Caftc Hcrxnitasc {Scir<rNd l>rW^n) . . * * 319
The Poec'ft Proj;iM3s ....... ^ . «... ^ « 1^ >: ^ , . ^io
Elegy on chc Ykh" 17^8 ,,*.♦> ^^ -..-.* * 5^13
Tbc^ Kenptrckcd tlusband .,...,, 314
Vefsidcs on Siun-Potts 335
Song— Rrjbm Shurt in Hairst -, ,*-...,- 324
Odcp Si3crcd to the Memory ot Mff^r Oswald of Anthencmive - , ^ ^ , » 33.5
PtgaiUi at WanEockhcad + + . . , 326
Sappho Ktdivivu&j A Fragment * , **..,. 327
Son^ — She's l"air and Faiise ., + ..■- + , + 328
Impromptij Line^ to Captain Riddel! + « . ^ « « 328
Linir'j In fohn M'Murdo of Druni^lanri^ - r r ■ , - .^ ■ ^ » * - - . 319
Rh>Tninp Rtply to a Note from C^pci^in Ridddl 329
Caledonia: A R.dLid *-..««..»,.. 329
Verses ^ Miss Crtjpcksliafik * v ._* ^ *:...«.. ^ >.. . ^jr
Song — Beware o' Boni^ Ann **.**■■-. 332
Ode on the Departed Regency Bill + *.-**... 332
Epistle to James Tennani cif Glcnc^hnner n ■ ■ » ^ + 334
A KtH' Psalin for the Chapel of Kifmarnock + * ■ 336
Skclch in Versen inscribed to the Ri^^ht Hon. C. f, Fos , , 338
The Woxinde<3 HafC **.. + + ^ .. ^ ^ .... ^ ... . 339
D^lia: An Ode >.«..»««... ^ ,«,, h + . . 340
Sony — TKl^ C.irdener wi' hii Paidle , , * 340
Song — On a Rank of Floivers * - * 341
Song — YounjT Jockit was ^ht BiyiliFsi Lad ............ 342
SonK— The lianks of Nith ,,.,,♦ 1* - . , 341
Song — Jacnict Come Try Me , * . . , 343
Son£ — T Love my Love In Stcrct *-..,,... 343
Song — Sweet Tihblc Dunbar ^ 344
Son^r — The Captain's Lady - . . . ^ , * * , ^ ► * 344
Sonfi — John Andfirsonp My Jo , . , * + + + .-.. 345
Song— My Love she's bul a t^^e yel * 345
Song— Tarn Glen . . , , * . . . h ^ . . 346
SoD^^-Carle, an' the King come ■ ■ . * ^ 34^
Son;; — The Luddie'i dear sel' 347
Song— Whistle o'er the lave o\ . ♦ .. ,,,,,., 348
8 CONI'ENTS
\ ^ ^
Song — My Epjjit Adjjr - * + * , 3^8
On Lhc late Cjptum GrcjHj'i Pi^rL'^rin^iiioni ,.,,, + « 349
Epigram on Francis Gfmc the Antin^uarv + 3^0
The Kirk y£ Scorlaml'i Al.irmt A Ujlbd ^ ■ 331
Sonncc la R, CrahjjOi Eiq,t on Rccavin^ a l-nL^^^iir . . , . . . . . . . ^54
t£Kt{:3ii|>or;tiiL'uus ElTiision on boin^; api>oinlutL co an Ek^:!^ IJivi^i<]n . . , , 35^
Sony — U'allit hrcw'ci j Peck (y' Miuc * . ..., + * ^ * ... , 3^5
Song — Cii" ihe Yowm to ihe Knoww {(^/Jcr wf} - . . . + > .« , . . 356
Sojig — ] Gai^d a WjcIu' Gate Ycitrecn , * * 356
Sonf! — Higliland Hacj^^ buck a^ajn h , 357
S<>ns^^The Cault of Sherraniuir . , , + , 35S
Snny — The Bra£]& o' Ktlliccrankicj , , * ^ 350
Sonj, — H^^'ii'i Whlyip Awj' , - . . H r gfio
Sotag^ — A Waukrife Minnie . . « ^ + * 361
Son^ — The Captive Ribband ,v^ + + «.*>>. 36J
Sony — Farewell lo iht Hit'hl.^aulh ► > ^ * - .^ .^ - , - 362
The Whistle: A BaL1a{! > « «- a- d-_ ,». f. * ,^ » 362
Sonj; — Tq Mary in Heaven . - - ^ ^ t * 3^5
F-pii^le To Dtn Blacklcick ^ , * * * * ^6^
The Tivc Carlins: Art Election lUl^ 3G7
Elation Ballad for Westerha" . , , * , 370
Prologue bpokeFi at the Theatre nf DumfrtCi + ,,.--, 371
Sketch— New Years Day, [?!)" . : ***...,. ^72
Scofjs Prologue inr Mr- Sutherland ,-*-.., + *,,,,,, 374
Linei to a Gentkman ^Hu scni n Neuspaptr ...,,, ^ 375
Ele^y on Willie N teal's Marc . . , + , ^ ^ 376
Sot^g — Th« Oo^^'dL-n Locks of Anna * - - , h * * 377
Sons — ' Murder hare ■ * * * h * ... - 378
Song — GudeiviEcj count the laivin * ^^ *, *. * *^ ^ t ■* - - - * ^ . 378
Fric^tion llall^ at c]o$c of Content for rei>rcsenting the Dumfries Burghs, 17^0 , 373
Elcgj^ on CapTain MatthLW Hendtrion .* * , 383
The Epitaph on Captain Mauln;^v H^fndcr^c^n * ,. - ^ . .^ .^ ^ ^ ♦ - j8fi
Vcr$E:5 Q^ Captain Grosf] « « « « 3^7
Tam o' Sli^flTcn A Tale ,,...,, 38fl
On the Birth ot a Fofchunaou^ Child ^ , , « . 394
Eleg>^ on the late Mess Burticl of MonWJil^ «... 395
179T
Liinf-nt of Mirjj Queen of Scotj - 396
.Stm^T — There'll nevci" b*.- Pcict rill Jirnic izc^jties hamc 398
Sf^^g — Out over the Forth --.---''«« ^ ««««. . 398
CONTENTS 9
PACE
Sojiji— The Bankf o" Dwn (/>jj IVr/i^w) * - ** 39*
Sony— The Banks o' i:)t>yti (TftiVif l^i-fjion) ,*--.* 400
Lament (or Jajiif]^, EjtI 4?F Glt^iKaifn . . . ^ ^ . . ^ « « . . - - 400
Lines Scot Co Sir John Whit<]ford, B;irt * i ^ - 4^3
Stmt' — Crjii[ii:bLjrn Wood ., ^ .,,..»** r f . ^ « - - 4^i
Son^;— The Cflfiic Wet Thins . * - , * * - 4'^4
Epigram on Mlss Davic^ + + ^^4
Song — The Charms of Lovdy Djivk^j ....««* ^ ^ ^ ««. » -I05
Scftfi — Whji can a VcjunE l-s-ssie do wL' an Auld Manr 406
Son^: — The PosJc + *.»..*.. ^ + 406
On GlL-nriddc^li's Fo'c Eij-cnkicic: his chain: A Fr:i^icnc ^ . 4 « « - - - - 4^7
Poem &rt Pastoral PMcry * 409
Verses en Eh<] cEcstrLiccion of the ^^'cxKL4 ne:tr DrUiiiljn^i^ + , 41 e
Soji^r— The Calfani Weaver ^ . . - * * ■ f ^ 4t2
Epigi^am at Eru^vnhill Jun ^ ^ « - ^ « . , h « - - - - 413
Song — You're wek&met Wiltie Ste^^'art ...h + 4x3
Son?; — Lively Pofly Scewirt ► ^ * * 413
Song — Fragment — -Dnimon and Sylvia « 414^
SonjT — Fragment — Johnie hd. Cock up your Beaver l. . ^ 414
Son^ — My Eppic Macnab ..■i-««*»*«^*f.»»*«« 414
Song — FragmenT"-Ahho' he has left tnt - - * 415
SoniT — My Tocher's iKl^ ]tmfl ..,,**-■-* 415
Song — O for anc ^n' iwentyp Tatn . . , , , 415
Song — -Thoti Fjir Efiza * * , « « 416
Song— My Bonic Bell .-.-..-*-.-. 417
Song — 5w£^[ AEcon * t. * ^ . p p « « . . . » « 417
Address to tfse bh^iclL^ o( Thomson - - - - ^ ►. - * 41 8
Song — NiEhdalt's Welcomt Haane . . » -^ ^ i i- l : 4ig
Sonfl — Frae tht friends and bnd J lovt . . . . ^ ., ; 419^
S^nt^ — Sueh a parcel of Rogues in h1 Nation ^ » . . . ^ « 42a
Seng — Ve Jaciabites by Nat]ie ,, + ,.,, 420
Song — I hac been at CrcM]kicdcn * * * 431
Sonjf — Kenmure\ 00 and awa, Willie tai
Episilt to John MaswelL Ei^.^ of Terraughty * 422
Second Epi^cle to Rr]berE tifahatnn Fsii., uf Fintry --,***.*.»* 42^
The Song of DeflTh , ,.*..,,..,., 416
Poem on St'nsibihty ^ « . . ^ + 426
Ef^ram — The Toad-eater , , + + * ^27
Epty ram— Divine Service ,n Lanaingmn ^27
Hpigfam — The KcL^kin'-CJfass^ ^ , * * * 427
A Grate befofe Dinner , ^ ^ * , + + 427
A Grace after Dinner , 428
Iti CONTENTS
PACE
Song— O Ma^p thj- Mofn ...-- = = ^ 4^8
Song— Ae fond Ke^* ....,.---**. i - * ► * * . . 420
Sons — Bi^>it>ltl the HauTr ibe Dojtn arri^o; ^ ^ * 4^9
Song — Ttiou Glrtt^niy Dccembci" , + **.-** 430
S^jfig— My Nitivc Land iae far ;iivi . * i L « » r * - . * * . . 43^
1792
Song — 1 do confess thou Jifi ssc fiir . , . . v > i . i ^ 431
Lines on FtTi^ssi^n, the Poet . . h « - - - + ^ ^ - - ^ - ^ - - 43'
Song — The weary Pui^d ci' To^v■ * ^ . . . . 431
Sonp — Wficn she cam ben J^hc Iw^bLcd *..-*- 432
Sc?nt— Scrofisjm, my deiri<] . h **,..*..,...,., 43J
Song— My Collier Laddie: .. ^ ^ ^ ~j >.«.». ^ .. ^ « . 433
Song— Sic a Wite ji ^^il3jc had . . - . 434
Song — Ljdy Mary Ann --♦♦*.*:■♦**-**-. h * * . . 435
Sung — I^cH^burn Bme^ . . , f . v .* '* - ».»+.«« . . ^ -_*^ « "^6
Song_The Slave s Lament ,...,..,.,»•.., 43?
Song — *:an yt LuboMr Lc;i^ , ^ . . * * . 43ft
Sm^ — The Dcuki dang o'er n>y Dadclk ■ ^ ► ■ * ^ , 4i9
Sans — 1^'^'^ Deil's awji wi' the E^Lci^cman . . * * 439
Song — Tht Country La&s .in- * ... x.. - - 440
Song — Bc5&y and lii:r SjHnnin Wheel .,, ^ , ^ ^ ,,,«,,, 441
Song — FrajEmtnt — Love tor ]uvc ,,. + +., _fi_ * * . . 442
Song — Saw ye Btrnie Lesle>' ^-^^^p^* ^*,-. 442
Sc]ng — Fragment — No CuU approatrh ***.**,.. 443
Song — J'll meet thee on the lrf,t Rig . + 4^3
Song — My Wife*5 a winsome wee thing 444
Sont^^^Highland Mary , ^ .^ . . . t ^ ^ - - ^ ***_*,' * » - 444
Song— AulJ Rc]h Morris , '4-- • i ^ - - - 445
The Rtghu oS Women — S^wken by Mis^ Fontenclle « « « ^ , - . . ^ « 446
l-pijjrani on Ml&s Fontcndle * * ^ ► . + , . * 44^
Extcmimr*! on socne commemorations of Than^iOfi ^ . ^ . . « ^ . . » 447
Sung — Duncan Gray * * ^."; ;,,...** 44^
SonR— A Health Co them thai :^ ;iwa v * - * 449
A Tippling Batlad — Wbon Prin^cs^ and Prelates, et*;. . . ^ * ► ► ► * . 450
1793
Song — Poorddi cauld and restless Eoie , . . ^ ^ * + f ■ 45^
Epigram on Pfrllcics ***■■■**----* 45^
Sonii—Bra^v Lfld&o Gala Water . . h ....-■-* 45^
Sonnc^i un the Author's liinlulay *- * -^ + * f ^ * + + « ^ - + * * 45^
Song— Wsmlcrln^ Willie - * * i , 453
CONTENTS I T
PAGE
Son^ — W judtf in g Willie {K^ii^cd Version) , . ^ ^ , , , 454
Lord Grcj^^o^ A Bsliiid . . v «. * * ^ ^ - - - ^ - - * - - ^ ^ 454
£on£ — Opc^n ih^ dnar to nie, oh « > ^ < * - ^ * « . . « . ^ * * - 4^5
Soflg'— Lovely young Jc&sie 455
SonE^-Mt^ o' ihi^ Mill . . ♦ i * ■<^ ^ - ^ , 456
Sour— Meg o' the Mill (/ifipiJurr r^jioj;) .*...** ^56
The SoMicf's Rt^curni A Ballad 457
Epige^i^i — The True Lo^al Natives . . ^ ^ « ^ > ^ - . > ^ . . . 459
Epkgrani — Con^missarj" Goldic's lir-iint. , + * , - , , 459
Linci Inscribed in a Lilly's P^ktt Alinanack * . . * , 4S9
Epjjrrajn — Th^inki for a Nauunal Vkiury . 459
CortitiicnioraiiOEi of Rodricy'a Victor}' . ^ 459
Epigram — ^T]>t: Raptures of Fnlly , . , ^ . . . ^ , 460
Epifiram— Kirt and Si,Hl: E?:t:isenien . , , 460
ExiisiRporc Kcply to an Invlucicj^ ^ ^ , ^ - - , ^ 460
A Grace after Meat ^ « , ., 4 ^ - - ^ ^ 460
Grace before und after Mcac ^ » ^ *- i * ^ » - .> 4-, » . ^ ^ * * 461
lanproniptu on iJiiniourkr's Dtscrtiort of tht French Rcpublkan Army , , . 46^
Eonfi^Thc liiT time J cam o^r the Moor ...,««*». ^ ^ ,,,« 461
Song— Lofiln Brjcs ^ « . . ^ . . » ^ « . . ^ - 462
Song — Blyihe hae 1 bwn on >"on htil 463
Song — O w^rE> tt^y love yon lilac fair , * « . 464
Bonic Jcant A Ballad * ^ . . ^ « . 464
Lines on John M'Miirdoj Esqr . h + ^ + 466
LitjTAph on a Lap-dog - - - ^ » > ^ . + « . » « « 466
Epigrams against ihc Earl i»f Gallu^vjy .... ^ ,»,«,»,« » 4(16
Epigram on the Laird at Lagg^ - - ^ ---»***»«».« . 467
Sc^ng — Phillis the Fair > ^ ^ p. * . . ^ * * . ^ ^ 467
Song — Had I a Cav« , ^ » ^ ,. v. ^ «,».,,.,,«,, « 467
Syng — By Allan Stream . . * h . - - * 46E
Song— Whisilc jnU Til come to you . . h * * , . ► 4C9
Song^^Phillifi the Queen o' ihe fair * , . * 469
Song — Come let me ralie thee to mj breast - + , ■ * 470
Song — Dainty Davie * * ^ ^ «. p ^ . » p « « . . 471
Svng — Robert Bruce's March to BannrKkhui'n + 47^
Song — Behold ihe hnur, etc. (iivowrf V^rti^rj) . ^ , , , « » p « « » 472
Song — Down the Burnn Davie lovt ■ h + f ■ * - * * 4J3
Song — Thou ha-^t fed mo ever, Jamie * . . ^ 473
S^g — Wiicrc arc thu Jojs I have mec ....***■***.,, 474
Song — Deluded sivain, tht pleasure + * + « t t * « . . 474
Sung — Tiitne jm 1, my fjithlul Fair . * * 475
trnp^ompL^ on Mrs. RiddclTs Birthday * . ■ , * 475
Snng — My Spouic N^mcy *pppp-^^. **4.^. -**.-- 476
12 CONTENTS
PACE
Adtlct5& i^vyl^n by Miss Fyn^ertuHt * - , 477
Comptim*?jitary Epigram io Mrs, Riddell »■♦., + * , . 47S
1794
Remoridul ApoEoyty ^ » * « « « -^ . ^ . . , , 475
Son^T — Wjlc rhou he my Deatie ,,*-*.-*.--* ^ 479
So^, — A Fidtlltr in the Nc^rih + .i .> * - - * * ■ - > i- ; ♦ * . 479
The Miji^nvE at LlncluJ^rti « , ... ^ * -»^ ^ *- » . . . 4^0
A Vidon .... + ** **^; ",--i jjBi
Son^ — A redj r*.^ Rom - . + , ^ • r* *. * 4S2
Snflt^— Young larnicp priJc of J* ilii; plsm h , * \ .-..**,. , 483
SonK — 'The FJowery banki of CiW + ** + *-, + , 4S_j
Mortwly rtn i Lidy^ fumed for her Caprii^o ■•••**.. 4K4
Epitaph oil thi? same mm** *«**t,,., 48^
Eplgrjjrti pinned \o Mrs. RiddetJ's carria|;e - - - h + + . . , . ^ ^ . 4^1^
Epitaph loi" Mfn WjIki RiddLlI -*, *.*-, 485
Eptstlt Irom Esopu^ lo Maria .-, -*--*-^„,h 4H5
Epitinph on a Jiotcci coxcomb . - , ^ ,^ _ 487
Epitaph on Captain Li^^ccUcs , ^ m * * * * ^ . . . ^ 487
Epitaph on Wm. Grjham, Esq., of Mossknowe *-*.*♦, 4S7
F.pitaph on John liusbyi Eiq., Timvald Downs ,. 4SB
Sonnet on the F^cath uf Rtjl>crt Hiddtll * * ^ * > . jSS
Sony — The Lovely I«i&s o' Tjivcmvw ^ ^ + «.,.. ^ .««., . 4S8
Sans — Charlit, he's my Darting **..**, ^ , , , 489
Sofig — The Bannncks o" tlu.-ir Meal ._.*_* ^* , 4c>^i
Sojig — The Highlanfl Palou , + * ^ 490
The Highland Widow's Lament * f * 490
Sanfi — It wjs a' (^r our li^Ehtfu' King , + ^ 45X
Ode for General Wabhinyion'5 Birthfljy . . ■ * .^ .^ r* ^ .-, 4yj
Inseription to Miss Graham cl Fintry .. .+.«.>.+ .^ , ^ « ^ . . 494
So^B — On the Scaa and (ar awiy - - ^ ► ► ^ .> * » * ♦ 49J
Saflfi^ — O' che Yawcf to ihe Knawts * . . , + 4fj6
Song — She z^yz 5he Iocs me btit of a' * * , h . . 4^7
Epigram on J^ssy Sraig's reco^xry * , , . . 4^8
To the beautiful Miis Eliza J n, on her pr]ni:ipk-^ of Lil^cnv and Equality . 4^8
On Chlc?ris requei^tjn^r a spri^ of bloiscjin'cj thorn - , * ■ * * * -'^ ^ ^ . 49R
On seeing Mrs^ Kcmble in Yarico * * * 49S
Epigram on a Counlfj' Laird (Car^loness) . , , , . - . 4^8
Epigram on the ^amc Laird's Country' Seat . . « s . . . 499
F_piyrim on Dr. B^tbin^ton'^ lck>k^ . .» * * - 499
Epipsm €^n 3 Suicide .,., + . , » r+ + , . 491)
Epigram on a Sweijfing Coxcomb , , - , ^ - 495
Eplyram on an Innkeeper (^'The Marquis''} , * * , * , . 459
CONTENTS 13
PAGE
Episr^m on Andre^v Turner »»»«..** * t * m joo
Song — Fretly Peg, my Jtaric * * * ^ 500
I^tccni fcr Chloric , . . » ^ « , . « 30&
Song — Siw ycnj my dcjr, my Philip , , ^ + « , + * ^ , 501
SonjT — How lang and tlrtary is the night . , , * * * ► ► 501
Sony — Inconitincy in lovg + , * 4- * 5*1
The Lovtrrs Morning Salute lo his Mi&trc^s ^ ^ - ^ « . - . ^ « * * joi
Sons— The WinTcr f>£ Life ...---***.*.* 5^J3
Sflng — Behold, my lovCr how gretn ih*; grDvcs ,.-.,_* ^ , ^ ^ 503
Song — The 4:harmlng m&nth &f May ....,, 504
Song — Lassie wi' ihe Lini-^vhitc Larks * , , ^ ^ 505
Dijilo^c Song— Phil[v and Willy . . - * , ***.►* 506
Song — ConietittMl ^V litt!*:, and cantie wi' mair 507
Sonjj — Fareivell ihoxi sCfcarn (hg.E winding flows ^ * . . » goS
Son^ — Canst thou leav^ me ihu^, my KdtLe »>.>.+ «« ^ ,«.. « 5^
Sang — My >4anic's aw^ ,,,,. ^ .««,«.... ^ .. « 509
Song — The Tt^r-dr^p — ^'Wac h my htan" * , ,^ * * ^ ► 510
Song — For ihc sake o' Somebody . - . + 510
^795
Sflng — A Man^s a Man £or a' that * * ► 511
Song — Cf^igirburji Wcuxi {Srcc^d Vrrfior^} « 4. >.-***-.» » 5^3
The Solemn League and G^vcnant . , , 512
Lines to John SyrtiCf Es^^., widi a dc^cd oi Porter . . , , 513
fcLScnpt^an on Mr^ Symc's crjsral goblet . . . h , , - 513
Apolrtgy (€3 Mf. Syme for not dtnin^ with him 513
Epitaph for Mr. Gabrli^l Ri^hajdsonp Brewtr * + , , , . ^ 513
Epigram on Mr, ]arne& Grade ► ► * * ^ , i * * ►. ► . 5I3
Sonp — Boni& Peg'a-Ramsa^r , ■ ^ ^ * i. , , , 514
iilscription at Friars' Carsc Hcrmitagt . . . . ^ ». * -^ -. . . ^. , ,. 5E4
Song — Fragmerti— Ti]ere was a Bonie Lasa , . ^ - , , ^ , , , ^ * * 514
Song — Fragment — Wee Willie Grajr * ^rj
Sorsg — O aye my wife ihc dang me + * ^ 515
Eong^-Cijid ale keeps ihe he.irc aboon . h - * , ^ , . ^ ^ , ^ , , 515
Song-^Ktr her up and haud her gjun ***... 516
S*>ng — The Las£ o" Ecclefechin ■ ■ * + 516
Song— O let mt in this a<; night . . , * **■■■► 517
Song — 111 aye cj' in by yon town v » ^ ^ * gi8
Song — O wat ye wha's in yon lown 51S
Ballad on Mr. Huron's Elci^ion — No. i * - . . . 5^0
Ballad on Mr, Heron's Eleclion — No. z * h , * . . - 521
BjIIjJ on Mr- Heron's Election — No. 3 - * . . . ^ , 3^4
IiuctipEiai^ for an Altar of Indcptfldtnce 536
14 CONTENTS
PACE
Sang— The C^diQ <y\ ihc SfMnnins o't - . * + n 5i6
Snn^-Tijc Cooper o' Cuddy ,,...,,-..* ^i?
Snng — -The la^s ihai made the bod (o me + f f 5^7
^ytfg — Had 1 the wytc^ 5h*! bjde me * 519
Song — The Dumfries VolunUxTs , « * ^ » p ^^ « ^- 530
SoriK — Addre^ ki the WnodJark ^-^Tii*-»<« 531
Sdny — art C>i]cris btrii^g ill « » .. ^ ^ « «. p. v ^ ■- 53i
Song^ — How cruel are the parents . . . ^ » . « «^ * , + 532
Sons — Yojider pojiip of cujcly Ea$hu?n .^- s',.^****^*, r 535
Son;; — Twis n-1 htr bonic b\v^ c'e « « « * ^ * * - . . 534
Sartp — Tlirir groves o' swett myrtle 534
Song — Foflorn, my lovep nu^on^lort here . . . . . 535
Sony— Fragmcni — Why tdl the luver * * * 536
Soflg— The Braw Wooer , . . . ^ . ^ . . . . , . ^^36
Son^ — 'ThJi is nu my ain Ijssie ^ + *._,,,,, , 537
Sony — O Iwjnie was >'t?n msy Rricr . r , , , ^ ^ * 53B
Song — Now Sprijifi has clnd the grove in ^Teen * . . h h , 53S
SonK^— O thjti i±LL^ tjissii! c" my htart * + + 5jo
ln-K:fl(iTion t<j Chlori^; , * 5^1
Song — Fragment — Leezi^ Lindsay ^ .«*..> .^ 542
Song — Ff3^mL-nL — ihc WrL-Ji'i Nest +.^ * ^ ► * ►».»».-* . . - . 54::
Soflg — Ncw&fc hssieSh ne^vs ^ « , ^ « ^. « » « « + , 54a
Son^ — CrowdJe e^xr mair ...,^p^,««, ,, 543
5on^T--Mjl]y'5 nitekj Mnlly'% 5Wcct *^-f.t**i* 543
Song — ]oc]^ic> t^icn tht; pLiTting Km H.^^^. ..,,,«,,, ?4^
Verses tcf Collector Mitche]! * 54^
1756
The Dean of Faculty: A new Ballad , , h + h . . . 545
Epjstle to Colonel cle Peyiter ..,...«,«««^ 546
a-Ahd on Mfr Ht^ron'5 Elecdon — No. 4 54^
Complimentary vcrilcJes to Jessie Lcwars **,*... 550
Nor I. The To^t * * - . 550
NOh a. Tt"; Menngerie « + ^ ^ ^ 55a
No, 3. Jessie's Illness ,*.,,,, , . - . 550
Ncf. 1]. On her Recovery ^ ^ 35(i
Sdng — O lAy rhy ioof in mint^, l3iS *-^*f.***v*- + « . . , 55c
Song- — A Health to ane I loe (k-iir ■ h * * v h ♦ ■ 551
Sonp — O ivert thou in the cajjld blast , , - - - * ^ ■ ■ 55^
Inscription to JcEsic Leivars * , ^ ^ + 55i
&>tig — Fairest Maid on Devon*? B^ks -. *. ►.►.-*_.» ^ -* , . . . 553
Glossary ^ ■ ► ► * * ***** ^^^
INTRODUCTORY XOTE
Robert Burns was born near Ayr, Scotland, i^th of January^ 1759-
He was ihe %on of VVElliam Bume^j or Burntss, at the time of the poet's
biith a nurseryman on the banks of the Doon in Ayriihjrp. His father,
though always extremely poor, attempLcd lo give his children a fair
edxii^^tion, and Robert^ who was the eldest, went to school for three
years m a neighboring^ villagej and bier^ for shorter periods* to three other
schools in the vicinity. But it was to his father ami [o his own reading that
he owed ihe more important part of his educacioti; and by the time thjt
he had reached manhood he had a goud knowledges oi English, a reading
knowledge of French, and a fairly wide acquaintance with the master-
pieces of English literature from the lime of Shakespeare to his own day.
In 1766 William Burness rented on borrowed money the farm of Mouni
Oliphant, and in laking his share tn the elTort to make this undertaking
succeeds the future poet seem^ to have seriously overstrained his physique.
In T771 the family moved to Lochtea, and Burns went to the neighboring
town of Irvine to learn flax-dressing* The only result of this expcrimentp
however^ was the formation of an acquainfai^ce with a dissipated sailor,
whom he afterward blamed as ihe prompter of his first Licentious adven-
tures. His father died in 1784^ and with hts brother Gilbert the poet
rented tht! farm of Mossgiel; but this venture was as unsuccessful as the
otherii. He had meantime formed an irregu^Tr miimacy wirh Jean
Armour, for \^hich he was censured by the iCirk-iession. As a rcsuli
of his farming mtsfortunos, and [lie attempts of his father- in-la%v to over-
throvi' his Irregular marriage with Jean^ he resolved to emigrate; and in
order to raise money for the passage he published (Kilmarnock, 17S6)
a voluji^e of the poems which he had been composing from time to time
for some years- This volume was unespeciedly successful, so ihar, instead
of sailinii for [he West InUieSj he went up to Edinburgh^ and during
that winter he was the chief literarv celebrity of the season. An enlarged
edition of his poems was published there in 17H7, and the money
derived from this enabkd him to aid his brother in Mossgiclj and to take
and stuck for himself [he farm of EHiiland in Dumfriesshire. His fame
as a poet had reeonciled the Armours to the connection* and having now
regularly married Jean, he brought her to Ellisbnd, and once more tried
farming for three years. Continued ill-succesSp however, led him^ in 17911
to abandon Ellislatidj and he moved to Dumfries, where he had obtained
a position m the Excise. But he was now thoroughly discouraged; his
15
l6 INTRODUCTORY NOTE
work was mere drudjjery; his (i^nJcncy w uke his relaxation In debauch-
cry increased ihe weakness of a consiiiuuort early untiermined; and he
ditid at Dumfries in his ihiriy-eighLh year-
h is not necessary here lo Jttenipt lo disentangle or cxpTain away the
[mmerou5 amours in which he was engaged through ihe greater part of
his life. It is cvidem that Burns was a man of extremely passianaic
naiure and fond of eonvivlality; and iht misformncs of his ht c^smblneU
with his nalurnl cendenqies to drive him ro frequenf excesses of self-
indulgence. He was often rernorsefulj and he strove painfufly^ if inter-
mittendyj after hetier things. But the story of his hfe must be admitted
to be in iis externals a painful and somewhat sordid chronicle. That it
contained, howover^ many moments of joy and exaltalion is proved by
ihe po^ms here prinied-
Burns's poetry falls into rwo mam groups; English and Scottish* His
English poems are^ for iht] most piirt, inferior specimens of conventional
eighteenth century verse. But in Scottish poetry ht^ achieved triumphs
of a quite extraordinary kindn Since the time of the Reformation and the
union of the crowns of England and Scoiland^ the Scots dialect had largely
fallen into disuse as a medium for dignified wrtiinjj. ShortEy before
Burns's lime, however, AHan Kamsay and kolf^rt Fergusson had been
the leading figures in a revival of the vernacular^ and Burns received
from them a national tradition which he succeeded In carrying to its
highest pitch, becoming thereby, to an almost unique degree, the poet
of his people*
He first showed eompleie mastery of verse in the field of satire. In
■The Twa Herds." "Holy Willie s Prayer " "Address to the Unco Guid,"
'^The Holy Fair/' and others, he manifested sympathy with the protest
of die so-called '*New Lighl'^ p^^^y* ^hich had sprung up in opposition
to the extreme Calvinism and intolerance of the dominant "Auld Lidits."
The fact that Burns had personally sufTercd from the discipline of the
Kirk probably added iire to his attacks^ but the satires show more than
personal animus. The force of the invectivt\ the keenness of the wit, and
the fervor of the imagination \vhich they displayed, rendered them an
important force in the theological liberation of Scotland.
The Kilmarnock volume containedi besides satire, a number of poems
like '^The Twa Dogs" and "The Cotter*E Saturday Nightp" which are
-vividly descriptive of the Scots peasant life with which he was most
familiar; and a group like "Puir Mailie" and "To a Mouse," which, in
the tenderness of iheir treatment of animals, revealed one of the most
attractive sides of Burns^s personahty. Many of his poems were never
INTRODUCTORY NOTE 3:7
primed during his lifetime, (he most remarkable o£ ihe^c being "The
Jolly Beggars " a piece in ^hicK, by tin? jnieiisity of his imaginative sym-
pathy and the brilliance oi his lechnupt, he renders a picture of the
lowest dregs of society in such a way as io raise ii inio the rtalni of great
poetry^
But ihe real national importance i]f Burns is due chiefly ro his sangs,
The Puritan austerity of [he ceniuriei following [he Refornwiion had
discouraged secular music, like other forrns of arc, in Scotland; and as a
result Scottish aong had become hopelessly degrsided in point both of
decency and literary L]uality. Prom youth Burns had been interested in
collecting [he fragments he had heard sung or found printed, and he
came lo regard the rescuing o£ this ahnost lost nnlional inheritance in
rhe lighi oi a voeation. About his song-makings two points are especially
noteworihy: lirst^ that the greater number of hi? lyrics sprang from actual
emotional experiences; second, (hat almost all were composed to old
melodies- While in Edinhur^h he undertook to supply marerial for
Johnson's ^'Musical Museum/' and as few of the traditional songs c^juld
appear in a respectable collection^ Burns found it necessary to make them
over. Sometimes he kept a stanza or two; somelimcs only a line or
chorus; sometimes merely [he name of the air; the rest was his own. His
method^ as he has Told us himselfj was to become familiar with the tradi-
[ional meWyt to ea[ch a suggesilon from some fragmen[ of the dd songt
to fix upon an idea or situation for the new poem; then, humming or
whistling the lune as he went about his work^ he wroughi out the new
T;erscSj going intc the hou^se to write them down when tlie inspiration
began to flag. In [his process is to he found ihc cxplanaiion of mueh
of [He pwcull.ir quality ot the songs of Rurns. Scarcely any known author
has succeeded so brilliantly in combining his work with folk material^
or in carrying on wiih such continuiiy of spirit che [radition of popular
song^ For George Thomsun's collection of Scottish airs he performed a
func[ion similar to ihac which he had had in the "Museurn"; and his
poetical activity during [he last eight or nine years of his life was chiefly
devoted to these two publications- Jn spite of the fact that he was con-
stantly in severe financial straits^ he refused to accept any recompense
for this work, preferring to regard it as a patriotic service. And it was,
indeed, a patriotic service of no small magnitude. By birth and tempera-
meni he was singularly fitied for the task, and this fitness is proved by
the unique extent to whieh his producEions were accepted by his couniry-
meUj and have passed into the life and feeling of his race.
POEMS AND SONGS
SONG— HANDSOME NELL'
Tunc — ^1 am 3 man umnariied,'^
OONCE T [ov^d a bonic lass,
Ay^ and I love her still;
And whilst i}iji[ virtue warms my bfcast,
ril love my hiindsome NcU-
As bonie !as50s i hac seen.
And mony Cull as braw;
Biii> for a modest gracciu' nicin^
The like I never saw.
A bonie lass^ I will confess,
Is pleasant to i\k e'^i
But, without some better qualities.
She's no a lass for me-
But Nelly's looks arc blythc and sweet,
And w hat is best of a\
Her reputarion Is complele,
And fair without a flaw-
Sbe dresses aye sae clean and neat,
Both decent and gt^meel;
And then there's something in her gait
Cars ony dress look woeL
A gaudy dress and gentle air
May ilighily touch the heart;
But it^s innocence and modesty
That polishes tlie darl.
I The firsr of my performances- — S, ff-
20 ROBERT BURNS
Tis this in Nelly pleases rne^
^Tis nhis enchants my soul"
For absolutely in my breast
She feigns wiihout control,
SONG^O TIliRlE, I HAE SEEN THE DAY
Tum^ — ''!nvcTcau!d\ Reel, or Strachspt^/'
C/^or, — O Tibf^ifij T hae seen ihe day,
Yo waJna been sjio shy;
For laik o' gear ye lightly mCj
But^ trowth^ I care na by-
Yestrcen ! met you on ihe moofj
Ye spak na, bui gaed by like srour;
Ye geek at mo because Titi poor^
But fitnt a hmr care L
O Tibbie^ 1 hae seen the day, &c-
When coming hamc on Sunday lasi^
Upon che road as 1 cam past.
Ye snulft and ^a e your head a casi—
Bui irowih I carc't na by.
O Tibbie, I hae seen the day, &c-
I doubt na, lass, but ye may think p
Because ye hae the name o' clink^
Thar ye can pEease me at a ivinkj
VVheneer ye liko lo try.
O Tibbie^ I hae seen the day, GcC.
But sorrow tak' him thafs sae n^ean,
Altho' his pouch o' coin were cleanj
Wha follows ony saucy quean.
That looks sae proud and high.
O Tibbie, I hae seen the day, flcc^
Altho' a lad were e er sae smart,
If that he want the yellow din.
Ye '11 cast your head anidier airt^
And answer him fu* dry,
O Tibbie, I hae $een the day, &c.
POEMS AND SONGS
Bu^ if Ke hac the name o' gear,
Veil i^asicn lo him like a brier,
Tho' hardly he, for sense or lear^
Ee belter ihjin the kye,
O Tibbie^ 1 hae seen ihc day^ icC,
But, Tibbie, lass, lak' my advice;
Your JaddiE^'s gear maks you sae nict?;
The dcil a une wad speir your price^
Wi^re ye as poor as L
O Tibbie, I hae seen ihe day^ &c.
Tiicre lives a lass beside yon jKirk,
rd raiher hae her in hcf sark.
Than you \\V a* ynur diousand mark;
That gars you look sae high-
O TibbiCj I hae seen ihe day, icC*
21
SONG— I DREAM'D T LAY
1 T>keam'd I lay ivhere flowers were springing
Gaily in ihe sunny beam;
Lisfning to (he wild birds singing,
By a failing crysii^l stream:
Str3Jj;h[ ihL^ skv ^rnw black and daring;
Thro' the woods the whtrUvinds rave;
Trees with aged arms were warring,
O'er the s^velling drumlie wavcp
Such was my lift's deceitful rnorning,
Such the plL^asurcs I enjoyed:
But lang or noon, loud tempests storming
A' my flowery bliss destroy 'd.
Tho' fickle foriune has deceived me —
She promised Uir, and pcrfomiM but ill,
Of moiiy a joy and hope bercav'd me —
I bear a heart shall support me i^till.
22 ROBERT BURNS
SONG— IN THE CHARACTER OF A
RUINED FARMER
Tunc — '"Go from my ^vindotv, LcN\"t> do."
The sun he 15 sunk in ihe wesL,
All creatures reiireti to rest^
Wliilc here 1 sk^ ^11 iore bcser^
With sorroiv^ grief, and woe;
And it's 0» lickle Fortune, O!
The prosperous man ii asleep,
Nor hears how the whirlwinds sweep;
But Miwry and 1 must ^^alch
The aufly rempesE blow;
And It's O, fiekle Fortune, Of
There lies the dear partner of my breast;
Her cares for a moment at rest:
Must I see thee, my youthful pridc^
Thus hroughi so very low!
And It's O, fickle Fortune, 01
There lie ray sweet h^ilne^ in her arms;
No anxious Fear their little hearts abrms;
But for their sake my heart does ache,
With many a biller throe;
And it*s O, fickle Fortune, 01
I once was by Fortune carest:
I o(\cc coufd relieve the distrest:
Now life's poor support, hgrdly earn*d^
My fate will scarce l>esrow:
And it's O, fickle FortunCp Of
No comfortj no comfort I have!
How welcome lo me were the gravel
But then my wife and children dear —
O, whither would ihey go\
And it's O, fickle Fortune, Q]
POEMS AND SONGS 23
O whiiherj O whiiher shall 1 tumT
All triendltss^ forsakenj forlorn!
For, in this wortd^ Rest or Peace
J nev^r moK ihall know]
And it's O, fickle Foriunt, O!
TRAGIC FRAGMENT
All devil as I am — a damned wrcrich^
A hardcntdj sialjhorn, unrepcnun^ villam^
Siill my h^irt melis a: human wretchedness;
And wilh sincere hut unavailjnjj sighs
I view the helpless ehiidron of distress:
Wiih lears indignant I bcliofd the oppressor
Reioicing in [he honest man^s de$iriicEiQnj
Who^y ansuhmining heart was all his crime, —
Ev'n you, yf? hapless crew! I pity you;
YCj whom the stemint; Rood think sin to pity;
Ye poor, despised^ abandoned vagabonds,
Whom Vice, as usual, hai turn'd o'er to r din.
Oh! but for friends and imcrposing Heavcnp
1 had been driven forth like you forlorn^
The most detested^ worthless wreich among you I
O injured Cfijd! Thy goodness has endowed me
W]th lalenis passing most of my cumptcrSj
Which I in [ust proportion have abused- —
As far surpassing other common villains
As Thou in natural pans has given mc more-
THE TAK BOLTON LASSES
If ye gae up to yon hill tap^
Ye^ll there see bonie Peggy;
She kens her farlier is a lairdp
And she forsooih's a leddy.
There Sophy lights a lassie bright.
Besides a handsome fortune:
Wha canna win her in a night.
Has Sittle an in eou^tIn^
24 ROBERT BURKS
Gae down by Faile^ and i^^tt the ale,
And lak a look o* Myile;
SKe's dour and din, n deil within,
BuL aiblins she may please ye.
If she Ijp shy, Kcr sister try,
Yc'll maybe fjncy Jtnny;
If ye'll dispense \\i want o' sense —
She kens hersel sht'a bonie.
As ye pae up by yon hillside^
Speif in for bonic Bessy;
She'll gic ye a beck^ and bid yp light,
And hrfndsomely address yc.
There'5 few aae bonic, nane sac guid^
In a' King George' dominion;
H ye should doubl the truth 0' [his —
It's Bessy's ain opinion!
AH. WOE TS ME, MY MOTHER DEAR
ForapAra^^ of J^^miah, 15th CA^Psy xof^ viTs^~
AHj woe is me, my moiher de-ir!
A man of strife ye'v*^ born me:
For sair toniencion f maun boar;
They hatCj revile^ and scorn me^
I neW could lend on biU or band.
That five per cent, n^ight blest me;
And borrowingj on the tithef hand,
Tbe Jcil a ane wad trust me*
Yet T, a coin-dcniid wight,
By Foriune quiie discarded;
Ye see how I am, day and nighty
By lad and lass blackguardedl
POEMS AND SONGS 25
MONTGOMERIE'S PEGGY
Titnp—-' Csili Water,"
ALTiio' my bed were in yon muir,
Atnang ihc hejither, in my pUidie;
Yet hnppy, happy would 1 be,
Had I my dear Montgomerie^s Peggy.
When o'er die hill bear surly sEontis,
And winter nights were dark and rainy;
rd seek some dellj and in my arms
I'd shelter dear Moni^^omerie's Peggy.
Wert I a baron proud and high.
And horse and servants waiting ready;
Then a' 'twad Jjie o' joy to me, —
The sharin't with Monigomerie's Peggy.
THE PLOUGHMAN'S LIFE
As I was a-wand'ring ac morning in spring,
I heard a young ploughman sae sweetly to sing;
And as he was iJngin', ihir words he did say,—
Thcrci nae life like the ploughman's in the month o'
>weei May.
The lav'rock tn the morning shell rise frae her nest,
And mount i' the air wi' the dew on her breast.
And wi' the merry ploughman she'll whistle and sing.
And at night she'll return to her nest back again.
THE RONALDS OF THE EENNALS
Tn Tarboltorij ye ken^ iliere arc proper youfig mcn^
And proper young lasses and a', man;
Bill ken ye rhc Roniilds that live in the Bennals,
They carry the gree frae theEu a\ man.
Their father's a Uird^ and wtel he can spare'Ci
Braid money to tocher iKem a', man;
To proper young mens he'il dink in the hand
Gowd jjuineaa a hunder or two, man.
26 HOBliRT BURNS
There's ane they ca' Jean, VW warrant ye*ve seen
As bonic a t ass or a^ braw^ man;
But for sense and guid ^asie she'll vie wi' the best,
And a conduct thai beautifies a*^ man^
The charms o' ihe min^ the Inngcr Ehey shine,
The tnaif admiration they draw, man;
While peaches and cherricSp and roses and lilies,
They fade and they wither awa^ man,
If yc be for Miss Jean, tak this frae a frien'^
A him o' a rival or twa, man;
The Laird o^ BJackbyre wad gang through tiie (ire,
If thai wad entice her a^^'aJ man.
The Laird o^ Brachead has been on his speed.
For mair than a lowniond or Ewa, man;
The Laird o* the Ford will stra^sght on a board,
If lie canna gG[ her at a', man*
Then Anna come? in, the pride o' her kin.
The boa=;i; ci our bachelors ^\ man^
Sae sonsy and sweet, sae fully complete,
She steals our affections awa^ n^an.
If I should detail the pick and the wa!e
O* lasses [hat live here awa, maii^
The fau^t wad be mine if diey didna shine
The s^^ectest and best o' them a\ man.
T lo'e her my$eV bur darena weel tell,
My poverty keeps me fn awe, man;
For making o' rhymeSp and working at times^
Docs little or naething at a\ man.
Yei I wa<]na choose lo let her refuse.
Not hae't in her power to say na^ man:
For though ] be poor^ unnoticed^ obscure^
My stomach's a^ proud as them a*j man*
POEMS AND SONGS 2/
iTiough I carina ride in wecI-booicJ pride*
And flee o'er the hills [ike a craw, man,
I can haud up my head wi" the bcit o' the breed,
Tliough flullermg ever so braw, man.
My coal an<! my vcsl, they are Scorch o' the best,
O* pairs o^ guid breeks [ liac two, man;
And blockings and pumps lo put on my stumps^
And nc^er a wrang sleek in them s\ man.
My 5arb5 they are few, bin five o' ihem new,
TwaT hundred, as white as the snawj man,
A ten-shilhngs hat. .t Holland cravat:
There are no mony poets sae braw* mann
1 neveT had friends weel stockit in means.
To leave me a hundred or i^va, man;
Nae weel-tochcr'd aunts, to wait on their drantSp
And wish ihem in hell for it a\ man.
I never was cannie for hoarding o' money^
Or daughtin't together at a\ man;
Tve^ ]i|[le to spend, and naeihing to lendp
But deevil a shilling I awe, man.
SONG— HERE'S TO THY HEALTH
Tuw — ^^Lagg3fl Bum-"
Herie^s to thy heakh, my bonte lass.
Glide nichi and joy be wi' ihee;
ril come nae mair to thy bower-door.
To tell thee ihat I lo'e thee.
dinna think, my ptelty pink,
But I can live without ihee:
1 vow and swear I dinna care*
How lang ye look about ye^
Thou'rt aye sae free informing me.
Thou hast nae mind lu marry;
ril be as free inForming ihee^
Nae time hae I to tarry:
28 ROBERT BURNS
1 ki^n ihy fricn's try Ilka means
Frae wedlock lo delay thcc;
Depending on jiomo higher chance^
Bui fortune may bciray [hee,
I ken they scOTn my low estate^
But [hat does never grieve mei
For Tm as free as any he-
Sma' siller wilE relieve me.
ril coum my heaUh my greatest wealth,
Sae lang as I'll cn)oy it;
rH icsi nae scant* I'll Ixjde nae want.
As lanj-'i T get employment.
But far off fowb hae feathers fair*
And, ^y<- until yc try them,
Tho' [hey seem fair, s[ill have n fare;
They may prove waur than 1 am.
But at iwal' at nightj when the moon shines bright,
My dear, I'll come and see thee;
For the man that loves his mistress weel,
Nae travel makes hin^ weary.
THE LASS OF CESSNOCK BANKS'
A So^g of Simifci
Tnnr— "ir lie be 2 Hoichct txcai zi\.d trim."
On Ccssciock banks a lassie dwells;
Could T describe her shape and mein;
Our Masses a' she far excels,
An' she has iwa sparkling roguish een.
She's sweeter than the morning dawn*
When rising Phoebus first is seen,
And dew-drops iwlnkle o'er the lawn;
An' she has twa sparkling roguish een.
She's slately like yon youthful ash,
Thar grows ihe cowslip braes between,
And drinks the stream with vi^^our fresh;
An' she has twa sparkling roguish een.
'The Ua is i<3cnii(icd a Ellison BefiEjie, a servant wcnth, djii^hipr oi a farnicr
—Lung.
POEMS AND SONGS ^9
She's ^pod«5 like the flow'ring thorn^
Wiih flow'rs so white and leaves so green,
When purest in the dewy morn;
An' she has twa sparkling roguish een.
Her ]oiiks are like :he vernal May,
When ev'ning Phcebus shines serene,
While biids rejoice on every spray;
An' slic has twa sparkhng roguish een.
Her hair is hke ihe cuHing miif,
Thai dinib$ Ehc mountain-side? at c'cDj
When flow'f-reviving rains are past;
An* she has twa sparkling roguish een.
Her forehead's like the showery bow,
When gleaming sunlwams inLeivene
And gild the distant mountain's brow;
An' she has twa sparkhng roguish een.
Her checks are like yon crimson gem.
The pride of all the flowery scene,
Just opening on its thornv stem;
An' she has twa sparkling rognish een.
Her bosom^s like the nightly snow.
When pale ihe morning rises keen*
While hid the murm'ring streamlefs flow;
An' ihe has twa sparkling roguish een.
Her lips are like yon cherries ripe,
That sunny walls from Boreas screen;
They tempt the taste and charm the sight;
An' she has twa sparkling roguish een.
Her teeth are like a flock of sheep.
With fleeces newly washen clean,
That sloivly mount the rising sleep;
An' she has twa sparkling roguish een.
N. .
30 ROBERT BURN^S
Her breath is like the fragrant breezy
Thai gently stirs the blossoni'd bean^
When Phcebus sinks behind the seas;
An' she has twa sparkling roguiil; een-
Her voice is lite the evening thrush,
That 5ing5 on Ccssnock bank$ unstcn,
While his mate siis nestling in the bush;
An' slic has iwa sp^tlkling roguish ten*
But ifs nrit her aTr, her form, her face,
Tho' marching beauty^s fabled queen;
'Tis the mind ihat shines in evVy grace,
An^ chiefly in her roguish een*
SONG— BONIE PEGGY ALISON
CAo/,- — And rii kiss thee yctp yet,
And rll kiss ihee o^ci again:
And ril kiss thee yei^ yel.
My bonie Peggy Alison-
Ilk care and fear, when ihou arl near
I evermair defy themj O!
Young kings upon their hansel throne
Arc no sae bksi as I am, O!
And rii kiss ihee yct^ yet, &c.
When in my arms^ wi' a* thy charms^
1 clasp my countless treasure, O!
I seek nae mair o^ Heaven to shate
Than sic a moment's pleaiure, O!
And [II kiss thee yet, yet, 5^c.
And by thy een sae bonie blues
1 s^vear Vm thine for ever, Of
And on thy lips T seal my vow,
And break it shall I never, O!
And ni kiss thee yeC^ yeL &Ch
^■,
POEMS AHD SONGS 3I
SONG— MARY MORISON
Marv, at iliy window be,
It is [he wjshMp ihc irysicd hour!
Those smiles ^nd gLinces lei me see*
That make the mist^r^s treasure poor;
How bEyihely wad I bide the sLoar,
A wtjry slave fme sun to sun>
Could I [ho rkh reward set:urCj
The lovely Mary Morison.
Yesirecn^ when to [he rremblmg string
The d^Qce gaed ihro' ihe lighted ha'^
To iliee my fancy took irs wing,
r sat J but neither heard nor saw:
Tho' ihi.^ was fjiir, and that was braw,
And yon ihe Eoasi of a' the town^
1 sighed, and said among ihem a',
''Ye are na Mary Morison."
Oh, Mary, canst thou wreck his peace,
Wha for thy sake wad gUdly die?
Or canst thou break that heart of his^
Whase only faut is loving thee?
If love for love ibou wilt na gie.
At least be ptty to me shown;
A thought ung^nde canna \x
The diough[ D^ Mary Morison.
WINTER: A DmCE
The wintry west extends his blast,
Ajid h^il and rain dtKS blaw;
Or ihc siormy north sends driving forth
The bUnding sleet and snaw:
Whikj tumbhng brown^ the burn comes down.
And roars frae bank to brae;
And bird and beast in covert restp
And pass the heard^ss day.
32 ROUEKT BURNS
'The SAv^eeping bhsr, the sky overcast,"
The joyle5^ winicr day
Let 0ihef5 fear, lo mt more dear
Than all ihc pride of May:
The Kmpesi's ho\v\, h sooih^^ my soulp
My griefs it seems Eo join;
The leafless trees my fjncy please.
Their fate resembles minel
Thoit Power Supreme^ whose mlghly scheme
These wws o{ mine inlfily
Here Rrm I rest; they must be best,
Becau^ they are Thy will!
Then all [ warn— () do Thau grant
This one reqiiesl of mine! — -
Since lo t^njov Tho" do^c deny^
Asiist me lo re^igfi.
A PRAYER, UNDER THE PRESSURE OF VIOLENT
ANGUISH
Thou Greai Bcin^Ljl ^vhat Thou artj
Surpasses nie lo know;
Yet sure I am, that known to Thee
Are all Thy works EkIow^
Til)' creature here hefore I'hee stands^
All wretched and distresf;
Yet sure those ills that wring my soul
Obey l*hy htgh beiicst-
SurCj Thou^ Ahiiightyj canst not act
From cruehy or wr*ilh1
O3 free my weary eyes from rears^
Or clo^ ihein fast in death!
Bur^ if I must afilicied be^
To suit some wi,se design^
Then man my soul with firm resolves,
To bear and not replnef
i
:{
POEMS AN'D SONGS 3J;
PARAPHRASE OF THE FIRST PSALM
The miin, in Life wherever plac'd^
Halh Ii3ppines$ in arora,
W!io walks noi in iln? wicked's way,
Nor fcarns their guilty lure!
Nor from ilie seal of scornful pride
Casts forth his eyes abroad.
But with humility and awe
Still walks befoie hi^ God.
That man shall flourish hkc the tree?,
Which by the slrt^amlei^ grow;
The fruitful top k sprenJ on hijjJi,
And film tlie root hclow.
But he who^e bla^^om buds In guilt
Shall to ihe ground he ca^t.
And, like the rootlt^s slubblc, lost
Bulofc ihe sweeping blast.
For why? [h:iE God the good adore,
Hath giv'n ihem peace and test.
But haih decreed ihar wicked men
Shalf ne'er he truly biest.
THE FIRST SIX VERSES OF THE NINETIETH
PSALM VERSIFIED
O Thou, the lirst* the greatest friend
Of all the human race'
Who^e iCrong right hand has ever been
Their stay and d^iethng placef
Before the mountains heav*d (heir hesds
Beneath Thy forminj" hand,
Before this ponderous globe itself
Arose at Thy command;
■>
-I
34 ROBERT BURKS
Thai PowV whfch raisd and sfill upholds
This iiniver^-vsl frame^
Frcjm cDunilosij unHegintiing tim&
Was ever still the same.
Tho-W mighty periods of years
Which seem lo us io vast,
x^ppear no more before Thy sight
Than yesterday i hat's past-
Thou giv'st the word: Thy creature, man^
Is to eitisience brought;
Again Thou say^sip "Te sons of men^
Ketiirn yc tnio iiouj^htl"
Thoti I aye St thcm^ with all their carcs^
In evcHasung sleep;
As wiih n ilood Thati tak'st ihem off
Wjdi overwhelming sweep,
Tl^oy flourisii 3ike the morning ilowV,
Tn beauty's pride array*d;
Bm long ere m^hl cul donJi it lies
AH withered and decay'U*
A PRAYER, IN THE PROSPECT OF DEATH
O Tunc; unknown. Almighty Oiuie
Of all my htipe and fear!
In whose drtad prtsence^ ere an hour^
Perhaps I must appear 1
If T have wanderM in iho^e paths
Of life I oughi to shun^
As somethings loudly^ in my breast,
l^emanstrates I have done;
Thou know'st ihai Thou ha$t formed mc
With passions wild and strong;
And listening to their witching voice
Has often led me wrongn
'i-
POEMS AND SONGS 35
Where human ivcakness has come ^hon,
Or fraiity stepc aside.
Do Thoti, All-Good — for such Thou an —
In shades of d^trkncss hide.
Where with inEontion I have err*d,
Nd Oliver pJea 1 have,
Bm, Thou an good; and Goodness siill
Ddi^h[(^th 10 lorgiv^.
STANZAS, ON THE SAME OCCASION
Why am I lolh To leave ihis earthly scene?
Have I iO found il full of pleasing charms?
Some tirops of joy with draughts oi ill between —
Some gleams of sunshine 'mid icnewing storms.
Is it departing pangs my sod atarms?
Or dcath*E unEovejy, dreary, dark abode?
Fcj" gi-iit[3 for guil^ my terrors are in arms;
1 iremble to approach an angry God,
And justly smart beneath His sin-avenging rod.
Fain would I say, ^Torgive my foul offence/'
Fain promise never more to di^obeyj
Bur^ shotild my AtJihor health a^in diipensej
Again I might desert fair virtue's way;
Again in folly^s path might go astray;
Again exalt the brute and sink the man;
Th^n how should I for heavenly mercy pray
Who act so counter hea^enly mercy's planP
Who sin so oft have mourn^d^ yet to Kmptation ran?
O ThoUj great Governor of all belowt
If 1 may dam a lified eye to Thee,
Thy nod can make the tempest cease to blow^
Or stilE the tumult of the raging sea:
With that controIJing powV assist ev'n mc^
Tliose headlong furious passions to confine^
For af[ unfit i feel my powVs |q be.
To rule thetr torrent in th' allowM Une"
O^ aid me with Thy help. Omnipotence Divine!
36 ROBERT BURNS
FICKLE FORTUNE
A FRAtiMENT
Though Jitklc Forume has deceived mt.
She proniis'd fair and performed but illi
Of mistress, friends, and wealth beieav'd me,
Yet [ bear a heart shaJl support me sTilL
111 act with prudence Ji? far 's I'm abkj
Bui if success I must never find,
Then come mi'^forrune, I bid chee ivokome,
ril meer ihec with an undaunted mind.
RACING FORTUNE-FRAGMENT OF SONG
O RAfiiN'G Fortune's withering blast
Has iaid my leaf full \qw. 0\
O raging Foriune's ivirhering blast
Has laid my leaf full low, Ul
My stem was fair, my bud was p;reon.
My blossom sweet did b[o\v, O!
The dew fell fresh, the ^un rose mild,
And made my branches grow, O!
But luckless Fortune's northcrrn storm5
Laid a' my blossoms low, O!
Bui luckltis Foriune'5 norihorn storms
Laid a' my blossoms low, OT
IMPROMPTU— "FLL GO AND ]JE A SODGER"
wiiv the deuce should I repine,
And be an ill forcboder?
Tm twenty-three, and five fee[ pme,
ril go and be a 5odgcr!
1 gat some gear wi' n^icklc care,
I held it wecl thcgither;
But now ifs ganCj and someibjrtg malr —
rtl go and be a sodger!
POEMS AND SONGS 37
SONG— "NO CHURCHMAN AM I"
Tunc — "PrcpafCh my dear brethren, [<i the tavern let's fly."
No churchman am [ for to rail anJ to write.
No ii[alei>m;in nor suUlJer to plot or lo fighl^
No sJy man of business contriving a snare^
For a big bcl[y\i boirlt'^ ihe whole of my care.
The peer I don't envy, I give him his bow;
I scorn not ihc peasant, ihough ever so low;
But a dub of good fellows, like ihose that are here.
And a bottle like this, arc n^y gforv and care.
Here pasw5 the squire on his brother — his horse;
There centum pef centum, the ctt with his purse;
liut see you the C^ofi^tj how it waves in the air?
There a big-belly'd bottle still eases my caie.
The wife of my bosom^ aUi! she did die;
For sweet consolation to church I did fly;
I found [hat dd Solomon proved it fair^
That a big-belly'd bottle's a cure for all care.
I once M^as persuaded a venture to make;
A letter informed me char all was to wrect;
Bui the pursy old landlord just uaddl'd upstair?,
With a glorious bottle that ended my cares,
'Lifc's cares they are comforts*^^a maxim laid down
By the Bard^ what d'y^ call him, that wort the black
gown;
And faith I agree with tK old prfg to a haifj
For a big-belly^d bottle's a hcav'n of a care,
A STANZA ADDED IK A M\SON LODCE
Tlien fill up a bumper and make it overflow,
And honours masonic prepare for lo throw;
May ev'ry true Brother of the Compss and S<]uare
Have a big be^y'd botik when harassed with care*
1
38
ROBERT BUItNS
MY FATHER WAS A FARMER
Ti^Jj^—'Thc weaver and his sbiittlii, O.''
My f^iKcr was a farmer upon the Carrick border^ O^
Apt] i:arcful]y ht bred mt in decency and order, O;
He bade mc act a manly part, though I Kad ne'er a f^nhing^ O;
For ^^^ithoui an honest manly hcj^rt^ no man was wt>rlh regarding} O*
Then out into the uor!d my course 1 did dctcrmincj O;
Tho' to be rich was not my wish, yet to be ^jrcai was charming, O;
My talents they were not the uorsr, nor ytjt my educnifon, O:
Resolved was I at least lo try to mend my si^uation^ O-
In many a way, and vjiin essay, I courted Fortune's favour, O;
Some cauie unseen sEill sKpt be[weonj lo frustrate each endeavour^ O;
Sometimes by iot^s I was o^erpowcr^d^ sometimes by friends forsaken, O;
And when my hope was ai iht top, 1 still was worst mistaken^ O*
Then iore harasVd and lir'd at lasi^ with Fortune^s vain delusion, O,
I dropt my schemes, like idle dreams, and came to this conclusion, O;
The past was bad^ and [he future hid, its good or ill uniried, O;
But die present hour was in my powV, and so J would enjoy ilj O*
-.
No help, nor hope, nor view had I, nor person lo befriend me, O;
So I must loil, and swear, and moll, and labour ro sustain mc^ O;
To ploui;h and sow, to reap and mow, iriy biher bred mc early, O;
For one, he sald^ to labour bred, was a match for Fortune fairly, O*
Thu^ all obiicure, unknown, and poor, thro* life I'm doom'd to wander, O,
Till down my weary bones 1 lay in everlasting slumbefj O:
No view nor care, but shun whaie^er might breed me pain or sorrow^ O;
1 live to-day as well's I may^ regardless of to-morrow, O,
BuF cheerful sttll, I am as well as a monarch in his palace, O,
Tho^ Fortune 'i frown sdll hunts m? down, with all her wonied malice^ O:
I make Indeed my daily bread, but ne'er can make it farther, O;
But a& daily bread is all I need, I do not much regard her, 0«
When sometimes by my labour, I earn a hide money, O,
Some unforeseen misfortune comes genVally upon me, O;
Mischance, mistake, or by neglMt, ur my goodnatur'd folly, O:
But come what will^ Tve sworn it stilly [11 ne'er be melanchclyp O.
POEMS AND SONGS 39
All you who follow wealth nnd power with unremitting ^irtiDUfj O^
The more in this you look for bliss, you leave your view ttie farther^ O;
Had you the wealth PotosI boasts, or naiioci:^ to :idoio yd-t^ O,
A cheerful honesi-hearted clown 1 will prettr belore you, O.
JOHN BARLEYCORN: A BALLAD
There was three kings into the cast^
Three kings both gre^i and hi^h.
And [hey hae sworn a solt-^mn o:i[h
John Barleycorn should die-
They look a plough and ploughed him downj
Put dods upon his head.
And [hey hae swor[i a solemn oath
John Barleycorn was dtad*
But the cht^erful Spring; came kindly on,
And shQwVs bef^an to fall-
John l^arleyeorn got up again^
And sore surprised them all-
The sultry suns of Summer came^
And he grew thiek and strong;
His ficad wecf arni'd wi^ pointed spears,
That no one should him wrong-
The sober Autumn entered mi!d|
When be grew wan and pale;
His bending joints and drooping head
ShowM he be^an to faiK
His colour sickcn'd more and more.
He Faded into age;
And then his tncmics began
To show tbeir deadly rage-
They've lacn a weapon, long and sharp,
And cut him by the knee;
Then tied him fast upon a carij
Like a rogue for forgerie.
.^ ROBERT BUR^fS
They laid him down upon his back,
And ciidgdl'd him full sore;
They hurii; him up heiort: ihc storm.
And turned him o'er and oei.
They filled up a darksome pit
Wiih water to the brim;
They heaved in John Barleycorn,
There \oi him sink or iwim.
They laid him out upon ihe floofi
To work him farther woe;
And still, ,i!i signs of hfe appear'd,
They loii'd him lo and fro.
They wasted, o*er a scorching Elame,
The marrow of his bones;
But a miller u5*d him ivofir of all,
For he crushed hun bolwecn two swnes.
And they hae taen his very heart's blood.
And drank it round and rojnd;
And still the more and more they drank,
Their joy did more abound.
John Barleycorn was a hero bold.
Of noble i^nierprise;
For if you do but taste his blood.
Twill make your courage rise.
Twill make a man forget his woe;
TwiJl heighten all hi^ joy;
TwitI make the widow's heart to sing,
Tho' the tear were in her tye.
Then let us toast John Barleycorn,
Each man a glass in hand;
And may his great posterity
Ne'er fail in old Seotiand!
POEMS AND SONGS 4I
THE DEATH AND DYING WORDS OF POOR MAILIE,
THH AUTHOR^S ONLY PET YOWE-
AM UNCO MOUWxVFU TALfl
As MailiSj an' her lambs thc^ithofj
Was ae day nibbling on (he tcilit^fj
Upon her dooi she cooii a hiich^
An' owre she warsrd in (he ditch;
Theri-\ ^roiining> Jyinj;, she did liCj
When Huglioc he cam doyiin by*
Wr jjlowrin ccn, and hftcd han^s
Poor Huj^hoc hke a statue stands;
He saw her days were ncar-hanJ cndtd,
Bur, ^vae's my heart! he could na mend it!
He gaped wide, but naething spak.
At l^ingth poor MaLLie silence brak,
"O thou, A^'hase lamentable face
Appears to mourn my woefu' easel
My dying words arrentlve hcrar.
An' bear [hem lo my Master dcar,
"Tell hEm^ if e'er again h^^ keep
As n:iuck[e gt^ar as buy a sheep —
Oj bid hitn never tic thorn mairj
Wi* wicked strings o^ hemp or hair I
But ca' them out to park or hill.
An' let ihcm wander at their will:
So may his flock increase, an' grow
To scores 0' lambs, an* packs 0' wooM
^*Tell him, he was a Masler kin'.
An' aye was fiuid to me an' mine;
An" now my dying charge I gie him^
My helpless Jambs^ I trust them wi' him*
*'Oj bid him save their harmless lives,
I^iae dogSj an' lods^ an' butcher's knives!
But gie ihem guid cow-milk their fill^
42 ROBERT BURNS
Till chcy be fit to fend themsel*;.
An' lent them duly, e'en an' morn^
Wi' laefs o' hay an' ripps o' coin*
^*Ati' may tKey never Team the gaets,
Of kher vile^ wan re situ' pets —
To slink chro' slaps, an' reave an^ steal
Al slacks o^ pease, or slocks o' kaif!
So may they, like their great forbears.
For mony a year cnme thro the shears;
So wives will gie them bits o* bread,
An' bairns greet for them when they're dead-
*'My poor ioo|>lambj my son an" heir,
O, bid him breed him up wi' care!
An* ii lie live Eo be a beast,
To pit some havins in his breasti
''An' warn him — ^whai I wlnnn name —
To stay content wi* yov^os at hamc;
An' no to rin nn' wear his cioois^
Like ilhcr menscless^ graceless brutes*
*^An' neist, my yowTe^ silly thing,
Gude keep thee frae a teiher string!
O, may [hou ne^er forgather up^
Wi' ony bl astir, moorland toop;
But aye keep mind to moop an' mell|
Wr sheep o' credit like thysel'I
'*And now, my bairns^ wi' my Tast breath,
I leae my blessin wj' you baiih:
An* when you think upo' your mithei.
Mind to be kind to a.nc anither*
"Nowj honesF Hughoc, dinna fail.
To rejl my master a' my tale;
An' hid him burn this cursed tether.
An' for thy pain:; thou'se got my blather,"
This saidj poor Mailie turn^ her headj
And clos'd her een amang the dead!
POEMS AND SON'GS 45
POOR MAILIE'S ELEGY
Lament in ihynii], lament in prose^
\Vi' saut tears iricklmg down your nose;
Onr bardie's fato h at a do^e,
Pasr a' rcmcadi
The last, sad cape-stanc o' his woes;
Poor Mailics dead!
It's no ihc loss o" warl's gear,
ThaE could sae biiicr draw die tear.
Or mak our bardie, dowie, wear
The mourning weed:
He's lost a friend an" ncebor dear
In Mailie dead*
Thro* a' the town she trotted by hirti;
A lang half-mile she could descry him;
Wi' kindly bleat, ^vhcn ^be did spy him.
She ran wi' lijieed;
A friend mair faithfu' ne'^r cam nigh him,
ThanMaitiedtad.
I wat she was a sheep d' stnse,
An* could behave hersel' wi' inensc:
ril say't, she never brak a fence,
Thro' Thievish greed.
Our bardie, lanely. keeps die spcnce
Sin* Mailie's dead.
Ofj if he wandef$ up the howc,
Her living image in her yovrt
! Comes bleating lHI him, owre the knowe.
For bits o^ bread;
An' down the briny pearls lowe
i for Msilie dead.
She was nae get o* moorland tips,
Wi' tauted ket, an' hairy hips;
For her forbears were brought in ships,
,*
44 ROBERT BURNS
Frat' 'yoiit ihe Tweed.
A bonier fle«h ne'nt cros^'d iht dips
Than MaiUe's dead.
Wae worth the man wha first did shape
That vile, wanchancic thing— a ralpl
It maks guid fclfow? girn an' gj^pt^
Wj' chokin dread;
An' Robin'* bonnei wave wi' crape
For Mai lie dead.
O, a' ye baids on bonle Doon?
An' wha on Ayr your chanlcrs rune[
Come, join the melancholiDu^ cioon
O' Robin's reed!
His heait will never get ahotm —
Hls Mailie's dead!
SONG— THE RIGS O' BARLEY
Tunc — "Corn Riyi arc IxinJt."
It was upon a Lanimas night,
When corn rigs are honie.
Beneath the moon's imcluuded light,
I held awa to Annie;
The time flew by, v.-i tenders heed,
Till, 'tween the late and early,
Wi' sma' persiia$ion she agreed
To see me thro" the barley.
Corn rigs, an' barley rig^.
An' corn rigs are boniei
ni ne'er forget that happy night,
Amang the rigi wi' Annie.
The sky was blue, the wind wa:^ still,
The moon was shining clearly^
I set her down, wi' right good will,
Amang the rigs o' barley:
I tcn'i her heart was a' my ain;
1 lov'd her most sincerely;
POEMS AKD SONGS 45
I kissed Ykt owrc and owrc ag:Lin,
Anung ihc rigs o' barley.
Corn rigs, an' barley rigs, &c.
1 [ockM her in my fond embrace;
Her lic^it was btiiijig rarely;
My blc$5in^i on ihat happy place,
ATnan;^ [he rigs 0' barley!
lUit by i\\L- [iioon and stjr^ so bright,
That ■ihone that hour ifl dearly!
She aye $hall bks^ thai happy nighi
Amang the rigs f>' barley.
Corn ligs, an" barley rig^, &l.
I hae been biyilic \vi' comrades dear;
I hae been merry drinking;
1 hae been joyfu' gaih'nn gear;
1 hae lieen happy thinking;
But a' the pleasures e'er I saw,
Tbo' three times doub['d fairly.
That happy nighi v.a-i worth them a
Amang the rigs o' barEey.
Corn r[gs, an" barley rigs. kc.
T
SONG COMPOSED IN AUGUST
Tuft^ — "f had J hor-itp 1 hjj nae mati"/'
Now wcstltn winds :ind sUughn'ring guns
Bring Auuimn^s pleasant wcaihcr;
The moorcock springs on \^hirring wings
Amang the blooming hcathor:
Now waving grain^ wide o'er the pkin^
Delights the weary farmer;
And the moon shines bright^ when I rove at nlghtj
To muse upon my charmer.
The partridge loves the fruitful fells,
The plover loves the mountains;
The woodcock haunts the lonely dells,
The soaring hern the fountains:
^
ROBERT BURNS
Thfo' \oiiy groves the cushai rov^Sj
Th^ pill of man to shun it;
Tht hazel bu^h t>Vhangs ihe thrush,
The spreading ihorn ihe linnet.
Thu5 ev^ry kind ihcir pleasure firidj
The .-iavage and ihc lender;
Some social lo^rty a^d leagues combine,
Son:^e solitary wander;
Avauni, awayl the cruel sway^
Tyrannic Enan's dominion;
The sportsman's joy^ the murdVing crjj
The lluiiVing, gory pinionl
Bntj Peggy dear, the ev^ning^s clear.
Thick (lies the skimming swdlow.
The sky is blue, the fields in view,
All fading-grcen and yellow;
Co]"ne Jet us stray our gladsome way^
And view the charms of Naiore;
The rusding corn, the fruued thorn,
And ev*ry happy crealure^
Well gently walk^ and s\\ocily talk^
Till ihe ^ilenl niooJi shinty dearly;
ril grasp ihy walil, and^ fondly prestj
Swear how I love iliee dearly;
Nor vernal sho^s-'fj^ [o bndding flowers.
Not Autumn lo ibe f^irmer^
So dear can be a^ rhou to me^
My fair, ray lovely eharmcrl
SONG
Tujii— "My NflnlCnO/'
Behind yon hilTs where Lugar flows,
"Mang moors an' mosses many, O,
The wintry sun the day has cloE*dj
And ril awa to Nanie, O.
The wosdin wind blaws loud an* shiTl;
The night^s baith mirk and jainy, O;
POEMS AND SONGS 47
But ni ger my plaid an' oui HI ^eai*
An' owre i\\e hill to Kanie. O.
My Nanie's charming, swi^ct, an* young;
Nae aniii wilts lo win yn, O:
May ill bcfa' the flattt^rinj; tongue
That wad beguile my Nanie, O.
Her face is fair, lier heart i^ true;
As spol|pi5 as she's Ijonie, O:
Tho op'ning go wan, waL wi' de^v,
Nae parer is than Kanie, O.
A country lad i^ iny degree,
An' few ihi^re be that ken mc, O;
But what cnrp I Iiow few they be,
Fm welcoint aye to Nanie, O.
My riches a*s my penny-fee,
An' T matin j;uide it canme, O;
Btit wart's gear ne'er troubles me.
My ihoughcs are a' my Nanie, O,
Our auld guldman delights to view
His sheep an^ kye thrive bonie* O;
But I'm as blyihe that hands^ his pleugh^
An' has nae care buF Nanie, O-
Comc weet, come woe, I care na by;
I'll tak what Heav'n will sen' me, O:
Nac iiher care in life have T,
But live, an' love my Nanie, O.
SONG— GREEN GROW THE RASHES
A FBAGMENT
Cfi0}\ — Green grow the rashes, O;
Green grow Ehe rashes, O;
The sweetest hours chat e'er I spend,
Are spent amang the bsies, O.
48
ROBERT BURNS
There^s nought but care on ev'ry han'.
In ev^ry hour thai passes, O:
What signifies the life o^ man,
An* \\\^tt na for ihc !as^5j O-
Green grow^ ^c.
The war'ly race may riches chase,
An' riches still may (ly them, O;
An* tho' at b-^i they cafch thein fast.
Their hearts can ne'er enjoy them, O*
Green grow, f^c-
But ^e me a cannie hour at e'en,
My arms aboun my dearie, O;
An' war'Jy cares, an' war'ly men,
May a' gae LTpsaitecriCj Q\
Green grow, &:c-
Fot }ou sae dauce^ ye sneer at this;
Ye're nought bnt senseless asieSp O:
The wisest man the warT e'er saw.
He Jearly iov'd the lasses, O.
Green grow, &c.
Auld Nature swears^ the lovely deais
Her noblest work she classes, O:
Her prenEice han' she tryM on man.
An' llien she made the bsses, O-
Green grow, &c,
SONG-WHA IS IHAT AT MY BOWER-DOOR
Tiifitr-^"Lasi. in I cnmc nvar ihee."
"Wiirt is thai at my bower-door?'*
"O wha is ii bill FindUyl'*
"Then gae your gait, ye'se nae be here:'*
"Indeed maun I," quo' Findlay;
'^Whal mak* ye, sse like a ihieEP"
"O come, and see," quo' Findlay;
^'Before ihe morn yell work mischief:"
Indeed will I," quo' Findlay.
'LI
<
li
il
^'1
POEMS AND SONGS 49
"Gif r rise and lei you in"—
^'L^r mo in" quo' Findlayi
Yell Icccp mc waukin wi' ynur din;*'
"indeed will ir quo' Findlay;
In my bower if ye should itay" —
''Let me slay/' quo" Findlay;
"1 fear yell bide ciil brc^k o' dayi"
"Indeed will I" quo" Fmdhy^
*'Horc this nighl if ya remam" —
^Til remain/' quo* Find lay;
"I dread ye'll learn the gate a^^aio/*
"Indeed will I/' qiio^ FitidJay.
'*WhaE may pass within [his bower" —
Lei ii pass/' quo^ Findfay;
Ye maun conceal till your Ta&c hour;*'
Indeed wiil I/' quo' Findlay,
REMORSE
A FIO\CMENT
Of all [Ke numerous ills ihac hurt nar peace,
Thar press the soul^ or wring the mind wiih anguish
Beyond eompariion the worst are those
By our own folly^ or our guilt brought on:
In ev*ry other circumsEance, the mind
Has ihis xo say, '*It was no deed of mine:'*
Butj when to all (he evil of misforcone
This 5tEi]ii h added, ''Blame thy foolish self]''
Or worstr far^ the pangs of keen ren^orse^
The torturing^ gnawing con5ciousnes$ of guilt —
Of guik, perhaps, when we've involved oiher$.
The young, (he innocent^ who fondly lov*d usj
Nay morCj that very love their cause of ruini
O burning hell! in all thy store of torments
There's not a keener lash!
Lives there a man so firm, who^ while his hejiE
Feefs all the biuei" horrors of hi$ crime,
Can reason down i[S agonizing throbs;
And^ after proper purpose of amendment.
Can firmly force his jarfing thoughts to peace?
^0 BOBERT BURNS
O happy, happy, enviahJc nian!
O plorious majiti^nimity of soulf
EPITAPH ON WM. HOOD, SENR., IN TARBOLTON
Here Soutcr Ho(>J in dealh does sleep-
To hdi if \w\ g^ne ihither,
Sfltan, gic him diy jjcar to keep;
He'll haud ir wee] ihti^ther,
EPITAPH ON JAMES GRIEVE, LAIRD OF
B0C;HEAD, TARBOLTON
Hebe lies Boghead am^ng the dead
III hopes to get salvaiion;
But ii such 35 he in Hcav'n may be,
Then welcome, hail! damnyiion-
EPITAPH ON MV OWN FRIEND AND MY FATHER'S
FRIEND, WM, MUIR IN TARBOLTON MILL
An hone^i man here hes at i«l
As e'er God with his imajie blest;
The friend oi; man, the friend of tmih.
The friend of age, and guide of youth:
Few hearts like hh. with virtue wafm'd,
Few heads wiifi knowledge so informed:
If there's another world, he hves in bliss;
If ihere is none, he made the best of this.
EPITAPH ON MY EVER HONOURED FATHER
O YE whose cheek the tear of pity sfains.
Draw near with pious rev'rence, and arrend!
Here lie the loving husband's dear remains,
The tender father, and the genVoui friend;
The pitying heart that felt for human woe.
The daundess heari that fear'd no human pride;
The friend of man— to vice alone a foe;
For "cv'n his (aiiings lean'd to virtue's side," ^
' GoMsmiih.— ;? . 0.
i.
POEMS AND SONGS Jl
BALLAD ON THE AMERICAN WAR
When Guilford good our pilot $[ood
An' did our hdlim thraw^ man,
Ae n]£;ht, Ckl Ii?ei> began a plea,
Wjihin America, man:
Then up ihi^y ^ai [he maskin-pat^
And in ihc sea did jaw, man;
An' did nat less, in full conyrtss,
Than quite refuse our law^ man.
Then ihro' Tht Utes MonEgoniery tukos,
I wal \k tvas na slaw^ man;
Dow[^ Lowric's Burn ho look a lurn,
And Carleion did ca\ man:
But yet, whaircck^ he, ai Queb<;c,
Montgomery-like did h\ man^
Wi' sword in hand, before his band,
Amang his en'niies a'3 man.
Poor Tammy Gage within a cage
Was kepi at Boston-ha\ mun;
Till Willie Howe took o*er rhe knowe
For Philadelphia, man;
Wi' sword an' gun he thought a sin
Guid Chrislian bluid to draw, man;
But at New-Yorkj wi^ knife an' fork^
Sir-Loin he hacked sma^, man*
Burgoyne gaed up, like spur an' whip^
Till FTaser brave did fa\ man;
Then lost his xvay^ ae misiy day^
In Saratoga shaw, man.
Cornwallis fought as lang's he dought,
An' did the Buckskins claw, man;
Btit Cllnton^s glaive frae rust lo save.
He hung it to the wa\ man*
Then Montague, an* Guilford too,
Began to fear a fa*j man;
ga ROBERT BURNS
And Sackville dour, wha stood ihtj siour^
The German chief to thraw^ man;
For Paddy Burky, like ony Turk^
Nac riwrcy had jit i\\ man;
An' Charlie Fox threw by the boXj
An' lows'd his tinkler jaw^ man.
Thtn Rockingham took up the game^
Till death did on him ca\ nianj
When Shelburne meek hutd up his cheek,
Conform lo gospel law, man:
Saint Siephen^s Ixjys^ wi' jarring noiw^
They did his measures thravv^ m^n;
For North an' Fox uniied stocks^
An' bore him to the wa\ man.
Then clubs iUi hearts were Charhc^s cartes^
He swifpi the ilakes awa', man.
Till iht] diamond's act^, of Indian race,
Led him a sair f^i^x paf, man:
The Saxon lads, wi* loud platads^
On Chatham's boy did ta\ man;
An' Scodand drew her pipe an' blew,
**Up, Willie^ wauf them a\ man!'*
Behind the throne then Granville's gone,
A secret word or iwa, man;
Whik* sloe Dundas arous'd the cTass
Be-north the Roman wa\ man:
An' Chatham's wraith, in heavenly graiih,
(Inspired bardies ssw^ man),
Wi' kindling eyes, cry'dp "Willie, risel
Would I hac fcarM them a\ man?"
But, word an' blow^ North, Fox, and Co,
Gowff'd Wil]ie like a ba\ man;
Till Suihron raise^ an^ coosE their daise
fJehind him in a raw, mail:
An' Caledon threw by the drone.
An' did her whittle draw, man"
An' swoor fu' rude, thro' dirt an' bluld,
To mak it guid in faw, man*
POEMS AND SON'GS 53
REPLY TO AN ANNOUNCEMENT BY J. R/VNKINE
OS' HIS WniTlNC Tt) IHE POET, THAT A CIRL IN THAT F^R'Y OF THK
coL'srnv was with c:hilu to hist.
I .^M a keeper oi the law
In some smu' ^Hjinis^ altho' not a ;
Some people itU mt: gin I fa*,
Ae Wily or fthcr»
The breaking <if ae point, tho^ sma',
Breaks a' thegither.
I hae been in (ar\ ance or twice.
Ant! winna sny o'er far for ihrice;
Yel ncvtr mtl wi' itiat surprise
That broke my rest;
But now a rumour's like to rise — ■
A whaup 's i' the nest!
EPISTLE TO JOHN RANKINE
ESCLOSlN^f^ SOME POEMS
O BOUGHp rudtj ready-wittctl RankinCj
The wait o' cocka fur Tun an' drinkint
There's mony gndly folk-^ are ihinkin,
Your dreams and [ricks
Will send yaui K.orak-ltkcr, a-sinkin
Slraughi to auld Nick*s^
Yc hcic sae mony cracks an' canis,
And in your wicked^ druckcn ramSj
Ye mak 3 devil o' ihe saunis,
An' fill them fou;
And thon [heir failings, flawsj an' uanTs^
Arc a* seen ihro\
Hypocrisy J in mercy spnre ill
That holy rohe^ Q ditma tear it!
Sparest for their ^^kes^ wha aften wear it —
The Uds in black;
But your cnr^r wiip when it comes near It,
Rives't a£F their back*
54 aOUEltT BURNS
Think, wkked Sinner^ ^vha y(?*re skailhmg:
Ifs just (he Blue-gown badge an' daithmg
O' saunls; uk tha^ ye Use [hem nae thing
To ken them hy
Frac cmy uiiregencrarc heat he si,
Like you or L
Tvc sent you hort some rhyming ware,
A* thai I bargained for, an' tnair;
Sae, when ye hae an hour to spare^
I will expect
Yon san^ yell sen'l^ wi' cannie eara^
And no nr^glect*
Tho' faiths sma^ heart hac I to sing'
My muse dow scarcely spread her wing;
Tve playM mysel a bonie sprinj;.
An' danc'd my fill!
I'd belter gaen an' $air't ihe kmg.
At Bunktr^i HilL
*Twas ae night iaiely, in my fun^
I )^^^d a rovin' \vi' the ijun^
An^ broughi a paiinck to the grun* — ^
A bonie hen;
And, as the twihght wjii; i>egun.
Thought nane w^d ken.
The poor, wte tiling wai little hurt;
I straikii it a wee for sporty
Ne'er Lhinki[i they wad fash mt for*t;
Bui, Deil-ma-care!
Somebody tells the poacher-court
The hale afEair-
Some auldj U5*d hands had laen a notc,
That sic :i hen hnd j^oc a shot;
I was suspected for [he p[ot;
1 sczorn'd to lie;
So gat the whissle f>' my greats
An' pay't the [«.
■i>i.
POEMS AND SONGS 55
iJtH hy my gun, o' guns ihc walc^
An' by mv pouthcr an' my haili
An' by my hen, an by her lail^
I vow an' EAVtfarl
Tii^ game shall pay^ o'er i^iuir an' dale.
For ihisj ni^^^E yt^ar*
As sDon\ [he clockin-time is by,
v\n' ihc wee pout^i bejjun rn cry,
Lordj i'se hae sponing by [in* by
i-or my gowJ jjuinea,
Tho* I should licrti thu buckskin kye
For't in Virginia.
Trowtbt ihey had mucklo for to blamel
*Twas neither broken wing nor hmb,
Bur twa-ihrcG dmps about the wame,
Scarce ihro^ tltc feathers;
An' baiih a yellow George ro claim,
An^ ihote I heir blethers!
It pirs me aye as mad's a bare;
So I can rhyme nor write nae mair;
Jiui pennyworths again h fair.
When timo^ esptidicnl:
Meanwhile I am^ rc^specied Sir,
Your mo^r obedient.
A POETS ^^^ELCO^iE TO HIS LOVE^BEGOTTEN
DAUGHTER'
r
THE FlRiT IKiTANCE IT-IAT LNllTLED HIM TO THE VENERABLE
\ APPELLATION OF FATHEH
I TiioL"*s welcome, wean; mishanter fa^ me,
t If ihoughts o' rbee, or yet thy mamie.
Shall ever ^luunion mc or awe me,
My bonie lady^
Or if 1 blush when thou shah t:j* me
Tyta or daddie.
^ Butr^ ALivcr published \\w pueai.
5^ ROBERT BURNS
TKo' now ihey ca' mc fornrcator,
An' tease my name in klnirj' daner^
The n^air they tiitk, I'm kent the better^
E'en Jet them dasii;
An au!d wife's tongue's a feckless matter
To gie anc fash.
Welcome! my bonie, iweei^ wet- (tochieti
Tho' ye come here a wee unson;;ht for»
And tho' vour comin' i hae fought for,
Baich kirk and queir-
Yet. by my failh* ye're no unwrouglil For,
That I ^hall swear!
Wee image o' my bonic Belly,
As fatherly I kiss and dam cliee.
As dear* and near my heart I iO[ thee
Wi' as gude will
As a* the priests had seen me gel ihee
That^s out o' hell.
Si^eet fruit o" mony a merry dint.
My funny toil is now a' tint^
Sin' thou came to ihe warl' asklent^
Which fools may scoff at;
In my ly$t plack thy part'? be in't
The better haY o't.
Tho" I sliould be the waur bestead^
Thou's he ait hraw and bienly clad.
And thy joung years as nicely bred
Wi' oJuL'atJon,
A& ony bfJF o' wedlock's bed,
III a' thy station.
Lord grant that thou may aye inherit
Thy mi[her's person, grace, an' merit,
An' thy poor, worthless daddy's spirit,
Without his fail ins,
Twill please me mair to see thee heir it.
Than stockit mailens^
POEMS AND SONGS
For if thou be what I wad hae ihee,
And lak the counsc[ I shall gie rhee,
ril never rue my trouble wi' thee.
The cOit nor shame o't,
But b« a loving farhet lo thee,
And brag tlxe name o'c.
57
SONG-O LEAVE NOVELS '
O LEAVE novcUp yc Mauchline hcEks^
YeVe safer at your spinning-wheel;
Such wiidhin^ books are bailed hooks
For rakish rooks, like Rob Mossgiel;
Your fine Tom Jones and Gr:indisonSj
They make your youihful fancies reel;
They heat your brains^ and lire your vdn^j
And then youVe prey for Rob Mossgiel,
Beware a tongue that's smoothly hung,
A he:irt that warmly ieems to feet;
That feeling heart but acts a pati —
Tis rakish art in Rob MossgieL*
Tiie frank address, ihe soft caress^
Are worse than poisoned darts of steel;
The frank address, and polite5Sej
Are all finesse in Rob MossgieL
FRAGMENT-THE MAUCHLINE LADY
Tane—'l h;id q hor^i, I hjd tt^e mjir."
When first I came to Stewart Kyle,
My mind il was na steady;
Where'er I gaed^ where'er I rade,
A mistress still I had aye.
But when I came toun' by Mauchline foun,
Not dread in anybody,
My heart was caught, before I thought,
And by a Mauchline bdy.
58 KOBERT BURNS
FRAGMENT-MY GIRL SHE'S AIRY
Mv girl ahe'a airyj ihe'i buxom anJ gay;
?kr brcaih is as ^\v[]Ci a? the blossoms in May;
A louch of h^r iips it ravishes quite:
She's always good natur'Jn good humourd, and Eree;
She dances* she glances, ihe smiJC!^ upon me;
I ne\'er am happy when out of her si^iht.
THE BELLES OF MAUCHLINE
Is Mauchlinc there dwells six pro|>er vdung bollesi
The pride of ihc piaccr and its neigh liourhood a';
Thcif carriage and dr»s^ a stranger would gue.ssj
In Lonon or Paris, ihey'd gotten it a\
Miss Miller T-; fine, Miss MarWand^ divine,
Miss Smiih she has wit, anJ Miss Beity is braw:
There's beauty and fortune to get s^'i Miss Morion,
But Aimour^s the jewel for me o' them a\
EPITAPH ON A NOISY PC5LEM1C
BiiLow ihir stanes lie (amicus banea;
O Death, it's my opinion^
Thou neer rook such a blcihVin birch
Into thy dark doFnlnion!
EPITAPH ON A HENPECKED COUNTRY SQUIRE
As father Adam first was fooPd,
(A case rhal's slill too common,)
Here lies a man a woman ruled,
The devil ruled the woman.
EPIGRAM ON THE SAID OCCASION
O Deatj-i, had^si ihou but sparM his life.
Whom we thii day Um&ntj
We Freely wad exchanged the wife,
And a' been wccl coment-
POEMS AND SONGS ^
Ev*n a5 he is, tauld in his graJT>
The swap we yet will do'r;
Tak ihou the carUn'.-v ^arcrase aff^
Thou'se get ihe saul o' booi,
AN OTHER
One Qin?cn ArteniLsisi, as old stories [e!L
When Jepmctl of her hush^nil ,die Loved so wctl.
In respeci for the lo^e ai^d alTcction hi^ showed her,
She reduced him to dusr and she drank up the powder.
But Qutcn Nctherplufe> of a ditT'rent complexion.
When called t>n lo onler [he fun'ral direction.
Would ha^e eat hi?r dead lord, on a slender prelence,
Noi lo show ht^r respect, but — [o save the expenst?!
ON TAM THE CHAPMAN
As Tarn the chapman on a daj\
WL* Dearh forgathered by ihe way,
Weel pleas^^ he greets a wi^ht so famous,
A^d Deaih was nac less pleas'd wf Thon^as^
Wha cheerfully lays down hcs pack^
And there bla W5 up a hearty crack:
His social, friendly^ honest htari
Sae tickkd Dyaihp ihey could na pan:
Sae^ afper viewing knives and garters,
Deaih taks him hanic to gie him quarters^
EPITAPH ON JOHN RANKINE
Ae day, as Death, fhat gruesome carl.
Was dri^inl; to Ehe tither war!'
A mi>:[Le-maxtie motley squad^
And mony a guih-bc*?poited lad —
Black gowns of each denomination^
And thieves of every rank and stalionj
From him thai wears rhe star and jiarlery
To him that winiles in a halter:
Ashamtd himself to see the ^^^retches^
He muitcrs, glowrin at the bitches.
}
60 ROGI^RT BURNS
"By God rl] not be seen b^hint iKem^
Nor 'mang (he spVitiial core pre^eiil them^
W[[hontj at leasts ac honest maiij
To jiracc ihis (.lamn'd infcrnaJ cbnT
By Adamhill ^ glance he [hreWj
'*Lord Gocir qnoth ho, "I have \i now;
There's just the man I want^ i' faith!"
An J quickly stoppii Kankine's breath,
LINES ON THE AUTHOR'S DEATH
WRITTES" W]TII THE SUPPOSED VIEW Of- &EING HANDED TO
R^iNKlNE AFTER THE POEt's INTERMENT
He who of K^nkine san^^ lies stiiTand dead,
And n groen jjrassy hillock hides his head;
x\las] nias! a Jevihsh chjin^^t indeed.
MAN WAS MADE TO MOURN
Wiitw chill November's surly bUit
Made fields and forests bartp
One ev'mngj as I wandered forUi
Along the lianks of Ayr^
I spiyd 3 man, ^vhcse aged step
Seem'd vvcafy, wnm with care;
Hi5 face w.is {iirrowM o^cr wuh years^
And hoary wa^ his hair..
"Young stranger, whither wandVest ihou?
Began the reverend sage;
"Doe^ thirst of wealth ihy step conslrain.
Or youthful pleasure's rage?
Or haply^ presi with cares and woeSj
Tno soon ihou hast began
To wander forth, with mt to mourn
The miseries of man.
^TTie sun that overhangs yon moors,
Out-spreading far and wide.
Where hundreds labour W support
A haughty lordling's pride; —
w
POEMS AND SONGS
iVe seen yon weary wiri^er-suQ
Twii^^ fony limes return;
And evVy time h:is :idckd proofs^
71mL n^j3n w^s made to mourn^
'^O man! wKile in thy early years^
How protlijjjl of time!
Mis-spcntimji all ihy precious hours —
Thy gloriuusj youthful prime!
A[icrnate follit^s lake Hie sway;
Licentious passions burn;
Which [enfold furce ^ives Nature^ law*
That man wjs made to mauni-
"Look not alone on youthful primej
Qr ni;mhood"s active mipht;
Man ihen is useful Eo his kind.
Supported in his right;
But $ee liim on the edge of life.
With cares and sorrows worn;
Then Age and Want — oh! ilUmaichM pair-
Shew man was made lo mourn.
"A few seem favourites oE faEe^
In pleasure's lap carest;
Yei, think not all ihe rich and preac
Are likewise truly blest:
Bui ohi whar crowds in evVy land,
All uTeUhed and forlorn.
Thro* weary life rhis lesson learn,
That man was made to mourn.
"Many and sharp the numVous ills
Inwoven with our frame!
More pointed still we make ourselveSj
Regret, remorse^ and shame!
And man, whose heav'n-erectetl fate
The smilt]S of love adoin, —
Man's inhumaniiy to man
Makes couniless thousands mourn!
6i
1
62 ROBERT liUENS
^^Sec yonder poor, o'crlabour*d wighi^
So abj^ct^ mean, and vlIc,
Who begs a broiher of the earth
To give him le^ivc to toil;
And iec his lordly fellow-worm
The poor pcuiion spurn.
Unmindful, tho' a weeping wife
And helpless offspring mourn-
"If [*m designed yon [ordUng*s slave.
By Nature's Uw designed,
Why was an inJL-pcndeni wish
E'er planiej in my mind?
H not, uhy am 1 subject lo
Hii cfutkv, or Hiorn?
Or why has m;in the will and powV
To make his fellow mourn?
*'Yetp let not this too much, my i^on,
Discurb thy youihful brtnsir
This partid view of humnn-kind
Is surely not the last!
The poor J oppiessed, honest ntnn
Had never, surCp been born^
H^d ihefe not been some recompense
To comfort rhose that mourn!
"O Dcadii the poor man's dearest friend.
The kindest and ihe best!
Weicome [he hour my aged limbs
Are laid with thi^c ar rest!
The gfeai^ the wealthy fear rhy blow
From pomp and pleasure lorn;
Bulj oh! a blest relief for those
Ttiat weary-laden mourn!"
POEMS ANT) SOMGS 63
THE TWA HERDS; OK, THE HOLY TULYIE
AS VNCO MCfftXKu' TALE
"Blnckhoacli wiili reason wkktt! wli"^ iihlior,
But loflt with fcMjl t^ barbarous ci^tl warr"-*-Popt»
£J a' yo pions godJy flocks,
Wcrcl fed oil pastures orthodox,
Wha now will kctp }ou fiac tht lojiy
Or worrying lykes?
Or svha will icni ikc wait^ an* crocks^
About ike Jykei?
The [u;i hcsi ht:rds in a* ike wast*
Thai oVr ga'c gospc! horn a blast
Thtse live an^ twenty simmc^rs paM —
Oh, dooi IQ Wll!
Hiiu fiad a bilttT htack out-cail
Atwetin ihemscr-
O^ iMoftlieJ maiij an' wordy Russell^"
How could yovi raiso w vile a buitle;
Yell set how New-Liglii ktzrcts ^vill wkiide,
An think ir fine!
The Lord's cau-^t^ ne'er jjat ale a iwUxlej
Sm' 1 hae inin\
Oj sirsl what er wad hae expeckic
Your duty ye wad sac nogleckit^
Ye H^ha were ne'er by lairds respecrkit
To wear the plaid;
But by the brutes themsel^^ts eleckit,
To be their guide.
What flock wi^ Moodie*5 flock could rank? —
Sac hale and hearty every shank!
Nae pois&n'd soor Arminian siank
He let them taste;
Frae Calvin's well, aye clear, they drank^ —
Oj sic a fcastf
^ Rc^. Mr. Moodii! cE fiiccdnoa^ ^ R^^\ John Ru^^cll of Ki]E]ijrnnck.
64 ROBERT BURNS
Th(? ihummart, willcatp brocks an^ tod^
W^d kend iiis voite thfo' .V the wcx>d^
He smdTd their ilka hole an' roadj
Bailh out sin in;
An' wed he lik'd to shed their bluid,
An* sell iheir ikin.
What herd like Russefl rdi'd his tale;
His voice was he^ird ihro' muir and dalCj
Ht kciiii'd the Lord's shccpp iJki* rail,
O^vre a* ihe height;
An' saw gin ihey were iick or hale.
At the first iight*
He fine a manjFy sheep could scrub.
Of nobly i\\ng the gcttpel chib,
And New-Light herds could nicely drub
Or pay their skfn;
Could shake them o'er the burning dub,
Or heave them in.
Sic iwa— O! do 1 live (o see't?—
Sic famous iwa should disagree 't^
And names, like ''villain/' ''hvj>otrife,"
Ilk kher gi^en,
While New-Light herds, wi' faughifj spile.
Say nelther's Jieinf
A' ye wha tent the gospel fauLd,
There*5 Duncan^ deep, an' Peebles^ shaul^
But chicny ihou^ apostle Auld,^
We trust in ihee.
That thou wilt work them, het ;in' cauld.
Till they agree.
Consider, sirs^ how we're beset;
There's scarce a new lierd that we get.
But comes frae mang that cursed set,
1 Wifina name;
I hope £rae heaven to see rhem yet
In fiery j^ame.
'Dr+ Robert Duncan &f DuntfonalcE. * ^^, Wm_ Pe^-hlcs of N^wton-cm-Ayn
*Rcv. Wni. Auld vf MaucLlinc-
POEMS AND SONGS 65
Dalr>'mple* has been lang our faCp
M'GJir has wrought u5 mi^ikle wae^
An' ihal cun'd rascal ^a'd M'Quhae,^
And bailh ihe Shawa^'
That aft hae madG us hUck an' bhe,
Wr vcngcfu" paws.
Auld Wodrow'*^ lang has hatched mischief;
We thouj^hl aye death wad bring relief;
Bui he has gouen, [0 our j^rief^
Anc to succeed him/^
A chield wha'Il soundly htjff our beef;
I mcikle dread him*
And mony a ane thai I could tellp
Wha fain w;id openly rebel,
Forby turn-coats amang au^:ve]^
There's Smlih^- for ane^
I doubt hc*5 but a grey nick quill,
An^lhatye'llfin\
O! a' ye /locks o'er a' the hills,
By mosses, meadows^ moorSj and fells*
Comej }oin your counsel and your skills
To cowc the lairds,
An' get [he bruioii the power themsers
To choose thdr herds.
Then Orthodoxy yet may prance^
An Learning in a woody danojj
An' that fell cur ca'd Common Sense,
That bites sae sair*
Be banished o'er the sea to France:
Let him bark there^
Then Shaw*s an' DVymple's eloquence^
y M'Giirs dose nervous excellence
*ftcv. Dr. Dalrymplc o£ Ayr. ''Rev. Wm. M'Gill, ct>lleaBiK of Dr. Dalr>mplt-
'MiflisTer of Si. QuiraSn ■ Dr, Andrew Shaw of Cfniiyj*:, and Dr. David Shiw of
CoylEoti. ^^Dn PttL-r Wodmi^r o| Tarbohon. " Rtv. Jnhn MMach. 2 youn*!
. 4uutuit and ^ucci^!$or us Wodrow, '^ Rev. George Smith of Colston,
66 ROBERT BURNS
M'Qiihac's paihciic maniy rense,
An* j;uid M'Math,
Wi* Smith, wh:i ihm th^: heart can gTaiicfij
May R pack alT.
EPISTLE TO DAVIE, A BROTHER POET
While \^]ik!s frae aff Ilcn-Lomond blaw^
An' b^r i\k doors wj' driving snaw,
An' l][n^ U5 owK the inglo^
f set mt tlown to pass the lime,
An* spin a verse or iwa o' rhyme^
In h:imt]ly^ weslUn jinglc-
Whtk l^rosiy winds blaw in ihc driftj
RLrn to the chiniU lug^
I grudge a wee the great-folk's gift.
Thai live sae bien an' snug:
1 tent fcsij and ivnnt less
Their roomy fire-stde^
But hanker J and dnnker^
To see their cursed pride^
It^s hardly in a body's powV
To kccp^ at times^ frae beins; sourj
To sec how things are shared'
How best o' chicts arc whllG-; in want.
White coofs on countless Ehausands rant,
And ken na how to w:tir't;
Buij Davict lad, ncVr fash your head,
Tho' we hae htile gear;
We're fit to win our daily breads
As lang's weVe hflle and fier:
"Mair spier na, nor fe^ir na/'^
Auld age neVr mind a fcg^
The last o'lj the warst o'r
Is only but to beg-
To lie in Lilns and barns at e'en.
When banes are crasi'dj and bluid i.5 ihin,
h, doubtless, great distress!
POEMS AND SONGS 6/
Yet then content could make us blest;
Ev'n theoj somttime^j ^vc'd snaith a taste
Of truest happiness.
The honest lieurt ihac^s free? frae a'
Intended fraud or ^juile,
Howtvor Fortune kick the ha'.
Has aye some cause lo smile;
An' mind stilt, you'll find stilU
A comfort this nac snia*;
N:ie jnatr then well eare thec^
Nae farther can ^ve ta\
Whai tho', like commoners of air.
We wander out, we know not ^vheTe,
But eidier house or hal\
Yet nature's charms, the hills and ^voods^
The sweeping vales, and foaming Hoods^
Are free alike to all^
En davs when daisies deck the ground^
And blackbirds whisde clear.
With honest joy our hearts will bounds
To see the conting year:
On braes when we please, then^
Well su an' sowth a tune;
Syne rhyme riil't xve'iJ rime ^i[\\
An' sing't when we hae done,
Il^s no in titles nor in rank;
It's no jn wenlih like Lon'on bank^
To purchase peace and rest:
It's no in makin' muckle, mair;
It's no in books, it's no in lear.
To make us truly blest:
If happiness hae not htjr 5e:it
An* centre in the breast,
We may Ijp Hiae^ or rich^ or great,
But never can be blest;
Nae Treasures, nor pleasures
Could make us happv langi
The heart aye's the part ave
That make^ us right or wrang.
08^ ROBERT BURNS
Think ye, ihat sic as you and !,
Wha drudge an' dnve ihro" wei and drjs
Wi* never-ceasinij loil;
Think ye^ ?rc we le^i blest ihan theVj
Wha scarcely tent us in their w^y^
As hardly wor^h ihetr while?
Alas! how aft jn haughty mood,
God's creatures they opprcssi
Or dsCj neglecting a^ that's gujd,
They riot in excess!
Bailh careless and fearless
Of either heaven or hell;
Esteeming and deeming
It's a' an idle talel
Then let us clieerfu' acquiesce,
Nor make our scanty pleasures less^
By pining at our state:
Andj even should misfortunes come,
J^ here ^vha stt, hae mcc wi' some^
An's thankEu' for ihem yci.
They gie the wit of age to youth;
They let us ken ourscr;
They make us see the naked truih,
The real guid and 11]:
Tho" losses an' crosses
Be le^son^ right soverei
There*s wit there^ ye'll get There,
Ye^ll find nae other where.
But tent mCj Davie^ ace o* hearts!
(To say aught less wjd wrang the cirleSj
And lTai[Vy I detest)
This hfe has joys hr you and I;
An' )Ovs that rlcheii ne'er coufd buy.
An' joys The very best*
There's a' the pleasures o' the hearty
The lover an* the fricn*;
Ye Eiae your Meg, your dearest part,
And I my darling Jean!
POEMS AND SONGS 6§
Tt warms me^ ir tharms mo,
To mt^tiiion hut her nam?^:
It heals m*^3 it bccLs mi;,
An^ 5cts jiie a' on [lame!
O all vc PmvVs who rule above!
O Thau whoso very ^\( ;iri Eovcl
Thou know'sr my uord$ liintcre!
The life-blood itrcaming thro' my hearij
Or my more dear immorlal pari.
Is not more fondlv dear!
When hearl-corroding care and yricf
Deprive my soul of rcstj
Hci dt^ar idea hrinj^s retiefj
And sdlatt^ uj my breasL
Thau Heirifi, AlU^edngj
O hcif my fervent prayV;
Still take her, and make her
Thv most peculiar care[
All hail! ye lender feelings dear!
The smite of lovOj ihe fricnilly tear^
The sympathetic glow!
Long since^ this world's thornv wavs
Had numbciM out my weary days.
Had i[ noi been far you!
Fate siill has blesr me wirh a friend.
In evVy care and ill;
And oft a more endearing band —
A [ie more tender still-
It lijrhtens, it brightens
The tenebrific scene,
To meet with, and greet with
' My Davie^ or my Jean!
Qy how ihat name inspires my $tyle!
The words come ikelpin, rank an' filej
Amaist before I ken!
The ready measure rins as fine^
As Phcebus an' the famous Nine
Were glowfin owre my pen.
79
ROBERT BURNS
My spaviot Pej^4i$us will limp^
Till am:e he\ fairly iiei;
And [hen lie'il hilch^ and stilt^ an' jimp.
And rin an unco fit:
tiut Icnsi ihtn tl:e be:ist [hen
Shch^iUl rue ihis hasty ride,
y\\ lighr noWj and dcj^hi now
His swca[y, wizen^ hJde,
HOLY WILXIE^S PRAYER
*^And send chc godly in a pet to prayr" — Pope,
AjtctuMP_?jT. — Hofy Willie ^i-as a rothtr ofcfish bachcfor elder, in the parish <^'
MJtichline, and niucli um\ ju^tl/ fampd for that iiol^Tnical chauerm^, which cnd^ in
cipplin^^ orthodoxy, and for tl^at spiriru^lbA-'J baw<]r> which r^Jines to liquonsh
fkvoLJati. Id a iCi^ionil procesi ^vjth a ^entltnnaii m MauchJine — ^ Mr. Gavin
tl^tmilLofL — Hoiy IViItit and hit pntitp Father Auld^ afLer full hearin;^ in thi^ prc^bjteri'
of Ayr, came off but second b«t; owing partly t& the ordiori^ial powers of Mr.
Robert Aiken, Mr. Hamilton's crmnwl; hin chiefly l^i Mr, Han^Hinn's bcin^; une of
the moit irreproachable anfl truly reipccfahle cfiar^ictJ^i in clio t-vjunTy. On iu^^ ihc
process^ tht niiis^: overheard hini Jlloly Wiilisj at his titvouonsj Js lollowi: —
OT
?ho in [he heavens does dwdlj
IJOU, w
Who, as iC pleases best Thyself
Sends anc lo heaven an' ten to he!!,
A' for Thy glory.
And no for ony gude or \\l
They've done afore Tliee!
I bless and praise Thy matchless mightj
When thousands Thou hast left in nighty
That 1 am hert afore Thy sight.
For gifts an* grace
A burning and a shining Ught
To a* [his plaee-
What was ly or rtiy generaiEOn,
Thj3[ 1 should gel sie c^f^Uation^
I wba deserve mosC ]iJ5i damnation
For broken iaws^
Five thousand years ere my crca[ion,
Thro^ Adam's causeP
POEMS AND SONGS Jl
Whon frae my mither*s womb f fe!J^
Thou might hae plunged me in helU
To jjnash my gmnsj to weep and wail,
In burnin lakes,
Where damned dcvifs roar and yell^
Chained to ihtir stakes-
Yet I am here a chosen sampTe^
To show rhy grace is great and ample;
I'm here a pillar o' Thy tem^ple*
Strong as a rock,
A guide, a buckler^ and example^
To a' Thy flock,
O Lord, Thou ken? what /eal I bear.
When drinkers drink, ^i\ swearers swear.
An' singin there, an^ d^incin here,
Wi' great and 5ma';
For I am keepir by Thy fear
Fiee f rae them a\
But yelj O Lord] confess f must^
Ar time$ Vm Eash'd wi fleshly ]u«;
An^ someiimeSj loo, in warldly trust.
Vile ^l[ gers in;
But Thou remembers we are dust,
DeHl'd wi' sin,
O Lord] yestreen, Thou kens, wi^ Meg—
Thy pardon 1 sincerely beg,
O! may't ne*er be a livin pUguc:
To my dishonour,
An' ril ne'er Tift a lawless leg
Again upon her.
Besides^ T fardier maun allow,
Wi' Leezie's lass, three times 1 trow —
But Lord^ that Friday 1 wa$ fou.
When I cam near her;
Or else^ Thou kens, TTiy servani true
Wad never steer her.
72
EGBERT BURNS
Mivbe Thou lets ihis fleshly thorn
Bullci Thy servant e'en and mornj
Lest he owre proud and high should turn,
That he's ^ae gifted;
If sae^ Thy han* maun e*en l>e home.
Until Thou Uft Lt,
Lord^ blcs5 Thy chosen in this pUce,
For here Thou hast a chosen r^cei
But God confound [heir stubborn face,
An' blast their name^
Wha bfing Thy elders to disgrace
An' public shame.
Lord, mind Gaw'n Hamilton*; deserts;
He drinks, an' swears^ an' pbys ^t cartes^
Yet has sae mony takin arts,
Wi' great and sma\
Frae God*s ain priest the people's hearts
He steals awa.
An' when we chasien^d him therefor,
Thou kens how he bred sic a splorc,
An^ %^t the warld in a roar
O' laughing at us; —
Curse Thou his basket and his sLore^
Kail an' potatoes-
Lordt hear my earnest cry and pray'r.
Against that Presbyt'ry o' Ayr;
Thy strong right hand^ Lord^ make it bale
Upo' their heads;
Lord visit them, an' dinna spare,
For their tnisdeed^-
O Lordj my God I that glib-tongu^d Aiken,
My vera heart and flesh are ^^uakin.
To think how we stood sweatin\ shakin,
An' p — 'd wi' dread,
While he, wi' hingin !ip an' snakin,
Held up his head.
POEMS AND SONGS 73
Lord, in Thy day o* vengeance try him^
Lord^ visii ihcin wha did employ him^
And pass noi in Thy incrty by em,
Nor hear their prayV^
Bur for Thy peopled sake, desuoy 'em.
An' Jinna spare.
Bui, Lord, rememSer me an' mino
Wi' mercies lempVal an* divine.
That 1 for ;;race an' gear may shino^
Exceird by nancj
And .1' the ylory shall Iw thine,
Amerij Amen I
EPITAPH ON HOLY WILLIE
Here Holy Wiilie^s sair worn day
Tak5 up \i% last ah^jJc;
Hii saut has la'en some other way,
1 feafj i[k l^fi'hund road.
Stop! ihere he i^* ^^ cure's a gun,
Poor, silly body, see him;
Nac wondtr he's as black's ihe grun.
Observe wha's slandinj^ wf him*
Your brunsianc dcvilship, I setp
Has got him [here before ye;
But haud your nine-tat[ cat a wee^
Till ante ynu've heard my story.
Your pity I will not implore,
For piry ye have nane;
Justice, alasf has gi'en him o'er.
And mercy's day js gane.
But hear mc. Sir, dcil as ye are.
Look something to your credit;
A coof like him wad slain your name,
If it were kenr ye did it.
74
ROBERT BURNS
DHATH AND DOCIOK HORNBOOK
A TRtE 5TORV
SoMt boolis arc lies frae end to endj
And some great hes were nov*;r pGftn*d;
Ev'n ministers ihey hae been kennM,
In holy rapture,
A rou«ng whid at timei tt> ^cnd^
And nairt ^rvi' Scripture,
But this thai 1 am ^;iiiLi to idl,
Which lately on a niijht Iwii^ll^
Is just as true s the D^\W Ift hell
Or Dubhn tity:
That eer he nearer comci ourid*
*S a muckle pity.
The cJachan yill l^ad made me canty,
I was na fou, but just had plenty;
I Etaciier'd whiles^ but yet look tent aye
To free the ditches;
An' hillocksj stanes, an' bushes^ kenned ay&
Frae ghaists an* witchei-
Thc rising moon began w glawre
The distani Cumnock hills out-owre;
To count htr horfi5p wi' a' my pow\
I ict mysei";
But whether ^ht] had three or £our^
I cou'd na telL
I was come round about (he hilK
An' todlin down on WLjlje^s mill.
Setting my itaff wi' a' my skilly
To keep mc dicker;
Tho^ leeuard whiles, againit my will,
I took a L»<^r.
I iheie wi* Sor^iefhing did forgather.
Thai pat me in an eerie swither;
POEMS AXD SONGS 75
An' ii^vfu' scyrhe, out-owre at' shouihcr,
Cltar-dan^lirig, hang;
A thrcc-tae*d leister on ihe jther
Lay, largi? an' Jang.
Ir^ siaiure atera'd bnj; Scorch elk twa.
The (jui^ere^t shape that e l-j ] saw,
For ficni a w3me il had ava;
And then ii-^ shanks.
They \vere as ihin, as sharp an' sma'
A? cheek'i cj' branks.
"Guid-ecn," quo' I; "Friend! h^e ye bttri mawin,
When i[ht'r folk nry bu^y sawin!" '
li le^m'd to make a kind o' sian\
Bur naeThlng spak;
At length, sixys I. "Frltml! whare ye gaun?
Will ye go back?"
It spak Ti^hr. howe^ — "My name is Dutth,
But be iia riey'd."— Quoih 1, 'Cluld h\i\\,
Ye^re maybe come to srap my breath;
but tent me> billie;
T red ye woel, tak care o' skaith,
Sce» thcre^s a gullyf"
"Gudeman,'* quo' he, "put up your whitl'e,
I'm no designed to try its mettle;
Jiut it J did, 1 wad be kittle
To be mjslear^d;
I wad na mind it, no that spitdc
Out'Owre my beard.'*
"Wecl, weel!"* says I, "a bargain be't;
Come, gie's your hand, an' sae weVe gree*t;
We'll ease our shanks an lak a seal —
Come, gie's your news;
This white ye hae been mony a gate,
At monv a hotise/' "
■■ This rencojiire hjippeni'd in seed-iiire. iyR^. — R. B-
* An epidemical fever was then ra^-ir;" in rhaE tfninir>'. — fir B.
^
76
KOBERT BURNS
"Ay, ay!" quo' he, an' shook his head,
"It's e'en a bng, lang time indeed
Sin' I hegan to nick the thready
An' choke [he breath:
Potk maun do some thing' for their bread.
An' sae maun Death,
"Sax thousand years are near-hand fled
Sin' I \4'as 10 ilie butching bred,
An' iiiony a scheme in vain's been laid.
To Slap or scar me;
Till ane Hornbook's^ ta'en up the trade,
And (aithf hell waur me.
"Ye ken Jock Hornbook " the clachan,
Deil mak his king's-hood in a spkuchan!
He's growi] ise wei^l acquaint wi' Buchan*
And ither chaps,
The ueans haud out UiE^ir fingers laughjn,
An' pouk my hips.
"See, here's a scythe, an' ttiere's a dart,
They liae pierc'ti motiy a gallant heart;
Bui Doctor Hornbook, wi' his art
An' cursed skill.
Has made ihem bairh no worth a f — t,
Damn'dhaetiheyllkmi
' Twas buc yestreen, nae farther gane,
I threw a noble liirow at ane;
Wi' less, I'm sure^ I've hundieds slain;
But deil-ma-care,
It just played dirl on the bane,
But did nae mair.
"Hornbook was by» wi' ready art.
An' had sae fortify'd the part,
^ _ _
^This gejitlem^ins Dr. Hornbook, is profossionallv A bi'o^her of the sovereign Ordc
oE the Ftrul^i but. by mtuition incl inspimtion, is nt once an jpothecu^', surg
and physician^ — P- B, ^ lSiichjn'5 ttonnsstic Medicine. — k^ B^
Cf
POEMS AND SONXS J^
Ttat when I looked Co my datt,
h wa$ sae blunt,
Fient haci; o*C wad hat^ pierc'd ihe heart
Of a kail-runE,
I drew my scythe in sic a fury,
I near-hand cowpii wi' my hurry.
But yet the bauld Apothecary
WjihsitKxl the shcxk;
J might as wcel hae tried a quarry
O' hard whLnxock-
Ev*n [hem he cann;i get attended^
Altho' their face he ne^er had kcnd itj
Just in a kail-blade, an* send ii.
As soon*s he smells \
Baiih their disease^ and what will mend it,
At once he tells \,
*'And rhen, a' docior's ^aws an" whittles,
Ot a' dimensionSj shapes, an' mellleSj
A^ kind o' boxes, mugs^ an" boriles,
He's sure to hae;
Their Latin names as fast he raided
As A B C-
<i
«
Calces o' fossils, earths, and trees;
True sal-marinum o* die seas;
The farina of beans an* pease^
He has't in plenty;
Aqua-fontis^ what you please^
He can content ye*
'Torbye some new, uncommon weapons,
Urinus spiritus of capons;
Or mite-horn shavings, filings, scrapings,
Distiird per s£:
Sat-alkali o^ midge-rail chppings,
And mony mae*"
78
ROEEHT BURNS
"Waes me for Johnie Gixi's' Hole now,"
Quoth 1, 'it ihai thae news be truel
His braw calE-ward whare gowans grew,
Sae wKite and bonie,
N^e doiibr [hey'l] rive it wi' the plew;
They'll ruin lohmel'*
The creature grain'd an eldritch laugh.
And says "Ye needna yoke the pfeugh,
Kirkyards will soon be lill'd eneugh,
T.tk ye nae fear:
They'll a* be trench'd v/i' mopy a sheugh,
In fwa-three year.
"Whare I kill'd sue, a fair strae-deaih.
By loss o' blood or wanl of brcaih,
This nighi Tm free to tak mv aith,
That Hornbook's skill
Has clad a score i' their last claith.
By drap an' pill.
"An hone$t wabftter lo hi^ trade,
WhasG wife's twa nieves were scarce wccl-bred
Gal tippencc' worth ro mend her head,
When it was $air;
The wife slade tannic to her bed,
But ne'er spak mair,
"A country laird had la'en the batts,
Or some eurmurring in hi? guts,
His only son for Hornbook sets,
An' pays him well:
Tile lad, for twa guid gimmer-pcts^
Was laird himsel",
"A bonie lass — ye kend her name —
Some ili-brewn drink had hov'd her wame^
She trusts hersel'* to hide the shame:,
In Hornbook^s care;
Horn sent her afl to her lang hame^
To hide ix ihere.
,
POEMS AK'D SONGS 79
'Thai's jusC a swatch 0' Hornbook's way;
Thus goes he on horn day [O day,
Thus doti he poison, kill, an* slay,
An'i wed paid for't;
Yet stops mc o' my Jawfu' prey,
Wi" his damn'd dirl:
"Bur, hark! V]\ tel! you of a plot,
Tho' dinna ye be spcakin o't;
rU nail the self-con ceiled sot,
A5 dead's a hcrrin; !
Neisf rime we meec, Til wad a groat, I
He ^ets his faihn!" 1
i
But just 3s he began to tell, j
Tbe auld kirk-hammer strak ihe bell |
Some wee shoit hour Jiyoni ihn iwal", j
Which rais'd us baith: \
T Eoob the way that pleas'd myscl', -.
And sae did Death.
I
1
EPtSTLE TO J. LAPRAIK, AN OLD SCOTTISH BARD j
APRIL I, 1785
While briers an^ woodbines budding grecu, J
An' paitricks scraichin loud at e'en.
An' morning poussio whiddln seen.
Inspire my mu^,
This freedom, in an unknown frien',
I pray excuse.
On Fasten-e'en we had a rockin,
To ca' the crack and weave our stockin;
And there was muckle fun and jokin,
Ye need na doubti
At length we had a hearty yokin
At sang about'
There was ae sang, amang ihe rest,
Aboon them a' it pleas'd me best,
1 1.
T|
8c
ROBERT BURNS
That some kind husband had addrest
To some sweet wife;
1^ ihiiLM rhe heart-strings thro* the breast,
A' [o the life,
I've scarce heard ou^hi describ'd iie weelj
What gen Wis, manly bosoms feel;
Thought 1 "Can iKi* be Pope, or SiceSe,
Or Beatlie's wark?'"
They lauld me 'twas an odd kind chiel
About Muirkirk-
It pat me fidgin-tain (o hear't,
An ?ae about him there I speir't;
Then a' that kcnt him round decUr'd
He had ingine;
ThaF nanc c:icell'd it, few cam near*t,
It wa5 sae fine:
That, set him lo 3 pint of ale,
An' either douce 01 merry tale,
Or rhvmes an' sangs he'd made himsel,
Or witty catches —
Tweon Inverness an' Teviotdale,
He had few maiches.
Then up T jjat* an* swoor an aith,
Tho' I should pawn my picugh an' graith,
Or die a cadger pownie's death,
At some dyke-back,
A pint an' gill Vd gie ihem baiih.
To hear your crack.
But, first an' foremost, T should tell,
Amaist as soon as I could spe]l,
J to the cramho-j ingle fell;
Tho' ruttc an* rough—
Yet crooning to a body's sel"
Does weel encugh.
T am nae poet, in a sense;
f3ur just a rhymer like by chancy
POEMS AND SONGS 8l
An' hae to learning nae pretence;
Ycty what the n^ailicr?
Whene'er my muse docs on me glance,
I jingle at her.
Your criiic-folk may cock their no$e>
And 5ay, "How can you e'er propose.
You w\\^ k^^n hardly verse frae pj-cj^se.
To mak a sanj;^''
But^ by your leaves, my learned foes,
Ye>e maybe wrang-
Whal's a' your jargon o' your schools —
Your Latin names for horns an' stools?
If honest Nature made you fools,
What 5aJr5 your grammars?
Ye'd betier taen up spado^ and shools,
Or knappm-Li^mniers.
A set o* dull, conceited hashes
Confuse their brains in college classes!
They gang m siirks, and come out asses,
Plain tru^h lo speak;
An' syne they think lo dimb i^arnassus
By dint o' Greek!
Gie me ae spark o' naiure^s fire^
Thai's a' ihe learning 1 desire;
Then iho' I drudge thro* dub an* miie
At pleugh or cart,
My muse, tho' hamely in attire,
May louch the heart.
O for a spunk o^ AHan's glee,
Or Fergusson's, the bauld an' slee,
Or bright Lapr^ik^s, my friend to be,
If f can hit iti
That would be lear eneugh for me,
If I could get it.
fe ROBERT BURXS
NoWj sir, if ye hae friends enow^
Tho' real fricndsj I b'lieve^ arc few;
Yet J if your catalogue be iu\
I'se no insist:
BuEj gif ye want .le friend ih^r's rrue^
Vm on your lial,
J winna blaw about iny?elj
As ill I like my fauii to tdl;
But. friendf^ an' folk thar wtsh me well.
They sDmctimes roose me;
Tho' [ maun own^ as mony still
As far abuse me-
TKere's ae wee faut they whiles Uy to me,
i like the lasses-^Judt forgie me!
For mony a plack ihcy wheedle frae me
Ai dance or fair;
Maybe some iiher ifiing they gie me.
They weel can spare.
But Mauchline Race, or Mauchline Fair,
I should be proud to meet you there;
We'se gie ae night's dischar^ to earc.
If we for^jalher;
An' hae a swap o' rl^ymin-ware
Wi' anc aniiher^
The four-gill chap^ we^sc gar him clatter,
An* kirsen him wi^ reekin water-
Syne we'll sit down an* lak our whitter,
Tfl cheer our heart;
An' faithj we^ae be acquainted better
Before we part.
Awa ye selfish^ war'ly race,
Wha think that having sense, an' grace^
Ev'n love an* friendship should give place
To catch-the plack [
I dinna like to see your face^
Nor hear your cracks
POEMS AND SOMGS
Bin ye whom social pleasure charms
Whose hearts the tide of kindness warmsj
Who holJ yoxir being on ihc lerms^
"Each aid ihe oihers,**
Come 10 my howl, come to n\y arms.
My ffiendsj my brothers!
Buf, to conclude my lang ^pS^de^
As my auld pen's worn to che gristle,
Twa lines frae you wad gar me fissle,
Who am, mosi fen^ent,
While I can either sing or whisilcj
Your friend and senant.
SECOND EPISTLE TO f, LAPRAIK
APRIL 21^ 1785
While new-ca'd Uye rowte at die stake
An' pownies reek in pleugh or braik.
This hour on e'enin*5 edge I take.
To own Vm debtor
To honesl'heariedj auld Lapraik^
For his kind letter.
ForJGsket sair, with weary leg?,
Raidin the corn out-owre the rigs,
Or citaling thro' amasig the naigs
Their ten-hours' bite^
My awkart Muse sair pkads and begs
I would na wriie*
The [apcdess^ ramfeezl'd hizzie^
She's saft at best an* something lazy:
Quo^ she^ ^'Ye ken we\e been sae busy
This month an' maifj
That trowth, my head is grown right dizzie,
An' something sair/'
Her dnwff excuses pat me madj
"Conscience^" says i, "ye ihowless jade!
83
84
ROBERT BURNS
rn wriic, an' that a hearty bUxid^
This vera mght;
So dtnna yc alTront your traJe,
But rhyme it right.
"Shall bauld Laprsiik^ ihe king o' hearts,
Tho' manktficl were a [Qck o* cartes,
Koose jou sae weel for your deserts,
^n terms sae friendly;
Yei ye'U neglect to shaw your parts
An' thank hiiii kindly?
7P
Sac r gat paper in a blfnkj
An' down gaed stumpte in the inkt
Quoth r, ^'Before I sleep a wink,
I vow ril close it;
An^ l£ ye winna mak it dink»
By Jove, Til prose it!**
Sae Tve begun to scrawl^ but whether
In rhymej or prose, or baith thegither;
Or some hotch-potch that's rightly neither,
Let time mak proof;
Bui I shall scribble down some blether
Just clean aff-loof.
My worihy friend^ ne er giui^ige an* carp,
Tho' fortune nse you hard an' sharp;
Come J kiltie up your moorbnd harp
Wi" gleeiome louch!
Nc^er mind how Fortune wafi aiad warp^
She^s but a bitch.
She^5 gien me niony a jiri an' fleg,
Sin' [ could scriddle owre a rig;
Buij by the Lord, tho' 1 should beg
Wi' lyari pow,
ril Jaugh an' sing, ari' $hake my leg,
As lang's I dow I
POEMS AND SONGS ^
Now come.'i iKe sax-an^-twenlieih dimmer
Tve $ccn the bud upon the limmcrj
Slill peritt:ulcJ by ihe limincr
Frac year to yc^r;
But yci^ Jcspltc the kitile kimmcr^
I, Robj am here.
Do ye envy ihe city geur,
Behmt a kisE to lie ciu i^kkni^
Or pursc-proudj bi;; wj' ct^nr per ccrnL
An' mut^kle uame,
In sojTie bit brugh to represent
A baihe^B name?
Or is> the pau^hiyp feutlnl ihsncp
Wi' rulfi*d *iark an' gkncing cane,
Wha thinks himsd nae sheep-shank bane,
Rut lordly italks;
While caps and bonneis aff are tacn.
As by he walks?
"O Thou wha gies us each guid gift!
Gie me o" wit an* sense a \ih^
Then turn me^ if thou plcise^ adrifr^
Thro' Scodand wide;
"Wr cits nor lairds I! wadna shift,
[n a' their pride!"
Were [his the charter of our iLatei
"On pain c' hell be rich an' great,"
Damnation then would he our fate^
Bcvond remead;
But^ ihanks to heaven^ that^s no ibe gate
We leai^n our creed-
For ihus the royal mandate ran.
When first the human race began;
'The social J friend I y^ hone si man,
Whatever he be —
'Tis h^ fulfiTs great Nature's plan^
And none but he."
86
ROBERT BURNS
mantJatc glorious and divinel
The ragged followers o' ihe Nine,
Poofj thoughdess devils] yei may shine
In glorious lightp
"While sordid sons o' Mammon's line
Are dark as night F
Tho' here they scrape, an* squeczep an* growT,
Their worthless nievefu' of a soul
May in some future caicase howl,
The forest's fright;
Of in some day-detesfirig oM
May shun the hght*
TfTien may Lapraik and Burns arisei
To reach their native, kindred slices.
And sing iheir pleasures^ hopes an' joys,
In some mild sphere;
Stin closer knit in fhendship*s ties.
Each passing year!
EPISTLE TO WILLIAM STMSON
SCHOOLMASTER, OCIlJLlREE. MAY, 1 jS^
1 GAT your letter, winsome Willie-
Wi^ gratefu' heart I ihank you brawUe;
Tho' I maun say% I wad be 5illy,
And unco vain.
Should I believe^ my coaxin billie
Your flatterin. strain^
But Tse believe ye kindly meant it;
I sud be laith to think y& hinted
Ironic satire, sidclins sklented
On my poor Mu^ie;
Tho' in SIC phniisin terms yeVe penned (^
I scarce eiicuse ye.
My senses wad be in a excel,
Should T but dare a hape to speel
POEMS AXD SONGS 87
Wi' Allan, or wl' Gilbcrtfield,
The brats 0^ f^me;
Or Fergii^sorij the writer-chid,
A dcaihlcss name.
(O Fergusson! ihy glorious parts
Ilf suited law's dr}\ musty arts!
My curse upon your whunstane hearts^
Yc E^nbrugh gentry!
The tithe o^ what yc iva$te ai cartes
Wad ilow'tl his panlr)-!)
Yei wh^n a tale cocnes i' my head,
Or lasiiea gie my heart a screed—
A--^ \s'hiles they're like to be my dead,
(O sad disease!)
1 kittle up my rustic reed;
It gies me ease.
Auld Coib now may fitlge iu' fain,
Shc^s goiien poets o' her ain;
Chiels wha their chanters winna hain,
But tune their lays,
Till echoes a^ resound again
Her wed-sung praisc-
Nae poet thought her worth hii while^
To set her name in measured style;
She lay like some unkenn'd-of-isle
Beside New Holland^
Or wha re wild-meeting oceans bail
Besouih Magellan^
Ramsay an' famous Fergaison
Gied Forth an' Tay a lift aboon;
\} Yarrow an^ Tweed, to monie a lune,
Owre Scotland rings;
While Irwin, Lugar, Ayr^ an' Doon
Naebody sings,
-^
■A
ROBERT BURNS
Th*' missus, Tiber, Thumbs, an' Seiaej
Glide ^wees in monie a luncfii' line:
Bui, Willie^ set yotir fit lo mine,
An^ cock your crest;
We'll gar our siroama jji' biirnie^ ^hine
Up wi' the best!
Wo^l sing auld Coila's plains an" fells,
Her moor* red -brown wi' heaiher bells,
Her banks an' bi'a<?s, lier den^ and dells,
Wharc glorious Wallace
Aft bure tlie gree, as sEorj' lulls,
Frac Stiiliroji billies.
At Wallace* name, what Scottish blood
But boili up in a spring-tide flood!
Oft have our fearless fathers strode
By Wallace' side,
Still pressing onward, red-wat-shod,
Or j>lorious died!
O, sweet are Coila's haughs an' woods.
When linlvvhites clianc .imang the buds,
And jinkin hares, in aniorouj whids.
Their loves enjoy;
While thro* the braes the cushat crood:*
Widi wajifu' try!
Ev'n winter bleak has cliarms to me,
When winds rave thro' the naked tree;
Or frosLs on hilU uf Udiiltree
Are hoary ^ray;
Or blinding drifts wild-furious flee,
Dark'ning the day!
O Nature! a' thy shews an' forms
To feeling, pensive hearts hae charms!
Whether the iummer kindly warms,
Wi' life an' light;
Or winter howls, in gusty storms.
The lang, dark nightT
POEMS AND SONGS
The Tnusc. nae poet ever fand her^
Till by himicl he leamd lo wander,
Adown some irolttn burn's mpander^
An" no think Ung:
swcci lo slfay, an' pensive ponder
A htarl-ft'll sang!
The iiar'ly race m,^y drudge an' drive*
Hog-siiouihcr, jundie, sLrcich. an' strive;
LeE nic fair Kmure's face descrive,
And I, wi' plca^urt.
Shall let the busy* grnnibling hive
Bum owri: tht-ir treasure.
FarOH-eel, "my rhyme-composing" brithcrl
We've been owre lang unkenn'd to ithen
Now let us lay out heads tlicgithcr,
In love fratcrnjil:
May envy ^x'allop in a tcthpr,
Black fiend, infernal 1
While HighUiidmen hate tolls an' taxes;
While moorbn' herds like guid. tat braxies;
While terra hrma, on her a^is*
Diurnal turns;
Count on -A friend, in faiih hii' practice,
In Robert Burns.
P05TSC11TPT
My memory's no worth a preen;
1 had amaisi forgotten clean,
Ye bade n\e writi? yuu what they mean
By this ''new-light/'
'Bout which our herds sae aft hae been
Mai5t like la fight-
Tn days when mankind were but callans
At grammar, logic, an" sic talents,
They took nae pains their speech to balance^
Or rules to gie;
But spak theit thoughts in plain, braid laUans,
Like you or me.
h
$0 ROBERT BURNS
In (liae auld itmes^ [hey thought the moon,
Just Uke a sark, or pair o^ shoon^
Wore by degrees, till hor last roon
Gacd pasf their viewin;
■An" shortly after she was done
They gat a new ane.
This pa^secT for ccrWirij undisputed;
It ne'er cam i' their ht^ids to doubt it.
Till chiels gat up an^ wad confuie it.
An* ea*J il wrang;
An* mnckle din thert wai aboui it,
Baiih loud an' Ling*
Some herds^ weef Icaro'J upo^ tht^ heuk.
Wad threap auld folk the thing misteuk;
For *iwas ihe auld moort rufn'd a neuk.
All' out a sight,
An^ backlins comiji to the Icuk
She grew mair bright.
This was deiiyVi^ it was aflirm'd;
Tlie herds and bisj^els were alarm'd
The rev Vend gray-btards rav'd an" storm 'dj
That beardless laddies
Should think ihey belter wt^re infornrd^
Than iheir auld daddies-
Frae less to mair^ it gaed to sticks;
Frae words an^ aiihs to dours an* nicks;
An monii= a fallow gat his licks^
Wi^ hearty crunt;
An^ some, to Itarn them for their tricks,
Were hang*d an' brunt.
This game was playM in mony lands,
An* auld-ligbt eaddies bure sk hands.
That faith, the youngsters took the sands
Wi' nimble shanks;
Till lairds forbad, by strict commands,
Sic bluidy pranks.
PO£MS AND SOXGS 5)1
Bui new-lighi herd--; j;af ^ic a cowe^
Folk thought lliem ruin'd iMck-an-sfOwe;
Till nowj arriaiiE on evVy ksiowc
Yc'H Bud ane placed;
An* some dicrir new-li^lu fair ;jvow,
juai quite barcfacM*
Nae doubt the auld-light Flocks are blcniirt;
Their ztiiloui hcrdi are vcx'd an' ^w^eatiii;
Mysel\ I've even wen them grociiii
VVi' girmii spitc^
To hear ihe moon sae sadly lied on
By word an' write-
But ishorily they wil! cowe the lovjn&T
Some auld -light htrds in ncehor louns
Arc mind't, in things ihcy ca' bdlooi^s,
To lak a flight;
An^ 5lay ac month am^ing the moons
An' see them righl-
Guid obscn^TLinn they will gie them;
An^ when the aiild moon's gaun to lea'e ihemj
The hincjmuiit sU^irdt they'll fetch it wi' them
Juir j' iheir pouch;
An' \vhen the new-light billies see diem*
I think tht^y'll crouth!
Sae, ye observe that a' this clatter
Is naeihing but a ^'moonshine matter^
But iho' dull prose-folk Latin spiauer
In logic tulyie^
i hope we bardies ken some better
Than mind slc brulyie*
ONE NIGHT AS I DID WANDER
Twfl£^ — "J'^hn AadersLin, my jti."
Ose night as [ did w:indert
When corn begins to shoot,
T sat me down to ponder
Upon an auld tree root-
_tT.
92 ROBERT BURNS
AulJ Ayr ran by before me,
And bickered to ihe seas;
A cushfti croffJed o'er me.
That echoed throuj^h the btacs
THO^ CRUEL FATE SHOULD BID US PART
TuTfc—^'Thc Northern Lass."
Tho* crui:l faie should bid ns part,
Far &% the pole and tine.
Her dear idea roui^d my hearty
Should itndcrly cnlwin^^-
Tiio" moLini:i]n!> rise, und dciej"L$ howl^
And occatis roar between i
Yet, dearer than my deathless soul^
J still would love my Jean,
SONG— RANTINV ROVIN' ROBIN'
There was o lad \v^$ born in Kyle,
Hut wh^-ttn^ day o' whatnji style,
I doubc ii's hardly worth [he while
To be sae nice \vi* Rcbin^
CAor. — Robin was *t rovin' toy,
Rartiln*, rovin\ raniin^^ rovin*j
Robin was a rovin' boy,
Rnniin^j rovin", Robin!
Our monarch's hindmost year but ane
Was fivc-and-lwenty day? begun,*
Twas then a blast o' Janwar' uin*
Blew hansel in on Robin.
Robin was, &c*
■Not publuhcd by flurmH -[^iniiarj' j^p 1759, chi: date of my hardship's
viiql csisitiiCi;, — R~ B.
f
POEMS AND SONGS 93
The gossip keekit in his [ooi,
Quo' st:ho, "Wha lives "ill ^e "he proof,
Thi$ waly boy will he nae coof:
1 think we'll ca him Robin."
Robin was, &c.
"He'll hat misfortune? grc3[ an' sina\
Bt][ aye ii lieari ahoon ihcm a',
HcJl ]w] a frodit till us a'—
We'[l a" be prouJ o" R^ibin."
Robin wus, &c.
"But suro as thToe times Three mak ninc^
i see by ilka score and bne,
Thi^ chap wiH dearly like our kin\
So leeze me on :hee! Robin."
Robin wiLS, £tc.
■ L
Guid faitb," quo* scho, ''I doubt you gar
TTie bonie lasses lie aspar;
Bui twenty faurs ye nay hac waiir
So blesiins on iheel Robin /'
Robin was, &ic.
ELEGY ON THE DEATH OF ROBERT RUiSSEAUX'
Mo^v Robin lies in his last hir,
He'll pahble rhyrne, nor sing me mair;
Cauld poverty^ wi' hungry ^larc,
Nae mair ihall fear him;
Nor anxious fear, nor cankeri care,
E'er mair come neaf him.
To icl! [he iruth, they seldom fash'd Him.
Exccpi the moment tliat they ctush'd him-
For sune as chance or fate had huih'd 'em
Tho' c'ci sae shorty
Then wi' a rh>mc or sang he la^h'd *em.
And ihouyhi it sport.
^Ruiaea'if: is Trench for n^uiuis or "biiiiii," a iran^laiion of hl^ name.
i
^\
94 ROBERT BURNS
TfiQ* ho was bred to kinira-ii'ark,
And cuunltd was baith wi^tu and stark.
Yet ihal was never Robin's mark
To mak a man;
But lel] bun, he vvai Jcarn'd and dark.
Ye iDos'd biiii then!
EPiSTLL TO JOHN COLDIE, IN K.1LMARNOCK
AUTHQ[< Ol THE GOSPEL ft£COVERED. — AtlCU&T* I7&5
O GowDiE, terror o' the whigs,
Orciid o' blackcoai;^ and re^'rcnd wigs!
Sour Bigotry, on her la^i le^s,
Girns an* iook$ back,
Wisliiiig the ten Kgypiiaii pljgues
May seize you quji:k.
Poor gapin', gloivrin' Superstition!
Wae's me, she's in a ^ad condition:
Fye: bring B/nri^ /^w^,' her st;tte physician,
To see her water;
Alas, there's ground for great suspicion
She*l! nf'er j^ef better-
Enthusiasm'i past redeniplion,
Gane in a gallopin' consumption:
Nat a' her qu.icks, \vV a' iheir gumption.
Can ever inend her;
Htr fei?ble pulse gica strong prtjsunipcion,
Slie'll soon surrender.
Auld OrlJiodosy bng did grappEe,
For every hole to gei a ^tjpplc;
But iioiv she fctcbe$ at the thrapple,
An' lights lor hrealh;
Hnstc, gie her name up in the chapels-
Near unto death.
Tt's you an' Tay-lot^ are the chief
To blame for a* this black mischief;
'Tfje Rov. J. Bmielln Kiltnarnntk.— W. S. 'Mr. Ru«cM'^ Kitlf— /?. B.
^ Ur, Taylor of Norwich.—^. E.
POEMS AND SONGS 95
Birr, could the Lord's ain folk get leave,
A loom I3r barre]
An' twa red pcais wad bring relief.
And end ihe quarrel.
For me, my skill's but vtyy i[iia\
An' skill m proae Tve nane ava';
Bin quieil ins- wise, bi'iween us iwa,
Weel may you ^iieedl
And iho' ihey sud you siiir misca'.
Ne'er fash your head.
E'en $^win^c the do^s, and thresh ihem skkerl
Thi? niair they squeel aye chap ihe thicker;
And still 'mjing hantl^ a hearty biekcr
O' somtEhlng $iout-
It gars an owihor's ^lulse beat quicker.
And helps bis wit.
There's nacthing lite the honest nappy"
Whaie'll ye e'er see men sac happy.
Or women ^onsie, saft an' sappy,
'Twccn morn and morn,
As them wha like to taste the drappie,
In gU'iS or born?
I've seen mc da?£d upon a Irme*
I scarce cQuld wink or sec a stymc;
Just ae half-mutchkin does me prime, —
Ought less is litde —
Then back I rattle on the rhyme,
As fileg's a whittle.
THE HOLY FAIR^
A robe nf i^mini; Truih and tniit
Hid era fly Ob$cfvau^>ii;
And iKiet hjng, viih pfwwn'd Cfiiir,
The dirk oi Dt-famaEinn;
J ^ "Holy Fair" is a itminnn pht^ze In the wc&i of Scntland lot a sacramencal
Decision. — R. B.
'W
96
ROBERT BURNS
A mask ^hal like the gorad show'd^
Dyc-varyjn;r on tho piRton;
And Eor a [nanilt larco ^nd broad.
He ivrjpi hirn in Rc'lijlon-
Upok a stmmcr Sunday morn
When Nature's face is fair,
i walked forth lo \kw the corn^
An* snull the caller air*
The rising i^n owre Galsion muirs
Wi' glonoiis light was glinEin;
The hares ^vere hirphd down the [urrs,
The laverocks ihey were chantifi
Fu' sweet that day,
As Iighl$omely I ^lo^vr'd abroad^
To see a scene sae gay,
Three hizzies^ earfy at the road,
Cam skelpin up the way-
Twa had manteclcs o' dolefu* black,
Eut anc wi* lyarE lining;
Tlie thifdj that gaed a wee a-hnck.
Was in the fashion shining
Fu' gay thai dny.
The iwa appeai'tJ hkt^ sisters t^vin.
In (eaiuK^ (orm, an' elacs;
Their visage withered, ]ang an* ihiiij
An^ sour as ony slaes:
The third cam up, hap-slap a n'-lowp,
As light as ony lambiej
Ar\' wi' a turchle low did stoop^
A5 soon as e^cr she saw me^
Fu* kind that day.
Wr bonnet aff, quoth l, "Sweet las^
I think ye seem to ken me;
Tin sure [\e seen thai bonie face
But yet l canna nam^ ye/^
POEMS AND SONGS §7
Quo* she, an* laughiti as shE spak^
An' laks me by ihe han's^
"Ye, (or jny sake, hae gtcn the feck
Oi a' [he Kii commands
A screed some day/
^^
"My name is Fun — your crome dear,
The nearest friend ye hac;
An' this is Superstituiion hcr&j
An' that's Hypocrisy.
I'm gaun to Mnuchlinc Holy Fair,
To spend hTh hour in daflln:
Gin ye'll go there, yon runkl'd patr,
We ^vill get famous lau^hin
At them this day"
Quoth 1, "Wi' a' my heart, J'U do*t:
ril get my Sunday's sark fln^
An' meet you on the holy spot;
Faiih, we'se hae fine remarkinT*
Then [ gaed hame at crowdie-time,
An" soon I made me ready;
For ro^ds were dad, frae side to side^
Wi' mony a weary hody
In droves ihat day-
Here farmery gash^ in ridin grsith,
Gaed hoddin by their colters;
There swanktcs young, in braw braid-claithj
Are springing o^vre the gutters.
The lasses, skclpin barefitp thrang,
In silks an' scaHeU glilCer;
Wi' sweet-milk cheese, in mony a whang,
An* farJs, bak'd wi' buiier,
Fu' crump ihatday.
When by the plate we set our nose,
Weel heaped up wi' ha'pence^
A greedy giowr black-bonnet rhrows.
An' we maun draw our tippence-
98
great pcdciman.
ROBERT BUKNS
Then in we j^o lo set ihe show;
On evVy side they're gathVin;
Some carrying dails, sortie chairs an' stooJs,
An' some are busy blethVin
Right loud Lhai Jay,
Here stands a ahed to fend the showVs,
An^ screen our counlra gentry;
There Rycer fess,- an' iwa-ihrec whores,
Ak hlinkin at the tntry*
Here jiits a raw o^ [itdin jads,
Wr heaving breast an* bare neck.
An* there a batch o' wabsier Uds,
Blackguarding frac Kilmarnock^
For fun this day.
Here, some are thinkin on their sinSj
An* some upo' iheir daes;
Ane curses feet that fyl'd his shins^
Antchcr sighs an' prays:
On this hand sits a chosen ^waich,
Wi* Ecrewed-up, grace-proud faces;
On ih:^t a set a* chaps^ at watch,
Thrang win kin on the lasses
To chairs thai day.
O happy is (hat man, an^ ble^ll
Nae wonder thai it pride himi
Whase ain dear laiSj that he likes best.
Comes chnkin down beside himI
Wi^ arms rcposM on thc^ chair hack^
He swcedy docs compose him;
Which, by d^gtGt^s, slips round her neck^
An's loof upon her bosom,
Unkend That day.
Now a' the congregation o'er
Is iilent expectation;
For Moodie^ speeh the holy door,
Wi' ddings o' damnation:
J&lO was J hatf-^vttlpd driuphler of PoMJe Nansie.
^Rev« AJexandcr Mootlic d£ Kkcarton.
£h
e was a
POEMS AND SONGS ^
Should Horme. a? in ancient days»
'Mang jiDns o' God presem him.
The vera $jghi o' Moodie's face.
To 's aln hec kame had sent him
Wi" fright thai day,
^ ^ _
Hear how he clears rhe point o' fairh
Wr nitdin and v/V ihumpin!
Now meekly calm^ now wild in wrath>
}rW^ slampifi^ an^ hc^s jumping
His iengihcn'd chin^ his turned- up ^nout^
His eldritch squeel an' gtsrure^
O how ihey tire (he heart devoutj
Likt caniharidian platsters
On sic a ttay!
But hark! the tent has chang'd its voice^
1 Kerens peace an' rest nae langer;
For a' the real judges rise,
They canna sit for anger,
Smiih^ opens om his cauld harangues^
On practice and on morals;
An' afl the godly pouf in thrangs,
To gie the jars an' barrels
A lifr tha! day.
What signifies his barren shinc^
Ot morai po^vers an' reason?
His Enghsh style, an' gesture fine
Are a' d*;an out o' season.
Like Socrates or Antoninep
Or son^c auld pagan heathen,
The moral mati he dots define^
But ne'er a word o* faifh in
That's right that day.
In guid time comes an antidote
Against sic poison'd nostrum;
For Peeblesp"^ frae the water-fit,
Ascends ihe holy rostrum:
^Rcv. Geoc^ Smith of GaliUjn- *Pcv. Wm. Peebtes &f Newion-upoa-Ayr.
100 ROBERT BURNS
See, up he's got ihe word o' God^
An' meet an' mim has view'd it^
WIuIl* CommoH'Seiise has lai^n the roid.
An' aHj an' up [he Cowgaie'^
Fast, fast ih^i day^
Wcc Miller^ ncist fhc guard relieves.
An' Orthodoxy raibJes^
Tho' in his heart he wtreJ hclie^eSj
An' thinks It add wives' Ubles;
Bui faith i ihe birkie wants a manse.
So, cannihc he hun^s them;
AUho^ his earnal wit an* 5ense
Like hatnin^-wise o'ercomes him
At limes thjii dav-
Now, hutt an' hen^ ihc tiharige-hou^e fills,
Wi' yilWaiip commenrjiiors;
Here *s cryin out for bakes and gills^
An' ihere the pinf-stowp datie^r^;
While thick an' thrang, an' ]ouJ an' !an^
Wi* logic an' wi' scriplure,
They raise a din, that in the end
Is like to breed a rupture
O* wrath that day,
Leeie me on drinkl it gies us mair
Than either school or coUege;
It kindles wh, it w^ukens lear,
It paujjs T.IS fou □' knowledge:
Be'c whisky-^ ill or penny wheep^
Or ony stronger potion ^
R never fails, on drinkin deep^
To kitde up our notion.
By night or day*
The lads an' lasses, biythely bent
To niind baiih sauJ an' body,
Sir round the table, wto] conienij
An^ steer about the toddy:
*A Jtrcct so called which facw the lenc iri Mauchl'in^. — Rr B.
^Rev. AltK. Miller, if^trward of Kilmaurs.
PO!!MS AND SONGS lOI
On this jino^s dress, an" thar ane^s leuk^
They're makin observations;
While iome are cozie i' the neuk,
An' formmE assJEnaiions
To meet some day.
But now tht Lord^s ain trumpet touESj
Til] a' the htlls arc rairin^
And echoes bgck return [he shouts;
black Russell h na sparin:
His picrcin words, like Hl^hlan" swords^
Divide (he joints an' marfQW"
Hii talk o Hell^ wharc devils dwellj
Our vera "sauU does harrow"
WrfhghL that day!
A vastfc unhotiom'dj boundl^s^ pit,
Fiird fou o' Eowin brunstane,
Whase raging flame, an' scorching hear^
Wad melt the hardest whun-sianel
The half-asleep start up wj' fcar>
An' think clu^y hear it roar in;
When presently it doe^ appear^
'Twas but some neilxir snorin
Asleep that day*
^Twad be owre lang a talc to tclT^
How mony stories past;
An' haw they crouded to the yill,
When [hey weie a' dismisi;
How drtnk gatd round, in cogs an* caups,
Amang the furms an' benches;
An' cheese an* bread, frae ^vomen's lapSj
Was dealt about in lunches
An' dawds that day*
In comes a gawsie^ gash guidwife,
An' iiis down by the fire^
Syne draws her kehbuck an' her knife;
The lasses they are shyer;
102 ROBERT BURNS
The auld gutdmcn, about the grace
Frae side to side rhey bother;
Till some ane by his bonntt UySj
An' gi^s them'i Hke a tedicr,
Fu* lang nhai day^
Waesucksl for him that gets nac ]assj
Or hsses that hac nacthingl
Sma^ need has he to say a jjrace^
Or melvie his braw daithinjjl
O wivesp he mifidfu' ante yoursd'
H&w honip lads yL wanted;
An' dinna for a kehbuck-heel
Let lasses be all routed
On sic a day I
Now Clinkumbtfij wi* ratifin tow,
Begins to jow an' croon;
Some swagger haine [he Ijc^t [hey dow.
Some wail ihe afternoon.
Ar fiJap^ the billies hak a blink,
Till lasses strip their shoon:
Wi' faith an* hopEj an' love an' drink^
Tiie^'re a' in fan:^ous tunc
For L^rack Ehat day^
How mony hearis this day converts
O^ sinners and o^ lasse^l
Their hearts o' sune^ gin night, are ganc
As saft as ony flesh is:
There's some arc fovi o' love divine^
There^s some are fou "' brandy;
An' rnony ^obs that day begin p
M^y end in houghmagandic
Some iihcir day*
THIRD EPISTLE TO J. LAPRAIK
GuTD speed and furder to you, )ohnie,
Guid health, hale ban's, an* weather bonie;
POEMS AND SONGS IO3
Now, when ye*re nickin down fa' cannie
^ The start o' bread.
May yc ne'er want a stoup o^ branny
To clear your head.
May Boreas nevtr fhrcsh your rigs,
Nor kick your ricklcif i*iT their legs,
Sendin ihc stuf7 o'tr muirs an' haggs
Ltke drivin wrack;
Bui may the upmost grain lU^i wags
Come to the sack..
Vm hizzKj toOj an' skelpin at k,
But bitter, daudin sbou^rs hae wat it;
Sae my aulJ stumpie pen \ gat Jc
Wr muckle wark,
Aa^ took my joctcleg an whatt ii^
Like ony clarL
lt\ now t^'a month that I'm your debtor^
For your braw^ nameless, dateless letter^
Abusin m{^ for haf^ih ilf-naiure
On holy men,
While dei] a hair yourseT yc're better,
But mair profane.
But let the kirk folk ring iheir beUsj
Let's sing about our noble sefs:
We'El cry nae jads Irae heathen hills
To helpf or roose us;
But browster wives an' whisky stills^
TA^y are the muses.
Your friendship, Sir^ I winna quat it,
Art* if ye mak' objections at it.
Then hand in neive some day wc^II knot it^
An' witness Like,
Ap' when wi' usqual^ae we\e wat it
Jt winna break.
\r\
104 ROBERT BURNS
But if the b^asE an^ bmiiks be sparM
Till kye be gaun wiihouc ihc hcrdj
And a^ the viticl in ihc yardp
An^ theekil righf^
I mean your ijijjk-sidii lo guard
Ae winter night.
Then musc-inspirtn' aqu^-vitx
Shall make us baith sae blyihe and wiuy,
Tili ye forget yeVe ayld an' gaity,
All* be as canty
As yc were nine years less than iliretty —
Sweet ane an' twenty!
But stooks are cowpit wi' the blasr^
And now the sinn keeks in the west.
Then I maun rln amang the resE^
An* qiial my chanter;
Sae I subserlbe myse^ in haste^
Yours, Rab [he Ranter,
EPISTLE TO THE REV. JOHN M^MATH
INCLOSING A COPY OF '^ifOLY WTLLlfi^S PRAYEr/' WHICH HE HAD
HtOUESTEDj 5EPT. 17, IjSj
While at the stock ihe shearers cowV
To shun the bitter blaudjn* show'r.
Or in gul ravage rinnin scowr
To pass ihc lime.
To you I dedicate the hour
In idle rhyme-
My musie^ lir^d wi* mony a sonnet
On gown, an' ban.\ an' douse black bonneCj
Is grown right eerie now she^s done itp
I-esr they should blame her,
An^ rouse their holy thunder on it
And analhem her-
POEMS AND SOKGS lOj
I own 'iwas rash, an^ raiher hardy.
Thai 1, 3 simple^ country bardic^
Should meddle wi' a pack sat sturdy,
Wha, if they ken mt,
Can easy, wi' a single wordie,
LowjiC hell upon me.
Bui [ gae mad at their grimaces.
Their siyhirij caniin, grace-prouti facei^
Their three-mile prayers^ an' half-mile graces.
Their rsixin consciencej
Whase greed, revenge^ an" pride disgraces
Waur nor their nonsense*
There*s Caw'n, miscaM waur than a beast,
Wha has mair honour in his breast
Than mony scores as jjuid's the priest
Wha sae abus'd him:
And may a bard no crack his jest
What way they've us*d him?
See bim^ ihe poor man's friend in need*
The gentleman in word an' deed —
An' shall his fame an' honour bleed
By ^sorihkss skellums^
An* not a muse erect her head
To covve the bMlums?
ii
O Pope, had I ihy safire's dart? J
To gie the rascals their deserts, I
rd rip dit^ir rotten, hollow hearts, ?
An^iell aloud
Their jugglin hocus-pocus arts
To cheat the crowd-
CJod knowSp Tm no the thing 1 should be.
Nor am 1 even the [hing 1 could hej
But twenty ttmes I rather would be
An atheist clean,
Than under gospel colours hid be
Jusr for a screen.
I06 KOBtRT BURNS
An honest man may like a glass,
An honest man may likti a lass^
Bui mcjn rc^enge^ an' malke fause
He'l! still disdain.
An^ then cry seal for i;os]>e! law^^
Like some \ve ken*
They lake relijjion m theiT mouth;
Tlwy Talk o^ mtrcy, gfat:*^* an' iruth,
For what? — to gie tlieir rn^Eice skouth
On some puir wight>
An* hunt him down, owre right and mth^
To ruin straight.
All haik Religionl mainl divlneL
Pardon a muse sae mean as niine^
Who in her roujjh imperfect hne
Thus daurs to name chee;
To stigmaiis*-* faJse friends of ihmt
Cin ne'er defame thee*
Tho' blotch'i and foul wi' mony a stain.
An' far unworihy of ihy train.
With trt^mbhnji voice I mne my strain^
To )Din with thoiit^
Who boldly dare thy cause maintain
!n spite of foes:
In spile 0* crowdsj in spile o^ mohs,
In spite 0* undermining jobsp
In spice o' dark banditti stabs
At worth an* metic.
By scoundreh, even ^vi* hoiy robes,
Bu[ hdlish spiritr
O Ayr! my dear, my native ground.
Within thy presbyterial hound
A candid liberal band is found
Of public teachers.
As menj as Christians too, renowned.
An' manly preachers.
i.
POEMS AND SONGS I07
Sir, in that circle you are nam'd;
Sir, in thai cirdc you are fam'd;
An* some^ by whom your ducirine^s bUm'd
(Which gies you honour)
Even, sifj by ihcni your heart's esteem 'd.
An* winning manner.
Pardon this freedom I have (aen.
An* if impertinem !\e been,
Impme h noi, g-x^ Sir, En ane
Whase heart ne'er wrang'd ye.
But to his itimosf would befriend
Ought that beUng'd ye,
SECOND EPJSTLE TO DAVIE
a bhother poet
Alld Neieovp,
I m three time^ doubly o'er your dohtorj
For your .luld- 1 arrant, frien'ly letter;
Tho' i maun say't ] doubt ye Hatter^
Ye ^peak sae fair;
For niy puir, iilly^ rhymin cbtter
Some k^s maun sair*
Hale be your heart, hale be your fiddle,
Lan^ may your clbtick jink an^ diddle.
To chtLT you ibro' the weary widdle
O^ warly cares;
Till bairns^ bairns kindly cuddle
Your aiild grey hairs.
But Davicj bd, Tm led ye*re glaikii;
Tm tauJd the muse ye h^ie neglcckiti
Ad' gif it's sae, ye sud be iickic
Until ye fyke;
Sic haun's as you &tjd ne er be Eaikit,
Be hain't wha like.
For me, Tm on Parnassus* brink,
Rjvin (he words 10 gar ihem dink;
I08 ROBERT BURNS
Whiles dazed wi' love^ whiles daz^d wi" drnikj
Wi" jads or masons;
An' whiles J but aye owre late, I think
Braw aohti le^son^^
Of a' [he thoughtless son^ o' man,
Commcn' lo n\c the bardio clanj
Exrept it be some idle plan
O* rhymm clink,
Tl>e devil haetj — that I sud ban —
They ever ihink^
N^c thought, nae viei^\ nae scheme o' lt%'in,
Nae cartfs to gie us joy or ^rievin^
But just iht pouchJG put the neive in,.
An' ^v^hife ought's [iiere,
Thetij hUtie^ skiltic, we gac scrievin*.
An' fash nae mair*
Leeze me on rhyme! it's aye a treasure.
My ehiefj amaist my only pleasure;
At hamc^ a-iierj at wark, or leisure*
Th^ Muse, poor fu^^icf
Tho' rough an^ raploch l>e her ctieasure,
She*:s seldom Jazy,
Haud to the Muse, my daintie Davie:
The wurr may f^lay you monv a shavie;
But for ihe Musc^ she'll never leavu ye,
Tho* e*er sae puir,
Na, even rho' llmpin wV rhe spvie
Frac door !ae door^
SONG— YOUNG PEGGY BLOOMS
TwftHf— ^^Loch Ercch-sicie."
YoijNG Pe£gy blooms our boniest lass^
Her blush is like the mornin^js
The rosy dawn, the ^prinying ^ra$&,
Wich early gem* adorning.
POEMS AXD SONGS IO9
Her eves outshine ihe radUnt beams
That gfc[d [tie passing shauer,
And ji^iiTtcr a^er the crysLjl iiretiirts^
And cheer each tresh'ning l^ower.
Her hp5. more than [he cherrits briyhi,
A ridicr dye has graced ihcm;
They charm iW admiring gazer's sight*
And sweedy tempi (o tasie iKcm;
Vier 5m[le is as Uit evening mild,
When fcaiher'd pairs are conning,
And liidc lambktns wanton wild.
In playfut bands disporting.
Were Fonunc lovely Peggy's (oe.
Such sweetness would relent her;
As blooming spring unbends the brow
Of surly, savage Wmier.
Detraction's eye no aim can gainp
Her winning powVs to lessen;
And fretful Envy grins in vain
TEie poisoned rooth to fasten.
Ye Pow'rs of Honour, Love, and Trudi,
From ev>y ill defend her!
Inspire iho highly-favour'd youth
The destinies in Fend her:
Siill Fan the sweet connuhl^l ISame
Responsive in each bosom;
And ble$s the dear parental name
With many a filial blosi^m^
SONG— FAREWELL TO BALLGCHMYLE
TfiJjr — "Misi Forbes's farcwtl! to Bijifl-''
The Catrine woods were yellow seen.
The flowers decay'd on Cairine lee,
Nae laverock sang on hillock green^
But narure iicken^d on the e*e*
Thro' faded groves ^fa^ia sang^
Hersef in beauiy^s bloom ihe while^
110 ROBERT BURKS
And aye [he ia ild-woDd echoes rang,
Fareweei ihe braes p' BalJochmylel
Low in your wintry beds, ye Tlowers,
Again yell Jlourish fresh iind t^iir;
Ye birdtcs dumb^ in with 'ring bowers,
Again )e1l charm rhe vocal air.
Bur here, dasf for mc nac mair
Shall birdie charm^ or iloweret smilei
FarewctJ ihc bonic banks of Ayr,
Farcweelj fareweell sweet Ballochmylel
FRAGMENT-HER FLOWING LOCKS
Hbr flowing locks, ihe raven's wing^
Adown her neck and bosom hing;
How sweet un(o ihat breast lo cling.
And round that neck entwine licrl
Her lips are roses wat wi' dcWj
O' wh:it a feast her bonic mou'I
Her t:he*^ks a niair celestial hue,
A crimsan stiti diviner!
HALLOWEEN^
Thr foUowlnjj poem vviIIh by many readersi be wcH cncnish understood; but for
cht sake oF tJiose ^vho ^rt iinncqiiainied with iht: murLnci^ anci (raflinons of the
LuuniT)' wht-rc chc si-tJic h irat-l. nf>ces are nddcd m invc some aHTizount ot ih^ principal
chann-i :ind ^ipelU cat thji ni^hr. sa Hg wiih prophecy lo The peasantry in ihe wlsi of
Scf^tland. The passion or iiryin^ into fuiiiriiy inak*?^ a srdhinj: pjirc of the hi&tory
of htiman feature ]n it^; rude ^tflt<:, in i1l :iff\i'i and nations; jtiJ \k may be v)mc cii^er-
T.iinrtbtnc TfN zi philEjsophic lujndi if any yjch honour the author wkth a peru^alp lo see
the remsinj of it ;nnona ih\i m<}£0 micnlj^htcm^d in our oxvn^ — R, J5.
Ye^l ki the rlcii dend^^n the prnud c^i^daia^
The simple plea^uj^s ol the towly trains
To JT>c more dear, conyenial to my heart.
One naci^c charm, thaa alL th^ gtws of aft, — CioLf^fMiiUd
' N thoiiK^l trt b? a nJEht wlicn wki:hes, devils, and other miichief- making beings
are -tUoaci on th^lr baneful midni>:hi f^rrand:^; pardcu^arLy those a£:ria! peupJL:^ the
fairicj^t ^re said on that ni^hi lo hold a ^^jnd aniiivcrsary.- — R^ B.
POEMS AND SONGS III
U™h that night, AA'hen fairies light
On Casijiis Doanans^ d^nce,
Or owre the byi, m iiplendld blazftp
On sprighlly coursers prance;
Or for Colcan the rout is la^erli
Btfncath the moon's pale beams;
There, up the Cove,^ to srray ati' rove,
Amang the rocks and iirejims
To sport [hat night;
Arriang the honic wintlin;^ banksj
Whcfe Doon tins, ^vimplinj dear;
Where Brucc^ ance ruTd the ir]:]r[iaL ranks.
An' shook his Carrick spoiir;
Some merryj friendlyp counira-foiks
Together did convene.
To burn their niis^ an' pou their stocks,
An* baud their H^illoween
Fu" biythe that night.
l>te lasses feat^ an' deanly neat^
Mair braw than wiien iheyVe Rne;
Their faces bJythc, fu' sweedy kythc,
Hearri leal, an* warm, an' kin^:
The lads sae trig, wi* wooer-babs
Weel-knottcd on their garten;
Some unco blace, an' some wV gabs
Gar lasses' hearts gang sla^tin
Whiles fast at nighEn
Then, firif an' ftjremos[j thro^ the kail.
Their sto^ks^ maun a^ be sought ance;
^CertAin littltn romamicp roity^ green hilh, in the neighbourhood of the anciflnt
»ar of the Earli oi C^^stli^. — k. B.
I & *A Qotcd civerfl riear C>jUvin housrn called the Cove of Cofean: whJch, a^ wel[
■ 'b CassJij Dawrtan^, is tuittdn in countrj" story, for bcmg a iavontt haunf ot
fairies,— fi. B,
*Thc Eiinioiij family of thst name, ihc? ancc^tor.-s ot RabGrr^ the great di^hvcn^r of
hi^ cnuntri'> were E^ch of Cjiiriiikn^Rr B.
^ The (irsi ctrcmoiiv of Halfowcen is pullinE each a "stock/' or pi^nx of kail. Thev
must ^o Qutn hiiui in hnindn with e>'cs shut, and pu!! the fifjit thej" mett with: ii5
boiiiB biH or littlt^ ^trai^ht or crooked, is prophetn: of iht si^ and i^hape of the jrrind
ttbjLMt ol all their sfrtlfj. — the husband or wife. \i ^ny "vti-dn" or earth, stick to the
112 ROBERT BURNS,
TKey stcek their een, and grape an* wale
For niucklc^ anes^ an' straught ancs-
Poor havV^I Will fell alT the drift,
An' wandered ihro" nhc bow-kail,
An' pou*t for want o' beicer shift
A runt was like a 5osv tail
Sae bow't that nigKl-
ThcHj siraughi or crooked, yird or rane,
They ryar afi* cry a' tbrou'lHer;
The vera wec-lhings^ toddlin, rin^
Wi' slocks out ouTC their shouiher:
An* yif the custock's sweet or sour,
Wr jocielegs they laste them;
Sync cozidyj aboon the door^
Wr C3t]ni^? care, theyVe plac'd them
Ttj lie that jiight.
The las&ies staw frae ^mang them a\
To [wu iheir sialka o' corn;*
Bill Rah slips out, an^jfnksabou^
liehini the muckle thorn:
He grippii Nelly hard ami fasti
Loud skiri'd a' the las^s;
But her tap-pickle maist was lost.
Whan kiuilin in the faust^-huuse^
Wr him that nighi.
The aulJ guid-wife^s weel-hoordit nits'
Are round ^n' round divided,
rooTi ihiii i& *'iocher/' or Eflnune; and the la^te of the ''eustockt" that it, the heart
of ili€> sKiTi. 15 indicative ^f the p:iiunl ^em]^Dr and ciii^posLtion. Lastly, the j^tems^
oc"h to fiivt ihcm ihijir isnlcnarj' Hij^iK-ll^trnnT the "mnts/' jrp j^litL-t! sornewhcrc above
[he head of the doot^ :tnd tIil^ Christian tiJine; <yi the t^^»pl[> whon^ chit^cc hdn^^
mtd the house arcp atccrdjn;* to the priority of |>]A4.iajr ihe *'runt5p" ihe i^amc^ in
quesdoiih'^ — R. B^
^ Th^7 go ip The bjrrhvanl, anci pull t^ch, ^t ihr^ differcm times, a sulk of oats.
If the tiui^l sulk wani^ the ''ii]p-]^i[:k]et^^ that h, die prnin at the Top of th^ stalk, the
parT>' in qucf^tlon will coinc lu rhr marriaee-bed an/thini; but ii Tnaidr — R, B.
' W]>cn the torn is in a doubifiil itacc, by beinp too >,^reeii or wet, the £t;tck-builder>
by me^i^f of old titrkl>er, etc., triatres a lar^e apartment in his staekn ^ith an opening
]□ the 5iJe %vhii:h i& fairest esfjosed to tlie wind: this he calls a 'Tiuse-houpt/' — -ff, S.
^Buffling the Jiijti is a (avorite tharm. They n^iitie the l:id :^nd Lss tn each
pankular nutp as they lay them in the lire; and niccorJifLg as ihey burn quietly
^o^clher, or ^tart from beside one [moLhert the coUf^ and imic of the courtship
POILMS AND SONGS
An^ mony la<Js an* lasses* faKS
Arc there thai nifihi tleddedt
Some i^intlle couThie side by side,
And hum ikegither irimly;
Some siari jua wi' saucy pride^
An' jump out owrc the chimHe
Fu' hijjh thai night-
Jean ilips t!i [wij wr Kfiiie eV^
Wha 'twas, she u'adna cell;
Bui this 15 Joc^j an' this is m^^
She iniys in lo heisel^
He bleez'd o\\Te her, an' she owre him,
As they wad never m:iir part:
Till fuEfl he started vip the luin^
An* Je.in had e en a sair he^rc
Tu see't that night-
"3
Poor Willie, wj' his bow-kail nml,
Was brunt wi* priiTisic MaNie;
An* Mary, nac doubtp look the dmnCj
To be tompar'd to Willie:
MalTs Jiit Jap oiai, wi^ prldefu' flings
An' her ain fit, it brunt it;
While Willie lap, and swore by jing,
*T\vas (ust the way he wanlcd
To be that nightn
Nell had ihe fause-house in her mm\
She pi IS hcrscl an' Rob in;
In loving blte^Ci? they sweetly jomj
Till white in ase lhey*rc sobbin:
Nell's heart was dancin ar the view;
Slie whisperM Rob lo leuk for*t:
Rob, stownhna^ pried her bonie mou^i
Fu* cozie in ihe neuk for^t.
Unseen ih^t night-
Bui Merran sat bebini theif backs,
Her thoughts on Andrew Bell;
114 KOJii£E.T BURNS
She leii'cs ihcm gashin ^i ihelr crackiv^
An' slips out-by herscr;
She thro' the y^vd the nearest tafcs,
An' for ihe kiln she goes then,
An' darklins grapit Jor ihe bauks,
And in the blue-ciu?]^ ihrQ^\i chen.
Right fcar'i ihui night h
An^ ay she win^I^ an' ay ihe swat—
T wat she made nac jaukin;
Till something held within ihe pal^
Good LordJ but ^ic w^s quaukin!
But whether *tvvas the ddi himsc!^
Or whether 'twas a bauk-en\
Or wheiher it was Andrew fJel]^
She did na wait on lalken
To spier [ha[ ntght.
Wee Jenny to her grannie says^
''Will ye go wi* mej graunie?
V\l €:it rhc apple at ilie plass/^
I gEit frac uncle Johni^:"
She fuf^'t her pipe wi* sic a lunt,
Jn wrath she was sae vapVin,
She nolic'l na ^n aizlo hrutif
Her braw^ new, worse I apron
Out thro' ihaE night.
"Ye Utile skelpie4immer^s face!
J daur you rry sic sportin.
As seek the foul thief ony place^
For him to spae your fonune:
' Whoever wouldn wirh juccch, try this spcLlj mtisi 5Tr]t:t[y observe these dir^^tuui^:
Steal &ul> all alone. To the kiln^ and dirklingh (hrn^w inlo the ''pot'' a cine oi blue
yarn; Vh^ind it in a n^v due off ih? old one; And. [c^vn'^ird the latter end, ^om^^thin^
will hold the ihccad: dcFTh^ndi "Wha haud&P" Jr Cr, ivho holdsP and ansivc>r will be
returned from the hiln-pQli hy namin^^ (he Chrit^c^n niitd surname of your future
spouse. — ft. B.
^^Take a candJc and ^o alone to ^ looking'^lass; cat an lapple before \x, and somt
Uadition^ say j^u ^hpuld E:omb your hair alL the time; the face of your conju^^l
Companiojit Js ^Cf will be seen id the gla^. a^ if peeping over your shouCder — Rr B.
POEMS AND SONGS II5
Nae doubt hut ye may ger a sight!
^ Great cause ye h^u to fear it;
For mdny a ane has gotEcri a fright.
An liv'd an^ died dclecrit^
On sk a night.
''Ae h.iirsi afore the Shcfra-moofj
I mind*I as weel's yeicrecn —
I was a gilpcy ilierij I'm sure
[ w^s iia past livfcccn:
The simmer hiid been cavlJ an* watj
An* stuU wa^ unco grcenj
An' aye a raniin kirn \vc gat.
An* just on Halloween
It fdl that Jiij;hl*
^XJur stibble-rig was Rah M^Graen,
A clcvefj sturdy falio^v;
His sin gat Eppie Sim wV wean,
ThaF iivtd in Achmacalla:
He gat hemp-$(?edj" I mmd It weelj
An* he made unco Itght o^t;
But mony a day was by himsel*.
He was sae sairly frighted
That vera night."
1 Then up gat fechiin Jamie Fleck,
2 An' he swoor by his conscience^
SThai he could saw hemp-seod a pt^ck;
For it was a' but nonsense:
The auld guidman raught down tfie pock^
An' out a hundfu' gied him;
1 Syne bad him sh'p £rac 'mang the folk^
I Sometime when nac ane see'd htm,
& An iry'i thru night-
" ^' Stej! out, unptrir^ivcrfT and h^^v a hirtdfu] of hcFtip-teed, barrowinp \i with
^Tthm;! you cjn cotivciutntly dr^iw nfn^r >c>d. Rt^pc^t now and thtn: "Htrnp-sc^j
] saw iImw, hcmp-sL-L^, 1 saw ifite^ ^nd iiim (fir her) that is io be my truL^ l&vt, cnm*
rtffcr me and pou ii>tv." Lf>nk iyv^r y&iir lefi ^houldefi ;ind you will sl-l^ ihe apptaraflt^e
nf rbc per^n ifLVnktJ, In ihe 9LLiiudE> of pulling hemp. Some tridition^ ^ay, "Come
atrer mt and ^a^-/ rliw/' ihsc ish shftw^ ^hyselE^ in which ca^en it dimply appeals.
Orticrs omii ihc harjowing, and z^y: "Come afi^f me and harmw thee." — H, ff.
no ROBERT r.URNS
He marches ihro" atiiang ike stack^^
Tho" he nas something slurun;
The grsiip ht for a hjrrow iLik$j
An' haurls af his: curpm:
And ev'ry now :m\ ihcii^ hi! says^
^'Hcmp-secd I s^w thcc^
An' her (hat ii to be my lass
Come after me^ nn' draw thee
A5 tasE ihis nl^^hf/'
He whistled up Lord Lennox' March
To keep hb coxarage cheery;
Aliho* his h^Ef he^an to arch.
He was sae fley'd an' eerie:
Till prescndy he hears a squeak.
An' ihen a gr^ine an' gfunde;
He hy Uh shninhcr gae a keek,
An' tumbled wT a winde
Out-o^^re that night*
He roiirM a horrid mLirder-^houtj
In dreadfif desperation!
An' young an* auld eomc rinnin out.
An' hear the sad narraiian;
He swoor 'twas hilchin ^can M^Crax^^
Or crouchie Merran Huinphse —
Till scop! she trotted thro' ihem a*;
And whs was it but yrumpliie
Asteer that mghtl
Meg fain wad to thy barn £aen^
To Winn ihree wechls o' naething;^'
But for to meet the deiJ her lane.
She pat but little faith in:
**This charm muse likcivist bt pcrfcumcd unptrtei^'^d and al^mt. You ^o tq the
barfip uid oprn bc^th dc^or^, t^kiii^' ihciti olT th^^ hinjT^Sp if possible; for there h dan^r
diac the being atK^t ^ Lipj>L:ir m^y shut [!ic doar^, and ef[> you some mischief. I'hen
take that insminicttt used In ivinnoivm^ diu ^orn, whiuh in our iiountry diaLect v^c
call a ^'wecht^'' ?nd gc^ throui^h all thv ijttitude^ o( Fertinjc do^n ccjj-rt ^li^i'^^^ th^'
wind, Rtpeal it three timef^ am\ ihc ihird lime an apparition will pass throu^^h the
bs^rn, in at th^^ windy dc^nr $nd out ;it ihc other, having' both the fi}!ure in questiorti
and the appe^ir^ncc or rt^inu*^p Tn^rklny ilic cmplo^'ment or station in life. — 'R. B,
POtMS AND SOXGS 1 17
She ^ies ihe herd a picklp nUs^
An' 1VV31 red cheekii apples,
To waioh, while for the biirn she sets^
In hopes to se^ Tain Kipples
That vera night.
She LUrns Ehc key wi^ canaic rhraw,
Art" owre ihc threshold veniurcs;
But hrit on Saw me gics a ca',
Syne bauJly in ihe enters:
A raiton rairrd up tlic wa\
An" she cry'd Lord preserve herl
An' ran thro' midden-hole an' a ,
An' prayed wi' zeal and fervour^
Fu' fast that night*
They hoy^i out Will, wf sair advice;
They hechi him some flnt^ bmw ane;
li ch:inc'd she ^lack he faddom't thrke^^
Was limmer-propi Sot (hrawin:
He uk^a swirlie auld mass-oak
For Mme black, grouson^e csrlin;
An' (oot a winie, an' drew a ^uokc,
Till skin in biypcs cam haurlin
AfT's nteves ihai night.
A wanton widow Lee^ie wii%
As caniie as 3 kiiHen;
But ocb! ihar nighi, amang [he shaws^
She ^3t a fcarfu" settlin!
She thro^ihe whins, an' by thccairn^
An' owie ibe bill gacd scrievin;
Wh^ire [brep lairds' lan's met at a biiTHj^^
To dip her left sark-sleeve in.
Was bent that night-
"Takc an opportunity of ^in^ unnoticed to a "bMi'Siack/' and fatSrun it rhrre
' tiiTi?$ roundr The list fiithcjaT) of ilit I^^e umc yau will catch in your arnij Uxe
4ppc?r;tnC£r pE >'our luLi]n> cAjitug^l ^t>ke-fel]iDw.— fl. B.
■*You go oiitt ^^iw ov niofc Ifrtr ilsi^ ii a sociai £poL1), to a ^ciuth running springs
or nviilctn ivhcre "three hli^ls' laMs meet/* and Jip your ItEi shirt ^Itcvt^ fio t^ bed
in wjjht of a firct aTid hi^g jnur ^v^i sI^cvl^ Eirfon: n to dry. Lie aw^k^, ji^dn sonid
lime rw-^r rnidnighi, ati ;^|>|iELriiionH ha^rinj? the tj^acc figurt of tht Rrand object in
quc^donn ^ill come ^nd cum cbt s^tL^vej as i£ to dry the other ?idt ot it- — i^, B.
Jf
Il8 ROBERT BURNS
Whiks owre a Itnn the burnic plays,
As ihro' rhe ^kn it wimple;
Whiles round a rocky Kar ii strays,
Whiles in a wiA jr dimpi'i;
Whiles glittcr'd to die nijjhily r^vs^
Wi* bickerin*, dartcin' dazzle;
Whiles cookil undernealh the braes,
Below the spreading hazel
Urty^en that night*
Amang the brachenSj on llie brae^
B^Jiween her an' the moon^
Tt^e deilp or elie an ouiler quey.
Gat up an' ga'e a Cfoon;
Pcxjr Lcezic's henrt tnaisF lap (he hool;
Near hv'rock- height she jumpiL,
Bur rna^r a fir, ^n in [he pool
Out'Cwre the lu^s she phin^pi^
Wi' a plunge that night*
Tei order, on \hs dean hearilvsUfie,
The luggjcs^"^ three are ranged;
An' evVy time great care is la^cn
To see them duly changed:
Auld unde John^ wha wedlock's joys
Sin' MarVyear did d^^^i^e^
Because he gat the foom dish thrli.^,
Hti heav'd them on ihe fire.
In wrath that night,
Wf meiry sangSt an' friendly cracks,
J wat [hey did na weary;
And unco lalcSp an* funnte jokes —
Their sporu were cheap an^ cheery:
Til] butier'd aoivenSj'^ \vV fragram lunt,
^^Tjk^i three dt^c^n put clean wattr in one, loul ^aler in anoUaer, and lea^e tht
ihitd ^^^ptyi blmdic^ld a [^crsinn ;ind lejd hmi io ihe hejrth w^ere liic distici at?
ri^tigcxl; he (or she) dips the left h^nd^ if by chincc in the cl^^n ivacL^r, the futui'i^
(husband oi) \vifc wil] corne to the b^r i^i m^irimony a ni^id; if tiv the iouU si
wiJow; a in the empty dish, it foretc^Lls, wtth equ2\ cn^Ttainty. no marrij}^- ;ic ulL It
11 lE^pe^ttd thiL^ tinier, and every rime the ar^-^n^^jncot ot Lh4! tlj^he^ i^ ^Itt7rcdr — fJ. U^
'^Snwfin^i with butter instejd oE milk to them, i^ aLw^iy^ the Hill^w^ta Sapper*
FOEMS AND SONGS Tig
Sei a* rKoir gahs a-stecrin;
Syne, wi' a social j^Jass o' ilrunti
They parted all careerin
Fu' bly^hc that night.
TO A MOUSE, ON TURNING HER UP IN HER NEST
WITH THE PLOUGH, NOVEMBER, 17H5
WeEp sleekiij cow'rin, liinVous beastiCj
O, whar ^ panic's in ihv brcastie!
Thou netd na start awa sac hasly,
WV bickering brauk!
J wad be laith lo rin an' chase the<^,
Wi' mufdVing paitlel
Tni iruly sorry man's dominion,
Hai broken nature's social union^
An' jusufies that ill opinions
Wliich makes [hee starilp
At mej thj' pcor, earth-horn companion^
Ari fcllow-tnortall
1 doub^ nat wbilei* hut thou may thieve;
What [hen? ptx>r bcastitj thou maun live!
A daimen icker in a thrave
'S a 5nia* rt]que^t;
ni gel a blessin ^^i^ [he lavc^
An' never miss't!
Thy wee bit hou^ie, too, m ruin!
It's iilly wa's ihe win's are strewini
An^ naething, now, to big a new ane,
O^ foggage green!
An* bleak December^* winds en^uin^
Baichsriellan'keen!
Thou saw the Eields laid bare an^ waste,
An' weary winter comin fas[,
An' cozie here, beneath rhe btast,
Thou thought 10 dwell^ —
Til] crash! the cruel coulicr past
Out thro* thy celh
}
120 ROBERT BURN5
Thar w^^ bit heap o' leaver an' sribbk.
Has cost [hee moay a weary mbble!
Now [hou's tum'd oiit^ for a' (hy trouble
Buc hoUK or hald.
To dioSe ihc wjnMr^i sleefy JribblCp
An cranrcuth cauldl
Bui, Mousie, ihou art no cby bne^
In proving [orcsiyhl may be v;itn;
The bcst4aid schemes o' mice an' men
Gang af[ agley.
An' Ica'e us nought but j^rLef an' pain,
For proinis'J joy!
Siill ihou arr bltst^ coinpar'd \vi' me
The prtEeni only toueheih thee;
But, Ochl f backward cast tny cV,
On prospects drear!
An* forward, tho' I canna ^l^c,
I guess an^ ffar!
EJ^TAPH ON JOHN DOVE, 1NNK.EEPER
Her£ lies Johnic Pigooai;
What was his religion?
Wliae'er desires to ken,
To some other warr
MnTun follow the carl,
For htre |ohnie Pigeon had nane!
Strong ale was abtuiion,
Small beer persecution^
A dram was mcmerjio mon;
But a lull -flowing bowl
Was ihe saving his sou[j
And poTi was celestial glory,
EPITAPH FOR JAMES SMITH
Lamignt him> Mauchline husbands a\
He afren did assist yt;
POEMS AND SONGS 121
For had ye staid hale weeks a'^a,
Your wives they ne'er hEtd mi^is'd ye.
Yc Mauchlinc bairns, a^ on ye press
To school in bands ihegiEher,
O (read yc lightly on hh gras^,—
Perliap^ he was your father!
ADAM ARMOUR'S PRAYER
GtDE pity me, because Vm Utile!
For though [ am an elE o' mettle,
An' uan, like ony wabstcr's shutile,
Jink there or here,
Yet, scarce as lang's a gude kail-^ihiitle,
I'm unco queer.
An' now Thou keni our waefu' case;
For Geordie's jurr we're in disgrace,
Because \vc slang 'd her ihrousjh the place.
An" hurt her splcuchan;
For whilk we daurna show our face
Within the clachan.
An' now we're dern'd in dens and hoHows,
And hunted, as wa^ WillEan: Wallace,
Wi' consEablei — thae blackguard fallows,
An' Eodgers baith;
But Gude preserve us frae the gallows,
That shamctu'deatb!
Auld grim bl3ck'bi?arded Gcordie"? sel" —
O shake him awre (he mouth o* hclll
There let him hing, an' roar, an* yell
Wi' hideous din,
And if he offers to rebel,
Then heave him in.
When Death comes in wi'glimmerin blink.
An' tips auld drucken Nanse the wink.
122 ROEtRT BURNS
May Samaii gii: her doup a clink
Wirhin bis yen.
An' Rll litr up wi' EiriinsEone drink,
Red-reekiii het.
Though Jock an' havVel Jean are merry —
Some dcviJ seize rhtni m a hurry,
An* wnti ihcm in i\\' infernal wherry
Straughi through the lake,
An* t^ic [heir hides j nobk curry
Wi' oil of aik!
As for :he )ujr — puir worthless bodyl
She's goi mischief enough already;
Wi' stangeJ hipSj and buttoeks bJuidy
She's suffered sair;
BuCj may she winrle in a wocxiyj
if she wh — e mairl
THE JOLLY BEGGARS
A CANTATA^
Redtatiffo
When fyarc Teave$ bcsrrow the yird,
Or wavering like the bautkie-bird,
Bedim cauJd Boreas' blast;
Wheel hailsianes drive wi^ biiter skyic,
And infant frosts be3;in to bitCj
In hoary cranreuch dresr;
Ae night :ti eVn a merry core
O' randicj ganjir*;l bodies.
In Poosie-Nansie's held the splote^
To drink iheir orra duddies;
Wj* qua fling an^ laughing^
TEiey ranted an* they sang,
Wi' jun^ping an' thtimpingj
The vera girdle rang^
Fifstp ncis[ the fire^ in 3uld red rags,
Ane sat, wecl braced wi' mealy bags,
^NoC ptibli^hi:d by Burns.
POEMS AND SONGS I23
And knapsack a' in order;
His doxy by wiihin hts arm;
Wi' usqutbac an' blankets warm
She blinkic on her sodgCF;
An' aye he gies the lozk drab
The itiher skdpin' kis^^
While she held up her greedy gab,
|uii like an auitious dish-
Ilk =^mack still, did crack stilly
Just like a cadger's whip;
Then staggering an' 5\^'aggering
He roafd this diiLy up —
^^>
T am a son of Mars wiio ha^e been in many ^^ars,
And show my cuts and scars \vherevcr I come;
This here was for a wcncii^ and that other in a trench,
When welcoming ihe French at ihe sound of ihe drun^-
Lai de daudle, itc*
My 'preniicfiihip T past where irty loader brealh'd hfs UsCp
When ihe bloodv die was cast on the heights o£ Abram:
And I served out my trade when the gallant game was playM,
And the Morro low was lakl at the sound oF the drum.
I lastly was with Curtis among the floating baTlVieSj
And there t left for witness an arm and a limb;
Yei let my country need me, with Elliot to head me,
rd datter on my slumps at ihe sound ot a drum*
And now tho* I must beg, wEth a wooden arm and leg,
And many a tattered ra^^ hanging over my hutn^
Vm as happy wjih my walletj my bottle^ and my caliet^
As when 1 uiied in 54::irlet to follow a drum.
What tho* with Koary locks^ I must s^and the winter shocks^
Beneath the woods and rocks ofientimes for a home^
When the t'other bag I ^^El> and ihe t'other bottle tell^
I could meet a troop of hell, at the sound of a drum.
i24 ROBERT BURKS
He ended; and rhe kebars shcukj
Aboon [he chorus ro^r;
While frighted raicons bycku-^rd Icukj
An^ seek the bonmost bore;
A fairy fiddler frac the ncuk^
He skirrj oui, cncOTe!
B\n up arose [he m:irTial chuckj
An' laid the foud uproar.
Air
'/«jj^—" Sod r;er Laddic/'
I once was a mnidi tho' 1 LMnnot lell when^
And siiiJ my delight i^ in pro^wr young men;
Some one of a troop of dragoons was my daddi^*
No wonder J^m £ond o£ a sodger laddie.
Sing, lal de lal, &c.
The iirst of my loves ws.% a sTA'agj^ering bEade^
To ralde the [hundcring drum \^as his imdc;
His log w:is so tights and hi$ cheek was so ruddyj
Transpuried I was wiih my sodger laddie*
But the godly old chaplain lefi him in iho lurch;
The sword 1 forsook for ihe sake of the church;
He vtnlLir'd [he soul^ :ind 1 ri^k^d the bodyj
'Twas ihen ! proved false to my sodger Uddie*
Futl soon r grew iick of my sanciified sot.
The legiment at large for a husband I goti
Ffoni the gilded spon[oon to che fife I was rciidy,
I .liked no more but a sodger laddle,
But the peace it rcduc J me to beg in despair,
Till I met my old hoy in a Cunningham fairj
His rag5 legimenialt they fluttered so gaudy.
My heart it rejoiced at a sodger bddie*
POEMS AND SOXGS I25
And now I h^\i^ liv'ti^I know not how long.
And 5.i\\\ I cnti join in a cup and a song;
But whiist wiih Loth hands I can hold the ^laas steady,
Here*s lo [hee, my htfo, my sodger Uddie-
Poor Meiry-AndreWj in the neuk,
Sar guz7_1lng wV a linklohizzie;
They n^ind'i na wha the chorus icuk,
Be[\\ecn themselves they were sae busy;
Ai lcn;;ih, wi* drink an' couriin^ diz?iyj
He ^[oi[er'd op an' made a face;
Then Turned an^ laid a smack on Grizzie^
Syne tun d his pipes wV grave grJLnace-
Air
Tut}^ — "Auld Sir Sjmon/'
Sir Wisdom's a fool when he's fou;
Sir Knave Ie a fool in a session;
He's ihere but a 'pren[i« I irow.
But Y nm a tool by proEession.
My grannie she bought me a bcuk,
An^ I heSd awa to the school;
1 fear J my lalont misteuk,
Bui what ttill ye hac of a fool?
For drink I would venture my neck;
A hizzie^s the half of my craft;
But what could ye other expect
Of ane that's avowedly daft?
1 ance was tied up like a siirk,
For civilly swearing and quaffin;
J ance was abus'd i* the kirk,
For towsing a lass i' my daffin-
Poor Andrew that tumbles for sporty
Let naeboily name wi^ a jeer;
There^s even^ Vm tauld^ i* die Court
A tumbler ca^d the Premier-
126 ROBERT BURNS
06scrv'<i ye yon reverend laJ
Mak £in:t^ lo iik;kle the mob;
He rails at our moumebank squad, —
Its nvalship juat T the ]oL
And now my conclusion I'll ie[[,
I'ol faith Tm confoundedly dry;
TJiL- tlirti thath a fooi for himsel'^
Quid Lord[ he* lar dalier than 1.
Then niest outspak a raude carlin,
Whii keiK fu' ivtfel ^0 c!cek th*? ^t^ rlin;
For iiiony a puriiie she had hooked.
An' had in mony a U'ull hj't'n douk?d;
Her iove had hcii^n a Highland Ijddic,
But "'eary fa' the waefu' woodic!
Wr ^i^ih? an' sobs she thus began
To wail her bra^' John Highlandmitn.
Air
A Highland bd my [ove wai horn,
Tile La I land Uws he hold in scorn;
Buc Jie still was faiihfu' to his dan.
My gallant, braw John Higklandman.
Sing hey my braw John HighlandmanT
Sing ho my hraw John Hijjhlacidm^nl
There's nor a lad in a* the Ian'
Was matt:h for my |oh[i Hiiihlandman,
With his philibcg an^ tartan pTaid,
An' guid claymore down by his sidcp
The ladies* henrt$ he did tr*?pan^
My gallant, hraw John Highlandman.
Sing hey, &c*
POEMS AND SONGS
We rangM a' from Tuced to Spey,
--W liv'J like lords an" Ladies gay^
For a Lalland face he fe5re<i noi^tj—
My gallant, braw John Hi^hlandman,
Sing hey, ^c*
127
They banisK^ him beyond ihc sea.
Eui ere ihc bud was on the trecj
Adown my cheeks ihe penrls ran^
Embracing my John HijjblanJman.
Sing hey, &c-
Bufj ochi they caich^d him at [he lasE,
And bonnd him in a dunjjeon fjsi:
My cur^c upon ihtm ovi?ry one,
They've hang'd my braw folin Highlandman!
Sing hey, &ec.
And now a widowj 1 mu^t mourn
The plea&ures ihai will ne'er ri^turn;
No comfofF hui a heariy can,
When I think on John Highlandman,
Sing hey, 4cc,
Rccitafivo
A pigmy scraper wi' hts fiddle^
Wha usV! at irysies an' fairs Eo driddle^
Her strappjn hmb and i^ausy middle
(He reached nae higher)
Had holM his heariie like a riddle,
An^ blawn't on hra.
Wi' han^i on hainch, and upwar^i c e,
He crooned his gamui, one, two, threCj
Then in an arioso key.
The wee Apollo
Set oft :vi* alieyittro glte
His giga solo.
^-V-
^
T28
ROBERT BURNS
Air
hIVC ^ t.
Let me ryke up zq dighc that icjir.
An^ go wT rfn* ^i\ be my dear;
An' [hen your every care an^ [cac
May whistle owre the bvc o't.
C/io;
jfj
T am a fiddier to my iraJ&i
An' a' the tunes that eer I pbyed.
The sweetest still to wifcj or Eiiaid,
Was whistle owre the h\'i: o\.
At kirn$ati' weddins wcV be fherej
An' O sac j]ice]y'5 we wiJJ fare!
MVll bowse about till Daddte Care
Sing whistle oivrc the lave o'[,
1 am, Jkc*
Sae merrily's ihe banes we'll pyke.
An' 5un ourseTs abom [he dyke;
An' af Dur leisure, when yo like^
We'll whtstle owre the lave o'l.
I am, ^c.
But bles^ me wi^ your heav*n 6" charms.
An' while I kittle hair on thairms.
Hunger, cauld, an' a' sic harms,
May whistle owre the !a^e o't*
I am. fee.
Her ciiarms had struck a sturdy caird^
As weel as poor gut-scraper"
He taks ihe fiddler by the beard.
An draws a roosty rapier-
He swoor, by a' w^s swearing viorth^
To s|x:ct him hke a pliver^
POEMS AND SONGS I29
Unless he would from that time forth
Relinf^uish her for ever^
Wi' ghastly e^Cj poor twcedle-dcc
Upon his hunkers bended,
Ar pray'd for giace vvf ruefu' face.
An' 50 ihe quarrel ended.
But tho' his liule h*^art did grieve
\\^hen round the rinklcr prcst her.
He feign "d to snirtle In his sleeve,
When ihu5 the caird addressed her:
My bonie lass, l work in brass,
A tinkler is my station;
Tve invelrd round aJJ Christian ground
In this my occupation;
Tve taen the gold, an' been enrolled
In many a noble squadron;
But vain thev searched when oEf I marchM
To go an' clout the cauldron.
Tvc taen the gold, &c.
Despise ihat shrimp, that wichc/J impj
With a' his noise an' capVin;
An' take a share wiFh those thai bear
The budget and the apron!
And by that siowp! my faith an' houp.
And by That dear Kilbaigie,^
If e'er ye want, or meei wV scanty
May I ne'er wcet my craigie^
And by (hat siowp^ &:Cx
The caird prevaird^ih' unblushing fair
In hts embraces sunk;
Partly wi' love overcome sac sair,
A ptcijlisr son af whisky so called, a great (avodre with Poosie Kansie's
,1
130
ROBERT BURNS
An* partly she was drunk:
Sir Viohno, wiih an air
That show'd J mad o* spxmk,
WishM unison between ihe pair,
An' made thi? botrle dunk
To [heir healik thai nighc.
Bui hurchin Cupid shoE 3 shafts
That play'd -a dame a shavie —
The hddler rak'd her, fore and nfE^
Behint the chicken cavic-
Her lortL a wight of Homer's craft,^
T ho' Umpln wi' ihe spavioj
He J^irprd up^ an' lap Jike daCt,
An* shor'd them Dainty Dn^ie.
O^ boot ihaF nighi.
He was a care-defying blade
As ever Bacchus h^tedl
Tho' Foriunc iair upon him laid.
His iioart, she ever miss'd it.
He had no wish but — lo be gladj
Nor want but— when he (hirsied;
He hated nought but — to be sad,
An' il^us ihe muse suggeiied
His sang that night,
Atf
Tune— "Tot 3.' ihm, an' 2.' ihai."
I am a Bard of no regard,
Wi' gentle folks an' a' that;
But Homer-Jike, the glowrin byke,
Frae lown to lown I draw diat.
Chorus
For a' that, an' 3' that,
An' twice as muckle's a' that;
IV loi: but ane, Tvc twa behm',
I've wife cneugb for a' thai,
^Hoiner 1$ allawed lo be the cildeit biilbd-singcr on record,— J^, B.
POEMS AND SONGS I3I
I never drank iKe Muie^' stank,
Castjliji's burn J an* a" ihai:
But there it streams an' rkhly reams.
My Helicon I ca' thai.
For a* Thai, Sac.
Great lovt^ I bear [o a' the fair.
Their humble slave an' a^ that;
But lordly willp i hold it siill
A morial iin ro ihraw liiar.
For a' ihaij &:c.
In raptures ss^tet, this hour wy mee%
Wi' mutual love an' a' that;
Bui foj" how lang the flie may stang,
Lei inclinaiion law thai*
1-or a' thatf Sic.
Their tficks an' tratt hae put me daft^
TTicy've laen me 10^ an' a* that;
But clear your decks, and here's — ''The Sex!"
I like the jads for a' ihai-
Choruj
For a* that, an* a* tlia^
An' twice as muckie^s a' that;
My d^^arest bluid, to do them guid^
They're w*?lcome liirt for a' that.
Reafatn
1^0
So sang the bard — and Nansie's wa*s
Shook with a Ehurider of applause^
Re-echo'd from each rncjuthl
They loom'd their pocks, they pawn'd their duds,
They scarcety left lo co^er ihcif fud&i
To quench their lowin drouih:
Then owre again^ the jovial thrang
The poet did request
To lowse hiii pack an^ wale a sangj
1
13^ ROBERT BURNS
A ballad o* the best;
He Hsingt rejoicings
Belween his twa Deborahs^
Looks round him^ an' found ihom
Impaiicnl far the chorus,
Air
7/^i;^ — "J^lly Mculal^j Jill your CJlajitin"
&e ihe smoking bowl bt^fore us^
M^^rk our jovial ragged ring!
Round and roLinJ iL^ke up the chorus,
And in rapiurGs let us sing^^
Chorum
A fig for ihoie hy law protected!
LiberEy^s a glorious feast I
Courts for cowards were tre^^TE^dj
Churches built lo please iht priesc«
What IS tide, what is treasure.
What ]$ reputation's care?
1£ we lead a life of pleasure,
^Tis no matier how or whereT
A fig for, &:c-
With ihe ready (rick and fabk^
Round w*^ wander all the day;
And at night in barn or stable,
Hug our doxiej^ on cli^ h^y,
A iig fofj ftc.
Does the train-attended carriage
Thro^ the country ligbit^r rove?
Does the sober bed of marriage
Wimeis brighter scenes of love?
A fig for. Sac.
Life j£ all a variorum^
We regard nor how it goes;
Let them cant about decorum,
Who have character to loae,
A Iig for, ttc*
POEMS AND SONGS 133
Here'^i tci budgets, ha^i and wallen?!
Here's lo all ihe wandering ^rain.
Here's our ragjjed brats and callets^
One and atL cry oui, Anienl
C/ioms
j\. fig for rhose by law protoctedl
Liberiy's a glorious feast!
Courts for cowards were erected,
Churcbes buili to piease the priest.
SONG-FOR A^ THAT'
Tun women's minds, like winier winds.
May shifi:, and turn, an" a' that,
The noblest biea'it adures them maisl —
A coni^equencc I draw dial.
Chorus
For a' thai, an' a' ihaC,
And twice as meikle's a' ihar;
The bonie U^s that [ lot best
She'll be my ain for a" that.
Great lave 1 bear to a^ ihe fair.
Their humble slave, an' a' that;
But lordly vvilM hold it still
A moflal sin to ihmw that.
For a' thatp &c*
But there is ^he: xib<Mjn iht] lave^
Has wiij and sense^ aif a' that;
A bonie lass, 1 like her besl^
And wha a crime date ca^ that?
For a' that J &c.
In rapture sweet this hour we meet,
Wi' mutual love ^n a^ ihat,
A faier veRiOn of "1 am a bard of no regard" la "The Jolty Btggar^."
■?>
'34
ROBERT BURNS
Bui for licnv lang the flie may slang,
Lci jnci!inaiion kw th^n.
Foi a* that, 6tc.
Their tricks an' craft hac put mc daft.
They've lacn me in, an' a' that;
But clear your deck^, and here's — "The Scxi
I like ihe jads for a' that.
For a* thiit» &c-
SONG-MERRY HAE 1 BEEN TEETHiN A HECKLE
Ti,ae—"T]ti: bfnb o Dumblano/'
O MFKhv hie I bi^en lei^lhcn' a heckle,
An' merry hac I been sliapin' a spoon;
O merry hae 1 been clouiin' a kiiitle,
Ad' kissin' my Katie when a' was done.
O a' ihe lanj" day 1 ca" al my fismmer.
An' a' the lanj; day ] whisrlc and ^ing;
O a' the lang nlj^ht I cuddle my kiiTinier,
An* a' the lang ni^ht as liappy^s a king.
Bittei m dooi i Kckit my winnins
O' marryiiij; Bess, to ^ie her a slave:
Elesl be ihe hour ^he cool'd in her linnens.
And blydie be the bird that sings on her grave!
Come [0 my aims* my Katie, my Ka(ie;
t> comi? to my aims and ki^s mt? ajjainl
Drucken or i^ober, here's to thee, Katie!
An' bleM Ik the day I did it again.
THE COTTER'S SATURDAY NIGHT
Inscribed to R- Aiken^ E^q-^ of Ayr-
Liii ta^jL Ainbitlon mcjck their us<^fu] toil.
Their iiuitii^]^' joyj, nnd destiny obscure;
Nor Grsniltur htjar, M^ich a dhdnmlul smjlet
The short and simple aflfljii of the Poor.
My lov'd, my honourM^ much respected friendl
No rnerccnary bard his homage pays;
POEMS AND SONGS T35
With honest prid^j I acorn each selfish end.
My df^rcal metd^ 3 friend's esteem and prai$«:
To yotj I iingt in simple Scoictsh lays.
The lotvly rrain in liftr'5 sequestered scenCt
The naiive feelings strong, the g^iilele^s ways.
What Aiken in a cottage would have been;
Ah! tho' his worth unknown, far happier there 1 ween!
Novemher chill bUws loud wi* angry iugh;
The short ning wimer-day is near a dose;
The miry beasts rerrcating frae the pleugh;
The blackening trains o" craws to their repose:
The Eoil-worn Cotter frae his labour go^s, — ■
This night his weekly moil Is at an end,
Collects his spades, his mauocks, and his hoes^
Hoping rhe morn in case and rest to spends
And weary, o^er tlie moor, his course does hamewnrd bend*
At length his lonely cot appears in view,
Beneath the shelter of an aged tree;
Th" expectant wec-things^ loddlin, stacher through
To meet xheir dead^ wi' flichterin noise and glee,
Hi.-v wee bii inglej blinkin bonilie^
Hii dean hearth-stane^ his ihrifty wific^s smile*
The lisping intant, pnttling on his knee^
Does a' his weary kiaugh and care beguile^
i And makes him quiie [orget his labour and his roiL
Belyve, the elder baims come trapping in^
At service out^ amang the farmers foW;
Some ca' the pleugh^ some herdt some tentie rin
A cannic errand to a neibac town;
Their eldest hope, their Jenny, woman-grown.
In youihfu^ bloom- — love sparkling in her e'e —
Cotnes hame, perhaps to shew a braw new gown.
Or deposiie her Kiir-won penny-fee,
To help her parents dear^ if they in liardship be.
With loy unfeign^d^ brothers and sisier$ meeC^
And each for other's weelfare kindJy speirs;
The social hours, swift-wing'd, unnoticed fleet:
1
136 ROHERT BURN5
Each idls ihc imcos that he sees or hears.
The parents, partial, eye their hopeful yc^rs;
Anijcip<iuan forward points the view;
The molht^r, wp her n(?cdle and her sheaiSp
G^rs AuJd daes lock amalsT 9S wed'$ ihc new;
The father mixes a' wi' admonition due.
Their master's and iheir mistresses command,
The youriki^rs a' are warned 10 obey;
And mind ihdr lil^urs wi' ail eydent handj
And ne'er, I ho' out o' si^ht, to jauk or play;
'^And O! be sure to fear tixe Lord aiway,
And mind your duly, duly^ morn and night;
Leit in temptation's path ye gang asiray,
ImpEore His counsel and assiiting rnijjht:
They ne^er sought in vain I hat souglit the Lord aright,"
But harkF a rap comes gently to the door;
Jeriny^ wha kens the meaning 0' ihe same,
Tells how a neibor lad can^e o'er the mcoTj
To do some errands, and convoy her bamc.
The wily mother s^es the conscious Jlan:ie
Sparkle in Jcntiy'5 e'e, nnd flu.di her cheek;
With heart-struck anxfous care, enquire^- his name,
While Jenny hafUins is afraid to speak;
Weel-pieawd ihti mother hears^ it's nae wild, worthless rake*
Wi* kindly welcome, Jenny brings him ben;
A strappin youth, he takes iht^ mother eye;
BIythe Jenny sees the visit*s no ill ta'en;
The father cracks of horses* pleughs, and kye.
The youngster's artless iieari overflows wi' loy^
But blate an' laithfu\ scarce can weei behave;
The rnoihtr, wi^ a woman^s wiles, can spy
What makes the youth iae hashfu' and sac grave,
Weel-pleasM to think her bairn's resptcted likt ihe lave^
O happy love! where love like this is found:
O heartfelt rapturesf bliss beyond compare!
Fve pacW much thli^ weary, mortal rotjnd,
POEMS AND SONGS I37
And sage experience bids me this dedaie^ —
"If H^?ave^ a draught of heavenly plcasuie spare —
One cordial in ihh mpUncholy vale^
Tis when a youthful^ loving, modest pair
In othcr^i arini, brcaiEie ouc thu tender taiep
Bencaih ihc milk-white thorn that sctnts (he evening gale/'
Is there, in human form^ that bears a hcartp
A wretch! a villain! lost to love and truth!
Thar carij wiih studied, sly, ensDaring an.
Betray sweei Jenny's UEi^uapecLmg youthP
Curse on his perjur'd artsf dissembhng smooth!
Are honour, virtue, conscience^ all ejdi'd^
Is there no piiy^ no relenTing ruth.
Points [o the parcnii fondling o'yr their child?
Then paints (he ruind inaiJ^ and iheir distraction wild?
But now the supper crowns their pimple hoardj
The halesome parriichj chief of Scotia's food:
The sowp rhcir only hawkie does afford,
Thau yont the ha I Ian snugly chows her cood:
The dame brings forth, in con] pi i mental rnood^
To gr^c^ the lad, hei weel-hain'd kebbuck, fell;
And sii he's prt^si^ and aft he ca*s it guid;
The frugal \V]lit\ garrulous, will tell
How \:\v3^ a lowmond auld, sin' Irnl was i* the belL
The cheerfu* supper done, wi' serious face,
They, round ihti inple^ form a circle wide;
The sire Turns o'er, with j^atriarchaJ gracc^
The big ha'-bible^ ance his fa[her^5 pride:
His bonnet rcvVently is laid nside^
His tyari haffeis wearing thin and bare;
Those stralriii ihal once did sweei in Zion glide.
He wates a portion with )iidicioU5 care;
And *"Let xis worship God!" he says with solemn air*
They chant iheir artless note^ in simple guise.
They lune ihtir hearts, by far the noblest aim;
Perhaps Dundee's wild-warbling measures rise;
T38 ROBtRT BURNS
Or plaintive Mariyrs, worthy of the name;
Or nobCc Eijjin beets the hcavcn-warJ Hame;
The sweciest far of Scotia^s holy lays:
Compart wiih tEiese* ZtLilian trills are tame;
The lickrd eaTS nn hean-feU raprure^ raist;
Nae untSQEY hae thyy with our Creator's praise-
Thc pritst-like futher reads the sacred page,
How Abram was the friend of God on high"
Or Moses bade eternal warfare wage
Wjih Amalek*5 ungracious pro^^eny*
Or how the royal bard did groaning lie
Beneath the stroke of Heaven's avenging ire;
Or Job^s pathetic plaints and wailing cry;
Or rapt Isaiah's wild, seraphic fire;
Or other holy seers ihat lune the sacred lyre.
^
Perhaps the Chria[ian volume h the ihente. i
How gULh[ejj^ blood for guiriy man was shed; -
How He, who bore in Heaven ihe second riame,
Had not on earth whereon to Tay His head:
How His first foUuweri and servants sped;
The pfecep^^ sage they wrote to many a iand:
How tie, who lone in Patmos banish^j
Saw in the san a mighty angel itand.
And lioard great Baboon's doom pronouncM by Heaven*s
commands
Then, kneeling down to Heaven '^ Esernal Kingp
The saint, the faiher, and the husband prays:
Hope ''springs exulting on [riumphant wing/' ^
That ihus ihey ;ill shall meer in future days^
There, ever l>ask in uncreated rays^
No more to sighj or shed the bitter t^r^
Together hymning their Creator's praisCj
In such $t>ciecy, yet stll! more dear;
While circling Time moves round in an eternal liphere
_ ^
Compar'd wilh iKis, Kow poor RerTgibn's pride.
In all ihe pomp of method, and ot arC;
When men di&ptay 10 congt^gationii wide
I .
POEMS AND SO?TCS T39
Devotions ev'ry grace^ except ihe hc^rt!
The Power, inctns*d, the p^i^cani will dcserlj
Tiic pompous itraiRj the sacerdoul itolc;
EJnt Eisply, in same coiT^ge h^ apari.
May hear, welUpleas*d, the langv^age of the .soul;
And in Hia Book of Life the inmares poor enrolL
Then homeward ail take orf Their aevVal way;
The youngling coiiagcrs reiire to rest:
Tho parent-pair their secret homage pay^
And proffer up to Heaven ihe warm re^^uesl.
That Vie who 5iilli [he raven's clamVous nest,
And decks the lily fair in flow'ry pride^
WouEd^ in The way His wi^om ^ees the besCj
For ihcm and for their little ones provide;
Bui chiefly^ in their hfaris with grace divine preside*
From sctne.s like ihi^st?^ okl ScoT.ia'5 (grandeur springs.
That makes her Jov^d at home, reverVI abroad;
Prmees and lords are but the breath of kings,
''An honest man*s the noblest work of God;"
And ciitJes, in fair virtue's hea^'enly roadj
The coinage leaves the palace far behind;
Whai is a lordling's pomp? a cumbrous load,
Disjjuiiing oft the wretch of human kind,
Studied in arls of hc\]^ in wickedness refin'df
O Scoiia^ my dear, my n:iiivc soil!
For whom my warmest wish to Heaven is wnl.
Long may ihy hardy sons of rustic toil
Be bJest with hcalih, and peace, and s^vcei content!
And O! may Heaven their simple lives prevent
From luxury's contagion, weak and vile!
Ti^cn^ howt^er crowns and coroneis be rent,
A viriuous populace may rise ibe while,
And stand a wall of Ere around their much-lov*d isle^
O Thoul who pour'd the pairioiic tide,
Thai 5tream'd thro* Wallace's undaunred hearty
Who dar'd to nohly stem tyrannic pride,
140 ROBERT BURNS
Or nobly die> ilie second glorious part:
(The psiirioT^s CSoJ pccuharly thou arc.
His fritndj ttiipircr, giiardismj and reward!)
O never^ nover ScolbV r*^alm des&rl;
But sti[l the patrtcc, and the psttiot-bard
In bright succession raise, her ornameni and guardi
ADDRESS TO THE DHL <
That ltd th" ^nb^ul'd Straptiim to w^r —
Milton.
O Tj-iou! whate^e^ title suit ihec — s
Auld Hornie^ Salan^ Nickj or Clooiic, jj
Wba in yon caveni ^ijm fln' sontic, |
Clos\] under hatched,
Spairgcs about the brun^Ean^ cooEii^,
To scaud poor wretches!
Hear nis^ auld Hangiet for a wee.
An' Itl poor d^cmni^d bodies bi^;
Tin sure sina^ pleasure it can g\ty
Ev'n to a deil.
To skelp an^ scaud poor dogs Hkc mep
An' bear us squc^cM
Great is thy powV an' jjreat iby fame^
Far kcn^ an" noted is thy name;
An* tho' yon lowin' heuch's thy hame,
Thou travels far;
An' faith! ihou'$ ncuhcr lag nor lamt^t
Nor blato^ nor scaur.
Whiles, ranging like a roarin lion,
For prey, a' holes and corners Uym;
Whiles, on [he strong-winged tempest flyin,
Tirlin the kirks;
Whileij in the hum^n bosom pryin^
Unseen thou Inrka.
Fvc heard my revVend graunie say.
In iandy gleni ye likt: to stray;
POEMS AND SONGS 14!
Or where auld ruin d castles grey
Ncxi to the moon,
Yeirifihc the nighily wand'rer'$ way,
Wi' tldritch croon.
"When twilight did my graunic summon.
To say her pray'rs, douse, honest womatif
Aft yonL ihc dyke she's heard you bumniin^
Wi eerie dront;
Orj rustlirtj thro^ the boofiroc$ coniin,
Wi* heavy grojin,
Ae dreary, windyj winter night,
TEke stars shot down wi sklentin hghi,
Wi' you, niyi*er 1 gat ^ fright,
Ayoni the !ough;
Ye^ like a rash-buss, stocxi in sighE,
Wi^ wavin^ sough.
The cudge] in my nieve did $hake*
Each bristrd hair siood like a iitakt^
When wi' an eldritch^ stoor "quaick, quaickp
Aman^ the springs,
Awa ye sc^uatter'd like a drakc^
On whssUin' wings-
n
Let warlocks grim, an* wither^ hags.
Tell how wi^ you, on ragweed nags.
They skim the muirs an* diz^y cra^s,
Wi' wicked speed;
And in kirk-yards renew their leagues,
Owre howkic deaJ.
Thence countra wi^^es^ wi' toil and pain^
May plunge an^ plunge the kirn in vaini
For ohl the yellow treasurers ta'en
By witchin' skill;
An' dawtit, twal-pinr hawkie's gane
As yeirs the bi\l
1^2 ROBERT BURNS
Thence mystic knots mak yreal abuse
On young guidmeji, foncjj keen An crouse^
When the besf wark-lume T the housc^
By cantrip wit^
Is inilant made no worlh a louse,
Just at the bit.
When rhowes diisofve the snawy hoordj
Art' floar ihe jingUn' icy boord,
I'hen water-kelpies haunt the foord^
By your directiojij
And nighted irav'IJefs are allur'd
To [heir destruction^
And afi your mos^traver^in Spunkies
Decoy the wighr that late an' drunk is:
The bleeziDj curst, mischievous n^onkies
Delude his eyei^
Tiii in some miry sltuj^jh ht^ sunk is^
Ne^er raair to rise*
When masons' mystic word an' grip
In ^rorms an^ tempests raise you up,
Some cock or cai your rage maun stop^
Ofp strange to leli!
The youn^jesc brithcr yt wad whip
Aff siraughc lo hdh
Lang sync in Eden*5 bonie yardj
When yotirhfu' lovers first were p^ir'd^
An* all the soul of love they shar'dp
The rapiur'd hour.
Sweet on the fragrant flou>y svvaird,
In shady bower;*
Then you^ ye autdj snick-drawing dogT
Ye cam lo Paradise incog,
^The verte cri^nally ran]
"Ijrt^ $yT\t^y an Edeji^fi happy ^ecnt
Whfii ^trippin Adam's days were fiTeeiii
Af^ £vc iv.i? jikt Miy bonie Jcann
My dL-jrc^t p:irtr
A d^Jldnj swooL^ youn? hand^mc quean,
O' fiuilelt^j heart/ ^
POEMS AND SONGS I43
An' plaj'd on man a cur^d brogue^
(Black be your fa'')
An' gied the infant warld a ahogp
*Maii[ ruin'd n\
D'ye Enind ih^[ day when in a bvix.
Wr rcckk duds, an' rePStii gizz,
Ye did present your smauiie phfz
*Mang l>ccicf Eolk,
An' iklented on the man o£ Uzz
Your spitcFu' joke?
An' how ye gac Him i your rhrall,
An* brak him one o* house an hal^
WhiEe scabs and botches did him gall,
Wr bitter daw;
An* iowsM his ill-tongu'd wicked 5t3ul\
Wa5 warsi avar
Bur a' your doings to rehearse^
Your wily snares an' fcchlin fierce^
Sin' that day Michael^ did yflu pierte.
Dawn to this tin^e^
Wad ding a Lallan tongue, or Ersc^
in prose or rhyme.
An' now, auld Cloots, T ken yeVe [hinkiup
A (SJtain bardie'^ r^nun^ drmk[n,
Some luckicis hour will send him linkin
To your btack pit;
But faiihl he*]l turn a corner jtnkin.
An' cheat you yeL
But fare- you- wecl, auld Niekte-ben!
O wad y^ tak a [bought an' men'!
Yt aibhns miEbt — I dinna ken —
Still hae a stake:
I'm wac to think upo* yon den,
Ev*n for your sakeT
^ Vi^t MiJion, Book vi.—R. B.
T44
ROBEltT BUltNS
SCOTCH DRINK
GJe hini ^Jt-ing drink umil be wink,
Thai's iin^ing in d«p;ii[i
An' Liquor fuld lo fire his bluia,
Thal'i pii'sl vV f-ticf ani] cim
Thoic kl hjjii tfluse, an" JmJj cjrousei
Wi' bumpers flowing o'er.
Till he Enr^tis his [i>vc$ nr t(cbi&,
An' minds his ^riifs no mocer
SuLOMOv'a Ppov£pt$H xi:xi. 6, y.
Let Other pocis raise a fracas
'Boui vines, an' wines, an' drucken Bacchus,
An* crabbil names an' stories wrack us,
An* grare our lug:
I sing ihe juice Scotch bear can niuk us^
In glass or jug.
O thou, my muse^ £ui<l auld Scoich drinkl
Whether ihro' wimplin wornis thou jink,
Or, richly brown, ream owre rhe brinks
In glorious fatm,
Inspire me, till I lisp an" wink,
To sifig thy njmel
Let husky wheat the haughs adorn,
An' ails set up their awnie horn,
An' pease and beans, at e'en oi morn,
Perfume the plains
Leeae me on ihee, John Barleycorn,
Thou king o' giainl
On dice aft Scotland chows her cood.
In souple scones, the wale o' food!
Or [umbhn in (he boiling flood
Wi" kail an' beef;
But when ihoo pours thy slrong heart's blood.
There thou shfnes chief.
Food fills the wame, an* keeps us leevin;
Tho' life's a gift no worth receivin.
POEMS ANn SONGS J45
When heavy-dragg'd wi' pine an' grievin;
But, oil'd by thee,
The wheels 0' life gae down-hil], scrievin,
\Vi' fjidin gfec.
Thou clears the head 0' doited Lear;
Thou cheers the heart a' drooping Care;
Thou strings tlie nerves o' Labour %air,
At's weary toil^
Thou even brightens dark Despair
Wi' gloomy smile.
Aft, clad in massy siller Wi?ed,
Wi' gcntlts thou erects ihy head;
Yet, humbly kind in Ume o' need»
The poor man's wine;
His wee drap parriteh, or his bread,
Thou kitchens hne.
Thou art ihe life o' public haunfs;
But thee, ^vhat were our faifs and rants?
Ev'n godly meetings 0' the aaunts.
By iheo inspired,
Wh*?n gaping they besiege the tents,
Are doubly fir'd.
Thar mercy night we get the corn in,
O sweetly, then, thou reams the horn in!
Or reekin on a New-year mornln
In cog or bicker,
An' just a wee drap sp'ritual burn in,
An' gusty sucker!
When Vulcan gies hts bellows breath,
An' ploughmen gather wi" their graith,
O rare! to see thee fizz an freath
r th* luggjt caup!
Then B urn e win comes on like death
Ar every chap.
146 KOBERT BURNS
Nae mercy then, for airn or steel;
The brawfiie, banie, ploujjhmrin chiel.
Brings hard owrehipj wi sturcfy wheel.
The si rang forehammer^
Till block an' studdie ring an tecl^
Wr dinsomc tiamour.
When skirling weanies see the light,
TTiou mats die gossips dacter brlghr^
How fumblin^ cuifs their dearies slight;
Wac wortii the name [
Nae howdic geis a social ntghl^
Oi platk ffiic chcm*
When neibor5 angt^r at a plea,
An^ just as wud as wud can bcj
How easy can the barley brie
Cement the quarrel I
It's jye the cheapest lawyer's icn^
To taste the barrel.
Alakel that e'er my muse l^as reason,
To wytc her counfrymen wT treason!
But mony daily weet rheir wpason
Wr liqtiorj nice^
An* hardly J in a winter season^
E'er spier Wr pfice^
Wae worth that brandy, burnin trash!
Fell source 0' niony a pain an^ brash!
Twins mony a poor, doylt^ druckcn hash,
O' half his days;
An' sendsj beside, auld Scotland's cash
To iii^J" warst facs.
Ye Scots, wha wish auld Scotland well!
Ye chiefs to you my talc f tell,
Pooij plackless devils like niysen
It sets you ill,
Wr bitter, dearthfti^ wines to mell.
Or foreign gilh
POEMS AND SONGS I47
May gravels round his blaiher wrench^
An* gO!iis EonneDi him^ inch by inch»
Wiia twista his grunilc wi' a glunch
O' sour diidain.
Out Dwre a glass 0' whisky-punch
Wi' honest meni
O Whisky! soul o' phys and pranks!
Accept a bardie's ^ratfu' ilianksl
When wanirng ihce, what tunckss cranks
Are my poor verses 1
Thou comes— they rattle in their ranks.
At i therms a — sT
Thee, Ferintosh! O sadly lostl
Scotland lament frae coast to coast!
Now colic grip;, an' IwrkJri iioast
May kill us a^;
For ]oyal Forbes' charter'd boast
Is ta'en awa?
Thae cmsE horse-leeches o' rhe' Excise,
Wha nak [ho whisky ilclls their pri^l
Haud up thy ban', Deil! ance, twice, ihrice!
TheEe, seiie the blinketif
An' bake them up in bmn^tane pies
For poor damn'd drinkers.
Fortune! if thouTl but gie me still
Hole breebs, a scone, sn whisky gill,
An' rowth o' rhyme lo rave at will,
Tak a' the rest.
An' deal'c about as thy blind skill
Directs thee best.
THE AULD FARMER'S NEW-YEAR -MORNING
SALUTATION TO HIS AULD MAKE, MAGGIE
On giving hcT ihti ofcusiqrnc^ rijip of torn lo han^l in rht Nc* Year*
A Qiiw New-ye-Tf I wish thee, Maggit!
Hae^ t\KK'% n ripp to thy add baggie:
Tko' thou's howc-backit now, an* kn2ggjc^
iVe seen ihe day
P^
1
148
ROBERT BURNS
Thou CDulJ liae gaen like ony staggie,
Oul-owre the lay, *
Tho' Eiow rhoa's dnwiej stiff, an* crazy^
An' rhy auld hide as whitens a daisies
Tve seen thee dapj:]l't, sleek *iii' glaivie, ^
A honie gray* ;
He should been tighc [hat duur'i m raize thee, *
Ance in a day,
Thou ance was i" the foremost rankj
A filly buirdly^ stecvc^ an^ swank;
An' sci wcel down a shapely shank,
As e^cr tread yird;
An* could line (lown Out-owfe a s^ank,
Lik£ ony bird-
ll'.-i now %ome mne-an'-twcnly year^
S\i\ ihou was my giiid-fathcr^s mear;
He gied tne thcN?j o' tocher clear,
An' lifty mark;
Tho* it was sma^ *twas wcel-won gear.
An' rhou was siark*
V^Ticn first I gaed to woo my [enny*
Yt then was trotting wf your minnie;
Tho^ ye was trickie, slefij an' Eunnie,
Ye neVr ^vas donsie;
Bui hamcly, lawicj quiet, an' cannie,
An* unco sonsie*
That day J ye pranc'd wi* muckle prldei
When ye bure han>e my bonie bride;
An" sweet an" gracefu' she did ride^
Wi' maiden air!
ICyle-Sltwarl F could bragji^d wide
For sic a pair.
Tho' now ye dow but hoyte and hobble,
An^ wintle like a saumont coble,
1:2
POEMS AND SONGS J49
Thtif day^ ye was a jinkcr noble,
For hwJs an^ win'T
An' ran them (ill they a' did wauble,
Fafj far^ bohin'!
Whtn ihoiJ an' I wtre young an skelgh,
An' slalile-meyls ai fairs ^\'^rc drcigh^
tiow thou wad prancOj and snorc^ an' skrcigh
An' tak the road!
Town's-bodics ran, an" stood abeigh.
An* ca'i ihee mad»
When thou was corn't, an' I wa.s melloWj
We took the road :iyc like a swallow:
Ai bfooscs ihou had ne'er a fellow^
Fof pith an* sptcd;
But cvVy tail thou pay*! (hem hollow^
Wharc*cr LhoLi gacd.
The sma', droop-rum pl*l, hynTcT cattle
Might aibhns waur't thee for a brattle;
Eui sax Scotch miJe, thou try't their mttili^,
An* gar't them whai^Ie:
Nae whip nor spur, but jtisi a wattle
O" saugh or ha^eL
TTiou was a noble fitiie-Jan^,
As eV in lug or tow was drawnl
AEt fhee an* 1^ in aught hours* yaun,
In guid March -wcai her,
Hae turned sax rood beside our han\
For days tbegitber.
Thou never braing'^ an' fticch't^ an^ fliskit;
But thy aidd tail rhou wad hae whiskiij
An' spread abreed thy weef-fili'd brisket,
Wi* pifh an* power;
Till ^prittie knowes wad rair^t an' riskit
An' sly pet owre.
When frosts lay lang^ an' snaws were deep.
An* threatened labour back [o keep^
^5*^ KOBEET BURNS
1 ^iyd ihy cog a wee bit heap
Ahonn the linimer:
I ken'd my Maggie wad ng sleep.
For ihai, or siiiuiier.
In cart or car [hou never rccitir;
The steypst brae thou wad hac fac'i iii
Thou never lap, an" sten>^ and brcasitt.
Then sEootI to biaw;
Bui jusi thy step a wee thEng hasiir^
Thou snoo^ \ ;iwa*
My pleugh is now ihy biicrn-iime a\
i'our gallant brutei as c cr did draw;
Forbye sa-'i mac Tve SE^ll't awa^
That thou hast nuist:
They drew me ihretteen pund an' twa^
The vera war5t*
Moiiy a sair daurk we twa hae wrought,
An' wi^ ilie weary warl' fought!
An' mony an anxious day, I Ehoiighl
Wc wad be licat!
Yet here tt> cra^y age ^vcVe brouj;ht,
Wr somethini; vce.
An^ think na\ my jiuld irusty serrnn".
That now perhaps tj^ou^s le^s deservin.
An' thy auld days may end in sEarwn;
For my l3.st ioWy
A heapir simipari, Vl\ reserve ane
Laid by ior vou.
We've worn to crazy years thegither;
We'll toyie about wV ane anither;
Wj' teniae care V\\ flic thy tether
To some hainM rig,
Whare ye may nobly rax your Eeaihcr,
Wi' 5ma' fatigue.
POEMS AND SONGS I5I
THE TWA DOGS'
A TALE
'TwAs in ihaT place o* Scotland's isle.
That bears the name o' auld Kin^ Coil,
Upon a bnnie day in Junc^
When ivearin' ihro* the afternoon,
Tvva clogs^ thai were na thrang at han^e^
Forgathered ancc ujwn a ume^
The fiisi rn name, they ca'd him C:?-«rj
Was kctfpii for His Hunor'i pfeasurc;
His h:iirj his size:, his mouih, his lugs,
Shcvv'd he was nane o^ Scotland's dogs;
But ^halpii some place far abro^d^
Whar*^ «i!ors Jjang to fish for coJ*
His locked, lettered, braw bras^ colTar
Showed him the gentleman an' scholar;
But though he was o' high dejjreej
The fieni a prldcj nae pride had he;
But wad hac spenr an hour caressinj
Ev'n w]* a linkJer-gipsy's messin:
Al kirk or m^rkt^tt Tni[\ Or smiddie,
Nae tawEtd tyke, tlio e'er sae duddie,
But he wad stan\ as glad to s^e hiirip
An^ sirain*i on stanes an' hillocks wV him.
The tfrher was a ploughman's collie —
A rhyming J ranting^ mving hiljie^
Wha for his friend an^ comrade had hinij
And In hii freaks had Luaih cad him,
After some dog in Highland sanj;^^
Was made lang syne, — lj3rd knows how lang*
He was 3 gash an' faiihfu' tyke,
As ever lap a sheugh or dyke*
His honesty sonsie^ bawVnt t^ce
Aye gat him friends in ilka place;
His breair was white, his touzie back
Wecl clad wi' coat o' glo^iy bUck;
His gawsie taiU wi^ upward curl,
Hung owre his hurJies wi* 3 swirL
^ Lu^di wa-^ lEuirE&'s own dog.
' Ljatb, Cuchullirt^? dog in Os^ran'i ^Tingql/^— ff. fl.
^i
1
152 ROBERT BOBNS
l^e doubt bur ihey were fain o' ithcrp
And UQco pack an' diick ihegEther;
We' social nose whiles snuff'd nn' snowkit;
Whiles mice an^ moudieworLs thtjy howkit^
Whiki scoured awa* in lang excursion ^
An' vv'orry*d ithcr in diversion;
Until wr daffin' weary grown
Upon a knoiA^y ihey set ihcn:i down.
An' there began a lang tli^isrcssion.
About iho "lords o* [lie cr^arbn/'
I've affen wondcrM^ honest Luath,
What sort o' life poor dojjs like you have;
An* when the geniry's life I saw^
What way poor bodies llvM avn^
Our laird gets in his racked rentSj
H]& coals^ his kane^ an' a' his stents;
He rises whtn he likes himscr;
His Jlunkies answer at the bell;
He ca's his coadi; ho ca's his horse;
He draws a bonie silken pursp^
As land's my (ail, whcfe, thro' the steeks,
The yellow lettered Geordic keeks-
Frae morn to e en, it's nougiu but roiiing
Ac baking, roasting, frying, boiling;
An' tho' ihe gentry lirst ate stechin,
Yet cv'n the ha' folk f^Jl their pech^n
Wi' sauctp ragouts, an^ sic like trashcrie^
That's liide short 0' dovvnright wastrie.
Our whipper-in^ wee^ i^bst^d wonncr^
Poor, worthless e!f, it cats a dinncTj
Better than ony lenani-man
His Honour has in a' the Ian*:
An^ what poor cot-Eolk pit their painch in^
1 own it's past my comprehension.
LuATJf
Trowth, Cffsarj whiles dieyVe fash't eneughj
A cottar howkin in a sheughj
Wi* dirty stanes bi^^gin a dyke>
POEMS AKD SONGS I53
Baring x quarry p an' sic like;
Hiroiel', a wife, he thus sustains,
A smytrie o* wee duddie weans^
An' nought but his han'-daurkj to keep
Them righl ^n tight in thack an* rape.
An* when they meet wi" sair disasters,
Like lois 0* health or want o' masccrs^
Ye maisi wad think, a wee touch langefj
An^ they maun sLirve o* cauld an' hunger;
But how it comesp i never kent yet,
They're mai$r|y wonderfu' contented;
An' buifdly chicls^ an^ clever hizzies^
Arc bred ia sic a way as thia is^
Casar
But then to sec how yc're neglcckitj
How huff'd, an' cuff'dj ^n* disiespeckitf
Lord man, our gentry care as little
For delvcrs, ditchers^ an^ sic catde;
They gang as saucy by poor folk,
As I wad by a siinkin brock.
Tve notic'dp on our laird's court-day^ —
An^ mony a time my hearths been ^v^ae,.—
Poor tenant bodies^ scant o' cash.
How ihey ninTun thole a factor^s snash;
He'll stamp an' ihreaienp curie an* swear
He'li apprehend theirtj poind their gear;
While they maun stan^ wi' aspect humblei
An' hear It a'j an' fear an* tremblel
J see how folk live that hae riches;
But surely poor-folk maun be wretches!
Lu-^TH
They^re no sae wretched *s ane wad think*
Tho* constantly on poortith's brinks
They're sae accustom'd wi' the sight^
The view o't gives them htde fright.
Then chance and fortune are sae guided,
They're aye in less or mair provided;
An' tho' fatigued wi' dose employment^
154 ROBERT BURNS
A bljnk o' lesi's a sweet enioymcnt-
The dearest comfort o' ihi^ir lives.
Their grushie weans an' faithfu* wives;
The praciiing [hings are just chtir priJci
That 5W*j=e[ens a* their fire-side.
An" whiles t\va]ptnnje worth o' nappy
Can mak ihc bodies anco happy:
They lay a^ide their private cares^
To mind the Kirk ^ind State :ilTairs;
They'll talk o' patronage an' priests^
Wi' kindliiif]; lury V [heir breasts,
Or tell what new iaxarion*s comin,
An^ fertie at the folk in Lon^on^
As bleak-fac'd Hallowniass rciurns^
They g« the jovial, raniin kirns.
When rural life, of ev'ry ^ucIop,
Unite in common recreation;
Love bhnki-j Wii slaps, an' social Minh
Forgets I here's Care upo* the eariL
That merry day the year begins.
They bar the door on frosty wain's;
The nappy reeks wj^ maniUng rean:^j
An' shedis q heart-inspiring steam;
The luntjn pipe^ an' sneeshin millj
Are handed round wi' righi guid wi]];
The cantie auki folks crackin crouse,
TThe young ancs ranrln thro' the house —
My heart has been sae fain to see them^
That. ] for joy hae barkiE wi' them.
Siiil it^s owre true that ye hae satd^
Sic game is now owre aften played;
There's mony a creditable sfock
O^ decent^ honest, fawsont folk^
Are riven out baith root an^ branch.
Some raseari pridefu^ e*^^^ ^^ quench^
Wha [hinkzh lo knit IjimAel the faster
fn favour wi' some gende master.
What aiblinSj ihrang a parliamentin^
For Britain's gutd his saul indentin —
POEM5 A^'D SONGS I55
C^SAP
Haith, lad, ye Ulde ken aEwut it:
Fot BriUin^s guiJ' guid faifh! 1 tloubt it-
Say rather, g^un as Premiers lead him:
An' saying ay or no's ihey bid him:
Ac operas an' plays parading.
Mortgaging^ gambling, masi^juerading:
Or maybe, in a frohc Jatt,
To Haguti or Calais takes a waft,
To m*i.k a tour an' lak a whirl.
To learn bon ran, an' see the ^t't]rl\
There, at Vienna, or Versailles,
He rives his faiher*s auld un[:iil5;
Or by Madrid he cakes the rouc^
To chrum guitars an* fecht \\i nowt;
Or down Italian vi^Ca sCarUci;,
Whore-huncing attiang groves u* rnyrtles;
Then bowscii drumlie German-vvaccr,
To mak himseL lix^k fair sn Matter,
An ^lear rhe constqueniial sorrows,
Lo^'fi-gi£ts of Carnival signoras-
For Briiain's guid! for her deiCrutiCtoal
Wi* dissipation, £eud> an' laction^
LUATH
Hech, man! dear sirs! is ihat the gate
They waste sae mony a braw f^^t^tej
Are we sae foughtcn an^ harassed
For gear to gang chat gale at last?
O would they stay ahack frae courts,
An' please themsels wi^ country sports,
Tt wad for ev'ry ane be better,
The laird, the tenant^ an^ the cotter!
For ihae frank, rantin, ramblin billies,
Fctnt haet o' them's ill-heaned fellows;
E^tcept for breakin o^ their titnmer,
Or ipeakin iighcly 0* their limmer.
Or shoorin of a hare or moor-cockp
The ne*er-a-fait they're ill to poor folk^
156
ROBERT BURNS
But will ye ttll mCj Master Cisar,
Surt i^regt folk's life \ a life o' pleasure?
Nae caulU nor hunger e^er can steer themi
Tlic very Ehoughi o\ need na fear ihem.
Lordp man, were ye bui whiles whste 1 auij
The gendeSj ye wad ne'er envy ihem!
h's irue, ihey ne^d na srarvt^ or sweaty
Thro* winrcr'i c^auld^ or siLtimcr'a heat:
Thcy\e nae saLr wark to cra^e their bane^
An* fill auld age wi' grips an' granes:
But humon bodies are sic fonls,
For a' their colleges an' schools^
Thai when nae re:il ills perplex ihem.
They mak enow thcmscrs to vex them;
An' aye the Eess they hae to sCurt thtm^
In like proportion, lei^s will hurt diem,
A countr)^ fellow at the pleugh,
His acrp'^ lill'd, he's right enetigh;
A country girl at her wheel.
Her d]Z7,en'5 dune, she's unco weel;
Bur gentlemen, an' ladies war&t^
Wi' ev^n-down u^ant o' wark are curst*
They loiter, lounging^ lank an' la^y;
Tho' deil-liaei aiJs ihem, y^t uneasy;
Their days insipid, dull, an" tasteless;
Their nij;lHs untjuiet^ l^^ng, an' restless.
An^ ev'n (heir sports, their balls an' races,
Their galloping through pnWic places.
There's $jc parade, sic pomp^ an' art,
The )oy can scarcely reach the heart.
The men cait out in party-matches,
Then sowtlier a' in deep debauches*
Ae night theyVe mad wi' drink an' whoring,
Niesi day their life h past enduring.
Tht^ ladies arm-in-arm in clusters.
As great an' gracious a' as sisters;
But hear their absent thoughts o* ither,
They're a' run deils an* jads thegidier.
POEMS AND SONGS I57
Whiles, owre rhe wee bii cup ^n platie.
They 5ip the scand^il-potion preccy;
Or lee-!aiig nighiSj wi' crabbit leuks
Pore owrc the deviTs picture! beuks;
Stake on a chance a farmer's 5ta<:kyard^
An cheat like ony unh^inged blackguard,
TbereV 3ome exceptions, man an' woman;
But Ehis is gentry'5 HEe in common,
By this, ihe sun was out oF fiighr^
An' darker gloamin brouyht ihe night;
Tile bum-dock iiumm'd wi' lazy drone;
TliG kyc stcK>d rowtin i' [he Eoan;
When up they gat an' shook thtir lugs,
Rcjoic'd they werena men but dog^;
An' <?ach took atl his several way,
Rcsolv'd to mt^et some ithcr Jay.
THE AUTHOR^S EARNEST CRY AND PRAYER
To [he Riyhr lionourable and Honourable Scotch Representatives in the
House of Commons/
DciTTst of di^tilhtiofi! ]a^t aiitl best—' —
How jrt thuu loiiif
P^itoDV ON MiLrmJ,
Yii Irish lords, ye knights an' squires,
Wha represent our brughs an' shires,
J An' douqely manage our allairs
y In parliament^
f To you a simple poer^s prayV$
Are liumbly scuu
Alas! my roupit Muse is hearse!
Your Honours' ht^ari^ wi' grie£ 'iwad pierce,
To see her siitin on her arse
Low i^ the dust,
And ficriechin out prosaic verse.
An' like to bnisi!
■Thii was ^rifmi before the Act an^nt the Scotch tli^tillencf? of s^sion 17^61 for
wliich S^utliincl and rhe fiuthor return thejr moit grjtLEul thanks.— fi. B.
■r
158
EGBERT BUENS
Tell ihem wha hae the chief direction!
Scodand an' rnt's in great aiEiciian^
E*ef sin* liiey laid that curst restriction
On aqua-vitit;
An* rouse them up to sironj; convictionj
An move [hctr piry.
Stmd forth an' cell yon Premier yoiilh
The honesi, open, naked rmth:
Teli him o' mine an.* Scodand's drouth,
Hii servants humble:
Tiw mucklc dcevi! bla^v you south
If yc dtsscmbleT
Does ony great man glunch an* glcxim?
Speak oui^ an' never fash your thumb!
Lci posts an' pensions sink or soom
Wi' Uiem wha grant them;
If honesdy they canna come,
Far better want them.
Tn gath^rin votes you were na slack;
Now siand as tightly by your tack:
Ne'er claw your lug, an^ fid^ your back^
An* hum an" haw;
But raise your arm, an' tell your track
Before them a\
Paint Scodand greetin owre her thrissle;
Her mutchkin stowp as toom^s a whissle;
An* damn'd excisemen in a busslCj
SeiKin a stell^
Triumphant crushin'i like a musse^^
Or limpet shedll
Thenj on the tither hand present her —
A blackguard smuggter right behinc her.
An' cheek-for-chow, a chuf&e vintner
Colleaguing jain^
Picking her pouch as bare as winter
Of A^ kind coin.
POEMS AND SONGS 159
Js [Kertj tliat Ew^ars the name o' Scot,
But feels his heart's bluid rising lioi.
To $ce his poor auld mither^s pot
Thus dung in slaves^
An' plundered o* her hindmost groat
By gallows knaves?
Alas! Vm hut a njmclcss wight,
Trode i' ihc mire out o" sight?
But could I like Montgomcries fight,
Or g-ib like Boswel^'
There\s somi^ safk-iictks I wad draw Mghf^
An' tie some ho,se welL
God Hess your Honours! «n ye see'i—
The kind, auld caatie carlin grt^ci,
An' no gel warmly to your feet^
An' gar Them hear it,
An^ tell them wi* a patriot heat
Ye winna bear it?
Some o* you nicely ken che laws,
To round (li^ period an' pause,
An* wirh rheioric cFause on clause
To mak h:irangues;
Then echo thro^ S^iinc Stephen*? wg's
Auld ScocUntl's wr:ing5,
Dempster^* a true bhie Scot l^sc warran';
f Thct\ aiih-detesiing^ cha.'vEe K.ilkefranj^
J An' that glib-gabbit Highland haron^
The Laird o' Graham;^
\ An ane, a chap rhai's ditmn'd aulfarran',
1 Dundas his name:*
Erskine, a spunkie Norland biUie;*
-( True Campbelli, Frederick and liay;*
^fames Boswcil of Aui;hin!tcki rhi; bifigraphcr oE Johnwin.
^ Sir Adam F<-Tguioil ot Kilkerran, Barf.
I ^ The Marquis of Graham, cFdc^t son of iltc Dut*; vf Montrc^C^
ll * Richt Hon. Henry Dundas, M. P.
I' "^Probably ThomaSn aitcrwnrd Lord F-rskinon
*Lfjrd Frederick Can^pb^lL second brorher of ihe Dttke of ArB>IL and Hay
' CampbtlU Lord Advocate Eur Scotl^ndp aEtcrward President of lh« Court or ScssioOr
i6o
ROBERT BURNS
An* Livistone, the bauld Sir WilUe;'
An mony ithers^
Whom auld Demosihtnes or Tully
Might own for briTh&rs.
See, sodger Hugh,^*^ my waK^man stented^
Tf poets c"cr are repreKnted;
i ken if that your sword were wanted,
Ye*id lend a hand;
But when fhere^s ought Fo say aneni it,
Ye^re at ^ standi
Arouse, my boys! exert your mettle,
To get au!d Scoitand back her keide;
Or faith! Til wad my n*?w pieugh-pettlcp
Ye'll see'i or !ang.
Shell teach you, wf a reckin whiidcj
Anither sang*
This while she's been in crankoijs mond^
Her lost Mihtia lir*d her hluid;
(Illeil tia tliey never mair do gu[d,
Play'd her that phskie!)
An' now she^s like to rin red-wud
About her whisky.
An^ Lord! if ance they pit her x\\[\^
Her tarian pctEECoat she'll kih.
An' durk an' pistol at her belt.
Shell tak the streets.
An' rin her whittle to the hlUp
1' the first she meets!
For Go<l sake, sirsl (hen speak her fair.
An' SEiaik her eannie wi* the hair^
An* to the muckle house repair,
Wi* instant speed,
An' strive^ wi* a^ your wit an* lear.
To get remead-
^S'lr Wan. Augustus CunnijiC[]i:imH Bamnc(i rJ Livin^istone*
**GoL Hu^h Monlj;omcr/p afterward Earl ol ngltntcan.
POEMS AND SONGS l6l
Yon ill-tongu'd tinkler, Chadle Fox,
May taunt you wi' his jeers and mocks;
But gie him't het, my hearty cocksl
E'eci cowc the cadteT
An' send him to his dicing box
An' spoffm' lady-
Tel! yon guitJ Huid o^ auld Boconnock's^"
ni be his debt twa m^shlum boimocks.
An' drink his heakh m auld Nanct Tinnock's^*
Nine riinc$ a- week ^
l£ he some scheme, Itkt] lea an' winnocks^
Wad kindly seek.
CoidJ he some commutation broach,
Vil pledge my aiih in guid braid Scotch^
He ncedna fear iheir foul reproach
Nor erudilioi^
Yon mixtie maxiie, queer lioEch-poEch,
The Coalition.
Au!d Scotland has a rauclc longuc;
She*s just a devil wi' a rung;
An' il she promise auld or young
To lak ihelr pam^
Tho* by the neck she should be strung,
Shell no desert.
And noWj ye ehoscn Five-atid-Forly,
^ J May still your mither's heart support ye;
W Then, tho' a mimstor grow dony^
i\ An' kick your place^
,1 Ye'll snap your fingers, poor an' heariy,
-I Befoxe his face-
Cod bTess your Honours^ a* your days,
Wi^ sowps o' kail and brats o^ claise^
j^'^ Pittp wh&s^ yrrandfacher was of B«:annnclt in Cnmwall.
1 V^ A worthy old hostess of the author's in M;iUi:h1inCh wh^rc he sornetime^ $tud[t:s
polkics over a gCas? of gudt auld Scotch D^ink. — 'R, B.
iSl ROBERT BURNS
In spile d" a' the tiiievish kaes^
ThaE haunt Sr, Jamie's I
Your humble poet sings =in' prays.
While Rab his name is*
POSTSCRIPT
Lit half-starvM slaves in warmer skies
See future wines, hch-dusiVing^ rise;
Their ioE auld Scotland ne'er envies^
But, blyuhe and frisky,
She eyes her freebornj menial boys
Tak aff their whisky.
What dio* iheir Phccbus kinder waimj^
While fragrance blooms and Iwauty charms^
When wre[cii£s range^ in famished swarms^
The scented groves;
Ofy hounded fonh, dishonour arms
In hungry droves!
Their gun^s a burden on ihcir shouther;
They downa bide the Elink o' powiher;
Their bauidest ihoushtV 3^ hank'ring swiiher
To Stan' or rin.
Tit! skelp — a shot — iheyVe aff, a^ [hrow^rher,
To save their skin*
But bring a Scotchman frae hi^ hill,
Clap iz^ his cheek a Highland gill^
Say, such is royal George's will^
An' there's the foe[
He hasiiae thought but how to kill
Twa at a blow,
Nac cauEd, faint-hearted doublings tease him;
Death comes, wi' fearless eye he sees him;
\Vi* biuidy hand a welcome gtes him;
An* when he fa*Sj
His latest draught o' breathin lea'es him
In faint huzzas.
POEMS AND SONGS 163
Saj-es their solemn een may steek,
An* rai^e a philosophic i^k,
An' pliysically causes seek^
In clime an* season ;
Bui tell me whisky's njme in Greek,
I'll tell tlie reaaan.
ScoiUnd, my auLd. respected mLthcTl
Tho' whiles ye moistify your leather,
Till, whare ye sic on craps o' heather.
Ye tine your dam;
Freedom an' whliky gang dicgither!
Take a£T your dram!
THE ORDINATION
For schmt they little owe to frugal Hcav'n- —
To please the m^^bn they hide iIil- little pv'ri-
KiLMABWoOK wabsti^Ts, lidgc an' claw.
An' pour your cret^shjo nations;
An* ye wlm Jeatlier rax an' draw^
OE a* denominations;
Swith to the Laigh Kirk^ ane an* a*
An' there tak up your st^ctons;
An' pour divine libatio];$
For joy ikis day.
Curst Common-sense J that imp o' hellj
Cam in wi' Maggie Lauder;*
But Oliphant^ afr made her yell.
An* Russell^ sair misca*d her:
This day Mackinlay* [aks ihc ilail^
An' he's the boy will blaud her!
Hc'il clap a shangan on her tailj
An* set the bairns to daud her
Wi" dirt this day,
^Alluding to a fiLofljny ballad whkh wjs made on the admi^^ion q[ the late
irvtrend and worthy Mr. Lindsay to il^u 'Xali^h Kirk/'— fl. B.
^Rev. [amts OLiphant, miniEt^r oE Chapel of Ease. Kilmarnock.
f. tohsi &Mi$di oi KihnAfJWcL ^ Rev. James Mackinky.
164 ROBERT BURNS
Mak haite an* lurn King David owrc,
And Ilk wi' holy dangOT;
O' doublo veric come git us fQUtj
An' skirl up the Bangor:
This day ihe kirk kicks up a sroure;
Nac mair the knaves shall wrang lier,
F^r Heresy is in her powV,
And glorJDUily sliell whang hei
Wr piih ihj5 day-
Comej leE a proper text be read,
An' louch it aff wi' vigour,
How graccLess Ham^ kugh ai his dad^
Which made Canaan a nigger;
Oj" Phrntas*' drove the n^urdering blade^
\Vi' whore-ahhorring rigour;
Or Zipporah/ ihe scaoldin j:id,
Was like a blui<iy cigtrr
r iW inn that day*
Thercj try his metde on the creed.
An' bind him down wi' caution^
That stipend is a carnal weed
He taks hut for the fashion;
And gje him o'er the Hock, to feed^
And punish each iranagressinn;
Especial, rams that cross [he breeds
Oie ihem sufHcient threshin;
Spare them nae day.
NoWj auld Kilmarnock, cock thy tail^
An* loss thy horns fu' canty;
Nac msir thou'lt ruwr out-owre the dalte^
Because [by pasture's scanty;
For lapfu's large o^ gospel kail
Shall 611 ihy crib in pUnty,
An' runts o' grace the pick an' wale^
No giVn by way o^ dainty.
But ilka day.
^Genesis is. 2i.— i?, B^ ^r^\^mh:^ x\^. S, — Rr B. ^EKOtTiJs iv. 52.— W.
POEMS AND SONGS
Nae mair by Babel's itf^ams we'll weep*
To ihink upnn our Xion;
And hing our tidtKes up to slepp,
Like baby-clouts adryinf
CcmCj screw the pogs wi' tunefu* cbeep,
And oVr ibi? ihairms be iryin;
Oh* rare to see our elbucks wbeep*
And a' like lamb-taili flyin
Fu' fasE thh day,
Lang, PatronagSj wirh rod o' aim,
Has shor'd the Kirk'a undoin;
As lately Fenwick* sair forfairn.
Has proven to iis ruin:*
Our patron, honest man[ Gkncairn,
He saw mischief was brewin:
An' like a godEy, elect bairn,
He's waled us out a true ane.
And sound, diis day.
Now Robertson' harangue nae mair,
But steek. yout gab for ever;
Or try the wicked town oE Ayr.
Fof there tbey'll think you clever;
Or, nae reHeciion on yotir lear,
Ve may commence a shaver;
Or to the Net he no n'" repair,
An' turn a carpel weaver
Aff-hand this day.
Mu'trit" and you were ]U5i a match,
We never had sic tv?a drones;
Auld Hornie did the Laigh Kirk watch,
Just like a winkin baudrons*
And aye he caich'd the rither wietch,
To fry them in his caudrons;
But now his Honour maun detach,
Wi' a' his brimstone squadrons,
Fast, fast this day.
^Rcv, Win. Poyd^ pastor n£ Fi^fiwkk.
'Gov. J^ilin Rolwnsnii, '"A disifi^:! of Kilmarnock.
^'Tfn! Ri-v. lofin Muilrk, a "Moderate," whom MacLtnljy ^ucizfwdcd.
165
■■A
1
l66 ROBERT BUHNS
Sec^ see auM Orlhodoxy's faes
Hark, how the nine-raird car she playsl
[ vow it*s unco preuy;
Tl^crtj Lo^rntngj with his Grcctish face,
GrunEs our some Ijtin dttry;
And Coinmon-scnsc is gaun^ she says.
To mak to Jamie Beattie
Her plaint this Jay,
Bur there^s Mornliiy himseVj
Embracing all oplnionj;
Hear, how he gics the tither yell,
Bel ween his iwa companions!
See, how she peels the skin an' felJj
As ane were peelin omons!
Now iherej lhe>*re packed aff to helU
An^ hanish'd our dominions^
Henceforth this day^
O happy day! rejoice^ rejoice!
Come house ahour the porter!
Morality's demure decoys
Shali here nae mair find quarler:
Macktnlay, Russell , are the boys
Thai heresy can toruire-
They'll gie her on a rape ^ hoyse, ■
And cowf; her measure shorter
By ih* head Som<? day. i
Come, biing the tither rnutchkin in^
And here*s^for a conclusion —
To ev'ry New Light^^ mother^s son,
From this time forth, ConliisionT
If mair they deave us wi* ihcir din,
Or Patronage intrusion,
We'll light a spunkj and ev*ry skin,
Well riD them al3 in fusion
Like oil, some day,
i^*'New Light" i? a cant phraw in the w«t of Sc<?tlud for tfn%5c religions opiDinfl;
which IJr. Tavlisr cJ Norwich ha* so scrcuiiou^y dtfcndtd.— ff. 0.
POEMS AND SONGS 167
EPISTLE TO JAMES SMITH
ftitrnLhip. myiEcfifHis Mmcnt of ilii^ lojl!
Sw(!tT'ncr of Liftf. and soldgr vi &w:ietj-f
I o^'c ihizL- much " " Blair.
Dear Smith, The slce'st, pawkic thief.
Tha^ eef attempted steallh or rief!
Ye surely hjc some watlock-bricf
Owrc hum^in Kearis;
For nt'er a bosom yoi was pricf
Against your yri^.
For me, I 5wear by sun an' moon»
An' Bv'ry star that bJink* aboon,
Ye've coii me twenry pair o' shoon.
Just gaun 10 5ee you;
An" ev'ry ither pair ihai's done,
Mair [a^n fm wV you.
That auld, capiidoas carlin, Nature,
To mak amends tor scrimp it statu re»
She's turn'd you o/T, a human creature
On her fit^i plan.
And in her freaks, on evVy feature
She's wrote the Man-
Just now I've taen the ftr o' rhyme.
My barmie nod die' 4 working prime-
My fancy yerkii up sublime,
Wi" hasty summon;
Hae ye a leisure-moment's EJme
To hear what's cominf
Some rhyme a neibor's name to lash;
Some rhyme (vain ihoughtl) for needfu^ cash;
.Some rhyme to court the countra clashj
An' Taist a din;
For Die, an aim I never fash;
1 rhyme for fun.
- 1
I 68 ROBERT BUKNS
Tht star thai rules my luckless lot,
Has fated i:ie the russet coalj
An' damned my fortune to the groatj
Butp in rcquit^
Has blest me with a random-shot
O' countfa wit.
This \s'hile my notion^s taen a sklent,
To iry my fate in guid^ bUck prent;
But still the mair Vm ihai wjiy bt^n^
Someihing cfies ^'Hooliel
I red you, honest man, tak tent? ]
Ye^lE shaw your folly; , I
I
"There^s ilher poetJj muck your betters, !
Far seen in Greek, deep men o' letters, ]
Hae thought they had ensur'd their debtors, [
A* future ages; 'J
Now moths deform, m sh^peje^s tatters,
Their unknown pyges-
^f J
^ I
r3
V
Then farewdl hopes of laurel -boughs, ^
To garland my poelic brows] ^
Henceforth HI rove where busy ploisph? f
Are whistUn* thraiig, s
An* teach the lanely heights an^ howes f
My rustic sang.
ril wander on, wL* tentless heed
How never-halting moments speed.
Till fate shall snap the britde thread;
Then^ all unknown,
ril lay me with th' inglorious dead,
Forgot and goneT
Bui why o' death l^egiii a tale?
Just now we're living sound and hale;
Then top and maintop crowd the sail,
Heave Care o^er-sidel
And large, before Enjoyment's gale,
Let^s tak the tide.
POEMS AND SONGS 169
This liftj sac t^r^s [ undcrstandj
U a' enchanted lairy-landj
Where Pleasure is the magic-wand.
That, wielded right>
Maks hours like minute';, hand in handj
Dance by fu' Jighi*
The magic wand ihen ler us wicTd;
For 3nce that five an'-foriy's spccl'd.
Sec, crazy, weary ^ joyless eild,
Wi" wrinkled face,
Comes hosiin, hirphn owrc rhe fields
Wi^ creepin pact.
When iiace !ife*s day draws near The gVoamin,
TTien fnroweel vacant^ carekss roamtn;
An' farevvee] cheeKu' tankards toamin,
An' social noise:
An* farewce^ dear, deluding womanp
The joy of ]oys!
OL^fe! how pleasantp in thy morningj
Young Fancy's rays the hills adornEngl
CoLd-pausing Caution*s lesson scorning,
We frisk away^
Like schcFol-boys, at iW expecEed warning,
To joy an' play.
We wander rherCj we wander hcre^
We eye the rose upon the brier^
Unmindful chat the thurn is near,
Arnong the leaves;
And Eho' ihe puny wound appear,
Short while it grieves.
Some, lucky^ iind a llow^ry spot.
For which ihey never toil'd nor swar;
They drink the 5weer and eat the fat^
But care or palrij
And haply eye the barren hut
With high disdain.
ryO ROBERT BURNS
With sicady aim^ some Tortui^c chase;
Kctn hope docs evW sinew bmce;
Thro* fair^ thro' toul^ they urge the race.
An' ses^e ihc prey:
Then oinrtie, in some co:^io place,
They close th*: day-
And others, like your hunihle servant
Poor wights! nac rules nor roadsi observinp
To rig}ii or kti eiernal sw^rvin^
Thoy i^iy-^a^ an;
Tiflj cursf with age, obscure an' starving
They aflen groan.
Alas! what bitter toil an* straining —
But truce wjih peevish^ poor complaining!
Is fortune's tickle Lun^i waninjj?
E'n let her gang!
Beneath what light she has remaining^
Let's EJng our ^ang.
My \Ki\ I here fling to tht door,
And kneel, yt Powers! and warm implore,
*'Tho' I should wander Terra o'cr^
In all her climM^
Grafjl me hut this, J ask no tnor^.
Aye rowth q^ rhymes.
^"Gie drecpin roasts to coiintra lairJs,
Till idclcs hing frsie their beards;
Gie fine hraw claes lo flne Ufe^guards,
And maids of honour;
An* yill an' whisky gie to eairds,
Until they sconncf.
"A lidCj DetTLpsttr^ merits it;
A garter gie to Willie Pitt;
Gie wealth to some be-lfidger'd cit,
In cent, per cent.;
But give me real, sterling witj
And Vm cflnrenL
^CcorKc Dompsler of Dunnkh&^H MP,
POEMS AND SONGS Ijl
■* While yE 3fe plcas'd [o kwp me halo,
rn sit down o'er my seamy mcal^
Be't waier-brose or muslin-kail,
Wi* checrfu fate,
As lang^s the Muses dinna fail
To say the giace."
An anxious e*e I never throw*
Behint my lu^j or by my nosei
J jouk beneath Misfortune's hlows
As weei's I may;
Sworn foe lo sorrow, care, and prose,
1 rhyme away-
ye douce folt that live by rule,
CJrave, [idefess-blooded, cairn an* coolj
Compared wi' you — O fnoll fool! fooll
How much unlike]
Your hearts are jusc a standing pooln
Your lives, a dyke]
Nae hair-brain^dj scnitmental traces
Ii] your unlettered, o^meless faces!
In tirioso trills and graces
Ye never stray;
Buc gjamji™^?* solemn basses
Yc hum away.
Ye are sae grave^ nac doubt ye're wise;
Nae ferly tho" yc do despise
The hairutn-Ecairum, ram-acarri boys,
The rattling squads
1 see ye upward casi your eyes —
Ye ken the road!
"Whilst 1- — but I shall baud me there,
Wi^ you rJJ scarce K^^J? ^^y where —
Then, famie, I shall say nae mair,
But f^uat my sang,
Content wi^ you lo mak a pair*
Whare^er I gang.
I?^ ROBERT BURNS
THE VISION
DUAM FlItST^
The sun had dos'd the winter day^
Th& turkrs quat their ro^rin playt
AnJ hungered mauktn Eacai her way.
To kaiJ-yards green.
While faichiess siiiiws ilk step bciray
Whaie she has bcea,
The thresher's weary (fingm-treej
The Eee-lafig day had lired me;
And when the day liad closed his e^e.
Far i' the wc5ij
Ben i* the spenctp right pensiveltp,
I Kaed to rest*
There, Janely by the ingle-qheek^
I saf and ey'd ihe spewing reek^
That iili'd^ wi' hoaM- provoking jimeek,
The nuld clay biggin;
An' heard the restless mtrons s^jueak
Aboul ihe riggmn
All in [his mome, mi^Ey clmic,
J backward mus'd on wasted timCp
hiow I had spcnf my youthfu* primep
An' done nae thing,
But strfnging blethers up in rhymc^
For (cols to sing.
Had 1 to guid advice btJi hnrkitj
I mighij by thisj hae led a market.
Or strutied in a bank and darkir
My cash -account;
While here, half-mad, half-fed, half-sarkit.
Is a' tW amount.
^Dujn, a term of Osfian'^ fc^r the ditEcrent divisiftn^ of a dii^rc^>tvc p<itm. S
* .
POEMS AND SONGS I73
J itanedj miictVingj ''HockkcaJ! coo£r
And hcav'd on high my waukit loof,
To 5we4ir bv a' yoii siarry roofj
Or some r^^h aith^
That I henceforth wad be rhymoproof
Till my bst breath —
When click! ihe string the snick diJ Uraw;
An* )ee! the door gacd to the wa';
Air by mv ingIc4ovve I s^w^
Now blee'-citi bright,
A tight^ outUndbh hizaic, braw.
Come full in sight.
Yc need na douU, I httd my whisht;
The infaiii aiih^ half-form*d, was ciusht
I glo^vr'd 35 eerie^s Td been du^ftt
Jn £on:>c wild glen;
When swcGlj like honest Worthy she blu&Kt^
An' stepped ben-
Grepn, s!endc^t» leaf-clad hotly-boiighs
Were twtstcd, gracefu", round her hrotvs;
I took her for some Scotti5h Muse,
By Ehai s^nw token;
And come 10 stop ihose reckless vows.
Would soon been brokea.
A ^"hair-brainM^ senim^enlal Frace"
Was strongly marktd in her face*
A wildly-witlyj rustic grace
Shone full upon her;
Her eye, ev*n turn'd on empty space,
fiean^'d keen with lionour.
Down flowed her robe^ a tartan sheen.
Till half a leg was scrimpty seen;
An* such a leg' my lionie Jean
Coufd only peer it;
Sae straught, sae taper, tight an^ clean —
Nane else came near it.
x!
1
J 74 ROBERT BURNS
Her manile Urge, of greenish hue^
My gajjn^ wonder chit^fiy dr^w:
Deep lights and shades, bold-mi ngling, ihrew
A lustre giand;
And scem'd, lo my asiOTiish'd view^
A wclf 'known land*
Here, rh'ers in the sea were lost;
TherCj n:^ouni^ins to the skies were toss'i:
Here^ tumblmg biJJows mark'd the coast,
With surging loani;
There, distant shone Art's lofty boast,
The lordly doine*
Here, Doon poured down his far-feich*d floods;
TherCj wcll-fcd Invifie 5l:i[ely ihuds:
Au]4 hemiil Ayr ^taw thro' his woods^
On to ihc shore;
And many a lesser torrent scuds^
With leeniing roar.
Low, in a shindy valley spread,
An anticnt borough rcar'd her head;
Still, as in Scottish stQfy read,
She boasts a race
To fiv^iy nobler virtue bred.
And polish'd grace-^
By stately tow*r, or palace fair,
Or ruins pendent in the air,
Bold stems of heroes, hero and there,
r could discern;
Some seem'd la muse^ some secm'd to dare,
Widi feature stern.
My heart did glowing transport feel.
To see a race heroic^ wheel,
^ The ^cVtft £t3nzd% frtllowcriH rhlrf wtre firsf printed m the Edinburgh ^ilK
J 7fL7, Oihtr stan^asi nrvtr publiihed by Bums hiinself^ are giv^n on p- i So.
5 The Wallaces.— fi. B.
POEMS ANT) SONGS 175
And brandish round [he dcep^yed steel,
In sturdy blows;
While, back-recoiling^ seem' J la reel
Their Sudiron foes-
His Country's Saviour/ nurk him we[ll
Bold Hidhardton's heroic suclli^
Tht chiefj on Sark who glorious iA\^
In high command;
And he whom ruihtess fates expel
Hlj native land.
There, where a 5CGpir*d Piciish shade
Stalked round his ashes lowly bid^'
I mark'd :i martial race, pourtray'd
In colours strong:
Bold, soldier-feaiu/d^ undismayed,
They srrode along.
Thro* many a wild, romantic grove**
Near many a hermit- fancied cove
(Fit haunts for friendship or for love?.
In musing mood),
An aged judge^ I saw him rove.
Dispensing ^ood.
With deep-slruckt reverential awe,
The learned Sire and Son I saw:^
To Nitare'5 Godj and Nature's (aw,
They gave thei r lore;
ThiSj all its source and end lo draw,
iyWdi, lo adore.
'Wiitiam Wallicc— P. B^ ^ Adam Wa[lacii ot Richjrdton^ cousin to ilie immortil
prtsi-^rver i>i Scottish ]nde[)trtdtfLCL^ — IL B.
^ Wjillactf laird of Craigki whf> ^^^5 s£x<?nd in cchnimand under Dou^la^, Earl of
Ormondf at the famous bailie on ihc banks oi Sark, ioa^hi anno ij^W. That gbriou^
vicu>ry wji principally nwirhg lo tiit iuJacionj ct^nducc and intrepid vjl^iir of thi:
^llqnT laird oE Craigitn who dkd of bis ^vouncli after the ^tian. — R_ B.
^CoiliLSi Kuip of iKe Pknn from whom the district o£ Kyle is said to take Its
name, lies buried, as tndiiinn i^y±n ncjr the Eamilj %^i of the Montgomeri« ol
Coilsftpli]^ where his burial-place t^ siill sh[^\i'n_ — R, B.
*HaJ>Vimmins, chc sc^t of the l-^rd Jtiitit^e-Clcrk. — R. B.
jCiirinL^ tliv Mai of ihe late Di^ttof j^d prest^t Pro Jcssor Sec wart, — R. B^
r> ■
■i
iy6
ROBERT BURNS
Brvdon's brave warj^^ I well could spy,
Btnc^Lh old Scoiji's smiling ^ye:
Who caird on Fame^ low sinndin^ by,
To hanti Eiim oji,
Wh^^fq many a pa [riot- name on high.
And hero shone.
DUAN SECOND
With musing-deep^ astonished srarCj
1 view'd rhe heavenly-seeming Fair;
A whispering throb did wiineis bear
Of kindred sweety
When with ^n G\dcr sister'^ air
She did me greeL
*A11 hajl! my own inspirt^d hard!
in me thy naiivc Muse regard;
Nor longer mourn thy fate is hard.
Thus poorly low;
I come to give thee iuch reward^
As we bcitow!
"KnoWj the great genius of this land
I ias many a light aorid hacid^
Who^ all beneath his high command.
Harmoniously J
As 3f[5 or arms rhcy under^tiind^
Their labours ply.
*They Scoiia^s race among ihem share:
Some Hre rhe soldier on la dare;
Some rouse the patriot up to !3are
Corruption's heart;
Some teach ih^ bard — a darling care —
The tuneful ar[.
il 9
Mong swelling floods of reeking gore.
They, ardent, kindling spirals pour;
■* Colonel FullarttPHr — ^R- B, TW\^ ytnUcman had travelled under fbc core of Patrici
Bt^'doilCj author of a ivcll-knc^wn "Tour Thrc^u^ SinAy nmi Malta,''
POEMS A.ND SONGS
Or, 'inid the venal menace's roar,
They, sighdes^^ ^rand,
To mend the honest patriot-lore,
And grace the hand,
"Ani.] when the biird, or hoary sage,
ChaTin or instruct iht future age.
They bind tlic wild poetic rage
In energy,
Or point the inconclusive page
Full on the eye,
*'Hcno?, Fullaflflti, the brave and ynnng;
Hcnct, Dempster's zeal-mapic^d tongue;
Hence, swcel, harmorjioui Beatlie sung
Hia 'Min&trd lay^';
Or lore, with rohle ardour slung,
The sceptic's bay?.
"To lower orders are assign'd
The humhler ranks of human-kind^
llie ruilic bard, the lab'jing hind.
The artisan;
AH choo*Le, as various they're inclin'd,
The various man.
*'When yellow waves ihc heavy grain,
The threatening storm some strongly rein-
Some teach to melinrale the plain
Wi[h tHUge-skiTf;
And some instruct the shepherd-train,
Biythe o'er the hilL
177
"Some hmt the lover's harmless wile;
Some grace the m^iclen*5 artless smile;
Some 500ihe the laborer's weary toil
For humble g^ins,
And make his cotcage-icenes beguile
HU cares and pains.
178 ROBEKT BURNS
"Some* bounded 10 a di^trici-spce.
Explore at Urge man's infant rjce.
To mark the embryocic iracc
Of rustic bard;
And caretul note each opening grace,
A yuide and guard.
"Of these am [ — Goib my name:
And ihi? district a.s mine I cUirn^
Whtie once the CampbeU^, clsioi!? oE fame^
Held ruling pow'r:
I mark'd thy embryo-tuneful flame*
Thy natat hour.
"With fulure hope 1 oft would gaze
Fond* on ihy litde early ways.
Thy rudely caroird, chiming phrase.
In uncouth rhymesj
Fir'd at the simple* artless lays
Of odier cimea,
"i saw thee seek the sounding shore,
Dcli^jhted with the dashing roar;
Ur when the North his fleecy store
Drove thro" [he sky,
I saw grim Nature's visage hoar
Struck thy younj; eye.
*'Or when the deep green-mantled earth
Warm cherishM evVy floweret's birth.
And joy and music pouring forth
In ev'ry grove;
I saw thee eye the general mirth
With boundless love.
"When ripen'd fields and azure skies
Caird forth tlic reapers' rustling noise,
I saw thee leave their evening )oys.
And lonely stalk,
To vent thy bosom's swelling riscj
In peosive walk.
POEMS AND SONGS 179
"When youthful love, warm-blu^hins, sirong,
Ketn-stiivering, *hoi fhy nerves along,
Tliosc accents grmcful lo ih> longue,
Th' adored Name,
I taught thee how to pour in song,
To SOOT he [hy flame*
"f saw thy pulse's maddening play,
Wild send thee Pleasure's devious way,
Milled by Fancy's mcieor-ray^
By paHion driven;
But yer the light that led asuay
Was lij^hi from Heaven.
I [aught thy manners-painting strainSj
The loves, [he ways of stmplc swains,
Till noWj o'er all my wide dDmains
Thy fame extends;
And some. lh<? pride of Coila^a plains^
B*?come Fiiy friends.
**Thou caa-vi noi learn, nor 1 can show^
To paint with Thomson's landscape glow;
Or wake the bosom-meJring throe^
With Shenstone^s art;
Or pour^ wirh Gray, the moving flow
Warm on ihe heait.
"Yer^ all beneniih th' unrivall'd row,
The lowly daisy sweeity blows;
Tho' iarge the forest^s monyr^h ihrQWS
Hi5 army shade,
Yet green the )uicy hawthorn grows,
Adown the glade-
'Then nevec murmur nor repine;
Strive in diy humble sphere to shinej
And trust me, not Potosi's mine,
Nor king*s regard,
Can give a bli&s overmatching thine,
A rustle batd.
l8o ROBERT BURNS
'To ^ivc my counsels all m one.
Thy runcfiil Jlanic still can-ful fan;
Prcscne die dignity of Man,
With soul erect J
And trust tlic Universal Plan
Will all protect,
*'And wear iliou thu" — she solemn sa!d»
And bound rhe hol[y round my head: j
The polish'd leavpi and berries red '
Did ru5iljn;j pbvj '
And, like a passing ihoujjht, ^he fied
In light away. ^
r
[To Mrs- St<?wacT of Siair^ Bums pr«$cnTtd ^ mann&irript copy of the Vi^ttm. Thrti
copy caiibj-icci sliout fpvccicj- sMn:^L!5 iA the end of Dujn Fjfii, which hp cancctled
when he camt ui print tlit: \^\i^^:c in hi^ Kilmarnock volume- Seven of Those he =
restored in |>rincing hii sKi^nc! {^dUic^d, as noted cm p. 174* Tht fullf^ivi^K are The \
vcrsc^ which he Il^Lc unpubtJshfidrl
SUPPRESSED STANZAS OF "THE VISION" i
Atitr iSth junza <jf ibt tcKC (at "His Daiiye land^'J:— f
With secret iliroes T market! that carlh, \
That cottagCj wiinc^.s of iny biTth;
And ntjar 1 saw^ bold issiaing forth
In youthful pride,
A Lindsay race of noble worth,
Famed far and wide.
Where, hid behind i spreading wood,
An ^indenr Picl-buik mansion sioodj
I spied, among an angel brood,
A female p^ir;
Swtet ^hone their high maternal hlood,
And father's airJ
An ancien! tower* to memory broiighl
How Detiingen's bold hero foaght;
Stilly far from sinking into nought^
It owns a lord
Who far in western dtmaies fou^hts
With trusty sword-
i
r
■
POEMS AND SONGS iSl
Among tlic rest I wed could spy
One galbiatj gmccful, m^irtEal boy.
The ^oliiter sparkled in his eye,
A diamond water.
I Wcit that nobk baJyt^ wiih joy,
Tli3t owned me jrart^r.^
After 2oth ^t^nza of the Ecst (dl "Dk|wnting ynwd"):—
Near by arose a mnnsion fine*
The seat of many a muse divine;
Not rustic muses such ^i minej
With huHy cro%\'n'd.
But th' ancientj lunefuK laurell'd Nincj
From classic ground,
1 mourned the card thai Fortune dealt,
To see where botiie WhiteEoords dwelt;^
But other prospects made me mch^
That village near;'
There Naiurej Friendshipt Love^ J feh,
Food-mi ngUng, dear!
Hatll Nature's pang, mure strong than de^tth!
Warm Friendship's glow, like kindling wrath!
Love, dearer than the parting breath
Of dying friend 1
Not ev'n with lifers wild devious path^
Your force ihall enJ!
The Power that gave the sofi alarn^s
In blooming Whitefoord's rosy charms.
Still ihreats the tiny^ i^ather'd arms,
The barls^d dart.
While lovely Wilhclmina warms
The coldest heart.'
After Jist it^i^zi of the test (at ^'Thjls to adofc''):*—
Where Lugar leaves his moorland plaid,^
Where lately Want was idly laid^
^Captain fames Montfiomcrith Master of St, [amei' Lodgc> TarboUoD, to which The
luchor hj5 the honour lo belong. — 'R. B, ^ Auchtnltck. — W. B.
^ Bjlloclin^yle. ^ MAUchLin^s ^ Mis^ WiJheJmina AleKand^r. ^ Cumno^kr — R. B.
r82 ROBERT BURNS
I marked busyj bustling Trade,
lc\ fervid flaniCi
Beneath a Pa[roness*s aid,
0£ noble name*
Wild^ counilesi hilU I could survey,
And coiintJcss flocks as wild as they;
But other scenes did charms display,
That be![er please,
Where polish'd manners dwell with Gray,
In rural ease-'
Where Cessnock pours with gurgling i^ound;^'
And [rwin(^, marking out the bound.
Enamoured of che scenes around,
Slow runs his race,
A name I doubly honour'd found/'
With kiii^^htly grace,
Brydon^s brave wardj- I saw him scand^
Fame humbly oEFering her hnnd^
And near^ bis knisman s rustic bandj^'
With one accords
Lamenting their lai^ bksse<j jand
Musi change iis lord^
The ownci" of a pleasant spot^
Near sandy wilds^ I b^t did note;''
A heart too vvarnij a piil^ coo hot
At tinieSj o'erran:
But large in ev'ry feature wrote,
Appe^ir'd the Man,
THE RANTIN^ DOG, THE DADDIE OT
TuTir — ''Whare'll our guulrrE^n llrj/'
O WHA my babie-clouts will buy?
O wha will rent me when I cry,^
Wha wiil kiis pie where 1 lie?
The rantin^ dog^ the daddi^ o't.
*Mr- Farquhjr Gray.— ff. S. ^^^ Aiichinsticdi.— R. B, ^^ Caprinffton.— ff, B.
V
%
POEMS AND SONGS 183
O wha will own he did the faut?
O wha will buy the groanin maut?
O wha will lell me how to ca*i?
The ranlin' do^^ the daddic o\,
Wh^n 1 mount the creepie-chaif,
Wha will iit beside me there?
GJe mc Rob, TJf seek nae mair^
The rantin* dogj the daddic o^l*
^V^l^ will crack to me my lane?
Wha will male me fldgin' fain?
Wha Will kis5 me ocr again?
The raoiin' dog^ the daddie o*L
HERE'S HIS HEALTH IN WATER
T^ftfi- — "The Itfti inE [ourncy-worfc/
±«
Altho* my back be at the wa\
And tho* he be the fauior;
Altho' my back be at the wa*^
Yet, here's his health in water,
O wae gac by his wanton aides,
Sae brawlie'i he could flaiierj
Till for his sake I'm slighted sair^
x^nd dree the kintra clatter:
But tho' my back be at the wa^
And iho' he he the tautor;
But tlio' my back be at the wa^
Yet htre'5 his heahh in water!
ADDRESS TO THE UNCO GUJD, OR THE
RIGIDLY RIGHTEOUS
My Son, these maxima make 2 rule^
An' lump ihcni aye tht;ritlu:r;
The aigi^ Righ^c^iif is a Eon],
The Ifigid Wise ^nitlioi:
The cleanest com that cre was di^ht
May h^e some pylcs o' c^ in;
1
184 ROBERT BURNS
So ni^'er d fcllow-crcntiirt slighl
For landom fiis 0' (JjHia.
SoLOHJS.— Lccksr ^h, vii. verse ifi.
O VE wha are sae guid yourself
Sae pious and sae hoJy,
Ye'vc nought to Jo but maTk and icll
Your ncibours* fauts and folly!
Wha*e life is like a weclgaun mill,
Supplied wi^ store □' walcr;
The heaped happer's ebbing still,
An' $lili the clap plays clatter-
Hear me, yc venerable core,
As counsel for poor morlaJs
ThaF fri:qucni pass douce Wisdom's door
For ylaikit Folly's portals:
I, for their thoughdes^, careless sakes,
Would here propone defences —
Theii donsic tricks, ihelr black mistakes,
Their failings and mischances.
Ye see your STate wi' theirs compared,
And shudder ai the niffer;
Bur cast :i moment's fair regaid,
What moks the mighiy diller;
Discount what scant occasion gave^
That puruy ye pride in;
And (what's aft mair than a' the la^'e),
Your better art 0' hid in.
Think, when your castigated pulse
Gies now and then a wallop!
What ragings must hi^ veins convulse.
That siill eternal gallop!
Wi' wind and tide fair i' your tail,
Right on yc scud your sea-way;
But tn the teeth 0' baiih to sail.
Jl maks a unco tee-way.
POEMS AND SONGS 185
Sec Social Life and Glee sit down^
All )oyou5 and unthinking,
Till^ quke transmugrificd^ [hey're grown
DcbaucEicry and Drinking;
O would they stay to c^kulHitc
Th^ eternal consequences;
Or your more drc^ided hell to sfaie,
Damnation of expenses!
Ye highj exalted, virtuous darner,
Tied yp in godly iaces,
Before ye gie poor Frailly n^tmes^
Suppose a chunge 0' cases;
A dear-lov'd bdj convenience stiug,
A treachVous indinaijon —
But let me whisper T your Uigp
YeVe aiblins mie temptation -
Then gendy scan your brother nian^
Still jjender sister woman;
Tho^ [hey may gang a kennin urjng,
To step aside is human:
One point must still be greatly dark, —
The moving Wf}y they do it;
And [ust as lamely can ye mark.
How far perhaps they rue it*
Who made the heart, *iis He alone
Decidedly can try us;
He knows each chord, its various tone,
Each spring, its various bias:
Th*^n at the balance let's be mutCj
We never can adjust it;
What's dcn^ we [^n\y may comptitc,
But kflow not what'i j^sisudn
I
i86
HO0ERT BURNS
THE IN\TNTORY=
In answer ro 3 mandarc by iho Surveyor of the Taxes
Si^* an your mandate did request,
I send you here a faiihfu' lis!,
O' gudes an' gs^r, an' a' my giaith.
To which Tm clear to gi e my aith.
Imprimis^ then, for carriage catile,
I hae four brutes o' gallant meiile,
As ever drew afore a pcttle.
My hand-afore \ a guid auld has-been,
An* wigh^ an" wjlfu* a' his days been:
My hand-ahin 's s weel gaun lillie,
T)ia[ aft has borne me hjmc fme Killie.^
An' your auld borough inony a time
In days ivhen riding was nae crime.
But ante, when in my wtjoing pride
], |ik<? a blockhead, boost to ride.
The U'iltu' creature sae I pal lo,
(Lord pardon a* my sins, an' that too!)
1 pfay'd my iiliie $k a shavie,
ShL^'s a' bedevil'd wj' the spavic.
My furr-ahin *3 a wordy bea^r.
As e'er in tug or low was irai:ed.
The fourth's a Highland Donald hastle,
A daiiin'd red-wud Kilburnie blasiie!
Foreby a cowt, o' cowts the wale.
As ever ran afore a tail:
Gin he be apar'd to be a bcaat,
He'JI draw me fifteen pund at [cast.
Wheel-carriages I ha'e buf few»
Three carts, an' rwa arc feckly new;
An auld wlieelbarrow, mair for token,
Ae leg an' baith the tram^ are broken^
I made a poker o' the spin'lc,
An' my auld micher brunt the iiin'le.
'The "Invcniniy" w::s acTc^re&fcd lo Mr. Aiikfji of Ayr* survevor o( ijxei
the ilLsrtici. ^ KilmaniDCk,— R. B.
POHMS AND SONGS 187
For mens Tve three mischievous boys^
Run-deL!s for raniing an' (or noiie;
A gaudsman ane^ a thrasher C other:
Wee Davock hjuds ihe novvi m fother^
I rule them as I ought, discreodyp
An* af[en labour them complcEely;
An' aye on Sundays duly, nightly^
I on the Quc$tipn^ targe ihem ctghdy;
Tr^l, faichl wee Da^^ack'5 grown sac gleg,
Tho' scarcely langcr ihan yaur leg,
Hell screed you afl EfTectual C^TIingi
As fast as ony in the dwalling.
Tve nane in female servant station,
(Lord keep me aye fme a' tempiationl)
I hae nae wife — and that my bliss is,
An^ ye have laid nae tax on misses;
An' then, if kirk folks dinna clutch me,
r ken the de^viU darena touch me,
Wi' weans Tm mair [han wee! contented,
Hcav'n sent me ane mae than I wanted!
My sonsic, smirking^ tlear-bougJu Be^s^
She stares the daddy in her fate.
Enough of ought ye (ike but grace;
But her, my bonie, sweet wee lady,
I've paid enough [or her already;
An' gin ye tax her or her mither.
By th&Lord^ ye'se get them a' chegjrher!
And now, remember, Mr, Aiken^
Nae kind of licence out I'm takin:
Frae this time forth, l do <leclare
Tse ne'er ride horse nor hizzie mair;
Thro^ din and dub for life Til paidJej
Ere I sae dear pay for a saddle;
My travel a' on foot Til i^hank it^
Tve sturdy bearers, Gude be ihankic!
The kirk and you may tak you thaCi
It puts but Eitde in your pat;
Sae djnna put me in your beuk.
Not for my ten while shillings leukn
i88
ROBERT BURNS
This list, wi' my ain hand 1 wrote ii.
The day and date as undor noted;
Then know all ye whom it concerns,
Sfibicripii huic,
Robert Burs-s-
TO JOHN KENNEDY, DUMFRIES HOUSE
NovVj Kennedy, if foot nr horse
EVr biing you in by Mjuchlin corse,
(Lordj maiij ihere's lasses there wad force
A hermifs fancy;
x\nMown the £flro in faich iheyVe wofsCp
An mair unchancy).
Bur as Tm ^ayin, please step to Dow^s,
An' taste iit ^ear as Johnie brews^
Till some hit c^lian hrin^ mc news
That ye are Eliere;
An* \l we dinna hae a bouze,
Tse ne'er drink mair*
Tt'^ no I like to sit an* swallow,
Then like a swine lo puke an' wallow;
But gie me ^usF a true good fallow,
Wi' ri-;hi ingine,
And ipunkie ance to mak us mellow.
An' then we'll shine.
Now if yeW ane o' wnrTs folt^
Wha rale the wearer by the cloakj
An^ sklent on poverty their joke^
Wi' hirter sneer,
Wi' you nae friendship I will troke,
Nor cheap nor dear.
Ryt ]fp as Tm informed weel,
Ye hate as ill's the very deil
The flinty heart th3[ canna feel —
Come, sir^ here*5 lo you!
I'OEMS AND SONGS 189
Hac, there's my haun', I wif^^ you weel,
Aa' gude be wi' you.
KoflT. Bur NESS.
TO MR. iMV\DAM, OF CRAIG EN-GILL AN
In answer to an obfiginjr Letter he wnt in ihe commence-
meni of my poetic career^
SiH. o'er a gtll 1 j;a[ jour cardj
1 [row it made me proud;
*^See wha taks notice o' ihe bard I'*
1 lap and cried In' loud*
Now dcil-ma-care about tfieir ^aw.
The sen^eUsSj g:i\vky million;
I'll cock rny nose abune them a\
Tm roos'd by Craigcn-Gillan!
'Twas noble, sit; "twas like yourser,
To gram your hljth proicciion:
A j^re.-ic mau^s smile ye ken fu' well,
Is aye a blest infccuon.
Tho\ by hi; banes \vha in a tub
Matched M^ictdonian Sandy!
On my ain legs thro' dirt and dub,
1 independenL stand aye^ —
And when those leys to gude^ warm kail,
\V[' welcome canna bear mt^
A lee dykc-sidcp a sybow-tailj
An* bariey-5Cone shall cheer me.
Heaven spare you lang to kiss the breath
O* mony flowVy iimmefsf
An* ble$s your bonie Usse.-; bailh,
Tm lauld ihcy^re loosome kimmersl
An* God bless young Dunaskin^s laird^
The blosit^m ol our gentry!
190 ROBERT BURNS
An^ may he wear an auld man's beard,
A credit lo hii country,
TO A LOUSE, ON SEEING ONE ON A LADY'S
BONNET, AT CHURCH
Ha! whaur yc gaun^ ye crowUn fertief
Your impudence proEccts yoa sairly;
I caitHfi say but yc slrunt rarely^
Owre gauze and iacc;
Tho^ faith! 1 fear ye dine but sparely
On SIC a place-
Ye ugly, creeping blastit wonner,
Dcteaicdp shunn'd by sauni an' sinner.
How daur yc set your fit upon her —
Sae fine a lady^
Gae EOitiewhere cfse and seek your dinner
On boine poor body^
Swith! in some beggar's ha(fe[ squattle;
Tiiere ye may creepj and spra^vl, and spratde,
W'i iiher kindrcdj jumping caltle^
In sho^Js 'And nalion^;
Whaur horn nor bane ne^er daur unsettle
Y^our thick plantationsn
Now hnud you ihcre^ ye' re out o' slghCj
Beiow the f^iE'rclSj snug and ttghti
Na, faith ye yei! yc'll no be rights
Till yeVegoton ii —
The verra tapmost, cow^rin height
O' Miss's bonnet.
My sooth! right bauld yc set your nose out.
As plump an' grey as ony groset:
O for some rank^ mercurial rozel^
Or fellp red stneddum^
I'd gie yoj sic a hearty dose o't.
Wad dress your droddum.
r
POEMS AND SONGS
I wad na bc^?n surprisM to spy
You on an auld wites Hainca [oy;
Of aiblins some bit dudJie boy,
Bui Misses fine Lunardi! fyel
iiow diur yc Jo^f?
O T^^any, dlnna tos? your head,
An^ SGI your beauties a' abftad!
Ye little ken what cursed speed
Theblasile's makin;
TliLte rt inks an' finger-ends^ I dread^
Are notice lakin,
O wad some Power the giftic gie us
To see oursels as Ethers see usl
It ^vati frae mony :i blunder free us.
An' foolish notion:
What air^ in drc55 sn' gait wad lea^c us,
An' ev'n devotion!
19J
, V
INSCRIBED ON A WORK OF HANNAH MORES
Presented 10 the Aulhor by a LaJy.
Thql' flati'ring mark of friendship kind»
Still mjy thy pages call 10 mmd
Tht! dear, the beauteous donor;
Tho' sweedy female ev'ry pan,
Yet such a head, and more the hearE
Does both the se^es honour:
She show'd her lasie fe£in'd and just,
\Vhen she ^elected ihee;
Yet deviating, own I must.
For sae approving me:
But kind still I'll mind stiU
The giver in the gift;
ril hle$s her, an' wiss her
A Friend aboon the lift.
192 ROBERT BURNS
SONG, COMPOSED IN SPRING
Turje — '^Qckcj'i Grey Brec^Ji,"
Again rejoicing Nature sees
Her robe assume its vernal huca: j
Her leafy locks wave in (he breeze* t
All freshly ^leep'd in morning d
ews.
Chorus- — And maun I stil! on Menie doat.
And bear lUe scorn that's in lier e'e?
For it*s jet, jet black, an* u's like a hawk.
An' It w!nn;i let 3, body be.
t
k
In vain to me the cowslips b!aw, f
In vain to mc the vi'lcts spring;
In vain to mc in glen or stiaw^
The mavis and the lintwhitc sing«
And maun I stilly fcc-
TJie merry ploughboy cheers his team,
Wr joy the tentie seedsman staiks;
But lifer to me's a wtary dream^
A dream of ane that never wauks^
AnJ maun I sriil, &c.
The waiHon coot ihe w.iter skims,
Amang the reejs the ducklings cry.
The siaicly swan majestic swims.
And ev'ry thing is blest but I,
And maun I &tt\\^ f^c-
The sheep-herd steeks his bulding slap.
And o'er the moorlands whisdei shill;
Wi* wild^ unequnlt wandering ^tep^
I meet him on the dewy bill.
And maun J sCill, &C-
And when the lark, 'tween hght and dark,
BIythe waukens by the daisy^s side.
And mounts and sings on flittering wings,
A woe-worn ghaisi I hameward glide.
And maun f still, &c.
POEMS AND SONGS T93
Come wiriter, witli chtnc angry howit
And ra^ingj Lend iho n^kcd tree;
Thy gloont will soothe my chcerk&s soul,
When nature al! is sad like me!
And ni3un I sEiU, k^.
TO A MOUNTAIN DAISY,
On turning one down with the Ptough, in Aprils 1786*
WtE J modest crimson-tippud flow'r^
Thou^s met mc in an evil hour;
For I maun crush amang ihe sioura
Thy slender stem:
To spare thee now is past my powV,
Thou honie gem,
AlasT it's no thy neiboi $wect,
The bonie lark^ companion mect^
Bending thee 'mang the dewy weer,
Wi' sprecki'd brtrastt
When upward- springing, blythe, to greet
The purpling easi^
Csuld blew ihe bitTer-bitlng north
Upon thy early, hurnble birlh;
Yet chcGffuHy thou glinred forih
Amid the storm p
Scarce reared above the parent-earth
Thy lender £orm-
The flaunting flow'rs our ^arden^ yield.
High sheltering woods and wa's maun shield;
But thou, beneath the random bield
O* clod or atanej
Adorns the hislie stibble field,
Unseen, alane.
There, in thy scanty mantle cladj
Thy Enawie bosom sun-ward spread^
1
194
ROBERT BCRN^S
Thou lifrs ihy unassupning Kgh^J
Bui now ihe share uptears thy bed^
And low thou lies!
S;ich is the fate of iirllcss maid^
Sweet flow Vet of the rural shadel
By love's simpUcity betray 'd.
And guilekss trust;
Till she^ iike ihee^ all soii'd^ is laid
Low r the dust.
Such h the fate of simple bard^
On life's rough ocean luckle^$ siarr'dl
Unskilful he lo noie the card
Of prudent lore,
Till billows ragCj and gales blow hard.
And whelm him o erl
Such fale to suffering worth is giv^n^
Who lorijj with want5 and woes has slrW^n,
By human pride or cunning dfiv'n
To mis'ry's brink;
Till wrenched of ev'ry stay but Heav'n,
Hcj ruin'd, sink!
Ev^n thou who mourn^sr the DaUy*s fate.
That fate is thine — no distant date;
Stern Ruin^^ plough-^hare tirives elate.
Full on thy bloom.
Till crushed beneath ihe furrow's weight,
Shall be thy doom!
TO RUIN
All hailf inexorable lord!
At whose destruciion-brcaihing word,
The mighiiest empires fall!
Thy cruel, woe<lelighted Erain,
The ministers of grief and paioj
A sullen welcome^ allj
\
POEMS AND SONGS 195
WitK stern-resoly'd, despairing eye,
I see each aimed darf;
For one has cut my ^eareir lie^
And quiveri in rny hearc-
Then low Vingp and pouring,
The itorm no mora I dread;
Tho* thickening J and black' ningp
Kound my devoted headn
And iKou grim PowV by life abhorfdj
While life a pleasure can alTord,
Oh' hear a wretches pray'rl
Nor more I shrink appalTd^ afraid;
[ courij I beg thy frtendly aidj
To close this scene of carel
When shall my 5oult in silent peace^
Resign lifers joyless day — -
My weary hesrc its throbbing cea^^
Cold mouldVing in ihc clay^
No fear more, no tear more,
To slain my lifeless face,
Enclasped^ and grasped.
Within ihy cold embrace!
THE LAMENT
Occasioned by the unfortunate Usuc of a Friend's Amour-
Ala^l how ch dtaci ^^oodae^^ wouncT ibelf.
Ami iWL^c afltxLic^i pmyti Lht ^prLufi of woe'
Tiroc pale orb that silent shines
Whtle t3Te-un troubled mortaU ileepl
Thou 5GesT a wretch who inly pines-
And ^vanders here to wail and weepT
With woe I nightly vigils keep,
Benea[h thy wan, umvarmtng beam;
And moum, in lamentation deep,
How life and love are all a dreaml
1 joyless view ihy rays adorn
The faintly-markedj di^lanl hill;
I
196 ROBERT BURKS
I ioyless view thy irembhng horn,
Rejected in ihe gurgling rill:
My iondly-fluEfering heari^ be stilll
Thou busy pow'r, remembranctj ceasel
Ah! muit the agonczing thrill
Forever bar returning peace!
No idly-fcign'd^ poeiic paTiiSj
My nad^ love-lorn latiicncingA claim;
No shepherd's pipe — Arcadian strains;
No fabled tortures^ quaint and rame*
The plighttd faiihj the mutual flame,
The oft-a!(csted pow'rs above.
The promised father's tender name;
These were the pledges of ray love!
Enclrded in her clamping arms.
How havt [he laptur'd moments flo^vn!
How hav^ I wi^h'd f^r fortune's charms.
For her dear sake, and hcr's alone!
And, must 1 think iti i$ she gone^
My le^rer heart's exulting boast?
And does she heedless hear my groan?
And is slie ever, ever losip
Ohf can ^he bear so base a heart,
So 3o5i to honour^ lost to truth,
As from the fondest lover part,
The plighted husband of her youth?
Alas! life's path may be unsmoothi
Her way nifly lie thro* rough distress!
Then, who Iht patigs and pains will soothe
a^r sOffows share, and make fhem less?
Ye winged hours that o'er us pass^,
Enraptufd more, [he more enjoyed,
Your dear remembrance in my breast
My fondly-treasur'd thoughts employed;
Thai breast^ tiow dreary now, and voidj
For her too scanty once of room!
Ev'n ev'ry ray of hope de^lroy'd^
And not a wish to gild ihe gloomi
POEMS AKD SONGS igj
The morn, thai w^rns tW approichiny Jay,
Awakes me up to toil and ivoc;
[ see the hours in long airay.
That I musi suHcr^ hnj;criiigj slow:
Full many y pai^g. acid many a ihroe^
Keen rccolleclion's direful irain^
Mu5[ wring my soul, ere Pliorbus^ low,
Shall k[ss the distant western main.
And when my nightly couch T tryt
Sore harassM out wiih tzarc :ind grief j
My [oil-beat nerveSj and (ear-worn L^ye,
Keep TAatchings with the nighily thiel:
Or if I slumlKfi fancy^ chiefs
Reigns, haggard- wild J in sore alTiight:
Ev'n day, all-bitter^ brinLjs relief
From such a horror-breathing niglii.
O [hou bright queen, who oW iW e>Lpanse
Mow highest reign'stp with boundless s\\av
Oft has thy silent-marking gknce
Observy 115, fondly-wandVing, stray!
The time, unheeded, sped a^vaVj
While love's luxurious pulse bt^al highj
Beneaih thy silver-gleaming ray,
To mark the muiual-kindling eye.
Oh! scenes in strong remembrance sctJ
Scene^p never, never to refum! 1
Scenes, if in stupor I forgei,
Again I feci, again J burnl
From ev^ry joy and pleasure lorn, I
Litems weary vale 111 wander thro';
And hopeless^ comfordesSj VW mourn ;|
A faithless woman's broken vo\\ ■
DESPONDENCY
AN OQE
Opph^ss'd wiih griefs oppressed with care,
A burden more ihan I can bear,
I sec m^ down and sigh;
1
igS ROBERT BURNS
O hfc! ihou art a galling load.
Along a rough, a weary roadj
To wretches such as If
Dim backward d? I c35[ my vicw^
What sickening 5cenes appeari
Whal arrows yet may pierce mc iKrough^
Too justly I may fear[
Still caring^ Jespairingp
Must be my bitter doom;
My woes here shalJ close ne'er
iiut wiih [he closing tomb!
Happy^ ye sons of busy life,
Who^ tqual to the busiUng strife.
No other view regard!
Ev*n when the wished end\ denied^
Yci while the busy means are plied,
They bring their own reward:
Whilst i, a hope-abandon 'd wight,
Unfitted with ^ii aim.
Meet ov'ry sad returncng night.
And joyltrss morn the samel
You^ bustlings and jusding^
Forget each ^rief and pain;
Ij hsiless, yet restless^
Find ev'ry prospect vain.
How blest the sohtary^s lot.
Who, afl-forgetiingtall forgot^
W]thjn his humbli? eeHj
Tht cavern, wild with tangling; roois^
Sits o'er his newly gathered fruits^
Beside his crystal wellf
Or haply, to his evening thought,
By iin Frequented stream,
Tht ways oi. men are distant brought,
A faint, collected dream;
While praismgi and raising
Hts thoughts to heav'ji on hijjh,
As wandVingy meandering.
He views the solemn sky*
POEMS AKD SONGS 199
Than Ij no lonely hf^rmk placed
Where never human footstep irac'dj
Less fit to play the parTp
The lucky momei^i lo improve^
And just 10 ^Fop^and juai to mavc,
With Kli-respeciing art:
But ah] iho^ plen^ures, loves, and joys^
Which I too keenly taste,
The soUtary can despise.
Can want^ and yet be blesi!
He needs not^ he heeds no^
Or human love or hate;
Whiht I hef<5 must cry here
At perfidy ingraiel
O, cnviablcj early day^^
When dancing thoughtless pleasure's maze.
To care, To guilt unknownl
How ill exchanged toe riper limeSj
To feel the follies, or the crimes,
Of others, or my ownt
Ye tiny elves that guilitess sporty
Like linnecs in the bush^
Ye little know rht ills ye court,
When manhood is your wish!
The ]o^G5, the crosseSj
That act Eve miin engage;
The fears all^ the tears all^
Of dim dedming aget
TO GAVIN HAMILTON, ESQ., MAUCHLINE,
Recommendmg a Boy,
Mos^gai'ille, May 3^ 1786^
I HOLD it, sir, my bounden duly
To warn you how that Master Tootie^
AliaSj Laird M'Gaun,
Was here to hire yon lad away
'Bout whom ye spak the tither day,
An' wad hae don't aff ban*;
J
200
ROBERT 0URNS
Bui tost he toarn iKe callan tricks —
An' faiih 1 muckk doubt him —
Like scrapin out auld Clummii^^E ilitks^
An' telliti lies abom them;
As lieve then, Vd have then
Your clt^rkship h(^ should sair^
If ^^ be ye may be
Not fitted othcrivhcre.
Altho' I say't^ he'5 gleg cnoughp
An' bout a house thai's rude an' roughj
The hoy might iearn to swear;
Bui then, wi you^ hell be sac Laught^
An' get sic fair example afniugbt^
1 hae oa ony fear,
Ve'tl t-atecbi^c him, every quirk,
An' shore him wed wi' hdl;
An^ gar him follow to the kirk —
Aye when ye gang yourseL
If ye then maun be then
Frae hame thii comln' FriJ:>yj
Thi^n please, sir^ to Tca*Oj sir,
Tbe orders wi' your lady.
My word of honour I hae gi^cn,
In Paisley lohn's^ that night at e^en^
To meet tbe warU's worm;
To iry to g^t [he twa to gree.
An' name the aifles an^ the fee,
In legal mode an' form:
I ken he wect a snick can draw.
When simple bodies Jet him:
An'if aJ>vi| beaLa^
In faidi he's sure to got him,
To phrase you :^nd praise you^
Ye ken your J-aurcat storns:
The pray'r irtill you share siil!
Of grateful Minstrel Burns*
r
POEMS AND SONGS 20I
VERSIFIED REPLY TO AN INVITATION
Sin,
Yours this moment I un^al^
And faith Tm g-^>' and hcariy!
To [cll the truth and shame the detl,
I am as fou as Bartie:
But Foorsday, slr^ my promise leal,
Expect me o' y^ur partie^
if on a beasiie 1 can spcelp
Or bufi in a cartie.
YourSj
RoEEi^T Burns.
SONG-WILL YE GO TO THE INDIES, MY MARY }
Tim^ — "WiSI yc go lo the EivcOluyhESn Marion/'
Will ye go to the Indies, my Mary^
And fcejive auld Scotia's shore?
Will ye go to the Indies^ my Mary,
Across th' At] an lie's roar?
O swe*^t prows the lime and th& orange.
And the apple on the pine;
But a' the charms o^ the Indies
Can never equal thine*
- I
: 4
1 ]\ac sworn by the Heavens to my Mary^
1 hac sworn by the Heavens lo he irue^
And sae may the Heavens forget me,
Whi^n 1 torgGi my vow!
O plight mc your fajrhf my Mary,
Ati^i pt's'^^ ^^ your Lly-whity hand;
O plighi me your faith, my Mary^
jl Before I leave Scotia's strand-
W^ hae plighted our troths my Mary,
In mutual afTection to (oin;
And curst be the cause I hat shall part us!
The hour and the momeac o' timel
202
ROBERT BURNS
SONG— MY HIGHLAND LASSIE. O
Ttwc — "The Jeuki^ daog o'er my <lndJ}/'
Nae yende dames^ tho' e'er sae fair,
Shiifl ever be my muse^s c^tc:
Their lilies 3' ale empiy sKovv;
Gie me my J-JighlanJ Ussk, p.
C/torus, — Within the glen sae bushy, O,
Aboon the plain sae rashy. O,
I sel me dowri wV rijjhE guid vvill^
To 4ing my Highland lasi^ie^ O,
wetc yon hill^ and vallics minen
Yon patdcc and yon gardens hn^l
The wortd ihcn the love should know
1 bt:jr my Hi^^hland las^iu, G.
Bui fickle fortune frowns on me,
And 1 maun crosi the raj"ing ^cii!
But while my crini^on currents flow,
I'll love my Highland b&sie, U.
Aliho' thro' foreign dimes L lauge,
I know her heart will never cliange,
For her bosom burns wiiii honour's glow^
Mj faithful Highland lassie, O.
For her Til dare the billow's roar.
For htr I'l! irace a di^iant shore,
That Indian wtaUh may lustre throw
Around my Highland lassie, O.
She ha^ my heiirt* ^he has my hand,
By secret troth and honour's band!
Till the mortal stroke shall lay me low,
Fm thine, my Highland lassie, O.
Farewell the glen sae bushy. Ol
Farewell the plain sae rashy, Ol
To orher lands T now must go,
To sing my Highland lassiSj O,
POEMS AND SONGS 203
EPISTLE TO A YOUNG ERIEND
1 MNG hac choughij my youthfu^ friciidj
A something 10 have ,sont you^
Tho^ it should serve nae ithcr end
Than jiisi a kind memento:
Blu how the subjcet-thcmc may gangj
Let time and chance deiermmei
Perhaps it may turn out a sang:
Perhaps turn out a sermon-
Ye'll try ihe world soon^ my fad;
And, Andrew dear, believe tnc,
Yell find mankind an unco squadp
And muckle they may grieve ye:
Fot care and trouble set your thought,
Evn when your end's airalned;
And a' your views may come lu nought^
Where ev'ry nerve 15 strained*
ni no &ay^ men are villains a';
The real, hardened wicked,
Wha hae nae check bur human law^
Arc to a few reslricked;
But, Och! mankind :ife unco weak^
An' litile ro be iru^ied;
If arlf the wavering balance shakes
h\ rare]y right adjusted!
Ycr they wha fa* in fortune's strife^
Their fate we should na censure;
For stilly th" important end of life
They equally may answer;
A man may hae an honest heari,
Tho' poofiiih hourly stare him;
A man may tak a neihor's part,
Yet hae nae cash to spare him-
^^ ,
Aye ffee^ afF-han\ your story lel].
When wi' a bosom crony;
204 ROBERT BURNS
But still keep somcuhing to youiseP,
Ye scarcely tell to ony:
Conceal yoursi^r as weeP^ yi: caii
Frnt crJEJcpl dissechufi;
But keck ihro' cv^ry^ other man,
Wr sharpen 'dp sJy inspeclion.
The sncrcd lovve o^ wcet-plac'd tove,
Luxuriantly indulge k\
But never tempt ch' illicit rove,
Tho' naethlng shodJ divulge it;
I waive the quantum o' the sin.
The hazard of concealing;
But, Och! it hardens a' wilhin^
And petrifies the feeling!
To catch dame ForlUJie'5 goUkn smilei
Assiduous wail upon hef;
And gaiht^r gear by evVy wik
That's justified by honour;
NtJi for to hide it in a hedge.
Nor for a train attendant;
But for the glorjou-v privilege
Of U?ing indepcudent.
The Eear o* hell's a hangman's whip^
To }iaud the wretch in order;
But where ye tee] your hutmur grip^
Let that aye |>c your border;
Its slij^htcif touches, instani pau^e —
De]>ar a^ side-pretcnc<?s;
And resolutely kei^p its bws^
Uncafing consequences.
The great Creator to reverCp
Must sure become the creature;
But still the preaching cant forbear.
And ev'n the rigid feature:
Yet ne'er with wits profane to rangCj
Be complaisance extended;
An atheist-lauph^s a poor exchange
For Deity odendedl
POEMS AND SONGS 2O5
When ranting round in pleasures ring,
Religion may be bTindeJ;
Or if shii jjie a random sting,
Ir may bt little minded;
Bui when on li^c w^^k lempesc driv'n-^
A conscience but 3 canker —
A correspondence fix'd wV Heaven,
Is sure a noble anchor!
Adteu, deafj amiable youth!
Your hearr can ne'er be wanting!
Mav prudencep fortiiudej and truth,
Erect your blow undaunting!
In ploughman phrase^ "God send you speedj^
Sljll daily to grow wiser;
And may ye better reck the rede.
Then ever did tK' advii^er!
ADDRESS OF BEELZEBUB
To ih? Kit:l>i H^jncurabfe the Earl e£ Bread^Lbane. Presidcnl of thu Rjj^hl
Honouj'ahk ^nd Hnnaucabli: the Hiahlan^l Si5cJct>\ svSith mt't on the 23rd f>t M2.y
U&t ac th^' Sh[it:e5pu.irL\ Covens Garden, to concert ways and mcan^ [o frusirile the
dc^i^ns ol li\c hundrLd H]nhl2iiders> who, a^ iht^ SocJefy ^vere JnforLnt.'d by Mr.
M'Ken^it ol At]]>^c4:n»s^^ were &o ^uducioui 2^ to attempt an escape from their hi^^lul
lor*ii nind Jn35.(tf^ ivho^t prfi[>crty they were, by em^^ratin^ Erom the landi of Mr.
Macdonald o£ Gkn^iry ics the wilds ol Canada, in search oJ that fantastae thing —
LoS'Q life^ my Lordp an' health be yours,
Unskakhed by hungered Highland boors;
Lord grant me nae duddk^ desperate beggar,
Wi* dirkp claymore^ and rusry tnj^ger.
May iwtn auld Seotland o' a life
- She likes — as butchers like a knife.
F^iih you and Applecross were Hght
To keep the Highland hounds in sight;
I doubt nal they wad bid nae better.
Than lei them ance out owre ihe water,
Then up among ihae bke$ and ^e-is.
They'll mak what rtiks and laws they- please:
Some daring Hancocke, or a FrankJin^
May set rheir Highland bluid a-ianktin;
i
i
206 ROBERT BURNS
Some Washington again may head lliem^
Or some Monigomery, fearless^ icad thcm^
Till God know5 whas may be e^Tecled
Wh^Ei by iuch heads and hear« directed,
Poor dunghill *^nt> of diit and mire
May to Purician righcs aspire!
Nae sage North now, nor sagcr Sackvillc^
To waich and premier o'er ihc pack vile, —
An' wfisre will ye geC Howes ^nd Clintons
To bring [hem lo a right re]>c;i3r:inc£ — -
To cowe ihc rebei generation^
An' save the honour o' the nation^
They, an* be d — dT wh:H right hae ihcy
To n^eaij or sleep, or light o' dayp
Far less— to rtchcs, powVp or froedoirij
But what your lordship likes to gle them?
Bui hear, my iordi Glengarry, hear!
Your hand^s owro light to therrij I fear;
Your factors, grieves, trustecsj and baill^£,
I canna say but ihey do gaylies;
They Jay aside a' tender rnercies,
Ao* lirl the hallions lo tlie birses;
Yci while they're only poind^t and herrietj
They^ll keep their stubborn Highland spiril:
But ^ntash thcml crash thcra a^ to spails^
An" rot the dyvors i' ihe jatU!
The young dogs, swingc them to ihe labour^
Let wark an' hunger mak them sober!
The hi?sie5, if they^re aughtlins fawsonl.
Let them in Drury^ane be le^son*df
An* if the wives an^ dirty brai5
Come thiggin at your doors an' yetts,
Flaffiri wV dud$i an' grey wi' beas',
Frightin away your ducks an' geese;
Get out a horsewhip or a jowler^
The langest thong, the fiercest growler.
An' gar the latCer'd gypsies pack
Wi^ a' their bastard.-; on their back!
Go on, my LordT I lang to meet you.
POEMS AND SONGS 207
An' in my house at hame lo greet you;
Wr common lords ye ihanna mingle.
The bcnmosi ncuk Iwside the ingk.
At my riirhc Kan' asiigricti your 5eat»
'Twetn Herod's hip an' Polycraie:
Of if you on your station tarraw*
Between Almagro and Pizarro^
A seal^ I'm sure y^'m weel deservin'c;
An' till ye couit' — your humbjc servant,
June lit, Antio Mu^idL S79^-
A DREAM
ThouRhls. %vci^ii and dtctJ&F ^Kt Statuto bLam^^ with re^boil^
On reading, in ihc pxiHic papers^ cTie Laure^te^s Ode, wkh ihe other
parade ot June 4thj 1786^ th^ Author was no sooner dropt askep, than
be imagined himselt transported lo the Birthday Lev^i;: and^ in his
breaming fancy^ made the follo^\ing Address:
GuiD-MORNiN^ ro your Majestyl
Mjy Heaven augment your bhsses
On ev'ry new birthday ye see,
A humbk poci svishcs.
My hardship here, at your Levee
On sic a day as this is,
f Js sure an uncouth sight to see,
[ Amang thae birth-day dresfl;5
I Sae iine this day,
I ^ee ye're complimented (hrang.
By mony a lord an* lady;
"God save :hc King" 's a cuckoo jsaug
That's unco easy said aye:
The pociSj toOj a venal gang^
Wi^ rhymes weel-turn'd an ready.
Wad ^ar you fro^' ye ne'er rio wrangi
But aye unerring steady,
On sic a day.
I
■
1
208 ROBEET BUBNS
For me! before a monarch's fart,
Ev'n ihere I winna flatier;
For neither pension^ post, nor place^
Am J yijvjr humble debtor:
Soj nae reflctilon on your GracCj
Voar Kingship to bespatter;
There^s mony waur been o' the race.
And aibtins ane b^en better
Thar; you this day.
'Tis very inic, my sovereign Kingj
My skill may weel be doubted;
Bu[ facF5 are chiels ihat winna ding,
An' downa be disputed:
Your royal nesi^ beneath your wing,
Is e'en right reft and douled.
And now the third part o' the string.
An* lesjj wiU gang abooi it
Than did ae day."
Far be*t frae me thai 1 aspire
To blame your legist a uoif
Or say, yc wisdom wanl^ or fire.
To rule this mighiy nation:
But faith! I muekle doubts my sire,
Ye'vfi trusted ministration
To ehaps wha m a barn or byre
Wad better fill'd their station
Than courts yon day-
And now ye've gien auld Brifam peace^
Her broken shins to plaisicr^
Your sair taxation does her fleece,
Titl she hdS scarce a tester:
For mcj thank Godj my lifers a lease,
Nae bargain wearin' fastcrp
Or, failhf I fear, that, wi' the geese,
1 shortly boost to pasture
r the craft some day*
* The American ccptoairs had rcctritly been foiL
POEMS AND SONGS 20^
Tm no mistrusting Willie Piii,
When taxes he enlarges^
(An* Will's a true guid fallow's gctj
A name not envy apairges)^
That he intends to pay your debt,
An' lessen a' your cborges;
Bur, God-s^kcl let nae saviog fit
Abridge your boni^ barjjcs
An' boats this day*
Adieu, my Liege^ may freedom geek
Beneath your high protection; (
An' may ve tax Corruption's neck,
And gie her for dis^ecEEonl
But since Tm here, I'll no neglect,
In loyal, true affection^
To p.iy your Qucen^ wi' due respect.
My fealiy an* subjection
This great birth-day.
Hail, Majesty most Eitcellent!
While nobles strive to please ye,
Will ye accepf a compliment,
A simple poet gies yeP
Thae bonie bairntinie. Heaven has lent,
Still higher may they heezc ye
In bli$s, till fate some day is sent
For ever lo release ye
Fr^e care that day.
For you, young Poientate o' Wales,
f tell your highness fairly,
Down Pleasure*s stream, wi* swelling sails,
Vm tauld ye' re driving rarely- Ji
But some day ye may gnaw your nails^
An' curse your folly sairly^
That e*er ye brak Diana's pales^
Or rgitl'd di« wi* Charlie
By night or day.
Yet aft a ragged cowt's been known,
To mak a noble aiver;
i;
\ I
2iO ROBERT BURNS
So^ ye may doQcely fit! tht throti*;,
For j' their clish-ma-cbver:
Therc^ him^ at Agincoun wha shone^
Few belle r were or bravefn
And yet, wi' funny, queer Sir |ohn>'
He was an unco shaver
For mony a day^
For yoUp right rev' rend Osnaburg,
Nane sets the tawn-sleevc sweeter,
Altho' a ribbon :ti your lug
Wad been a dress completer:
As ye disown yon paughty dog^
Thar bears the keys of PoKr,
Then swiih! an' get a wife lo hug.
Or irowthj yc*U stain the mitre
Some liicklesi day!
Youngj royal Tarry-brceks^ T learns
Ye've lately come aihwart her —
A glonoui galley/ siem and stern,
Weel Tigg'd for Venus^ barter-
But l^rst hang out, th^t she'll di^cern^
Your hyineneai charter;
Then heave aboard vour grapple aim,
An\ large upon her quarter.
Come £u[l that day^
Ye, [astly, bonie blossoms a\
Ye royal lasses dainty^
Heav'n mak you guid as weel as braw.
An' gie ygu lads a-pientyl
But sneer na British boys a%val
For kings are unco scant aye^
An' German genlles are but sma\
They're belter )Ust than want aye
On ony day^
^Kina Hffuy V,—R, B. ^S\r I(>hn Fjlsraff, r^/i. 5hak«pMrc.— P. H.
^ Alluclirt;- to the nc^vspaper aK^unt f^i :3 certain R&yal siul^r'^ m^iuur. — R. i? This
W2% Prince Wii[i:iTn Henry, l\i\rd son cl George Ul, ^tcrward Kiiiii: WilLi^i IV.
^ ■!
POEMS AND SONGS 211
Gad bless ynu a'! consider now»
YeVe unco mucklc dauiit^
Bui cce the cuurs*? o' Ydc be through,
It may be birier aautit:
An* I hae srtn their coggie fou.
Thai yec liac tarrow'i ai it.
But or the Jay Vh'as done, I trow,
The Uggcn they hae cbuiit
Fu' clean thai day.
A DEDICATION
To Gavin Hamilion, Esq,
Expect rta, str, in this narration,
A fl^cchinj flcth*fin DedicaiEon,
To roose you up, an* ca' you gultlj
An* sprung o^ great an' nobk bluid,
Because ye'rc surnamM iike His Gra™-^
Perhaps related lo the race:
Then, when Tm lirM— and sac are ye,
Wi' mony a fulsome, smfu' lie,
Set up a face how I stop shorty
For fear your modesty be h^irt.
This may do — maun do, sir, w'C them wha
Maun please the greai folk for a wamcfou;
For me1 sac laigh I need na bow,
For> l-ord be thankic^ f can plough;
And when 1 downa yoke a naig,
Then, Lord be thankii> I can beg;
Sae I shall say— an' ihar's nae flaitVin—
lt*s jusl sic Poer an* sic Patron.
The Poetj some guid ange! help hiinj
Or else, l fear, some ill ane skdp him!
He may do weel for a' he's done yec,
But only — he*s no just begun yet^
The Patron (sir, ye maun forgie me;
I winna lie^ come what will o' me).
212 ROBERT EURNS
On ev'ry hand ii will a1Io%vVI be.
He's jusc — nac better thin he ahoulj be,
1 readily and freely granij
He downa see a poor man want;
Whafs no his ain, he winna lak it;
What ance he says, he winna break it;
Ought he can lend he'tl no refu^'t,
Till aEt his guidncss is abus'd;
And rascals whiles that do him wrang^
Ev'n that, he does na mind it Jan^r;
A5 masietj landlord, huiband^ fathei,
He does n;i fail his part in either.
But then, nae thanks to him for a' that;
Nae godly symptom ye can ca' that;
It'5 naething h\u a milder feaiure
Of our poor^ sinEu\ corrupt narure;
Yell get the best o' moral works^
'Mang black Gentoos, and pagan Turks,
Or hunters wild on Ponoiasi,
Wha novcr heard of orEhoJoxy,
That he's the poor man's friend m needj
The gendemitn in word and deed,
Tt*5 no rhro* terror of Jjmnation;
It's just a carnal inclination.
Morality, ihou deadly banej
Thy renso' choLisands thou hasE slain!
Vain is his hope^ whase stay an" (rust is
In mor^il mercy, truih, and justice!
No— stretch a potnt rocafeh a plack:
Abuse a brother to his back;
Steal ihrougii the winnock frae a whore,
But point the rake that raks the door;
lie to the poor like ony whunstane.
And haud their noses to the grunsune;
Ply ev'ry art o* legal Fhieving;
No matter— stick to sound believing.
POEMS AND SONGS 213
Lcain ihree-milc pray'rs, an' hnlf-mile graces,
\Vi' weol-iprcad luovcs, an' Jang, wiy faces;
Gruni up a wkmii, lengihen'd jjroan,
And damn a' panics bui your own;
rii warianl then ye're nae deceiver,
A sleady, sturdy, siaunch belitver.
O ye w)i3 !cjve the springs o* Calvin,
For gumlic dubs of your ain deivinl
Ye sons oi I-kre^y and Error,
YgM some day squee! in quaking terror.
When Vengeance draws ike sword in wrath-
And in the iirt throws the iheath;
Wlien Ruin, with his sweeping besom,
just frets titl Hcav'n commi^^ion gics him;
White o'er the harp pale Misery moans,
And strikes the ever-deep' ning tones,
SritI louder shrieks, and heavier groans!
Your pardon, sir, for this digression:
T maisi format my Dedicalioni
But when divinity comes "cross rae.
My readers sTill are sure to lose me.
So, sir, you see 'twas nae daft vapour;
But I mslurely thoui;ht JE proper,
When J my works I did review,
To dedicate them, sir, lo you:
Because (ye need na tak it ill),
1 ihoughc ihcm something like yoursei".
Then patronize ihem wi' your favor,
And your petitioner shali ever
1 had amaist said, ever pray,
But [hat's a word I need na say;
For prayin, 1 bae little skill o'r,
I'm baith dead-swcer, an' wretched ill o't;
Bui fse repeal each poor man's pray'r,
That kens oi hears about j^ou, sis*
214 KOBERT BURNS
"May nc'pr MlsEortune'? gowling back^
Howl thro' the dwelling o' the derkl
May ne'et hfs ^en'roua, honeal lieart.
For that same gcn'rous spirit smart!
May Kennedy's far-honour'd name
Laiii; beet his hymeneal flame*
Till Hamilions* 3t least a dizzen,
Arc frac their nuptiiil labours ri^ent
Five bonie la^ca round iheir cablc^
And itv'n braw fellows, stout an' able^
To serve their king an' country wecl,
By word, or pen. oi pointed steel!
May health and peace, with mutual rays.
Shine on the evening o' his days;
Till his wee, curlie John's ier-oe,
Wlien ebbing life nae mair shah flow.
The last, sad, mournful rites bestow!"
T will not wind a bng conduslon*
With comptimentary effusion;
But, whilst your wishes and endeavotirs
Are blest with Fortune's smiles and favours,
1 am, deal sir, with zeal most fervent,
Your much indebted, humble servanl-
But if (which Pow'rs above prevent)
That iron-hearted carl. Want,
Attended, m his grim advances.
By sad mistakes, and black mischances.
While hopes, and joys, and pleasures fly him.
Make yoii as poor a dog as 1 am.
Your humble servant then no more;
For who would humbly serve the poor?
But, by a poor man's hojjes in Hoav'n!
While recollection's pow'r is giv'n —
If, in the vale of humble life.
The victim sad of foriunc's strife,
J, thro' the tender-gushing tear.
Should recognise my master dear;
If friendless, ]o\v, we meet together.
Then, sir, your hand — my Friend and Brother?
i
POEMS AND SONGS 215
VERSIFIED NOTE TO DR. MACKENZIE,
MAUCHLINE
Fbidav first's the day appointed
By Lhe Right Worshipful anointed,
To hold our grand procession;
To gel a blad o' Johiiii?'s morals,
And (asio a swalch o' Manson'^ barrels
r [he way of our profession.
The Masier and [he Braiherhood
Would a' be glad to ste you;
Far me 1 " otild je mair than proud
To share lhe mcrcit-s ;vi' you.
It Di?aih, dicn, wi' skaitii^ [hen,
Some mortal heart h htchtin,
Inform him, and ^lorm him.
That Saturday you'll fecht him-
RoBEhT Burns.
toiigirl, An. }4. 5790-
THE FAREWELL
To the lireihro[i of Si. James's Lodge, Tarbolion.
Time — "Guiiiriiiln, and yoy be wi' you a'."
Adiev! a heart-warm fond adieu;
Dear brothers of the my.^iic liei
Ye favoured, cnhghtcn'd few,
Compniyns of my social )oy;
Tho' [ to foreign lands must hie.
Pursuing Fortune's shdd'iy ha';
! Wirh melting hear[, and bfLmful eye,
ril mind you scill, tho' far awa.
Ofi have I met your social band,
And spent the fheerful, festive night;
Oft, honour'd with supreme eonimand.
Presided o'er the sons of light:
And by that hieyogtypfirc bright.
Which none but Cmjiimen ever saw
Strong Mem'rv on my heart shall write
Thow happy scenes, when far awa.
r
2l6 ROBERT BURNS
May rreedojTip Harmonyj and Love,
Unite yo\i in the gnmd Dfs^grj,
Bent^alh iW Omniscient Ejc above^
Tlie glorious A^i^hif^cJ Divine^
Thai you may keep th' wtj^l-^j/ji^ /inc,
Siill m\ng by ihe plnrnmc^'s law^
Till Orii^r bright completely ^hmt^
Shall be my prayV when far a^\a.
And you, farewell! ixho^e merits claim
justly thai hig/icsi f^n^ge to \^ear:
Heav'n bless your honoured nobte name,
To M\iA-onry and Scoria Uear!
A iaii request perm i I me here. — -
When ytiarly ye assemble a\
One Joww^H I ask iC wilh a tt^ur.
To Jiim, fAf Iliird MfliV /jj- jh ff.
ON A SCOTCH 13ARD, GONE TO THE WEST IKDTES
A* YE wha iive by so\vps o' drinkn
A' ye wha live by cramlio-clinkp
A' ye wha live and never tbinkt
Come, motirn ^if me!
Onr billie ^$ gien us a' a jink.
An' owre the seat
Lament him a* yc rantin core,
Wha dearly like a random splore;
Nac mair he1l join [he merry roar^
In social key;
For now he's taen nE^iihc^r shnret
An' ouTo die seaT
The bonie lass^^s wee[ may wiss bim.
And in their dear petitions place him;
The widow^s, wives, an^ a* m:iy bless him
Wr tearfu' e'e;
For wed 1 wat they'll ^iirly miss him
Tbai'5 o\\re the seaf
POEMS AND SONGS 217
O Fornme, (hey liae room 10 grumble!
Hadst [hou Laon alf some drowsy buiiniile*
Wha tan do noughi but {ykt an' fumble,
'Twad bocn nac pita;
But he w^s gleg as ony wumhle,
That's owTc the wal
Auld, cantie K.ylc may weepers wear,
An' :ilaiii ilicin wi' tin? iaut, saut [ear;
'Twrfl mak her poor aiild hcari, I t'l-ar,
I[i liindcis flee;
He was herljoreai mony a yc.^r,
Thai'i owre the sea!
He Kiw Misfortune'? cauld nor-Hcsl
Lanj; musterinE; up s bitter blase;
A jillec brak his heart at hst,
III may she bel
So, took 5 berth afore the ma^t,
An' owre the sea.
To tremble under Fornme's cummock,
On scarce a bcllyfu' 0' drummock.
Wf his proud, independent stomach,
Could ill agree;
So, row': hi? hurdies in a hainmock,
An^ owre the sea.
He rie'er was gien to great mi&guidin,
Yet coin his pouches wad na hide in;
Wr him it ne'er v/a? under hidin;
He dealt it free:
The Musfi was a' ihal he nook pride in,
TEiat's owre the sea.
Jamaiea bodies, use him weel,
An' hap him in a cozic bieh
Ye'll find him aye a dainty chiel,
An' fou 0' glee:
He wad na wrang'd the vera deil,
Thai's owre the sea-
2l8
EGBERT BURNS
FarcwcL't, my rliyme-com posing bUlie!
Yonr native soil ^va^ right lU-witiie;
Bui may ye flourish like a liiy,
Now boniliel
I'll (oast you in my hindmost gillie,
Tho' ovvrc Elie sea!
SONG-FAREWELL TO ELIZA
rfluif— "Gildcfoy."
Fro\t thee, Elixa, I must go»
And from my nylive shore;
The cruel fales between us throw
A hnundltis otcan's roar:
Bur houiidJti^b ocean?, roaring wide.
Between my {ova and me,
They never, never dan divide
My h^an and sou! from thee.
Farewell, farewell, Efiza dear,
The maid ihat I adore!
A boding voice is in mine ear,
We pari Co meci no more!
But [he latest throb that leaves my heart,
While Death stands victor by, —
That throb, Eliza, i^ thy part,
And thine that laiesC sighl
A BAItD'S EPITAPH
Is There a whim-fn spired fool,
Owre fast for thought, owrt hot for rule,
Owre blait: to seek, owre proud m snoolj
Let him draw near;
And owre this grassy heap sing dool^
And drap a tear.
Is there a bard of rustic song.
Who, noteless, steals the crowds among,
That weekly this area throng,
O, pass not by!
But, with a fiaier- feeling strong.
Here, heave a sigh.
POHMS AND SONGS 219
Is there a Tnan, wIiqk judgment clear
Can oihers teach ihe course to sicer,
Yet Euns, himselt, life'^ mad career,
Wild as die wave.
Here pause— and, thro' the starting lear.
Survey tliis grave.
The poor inhabitant beiovv
Was quick to learn and wi^c to know.
And keenly lElr the friendly k'o^'^")
And softer flame;
But thoughtless follies laid liim low,
And si^inM hU name!
Reader, attend! whotlxec thy soul
Soars fancy's fligliis beyond the pole,
Or darkling grubs this caithly hole.
In low purauitt
Know, prudent, cautious, bclf-conirol
Is wisdom's root,
EPITAPH FOR ROBERT AIKEN, ESQ.
Ksow thou, O strangci to the fame
Of this much lov'd^ much honoured name!
(For none ihai knew him need he told)
A warmer heart death ne'er made cold,
EPITAPH FOR GAVIN HAMILTON, ESQ.
The poor man weeps — here Gavin sleeps, ■.
Whom canting wretches blam'd; jji
But with such as he. where'er he be, ij,
May I be sav'd or damn'dl i!
EPITAPH ON "WEE JOHNIE^'
Whoe'er thou atf^ O reader, know
That Dejih has murdor'd Johnie;
An' here his body lies fu' low;
For saui he De*er bad ony-
220
ROBERT BURNS
THE LASS O^ BALLOCHMYLE
Trm*'— 'Tttnck Banks. "
TwAs cven^-ihc Jewy fields were green,
On every blade the pcarh hang;
The zephyr wanion'd round the b^an^
And bore iis fragrant swecus alaiig;
In ev'ry glen ibe mavis sang^
All nature list'mng seemed the while^
Except where greens vood echoes rang,
Aniasig the braes </ BallMhmyle.
With carele^j^ sEep f onward sCray'dj
My heart rcjoic'd in. nacure^s joy,
When, musing in a lonely gl;idej
A maiden fair I chanc'd to spy;
Her Jook was like the morning^s eye.
Her air like nature^s vernal smile:
Perfection whisper'd^ passing by,
-^Behold the bss t>* BaJlochmylel"
Fair IS the morn in flowery May,
And sweet is night in autumn mild;
When roving thro' the garden gay^
Or wandering in the lonely wild:
But womanj niirure'5 darling child!
There all her cliarms she does compile;
Even there her other works are foil'd
By the borne lass o^ Ballochmyle*
O^ had she been 3 counrry maid^
And I tlie happy couBtry swain,
Tho* shdLerM in the lowest shed
That ever ro^e on ScoiUnd*s plain!
Thro^ weary winter's wind and rain.
With joy, with rapture, 1 would toil;
And nightly to my bosom strain
The bonie kss o* BaHochmyle^
Then pride might climb the slippery steep,
Where fame and honours lofty ihine;
POEMS AND SONGS 221
And ihirir of gold might tempi the tlccp^
Or downw.nrd sttk [h*? ]ndian mine:
Give me the cut btlmv ihc pine,
To lend ihe flocks or till the soil;
And evVy day have joys divme
With ;Ke bonie lass o* Ballothmyle.
LINES TO AN OLD SWEETHEART
Once {onJly lov'd, and siiM remembered dear^
Sweef early object of my youditul vows,
Accept this mark oi fiitndship, warm, sincere^
Fritnd'ihip! 'tis all cold duty now allows.
And wlien you read the simple aitlc^s rhymes,
One friendly sigh for him — he asks no more, [.'J
Who, distant, burns in flsmmg lorrid dimes^
Or hapfy lies btneadi d\ Atlantic roar.
MOTTO PREFIXED TO THE AUTHOR^S FIRST
PUBLICATION
TiJE ^iniple Bard, unbroke by rules of 3rl»
He poui^ iht? wild tfi-nslons of ihe hear^;
And if inspir'd 'tis Nature's pow'rs inspire;
Her'* all the mE^kini' ihriJI, and her's the kindling lire-
*
LINES TO MR. JOHN KENNEDY
Fare\velLj dear friend! may ^id luck hit you, i]
Ant[ 'man^^ licf favourites admir you; ■'
IE e'er J^Iracliofi ^har^; lo srnii you^ ;.l
May nane believe hitrt> >
And ony tieil that thinks lo get you^ ^■
Good Lard, dtceive himi IJ
LINES WRITTEN ON A BANKNOTE
Wae worth [hy power^ thou cursed leaf!
Fell source {/ a* my woe and grief!
For lack o' thcc Tvc lost my lass!
For lack o^ thee J scrimp my glass!
1 see The children of affliction
222 ROBERT BURNS
Unaidedj through ihy curst resinctsonL
Tve seen the oppressor's cruel smile
Amid his hapless victim^s spoil;
And for thy polencc vninJy Wi$hf^d}
To crush rhe villain in the dusi:
For lack o' thee, I leave this much-lov'd shore^
Neveij perhaps, to greet old Scotland more-
STANZAS ON NAETHING
EittempOfC Epistle to Gavin HamiTion> Esq*
To yoUj sifj this sumcuons Tvc sent^
Pray, whip till the pownie is freathtng;
Uut it you demand uhat ] want,
I honcsily answer you^-natEhing.
NcVr scorn a poor Poet like me.
For id[y just li\irtg and breathing;,
Wliilc [jcoplc of every degree
Are busy employed ahous— nacthin^.
Poor CenFum-per-cenium may fast.
And grumble his htirdie^ their claithtn^,
He1[ findi when the lulj^nce is c^^i,
H^'s gane to the devil for^n^ethtng.
The courtier cringes and bows.
Ambition has Fikewj^o if^ pUylhing;
A qcjronei bc^n^s on his hrows;
And what is a coronet — nacthing-
Somt: quarrel the Presbyter gown,
Some quarrel Episcopal graiThingi
But every good teHow will own
Their quarrel is a' about^— tiaethin^.
The lovtt may sparkle and glow.
Approaching hts booie bit ^ay thing:
But marriage will soon let him know
Ht's gorten — s. buskit up naelhin^n
POEMS AND SOMGS
Th^ Pott may )inglc and rhynitt
Jn hopes o£ a laureaic wrtjiiihing.
And when he has wasied his umc.
He's kindly re^v:irdcd wf — na^^thiJig.
The ^hunderi^s l^ulty may rage,
A«d sxvajjgcr and swear like a heathen;
But coliar him fast, 1 11 tnj;age,
Youli find thai hii courage is — na^lhing.
Last night wi* a feminine whig —
A Poei she couidna piii faiih in;
Bui soon we grew lovingly big,
f taught her^ h^^r Terrors were naediin^s
Her whigship was wonderful pleascdj
Bur charmingly lickled wl' at thing.
Her finjjers I lovingly squeezed^
And kissed her J and promised her — naelhing^
223
The priest anathemas may threat —
Predicamenit sir, [kif weVe bakh in;
But when honour^s reveille is beat.
The holy ariillery's naeihing^
And now T mu^t mount on ifte wave—
My voyjgt perhaps there is death in^
Kut what is a watery grave?
The drowning a Poet is nacthlng.
And nbw^ as grim death's in my thought^
To vou, sir, 1 make this bequeathing;
My service as ]ong as ye'ic ought,
And my friendshipj by God, ^vhen ye've naething.
u
' ' 224 ROBERT BURNS
THE FAREWELL
THf vah:irtEp in himsclE, what can he suffer^
Qc w/li:n dti^^s lit iL^^artl hh iinylo wrHCsf"
buE whcri^ ^\2a[ he muithiiUea himself.
To tlL^ir^r ^]u^£, to ihi luv'd c^jntlef fiair.
To those who^ blib£, who^c bein^ hun;; Upnn tlcm,
T& hclpic$5 chjldreo, — then^ Oh llicn, he fetU
ThL^ point of misiv^' Jesterinp \n lijs htii"!-
And wcikly weefH hjs fortunes hk^] & cuwuJ:
Such, iUirh i^ni I^ — undone!
pAREAvtLL, old Scotia's bleak domain:*,
F^f dearer ihan [he lornd pbin&n
Where rich ananas bfoi-vl
Farewell^ a motliLVs blessing tlcar!
A brother's sigh! a sister's tear!
My J€3ns hi:ari-retidi»g throe!
Farewell my tlcsi! [ho' thouVi bereft
Of my paternal earc,
A f^'iilhfvil brother I have leWt
My part in him thou'h 5hare[
Adieu^ roo, to you too.
My Smithy my bosom fricn^;
When kindly you mind me,
O then befriend my JeAn!
What buTsting^ anguish tears my heart;
From tl^t^e, my Jeany, must 1 part!
Thou, weeping, answVe^i — *'No!"
Alas! misforlune states my f^iec.
And pnints to ruin and dligratie,
I for [hy sake must go!
Thee, Hamihon, Jind Ai!t<?ii dair,
A grareful^ warm adieu:
T> with 3 much-indebted tear^
Shall still remember youf ]
All hail then^ the gale then, ^
Wafts me from thee, dtar ihorel
Jt rusdeSj and whtiides
rJl never see thee more!
POEMS AN^D SONGS 235
THE CALF
To th« Ew, jM*£s SteveNp on his lexij Malaciji^ ch. iv^ >ers. J* "Acid y^ shall
gtF forthn md gr<>iv upn ^5 calvls of ihc still-"
Right, sir! your lexf [11 prove it true^
Tho* hereiics may bugh;
For initgjitCj there's yourset ju^t ao\\\
God knowSj an unco cijif*
And should some patron be so ktnU,
As bless you wi^ a kirk^
1 doabE na^ sir, but ih(?n we'K flnd^
Ye're still as grear a j/jV^-
Bufp if the lover's rapiur'J hour.
Shall evtrr be your (ot^
Forbid it, evVy heavonly Po^eij
You e'er should be a siot!
Tho' when iome kind connubial dear
Your bui-and-ben adorns.
The like has been that you may wear
A noble head oi homji.
And, in your lugp most reverend James,
To hear you roar and rovvtp
Few men o' sense will doubt your claims
To rank amang the nowL
And when yc^re numbered wf the dead.
Below a grassy hiHockp
Wtth justice ihey may mart your hend^
"Here lies a famous huUoci^i"
NATURE'S LAW— A POEM
Humbly inscribed to Gavin Hamilron, Esq.
Gre-Ji Nature ^pokc: obsen^inr man obc>"'d^Poi*e.b
Let other heroes boast ihcir scars,
The marks of stiirt and strife:
And other poeis sing of wars^
The plagues of huinan llfei
226 BOBERT UURNS
Shams U' the fun, wV sword and gun
To slap maiikmJ like Eumberl
I sing his namt, and nobler fame,
Wha multiplies our number.
Great Nature spoke, wilh air benign,
^"Go en, ye human race;
This lower world I you resign;
Be frutiful and increaic-
The liquid fire of strong desire
Tve pour'd it in each bosom;
li^r^^ on this handj does Mankind siand^
And d^re is Beauty*s blossom/'
The Heto of these artless strains^
A lowly bard was be,
^Vho sung his rhymes in Coila's plain?^
Wkh meikle mirih an' gfee^
Kind Nature's care had given his share
Large^ of the flaming currcntj
And^ aU devout, he never sought
To stem ihe sacred torrent*
He felt the powerful^ high behest
ThfiUj vitalj ihro^ and diro";
And sought a correspondent breast*
To give obedience due:
Propihoiis Powers screenM the youn^ flow^rs^
From mildews of abortion;
And low! ihe bard — a great reward —
Has got a double portion T
Aiild canlie Coil may mum the day,
As annual it returns^
The ihird of Libra's equ^l sway.
That t;ave another Burns^
With future rhymes, an' other times.
To emulate his sire:
To ^ing auld Coil in nobler style
With more poetic fire.
,
f
POEMS AND SONGS 22/
Ye Powers of pcjicc, and peaceful songT
Look down with gracious eyes;
And bte^s auld Cofta. htge and long»
With muitiplying joys;
Lang may slie stand eo prop the land.
The flow'r of ancient nations;
And Burnscs sprin,^, her fame to siPgi
To endless gein^raiionsT
SONG— WILLIE CHALMERS
Mr, ChalmcrSn .1 ^nTTcman fn AyrsfiirCn a particular friend nf m'mCn -l^fcctl mc fa
write a poetic epi&tle co n youn^ ^^dy^ his DulcmeO' i b^d ^een her, but was
Ecarceiy acquainted wiih tie^p and ■^vrote ^ folJow^: —
Wi' braw new brank? in mickle pride.
And eke a braw new brechanp
My Pegasus Ttn got ^sLrid^j
And up Parnassus pcchin;
WhUes owrc a bush wi' downward cruaK,
The dcired bea$tie sOmm^ri;
Then up he gets^ and ofF he setSp
For sake 0^ Willie Chalmcrs,
I doubt na, lassj thar weel ken'd name
May cost a pair o' blushes;
1 am nae stranger to your tame,
Nor hSs warm urgM wishes*
Your honie face sae mild and sweet.
His honest heart enamours.
And faith yell no be losEa whit,
Tho' wair'd on Willie Chahners.
Auld Truth hersel' might swear yer'e fair*
And Honour safely back her;
And Modesty assume ynur air^
And ne'er a ane mistak her:
And sic iwa love-inspiring een
Might fire even holy palmers;
Nac wonder then they've fatal heea
To honest Willie Chalmcxs-
228 ROBERT BURNS
_ ^
1 doubt na fortune may you shore
Some mim-mou^d pouiher'd priestie,
Fu^ littod up wi* Hebrew lore.
And band upon hh breaitje:
But ohi what signifies to you
His lexicons and grammars;
The feeling heart's ihe royal blue.
And that's wi* Willie Ch^hners^
Some gapiii\ glowrin* cauntra laird
May warsle for your favour;
May claw his lug^ and simik his heardj
And hoast up some palaver:
My bonie maid, bt^fore ye wed
Sic tlumsy-witted hammers,
Seek Heaven [or help, and barefii skeEp
Awa wi' Wiilie Chalmers*
Forgive the Bardt my fond regard
For ane that shares my bosom.
Inspires my Muse to gie *m his dues
For deil a hair I roojo him.
May powers aboon unite you soon,
And fructify your amourSj —
And every year come in mair dear
To you and Willie Chalmers^
REPLY TO A TRIMMING EPISTLE RECEIVED
PROM A TAILOR
WjiAT ails ye now, ye lousie bitch
To thresh my back at sic a pitch?
Loshj man! hue mercy wi' your na^ch^
Your bodkinN bauld;
I didna suffer half sae much
Frae Daddie Auld.
What tho* at tlmeSj when I grow crouse,
1 gic their wames a random pousCj
Is that enough for you to souse
Your servant saeP
POEMS AND SONGS
Gae mind your seam, ye prick-Un^-Iouse^
King DaviJ^ o* poetic briefj
Wrocki 'mang [he liiSJ>e5 sic mischief
As lilted !iis after-life wi' grief,
An" bEuidy mnt&p
An yei he's rank'd amang ihe ducf
O' lang-syjiE saunts.
229
And maybe, Tam^ for a' my cants,
My wickt^d rhymes^ an* Jrucken ranis^
ril gie auSd doven's Cloohe*5 haunts
An unco ilip yet,
An' snugly sit amang the saunts,
At Davie's hip yell
But, fegs! the session says I m^un
Gae fa' upo' anttht^r plan
Than garrin bisei* coup the cratij
Clean hwls Dwer body^
An' fairly thole their mother's ban
Afore die howdy,
Thii leads Ene on to tell for sporij
How I dtd wV the Se^-vsion sort;
Auld Clinkumj at rhe inner portp
Crit^d three timeij ^'Kobio!
Come hirher lad, and answer for'i^
YeVe blamed for jobhinr
Wr pinch I put a Sunday's face on,
An' snoov'd awa before the Session:
I made an open, fair confession—
r scorn 'l to Ice,
Ail* syne Mess John^ btyond expressiorip
Pell foul 0* me*
A forniciiior loun he call'd me^
An' said my faut frae birss expeird me;
I own'd the lale was true he lellM me,
230 KOBERT BURNS
*'Bi]r, whai ihe mairei?
(Quo' 1) i feal unless ye geld me,
111 ncer be bctior!"
"Gdd you! (quo' he) an' whai for no?
\i ihsi your right hand, leg or loe
Should evei prove your sp'ritual foe,
You should remember
To cut ii aff — ao' whai for tio
Your dearest member?"
"Na» na, (quo' I,) I'm no for diat.
Gelding's nao berrer than 'lis ca'i;
Vd rather suffer for my fsur
A hearty flewil,
As sair owre liip a a ye can draw't,
Tho^ 1 should rue it.
"Or, gin ye like lo end the bodier,
To please us a'— I've just ae ither —
When next wi' yon lass I forgather,
Wha^e'er betide if,
II] frankJy gie her \ a' thegither,
An' let her guide it."
But, sir, ihis pleas'd them warsi of a',
An" therefore, Tarn, when that I saw,
I said "Gude night/' an* cam' awa",
An^ feft the Session;
I saw ihey were resolved a*
On my oppiesiion.
THE BRIGS OF AYR
A Poem
Inscribed lo ]ohk Ballastixf, Esq,, A>'r-
Thr simple Bard, rough at the rustic plough,
Learning his tuneful trade from ev'ry bough;
The chanting hnnet, or the mellow thrush,
Hailing the setting sun, sweet, in the green thorn bush;
POEMS AXD SONGS 23I
The soaring Eirk, (he perching red-breasi shrilL
Or dccp-ion'd plovers grey^ wild -whistling o^er the hiU;
Shall he — nurst in the peasant's lowly shed.
To hardy incfependeno: bravely bred.
By early povtriy to hardship steerd.
And tr:iin'd to arms in stern Misfortune's fielJ —
Shall he be guiUy of their hireling <^rimc5^
The servile, mercenary Swi^s of rhymes?
Or lal>our hsird the panegyric dose,
W]ih all ilie venal soul of dedicating prose?
No! though his artless strains he rudely sings.
And throws his hand uncouthly o er ihe strings,
He glows wiih all the spirit of ihe Bard,
Famej hflciest fame, his great, his dear reward.
Still J if some patron^s genVous care he irace^
SkilTd in the secret, to bestow with grace;
When Ballantine befriends his humbk nanio^
And hands the rustic stranger up to fame.
With heartfelt rhro^^ his grateful E^isom swells^
T^e godlik<^ hlisSp to give, atone excels.
Twas when the stacks get on their ^^inter hap*
And :hack and rape secure the toil-won crap;
Potatoe-bings are mugged up £rae skaiih
O' coming Wintcr^s biting, frosty breath;
The bees, rejoicing o'er their summer toils.
Unnumbered buds an* flowW delicious spoils,
Seal'd up wirh frugal care h\ niasaive waxen piles,
Afe doom'd by Man, ihat tyrant o'er the weak,
T!ic death o* devits, smoot'd wi* brimstone reek;
The thundering guns are ht^jrd on ev^ry side,
The wounded coveys, reeling, splatter wide;
The feathered ftefd -mates, bound by Nature's tii^^
SircSj mothers, children, in one carnage ije;
(What warm, poetic heart but inly bleeds.
And eJtecraies man*s savage^ ruthless deeds!)
Nat^ mair the flowV in field or mesdovv sprsngSp.
Nae mair the grove with airy concert ringSi
Except perhaps the Robin^s whistUng glee,
Proud 0* the height 0^ some bit haEf-lang tree:
232 ROBISET BURNS
The hoary morns precede the sunny dajs>
MilJj calnij serene, wide spreads ihe noontide bUse,
While ihick the ^osamoui waves wanion in iht rays-
'Twas in ihai season^ when a simple Bard,
Unknown and poor — ssn:ipl icily ^s reward) —
Ae i^i^ht^ within the ancient brugK of Ayr,
By whim inspired, or haply presi wi' care,
He left his bed, and look his wayward rouie^
And down by SsTitpsoi^'s^ wheeVd the led aboui;
{ Whether impell'd by all-directing Face^
To witness what I after shall i^arraie;
Or whether, rapt in mediiation higli^
He wandcr'd out, he knew not where or why:)
The drowsy Dungcon-clock^ had numbered two*
And Wallace Tower^ had sworn the face was tfue:
The Eide-swoln linh, wiih sullen-sounding roar^
Through ih^ sLcLI nighr dash^ hoarse along the shore-
All else was hush'd a^ Nature's closer] e*e;
The silent moon shone high o'ei tower and tree;
The chilly frostp beneath [he silver beam,
Creptj gendy<fustingj o^er the giitterinjr stream —
When, lol on either hand the lisfning Bardj
The clanging sugh of whisdin^j wings is heard;
Two dusky forms dan through the niidnightair,
Swift as the gos^ drives on the wheeling hare;
Ane on xW Auld Brig his airy shape uprears^
The other flutters o'er the rising piers*
Our warloek Rhymer insianily descried
The Sprites that owre the Brigs of Ayr preside.
(That Bards arc second -sigh led is nae joke.
And ken the lingo of the $p'ritual folk;
FaySp Spunkies, Kelpies, a", they can explain them,
And even the very deils they brawly ken ihem)^
Auld Brig appeared of ancient Piciish race,
The very wrinkles Gothic in his face;
He seem'd as he wV Time had warstl*d lang^
Yet, teughly doure^ he bade an unco bang*
^ A noTvd lavtrn a^ the Auld Brig end. — R, B.
J
POEMS AND SONGS 233
New Bfig was buskii in a hraw new cojit^
That he, ai Lon'on^ frae ane Adams got;
Jn ^5 hand five taper slaves as smcxith 's a bead,
Wi' \ir]s and whirlygignms at the head.
The Goth was sialking round wiih anxioui searchj
Spying the lime-worn flaws in every arch;
h chanc d hii new come nelbor took his e'e^
And G^en a vexed and angry heart had he^
Wi' thieveless sneer to sec his mcxJish mien,
He, down the waier, gies him this guid-ecn: —
AuLD Brio
*'l doubi na^ frien\ ye '11 think ye*re nae sheepihartkj
Ance ye were $treekt^ owre frae bank to bank!
Bur gin ye bo a brig as au(d as me^—
Tho' faifhj that date, I doubt, ye'll never ^c— ^
There'll be^ if that day come, Til wad a boddle^
Some fewer whigmaleeries in your noddle "
New Briq
^^Auld Vandal! ye but show your little mense,
Ju^l much about ii wi' your seamy senses
Will vour poor, narrow foot-parh of a street,
Where twa wheel-barrows ireEiible when they meet^
Your ruin^dj formless bulk o' stane and lime^
Compare wV bonie brigs 0* modem time?
There's men of laste wou^ tak (he Ducat stream/
Tho* they should cast the very sark and swim,
E*er [hey would grate their feehngs wi^ the view
O' sic an ugly, Gothic hulk as you/*
AuLD Brig
"Conceited gowkl pufi'd up wi* windy prldel
This mony a year I've stood the flood an* tide;
And tho* wj' crazy eild I*m air forfairn^
HI be a brig when yt*re a shapeless cairn!
As yet ye little ken about the matter,
But twa-ihree winters will inform ye better*
When heavy^ dark, continuedp a'-day rains,
^A noied fordj iust ahov^ the Auld Brig. — J?, B.
234 ROBERT BURNS
Wi^ deepening deluges o erflow the plains;
When £rom the htih where springs che brawUng Ceilp
Of si^icly Lugar^5 mossy founEains boil;
Or wheft ihe Greenock winds hi? inoorland course.
Or haunted fJarpal draws his feeble sourt^e,
Arouied by Nusit^rin^ winds an' spotting thowcs^
In mony a torrent doivji ihe sna^v-broo rowci;
WhilG trashing ice, borne on the rolhng spate.
Sweep dams, an' mills^ an' brig?, a' ID the ^ratc;
And £rcm Glenbuck.,^ down to the RatEon-key*^
Auld Ayr is just one lengthcn'd^ tumbling sea-
Then down ye^ll hurl, (deil nor ye never riie!)
And dash iht? gumhe jaups up to the pouring skiesJ
A lesson sadly teachings to your coit>
That Architecture's noble an is lost!''
New Brig
*'Finc architectnrCj trowthp [ needs musr say^i f*lt^
The Lord bt thankk that we've tint the gate o't!
Gaunt^ ghastly^ ghaisi-a I luring edifices^
Hanging with ihreal'ning jut, Uke precipices;
O'er-arehing^ mouldy^ gloom-inspiring coves.
Supporting rooEsp Eantastie, stony groves:
Windows and doors in nameless sculptures dresE
With order^ symmetry, or tastt^ unblest;
Forms Jike 50me bedlam Statuary's dream,
ITie cra^.'d creailonfi of misguided whim:
Forms might h^ worshipped on rhe bended knec^
And still the se*:ond dread command be free;
Their likeness h not found on earthy in air, or sea!
Mansions thai woulcl disgrace the building tasre
Of any maion reptile, bird or |>east;
Fit only for a doited monkish race,
Or frosty maids forsworn the dear embrace.
Or cuifs of later times, wha held the noucn.
That sullen gloom was steriing^ true devotion;
Fancies that our guid Brugh denies proleciton.
And soon may they e:;pite, unUe^ wi' resurrection!'*
^Thc sflurcc ftf iKe River Avr.— R. fl.
5A small landing place abo^e ih*: larnc qoajr — H 6-
.4
POEMS AND SONGS 235
Auu) Bjug
"O y^j my dear-remember^dj ancierit i/ealingSj
Were yt bui htft 10 share my wounded feelingsl
Yc wonhy Provcses, an' mony a Uaiitc^
Wha in the paihs o" righteousness did loll aye;
Y^ dainty Deacons, and ye douce CoDvcnerSj
To whom our moderns ore byl causey-cleaners
Ye godly Councils, wha hae blest this town;
Yc godiy Brethren o^ ihe sacred gown,
Wha meekly gic youc hurdtes to the smiters;
And (what would now be sirange)^ ye godly Writers;
A' ye douce folk Tve borne aboon the broop
Were ye but here, whir would ye say or dor
How would your spirits groan in deep vexaciorij
To see each melancholy alteration;
Andj a^oni&mg, curse the time and place
When ye begat the ba^e degenerate race!
Nae langer rev'rend men, rheir country's glory^
In plain braid Scots hold forth a plain braid siory;
Nae langer thrifty citizens, an' doui^e,
Meet owre a pint, or in the Council-hou.-^;
But sTaumreh corky-headed, Rraceiess G^ntyy^
The herrymcnt and ruin of the country;
Meni ihree-parEs made by tailors gnd by barberSp
Wha W35ie your weel-hainM gear on damned new brigs and
harbours!"
Ntw RfliG
"Now hand you there! for faith yeVfl said enough,
And muckle mair than ye can mak to through.
As for your Priesthood, I shall ^^y but little,
Corbi£f and Cl^'gy are a shot right kiltie:
BuCj under favour o' your Sanger beard,
Abuse o' Magistrates might wecl he spared;
To liken them to your au]d-war]d squad^
I musi needs say, comparisons are odd.
In Ayr, wag-wjts nae mair can liae a handle
To moulh 'a Citizen/ a lerni o' scandal;
Nae mair the Council waddles down ihe street,
236 ROBERT BURNS
In all ^he pomp of ignorant conceit;
Men wlia grew wise priggin owrc hops and rai^inSf
Or gaihcr'd lib'ral views in Bond^ and Sej^iii^:
If haply Knowledge, on a randum iramp^
Had !^hor^d them wieW a glimmer of hii lamp.
And would to Common-wniit] ior once iiptray'd them,
Plain, duli Stupidity stPpi kindly in to aid ihem.*'
What farther dish-ma-claver might been said^
What hloody war^, if Sprites had birxjd to shed.
No man can tell; but, all before their iight,
A fairy train appcar'd in order bright;
Adown ihc gbtlering stream they feady danc'd;
Bright to the moon iheir various dresses glanc^di
They footed o'er the wat'ry glass so neat,
The infant ice scarce bent beneath their feet:
While arts of Minstrelsy among them rung.
And soul-ennobling Bards heroic ditties suny,
O had M'Lanchlan,' thai rm-in spiring Aage,
Been ihere Fo hear this heavenly band engage,
When iliro' his deal siialhspeys they bore with High-
land rage;
Or when they struck old Scotia*s melting airs,
The |over*5 raptured joys or bleeding cares;
How would his Highland lug been nobler fir'd,
And ev'n his matchless hand with ftner touch in^pir'J!
No guess could tell what instrument appc^ar'ti^
Bui all (he soul of Music's self was heard;
Harmonious concert rung in every part,
While simple mcJody pour'd moving on the heart.
The Genius of the Stream in front appeari^,
A venerable Chief advanc'd in years;
His hoary head wirh water-lifies crown 'd,
His manly leg with garter-tangle bound.
Next came the loveliest pair in all the ring.
Sweet female Beauty hand in hand with Spring;
Tfien, crownM wiih ffow^ry hay, came Rural Joy,
And Summer, with his fervid-beaming eye;
^A wfll-known pcrfttrnicr ai ScQiii&h mu^ic nn ihc violin. — R. B.
POEiMS AND SONGS ly]
Alt-cheering Plenty, wirli hci Rowing horn,
Led yellflw Autumn wreaih'ii with nodding corn;
Then Wrmef's iime-bleach'd locki djd hnnry show,
By Hospiialfiy with cloudkss brow:
Next followed Courase with hi? niartiiil ^tridcj
From where the Feal wild-woody coverii hide;^
Bencvolcnco, with mild, benignant :iir»
A female form, came from liji? towVs of Stair;'
Learning and Worth in equal me.^au^t5 tiode.
From simple Ciicrint:, their long-lov'd abode:'*
Last, whitcrob'd Pence, crown'd with a jia?.e! wre,4th,
To rustic Agrictifture did bequeath
The broken, iron instruments of death:
At sight of whom our Sprites forgat (heir kindling wrath.
FRAGMENT OF SONG
The night was stifl, and o'er the hell
The moon shone on the caslk wa';
The mavis sang* while dew-drops hang
Around her on the castle wa';
Sat merrily they danced the ring
Frae eenin' till the cock did craw;
And aye the o'ervvord o' the spring
Was "Irvine's bairns arc bonie a'."
EPIGRAM ON ROUGH ROADS
I'm now arrived — thanks to the gods! —
Thro" pathways rough and muddy,
A certain sign that makin roads
Is no this people's study;
Akho' I'm nor wi' Scripture cram'd,
I I'm sure the Bible says
That heedless sinners shall be damn'd,
Unless they mend their woyj.
^ A iromplitLionl lo die MonignmeriM of Coilsficfd, on ihc Fca] or Failc, a inbuTniv
nf Tht Ayr.
jMis. Sic^v^rt of Smir, an i-arl^ parmne^^ of the pocr
"The hnii&t of ProEeKor Duirakl Stewart
238 ROBERT BURNS
PRAYER-O THOU DRHAD POWER
Lying at :i ;evi:rtiii[ friond's house one nighty the aulLor left the fotlo^ving v^racs
in ihL^ ffoin wJitrc; hi: ^kpii —
U Thou dread Powcfj who rcign'st iibove^
[ know thou will me hear,
Whtn for this scene of pe^ice jnd love^
r n:iake this prayer sincere-
Ihc hojry Sire — the moffal stroke,
Long^ long be plea^'d lo spare;
To bless his liitfe filfal flock^
And thow whai good men are^
Shcp who her lovely offspring eyes
Wiih lender hopes and fears,
C> hlesa her with a mother^ J^y^j
But spare a molher*5 tearsi
Their hope, their stiiy, their darling youth.
In manhood's dawning Nash,
Hlcss him, Thou God of love and truth,
Up 10 a parenc*5 wish. 1
The beauteous J seraph sister-band —
With earnest tears I pray^ —
Thou know^si the snares on ev'ry i^andj
Ctuide Ti^ou tl^cir steps alway^
I
{
\^Tien, soon or Ute^ they reach that coast,
OVf Life's rough ocean drivent
M:iy [htry rejoice, no wantrrer lo^r,
A family in Heavenl
FAREWELL SONG TO THE BANKS OF AYR
rifj?r— "Eoslm Castle."
"I composed thi& soriK ^^ ' conv&yed my chc^t 50 far on my road to CrctnixTt,
where I was Kj embark in a few clays for Jamaici. [ mtanl it ai my lnrcwt,n dirge
lo my rtflTive land," — ^- B+
Teie gloomy night is gathVing fast,
[.oad roars the wild, inconstant blast,
Yon murky cloud is foul with ram^
POEMS AND SONGS 239
I see It driving o'er itte plain;
The hunter now l\^s \eit chc moor.
The scalt'red coveys meet itcurc;
While here I wander, prcst with care.
Along the londy banks o£ Ayr-
The Aulumn mourn? her ripening corn
By early Winler^s ravage torn;
Across her placid, azure sky*
She 5ce5 the scowling tempest Ry:
Chill runs my blood la hear it rjvei
J think upon the stormy wave^
Where many a danger I muil JarOj
Far From the bonie banks of Ayr.
'Tis not rhe surging hillow*s roar,
^Tis not that fatal, deadly shore;
Tho' death in ev^ry shape appear^
The wretched have no n^ore ro fear:
But round my heart the ties are l^und.
That heart transpierced with inanv a wound;
These bleed afresh, those ties I tear.
To leave the bonie bank; of Ayr*
Farewellj old Coila^s hills and dales,
Her heathy moors and winding vaEes;
The scenes ^here wretched Fancy roves,
Pursuing past, unhappy [oves!
Farewellp my friendsl farewell, my foes!
My peace with thesCj my Eove wirh those:
The bursting tears my heart declare —
Farewell, the bonie bank^ of Ayr!
ADDRESS TO THE TOOTHACHE
My curse upon your venom^d stang^
That shoots my tortured gums alanj;,
An' thro* my lug gi^s mony a twang,
Wi* gnaiving vengeance^
Tearing my nerves wi' bitter pang.
Like racking engines!
;i
240 ItOBERT BURNS
When fevers burn, or agues fieezcs,
Rheumarics gnaw^ or colics ^uee^es,
Our Dcibor's sympathy can ease us,
Wi' pitying moan;
But thee — thou hell o' a^ discascs^^
Aye mocks our groan,
Atlown my bejird ihe sTavers trlcklcj
1 throw the wee stools o^cr the mickle^
While round the Jire (he giglets keckle,
To see mP loup,
WhilCj lavijig niadt 1 wish a heckle
Were in their doupl
In a' the numerous humari doals,
III hajrsts^ daf[ bargains, cutiy seotjIs^
Or worthy frien's rak^d j' the mools, —
Sad sight to see!
The tricks 0* knaves, or fash a' fools^
Tliou b^ar'st the gree!
Wherever that place be priesfs ca' hell,
Where a* the tones o' misery yell^
An' ranked plagues their numbers tell,
In dread £u* raw,
ThoUjToDTUAcJiE, surely bear'st ihe bellj
Amang ihem aM
O thou grloiy mischief-making chiel,
That gars the notes o' discord squeel,
Till daft mankind aft dance a reel
]n gorCp a shoe-thickj
Gie a* chc faes o* Scoiland's weal
A towmond's toothache!
LINES ON MEETING WJTH LORD DAER'
This wot yp ail whom it i:onccrnj,
J, Rhyiner Robin, alias Buins^
October twenty-third,
I Ai iht house of Prelcsior Diifiald Sicwan.
POEMS AND SONGS 24I
A ne'er-io-be-forgoucn day,
Sae far I sprncki^d up EJie brae,
I dinncr'd wT a Lord.
Tve been at drucken writers* feastS,
Nayj been biich-fou ^mang godly priests — ^
Wi* reverence be u spoken!—
I've even lOin'd the honoured jorum.
When mighly Squircships of ihc quorum.
Their hydra drourb did sloken*
Bui wP a Lord! — stand out my ^hin,
A Lord — a Peer — an Earl's son!
Up higher yet, my bonnet
An' sic a Lord! — Ung Scouh ells twa,
Dur Pteiage he 13 eriooks them a'.
As I look o'er my sonnec^
Gui O for Hogarth^s magic pow'rl
Tfl ihow Sir Bardie'5 willyart glowV,
An' how he sTar'd and stammer'dj
When, goavin, as if led wi' branks,
An^ siumpjn on his ploughman shanks^
He in ihe parlour hammer^*
I sidling sheher^d in a nook^
An' at his Lordship steal't a took,
Like some portentous omen;
Except good sense and social gtecj
An' {what surprised mc) modeity,
I marked nought uncon^mon^
I uatch'd the sympiflmi 0' the Gieat,
The gentle pride, ihe lordly srate^
The arrogant assuming;
The fienl a pridcj nae pride had he^
Nor sauce, nor stafe, that I could soe^
Mair than an honest ploughman.
Then from hh Lordship I shall learn,
Henceforth lo meer with unconcern
One rank as wecl's another:
K
I
242 ROBERT BURNS
Nae honesty worihy man neeJ care
To meet with noble youthful naer^
For he bui meets a brother.
MASONIC SONG
Ye sons of old Killic, assembled by Willie^
To follow the noble vocation;
Your thrifty old mother has scarce such another
To sit in ihat honoured station.
Fve Ikile to aay^ but only 10 pray,
As praying's the Jort of your fashion;
A prayer from the Muse you well may excuse
^Tis seldom her favourite passion^
Ye powers who preside o*er ihe wind and die tide^
Who marked each element's border;
Who formed this frame with beneficent a im^
Whose so vt] reign statute i^ order :^
Within this de^ir mansion^ may wayward Conreniion
Or withered Envy ne'er enter; ^
May secrecy round be the mystica[ bounds
And broiherJy Love be the centrel
TAM SAMSON^S ELEGY
An hooest man's the nobFe^t vfork of God — Pop£.
When this worthy old ^porJ^r^^nT} ^vent out. last muirfciwl season, he 5yppo&ttl ii was
to br. in Oitian's phrase^ "tht' Jasi oi his fitJd^^" and esprtsstd aa ardcat wish X£>
diL- and be buried in the nmus. On ihia hint the author ccnipwnL his ele£> and
tpiraph.— K. JJ-h 1787. I
r
HAsauld Kilmarnock seen ihe dcil?
Or jjreat Mackinlay' thrawn his heeL^
Qr Hoberiion^ again grov^n weel^
To preach an* read?
"Na' waur ilian a"! cries ilka chiel^
*'Tam Samson^s dead!*'
*A cerrain preacher, a great favourile with ihe tiutlion. Vide "The OrdinaEionp"
Etan^a ii- — P. JJ,
^ Anolhtr prtatKer, :in cqiunl f^tvrnjritc ^^th the /jh^^ who was at that time iJitig-
For him sei' alst> 'The Ordmjtion/' stanza ix, — Ii, 5^
1 POEMS AND SONCIS 243
Kilmamoclc lang may grunt an' ^rane,
An' sigh, an' s^h, an' greet her lane,
An^ deed lier bairns, man, wife, an' \vean,
In mourning wetd;
To Death she's dearly pay'd the kaui? —
Tam Symsou'^ deadi
The Brethren, o' the mystic level
May hing their head in wocfu' beveL
While by their nose the tears will revel.
Like ony bead;
Death's gien the Lodge an unco dcvcl;
Tam Samson's deadI
When Winter miifilcs up his doak,
And binds the mirt like a rock;
V/hen to the ioughs the curlers ffock,
Wi^ gleesDtne speed,
Wha will ihey station at the cock?
' Tam Samson's dead!
He was the king o' a" the core*
To guartl, or draw, or wick a lioie.
Or up ihe rink like Jthu roar,
In time o' need;
t But Qow he lai^s on Death's hog-score —
\ Tam Samson's dejij!
Noiv safe the stately wwmont sail,
And troms bedropp'd wi' crimson hnil,
And eels, weel-ken'd for souple tail*
And geds for greed,
Since, dark in Death's fish-cred, we wall
Tam Samson's deadI
Rqoice, ye birring paiiricks a';
Ve cootie muircocks, croiisdy craw;
Ye maukins, cock your fud fu' braw
Wiihouten dread;
Your mortal fae is now awa;
Tam Samson's dead!
244 ROBERT BURNS
TKji[ woetu' morn bo ever moLim'd, - ^
Saw him in shooisng graiih adorn^d^ ]
While pointers round impatient biirn*dj
Frae couples free'd;
But och! he gaed and ne'er retufii'd!
Tarn Samsoirs dead!
In vain auld age his body batEcrSj
In vain the gout his ancles Eettersj
In vain the burns cam do^vn hke waters,
An acre traid!
Now evVy auld wife, greeting clatters -
*Tam Samson's d^dl"
Owre mony a weary hag he hmpii,
An' aye the inher shot he ihumpE^
Till coward Death bt^hind him )umpit,
Wi' deadly fctd; ^
Now he proclaims wV tout o' irunipci, ;
''Tarn Samson's deadT' T
^ -
■
When at hii he^n he EcU rhe dagger, -
He reel'd his wonted hottlc-swaggcr, ^
But yet he drew the mortal trigj;er, ^
Wi' weeJ-aimed heed; ^
'*Lord, five!" he cry'd, an* owre did itagj^or —
Tarn Samson's dead! i
!lk lioary hunter mournM a hrhher;
Ilk spgrtsman youdi bemoati'd a father;
Yon auld gray scane, aniang the heather,
Marks out his head;
Whare Burns has wrotCs in rhyming blelher^
^Tam Samson's dead!
There, low he lies^ in Tasiing rest;
Perhaps upon his mouldVing breast
Some spEtefu* muirfuwl bigs her nest
To hatch an' breed:
TJ
POEMS AND SONGS 245
-Alas! nac mair hell ihcm molest!
Whon Aiijiusi winJs ihc licaihcr wavc^
And 5pfJrisnicn wnndcrby yon grave,
Three \olkyi let his memory crave,
O" pouther an' lead.
Till Etho ans^MT fr^o her cave,
"Tarn Samion^a deadl
7J
Ht.iv'n rest his snuJ whare'cr he bcl
Is th' wish o* mony mac than me:
He had i^va faiitSi tjr maybe three,
Yet what remead?
Ac iocialj honest man want we:
Tarn &im.=^oir5 deadl
Tarn Samson's wed-worn clay here lies
Yc eantin^ zealots spare himf
[f hone^t worth in Heaven rise,
Ye; HI mend ot ye win near him.
PER C07JTHA
Goh Famij, an' canter like a fiUy
Thra^ a' ihe streets an^ neuks o' KjIIec;'
Tell evVy so^:ia[ honest billie
To itease hah ^ti^\ sii*;
For^ yet ijnskaithed by Death's gleg gullie.
Tam Samson's Icevin'l
EPISTLE TO MAJOR LOGAN
Hail, thairm -in^pirin\ raidin' WilUe!
Tho* foi"tune*s road be rough an* hilly
To every hildling, rhyming billies
We never heed^
But take it like the unback'd filly,
Proud o* her speed*
246 fiOBERT BURNS
Wheiij idly goavin^ whiles we saunier,
Yirri fancy barks, awa wc canier.
Up Kill, down brae^ lill some mischanferj
Some black bog-hole,
Arrests us; then the scathe an' banter
We're forced 10 iholc,
Hale be your heartf halt; fie youf Jiddle!
I^iig may your elbuck jink and diddU,
To cheer you through the weary wsddic
O' ^his ivild warl^
Unlil you on *i crummock driddle,
Agrty halr'd carL
Come wealth, come pooriirh^ late or soon.
Heaven send your heart-strings aye in tune.
And screw your temper-pins ahoon
A fifih or mair
The mclancholiou^, la^y croon
O' cankrie care.
Mjy ^lill your life from day to dayj
Nae "lente lar^o'' m the play^
But "aJIe^reito forre" gay.
Harmonious Hou",
A sweepings kindlings battld struch^jiey —
Encore! Bravo!
A blesiing on the cheery gang
Wha dearly lik? a ]\g or sang,
An' never think o" right an' wran^
By square an" ruk".
But, as rhe clegs o^ feeling slang.
Are wise or fool.
My hand-ivalcd curse keep hard in chase
The harpy J hoodock, purse-proud race,
Wha count on poortith as disgrace;
Their Tuneless hearts.
May fireside discords jar a base
To a' their parts^
POEMS AKD SONGS
Bui comcj your hand, my careless brithofj
r th' iiher ^^afTt if there's aniiher.
An' ihai there is, Tve little swither
About [he matter;
We, check for chow^ shall jog ihegith^rj
Use ne'er hiU biitter.
247
We\e faults atid failings — granted clearlyj
WeVe frail backsUdini^ moriuls merely,
Eve's bonie squaJt prlesii; wyii^ ihem shcerly
For our grand fa';
But STiUj l>ut iiil^ I like them dearly —
God bless ihem a'!
Ochonc for poor Casialian drinker$|
When ihey fa' foufc o' earthly jinkefs!
The wiichingj cyrs'd^ delitiaus blinkers
Hae put me hyte,
And gjrE me weet mv waukrife winkers,
Wr girnin' spite^
But by yon moon! — and ihafs high ^wearia —
An" evety star within my hearin!
An' by her een wha was a dear and
ril ne'er forget;
I hope to gic Ehe jads a elearin
In fair play yet.
My los$ I mourn ^ hut not repent it;
ni seek mv pursie whare 1 tint it;
Ance to the Indies I were wonted,
Some cantraip hour
Ey some sweti elf TH yei fie dinted;
Then wVc raraour!
To ,wmiEnenial sister Susie^
And honesi Lucky; no ro roose you,
Ye may be proudt
That sic a couple Fate allows ye.
To grace your blood.
t'
r
248 EGBERT BURNS
Nae mair at preseni; can I measurt^
An' trowth my rhymin ware's nae trta$ure;
But when in Ayr» some half-hour's leisure,
Be't hghi, be't Jaik.
Sir Bard will do himself the pleasure
To call at Park.
ROGLRT BURNS-
Mosigiel, 3o;A Ocruber, i^Bfi.
FRAGMENT ON SENSIBILITY
Rli^ticity's ungainly form
May cloud the highest mind;
But when the heart is nobly warm,
Tlie good excuse will find-
Propriety^s cold^ cautious ru[es
Warm fervour may overlook :
Bui spare poor sensibility
Th' ungcnrloj harsh rebuto^
A WINTER NIGHT
VooT nnl^E'd ^A^rcuheSj whcresoe'er you arc.
That bide the pclunp of rhii pieiles^ &tonn!
I'low sh&H youc houseless headsn and unfed ikdcs, 1
YoLiJ" toop'^l ;itid windoiv'd rsicc^dness, ^kft'nd you
From se^aris 5fcn:b as thcse^ — SHAKn^*^-^Kl■.
When biting Boreas, fell and dour.
Sharp shivers thro' the leaflets bow'r;
When PhtEbus gies a short-hv'd glow'tj
Far south the hft.
Dim-darkening thro* the flaky sbowV,
Or whirling drift:
Ae night the storm the steeples rocked^
Poor Labour sweet in sleep was lockedj
While burn$, wi' snawy wreaths up-choked,
Wjfd-eddymg swirl;
Or^ thro^ the mining outlet bockedp
Down headEong huiE:
I
POEMS AND SONGS 249
LiiT'riing the 6dota an' winnocks rattle,
I ihoiighc mc on ihe ourie cafClej
Or silly sheep, wha bide this brattle
O* winter war^
And ihro' the drifi, dct^p- lairing^ apraide
Beneath a scar*
Tlk liappinjj bird J — -wee^ hclptess thing!
That, in the merry months 0' springs
Delighied me to hc;tr thee sing^
What comet 0' thee?
Wharo uik ihou cow'r thy chittLTing wing,
An^ close thy e'c^
Ev^n you, d\\ murdering errands toilMj
Lone from your savage homes cxiTd,
The blood- sTuirtM roosi^ and sheep cute spoiled
My heart forgets.
While ptiyless the tempest wild
Sore on you beats!
Now Phcehe in her midnij^ht ceign,
Dark-niuffl'Ut vii^w'd the dreary plain;
Srill crowding thoughts, a pensive train,
Rose in my soul,
^Ticn on my ear this pbntive sirain^
Slow, solemn, stole: —
*'BToWj hloWj ye winds, wilh heavier gustf
And freeze, ihou bitter-biiing frost!
Descend, ye chilly ^ smothering snows!
NoE all your rage, as now united, shows
More hafd unkindness imrtltniing,
Vengeful malice un repenting,
Than heaven- ill umin'd Man on brother Mth bestows^
See stern Oppression s iron grip,
Or mad Ainbition*s gory hand^
Sending, like blood-bounds from the sltp.
Woe, Want, and MurJtr o*eT a landl
M
250 ROBERT I3URKS
Ev'a in the pcacctuS rural vjle,
Trinhj weepings tells the mournful tale^
How patnper d Lur^ury, Flytt'ry by her sidc^
The pnrasiEe empoisoning htr Paij
With all the servile wrtitzhcs in the rear^
LookioW proud PropcrlVp crxttndcd wide;
And ey^^s ihe slmplej rustic hind.
Whose tail upholds the gliitVing show —
A creature ot anochec kindj
Some coarser subsiance, unrefin'd —
Plac'd tor her lordly use nhiis i^ij thus vile, below[
"WherSj where is Love's fond^ tender throe^
With lordly Honour*? lofty brow.
The powers you proudly o^^^n^
Is there, beneath Lovers noble name^
Con harbour, dark, the selfish aim,
To bles^ himself alone?
Mark maidcn-innocence a prey
To love-pretending snares;
This boasted Honour turns away,
ShLinnin^ soft Piiy's rising sway^
Regardless of the tears and unavailing pray'rsl
Pyrliiips [his hour^ in Misery's ^tjuahd n^^st,
She strains your infant to her joyless breast^
And ^ith ^ mother'^ fears shrinks at the rocking bla>tT
"Oh ye! who, sunk m beds of down,
Feel nor a want but whni yourselves create,
Think, for a moment, on liis wretched fate^
M^hom friends and fortune quite disown!
llbsaiis(y'd kt^n nature'^ clamorous call,
Si:reidrd on bis siraw, he layj» himself to ilcep;
While through the ragged roof and chinky walE,
Chill, o'er his slumbers, piles the drifty heap!
Think on the dungeon's grim conJine,
Where Cujk and poor Misfortune pine!
Guili, erring man, relenting view,
Bui shall thy legal ra^e ptirsue
I
i
POEMS AND SONGS 251
The wretch, aJrtady crush^ low
By crueJ Fonune's undeservM blow?
Affliciion's sons are broih^r^ in distress;
A brother to relieve^ how exquisiit the blissl"
I heard nae mairj for Chaniitleer
Shook off the i>ourhery snaw,
And hail'd ihe morning with :t cWeer,
A coiUye-ro using craw*
But Ji^ep rhis iruti^ imprc^sM my mmd —
Ttuo' all His works abroad,
The heari benevolent and kind
The mosc resemble 4 God.
SONG— YON WILD MOSSY MOUNTAINS
Yo>; wild mossy mountains sae lofry and wide.
That nurse in their bosom ihe youth o' Ehe Clyde,
Where the yrouse lead rheir coveys thro* the heather to fetd.
And the shepherd lends his llock as he pipes on bis rceth
Not Cowrie's rich valley^ nor Forih's sunny shores^
To me hae the charms o' yon wild, mossy moors;
For [heri:^ by a Jandy, sccjuestereJ itreamj
Besides a sweet lassie, my iKouyht and my dream.
Amang thac wild mountains shall $t\]\ be my path,
Elk stream foaming dowti its ain green, narrow sirath;
For therej wi' my lassie, the day iang [ rove,
While o'er us unheeded flie the swift hours o' love*
She is not (he faircsi, altho' she is fair;
O' nice education but sma^ is her share;
H^r prentage humble as hurnble can be;
But I lo'e the dear lassie because she lo^es me.
To Beauty what man but maun yield him a pri^e.
In her armour of gUnces^ and blushes, and sighs?
And when wir and refinement hae polish 'd her darts,
They dazzle our een, as they flic to our hearts.
252 J^OBJ-RT BURNS
But kinUnesSj sweet kindness, in the fond-sparklmg e'e,
Has lustres outshining tliL^ diamond to me;
And the hciirt bc^iting love as Tm clasp'd in her arms,
Oj the^e art^ my lassie's a Jl-con^ tiering charms!
ADDRESS TO EDINBURGH
Edina! Scoiia^s darling seall
All hail thy palaces and lowV$,
Whore once^ he neatly .i Monar<th'$ feet,
Sat Legislation's sovereign powVs:
From markinjj wildly scaitVed flowVS|
As on the banks of Ayr I sLray'd^
Aftd i^ingiog, lone^ rhe I^ngerinj; hours,
I sliellcr in ihy honoured shade.
Here Wealth still swells the golden tide,
As busy Tradt: his labours plies;
Theri; Archilccturiz'i i^ohie pride
Uids elegance and splendour ri^e;
Here Juiliee, from her native ikics^
High wields her bafancc and her rod;
There Learninc wirh his eagle eyes.
Seeks Science in hor coy abode.
Thy sonSj Edina, sociak tind^
With open arm$ the stranger hail;
Their view:* enbrg'd, their liberal mind,
Above llic narro^^^ rural vale:
Attcniivc still to Sorrow*s wail.
Or modest Mcrji's silent datm;
And never may rheir sources fai][
And never Envy bloc their namel
Thy daughters bright thy wa]t:s adorn,
Gay as ihe gilded summer sky^
Svireet as ihe dewy^ milk-white ihorn,
Dear as the laptur^d thrill of }oy[
Fair Burnet strikes ih* adoring eye^
Heaven's beauties on my fancy shine;
1 see rh^ Sire uf Love on high,
And own His work indeed divine!
POEMS AND SONGS 253
The^j watching high vhc least alarms^
Thy roiiyh, ruJ^ fyrirciS gleams .ifar;
Like Kome bold veitrnn^ grey m arm^^
And mark'd weiIi m.iny a seamy scar:
Tht^ pOEitlVoui wall ;ind mas^y bar,
Grim-nsing oVr the rugged rotk,
Have Dft wiihstood assailmg war.
And oft repeird iW Invader's shock.
With awe-sTruct thought, and pisyii^ii tears,
i view rhal nohlc^ stately DomCi
Whece Scoiia's kini;s of orhef ye^irSj
Fam'd heroes! had [heir roya! hotne:
AI^s^ bow chang'd ih^ times to coraeS
Their royal name low in the dusil
Thtir hapless race wild-wandVin^roaml
Tho' rigid Law cries out Was Jasr'
Wild beats my hearr to trace your steps,
Whos^ ancesiorSp in days ot yore,
Tliro' hostile ranks and ruined gaps
Old Scotia's bloody lion bore:
Ev'n I who sing in rustle lore,
Maply my Eirtfs have lnh their shed,
And fa^^'d grim Danger's loudest roar,
Bold-following where your fathers led!
Edinat Scotia's dading seat!
All bail ihy palaces and tow'rs;
Where once^ beneath a Monarches feet^
Sat Legislation's soverdgn powVs:
From marking wijdty-scauVed flow*rs^
As on ihe banks of Ayr 1 srray'd,
And singings lone, the lingering hours,
1 sbt^hcr in rhy honoured shade.
ADDRESS TO A HAGGIS
Fair fa' your honesE, sonsic face^
Great chieftain o the pudding-ra<:e|
Aboon ibem a' ye lak your place,
Painchj tripe^ or ihairm:
^54 ROBERT BURNS
Weel arc yn wordy o' a grace
As bng's my arm.
Th? groaning trencher ihere ye fill.
Your hurdles like a distant hiU^
Your pin wad ln?lp la mend a mlEI
In time o' need.
While ^hro' your pores the dews distil
Like amber ixad.
Hh knife ^ee rustic Labour di^ht.
An' cut you up wV ready slci^hi.
Trenching your pishing cnlraih briiiht.
Like any ditch;
And tbeil» O what a glorious sight.
Warm- reek in\ rich[
Then, horn for horn, they stretcb ail' strive:
Deil tak the hindmost! on they drive.
Till a' thejr weeUwaM'd kytes bclyve
Are bent like drums;
Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive,
Beihankit! hums.
T? there that owre hli French ragoift
Or oiio that wad siaw a sow.
Or jticars^ wad maktf her s^>ew
Wi' perfect sconner*
Looks down wi' sneering, scurnfu
On sic a dinner?
View
Poor devil! see him owre hi? trash.
As feckless ai a widier'd rash,
His spindle shank, a jjuld whip-lash^
His nicvc a nk;
Thro* blody flood or field lo dash,
O how unfit?
But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed.
The trembling earth resounds his tread.
I
POEMS AND SOXGS
Clap m his walic nitvc a Nadc^^
He n mak ii whissle;
An' legs an^arm&j ,Tn' hands will snej.
Like taps o' Thrissle,
Ye PowV?^ \^'ha mak mankind your care,
And dish ihcm out ^hdr bill o' farcr.
Aula ScoTJ:iTid wanis nae skinkinj; ware
Thai laups in lu^gjcs;
Eui, if yc wish her gratcfa' prayer
Gie her j haggisT
255
i
TO MISS LOtJAK, WITH liEATTlES POEMS
FOR A NEW-YEAR'S GIFT, JAN, 1, T7S7.
AcATS' the silent wheels o£ time
Their annual round have driven,
And you. tho' scarce in nuiden prime^
Arc so much nearer Heaven.
No gifis have I from Indian coxisrs
The inf,im yi^ar to haili
I send you more ihan India boasls,
!n Edwin's simple tale.
Our 5ex wirh guile^ and faithless love,
is cbarg'd, perhaps too true;
But may, dear maid, each lover prove
An Hd^^in sljll [oyau^
MR. WILLIAM SMELLIE-A SKETCH
Stipf.wD Willie Sm^llJe 10 Crochallan enme;
The old cock'd hat. The grey siirinm (he same;
His bristling beard just rising in lEs mightp
Twa5 four long nighis and days ro shaving mght:
His nncomb'd grii:^|y locks^ wild suring^ thatch'd
A head for thought profound and clear, unmatched;
Yei tho' his caustic wit was biiin^-mde,
His heart was warm^ benevolent, and qood.
256 ROBERT BURNS
RATTL1N\ ROARIN' WILLIE^
As J cJin by Crochallan,
I cjiiimtjt^ k^^kU ben;
Raul in', roiirti:' Willie
Was sittin at yon bootd-en*;
Sittifi at yon boortl-trn\
And amang gudc compance;
Rattllii'j roarin Willie,
You're welcome hame to me!
SONG-BONIE DUNDEE
My bles^m^s upon thy sv%'cct wee lippie!
My blessin's upon thy o'e-brie!
Thy smifes arc sae like my biytho iocfgcr laddie,
Tboti'sayc die dourer, anddeartjr to me[
But ni big a bowV on yon bonie banks, h
Whare Tay rins winipHn* by sae dearj
An' ril deed thee in ihe tartan sae fine,
And m=ik thee a man ]iko ihy duddi^^ dear^ J
EXTEMPORE IN THE COURT OF Si:S5lON ^
Tufic — ' 'Ki! I iecrankic-"
LoFD Advocate
He clenched his pamphlet In h:s fisi.
He quolcd and he hinted,
Til J, in a dedamai ion-mist,
Hts argumeni he tint il:
He gaptd for'r^ he graptid for':^
He [and it was awa^ man;
But what his common sense eanxc short.
He eked out wi' law, man.
Mr. Erskene
Collected s tiarry stood awee^
Then open'd out his arm, man:
1 William Duubarp AV. S.^ of the CrochalUii Fcndblcs, a convivial c|ab.
^ ^ ^^
r
POEMS AMD SONGS 257
His Lofdship sat wi' ruofu' e'e,
And ey'd che gathering siorm^ man:
Like wind-driven h^il Jt did ^ssail^
Or torrents owre a \\n, man:
The Be^cii sac wise, Ur^ up iheir eyes,
HalfAvauken'd wj' the dlnj man.
r
i
INSCRIPTION FOR THE HEADSTONE OF FERGUS-
SON THE POET'
[ No sculptured marbk her^^ nor pompous lay,
^ "Nd uorjtJ urn nor animareU bust;"
This simple stone directs pak Scotia's way,
L To pour her sorrows o'er ihe Poet's ^ust*
Additional Stanzas
1 She mourns, sweet tuneful youth, thy hapless fate;
Tho' 3LI the powers of song ihy fancy fired,
j* Yet Luxury and Wealth lay by in siaic^
\ And, thanklessj staTv'd what they so much admired.
^ This cribuiCj with a tear, now gives
A bfothtr BjrJ — he can no more beiEOT^^
But dear (o fame thy Song immortal lives,
A nd:»Ler mc^nument than Art can shew.
INSCRIBED UNDER FERGOSSON'S PORTRAIT
Cuftse on ungrateful man, that c^n be pleased^
And ycE can starve the author of the pleasure*
O thoUj my elder brother in misfortune,
By far my elder brother in ihe Muscs^
Wirh tears [ pUy thy unhappy fate!
Why is the Bard unpiried by iht^ wadd^
Yet has so keen a relish of its pleasures?
^Tht: se^cl^ lyjis erected at Burns 'j expense in Ftbru;iry-MarcEip 17B9.
258 ROBERT BURNS
EPJSTLE TO MRS. SCOTT
Gudewife of Wauchope-HouMj Roxburghshire*
r MIND i: wcel in early dale,
When I was l^rdli?ss, young, and blate^
An' fir^l could thresh the bam.
Or hand a yokin' ai the plcugh;
An' tho' forfoughten sair encughj
Yoi unco proud to Itarn:
M'hen firsi arnang the yellow corn
A man 1 reckoned wiXSj
An' wi' [he lave ilk merry morn
Could rank my ng and lasSp
5ull shearings and clearing
The liiher siooked raw^
Wi* claivers^ an* haiverSj
Wearing the day aua.
E^en ihen, a wish, (I mind Its powV),
A \vM>h that to my latest hour
Shall wrongly heave my breast, 5
Thar 1 for poor aulj Scoiland^s sake x
Some usefu" plan or hook could make,
Or sing a sang at least.
The rough burr-thistle^ spreading wide
Amang the bearded U^ir,
I turned [ht5 wceder-dips aside^
An' spared the symbol dear:
No nation, no station,
My envy e'er could raise;
A Scot still, buF blot stilly
I knew nae higher praise.
But still ihe elements o* s^ng^
In formless fumble, ^^S^i^ ^"* wrang,
Wild Hoaied in my br[iin;
'Till on thai har'ii I said before^
My partner in the merry core.
She roTjs'd the forming strain;
POEMS AND SONGS 259
I $ee her yetj the sonsie qucan^
That lighted up my jingle.
Her v/kching smile^ hci pawky een
Thai gari my heart-strings ringle;
I fired, inspired,
A[ every kindling keekp
But bashing, and dashing,
I feared aye to speak.
Health to the sex' ilk guid chiei iays:
Wi' merry dance in winter days.
An' we to share in common;
The gust o' joy, the batm of woe.
The Saul o' life, the htavon beiow\
h rapture-giving woman.
Ye stirly sumphs^ who hate the nan:^e.
Be mindfu' o' your mither;
She, honest ^voman^ may think shame
That yeVe connected with her:
Ye're wae men, ye're nae ta^n
That slight the lovely dears;
To shame ye^ disclaim ye^
Ilk honest birkle swears.
For yoUj no bred to barn and byre^
Wha sweetly tunc the Scottish lyre,
Thanks to you for your line:
The marled plaid ye kindly spare^
By mc sliould gritefuUy be ware;
'Twad please me to the nine,
rd be mair vauntie 0' my happ
Douc& hingin owre my curple,
Than ony ermine ever lap^
Oi proud imperial purple.
Farewell then, lang hale then,
An' plenty be your fa;
May losses and crosses
Ne'er at your halbn caM
R,BtJfLMS.
March., 171*7.
T
260
BOBERT BURNS
VERSES INTENDED TO BE WRITTEN BELOW A
NOBLE EARL^S PICTURE'
Whosie ts ihai noble^ Jaumle^sbrow?
And whose that eye of fire^
And who5c that generous princelv mienj
E*en rooted foes admire?
Sfranger! to ]\Aii[y show that brow^
And mark (hiit eye of fire^
Would take Hn hand, whoso vernal tints
His other works admire-
Bfi^jhl as a doudless summer sun,
Wtrh licarelv port Ik movei;
His guardian Seraph eye? wlih awe
The nobJe Ward he loves.
An:ionfi the iUu^rious Stouish sons
That t:hief rhou ftisy\t discyrn^
Mark Scotia's fond- returning eye,—
it dwells uponGEencsLrn.
PROLOGUE
Spoken by Mr. Wyods on his henefit-nighij Monday,
i6th Apri^, 1787.
W]r(;S^ by a generous Pubhc's kind acclfllnii
That dearesr meed is granted — honeai fame;
When here your favour is ihe actor's lot,
Nor even the man in private Itfe forgot;
What breast so dead to heavenly Vimie*5 glow^
But heaves impa^sion'd with ihe grateful ihroe?
Poor IS the task to please a barhVous ihrong,
It needs no Siddons' powers in Southern's ^ong;
Jiut here an andtnt nation^ fam'd aEaf,
For geniuSj learning highj as greac in war.
Hailj CaledoniAj name for ever dear!
Before whose sons Pin honoured 10 appear?
.V
POEMS AND SOKCS 26t
\^'lwrc every science, every nobEer artp
That can inform ihc mind or mend the heart,
h known; as graceful nauons oft have £ound,
Far as the ruJe h^irbarLtn m:^rk5 ihe bound.
Philosophy^ no idle pedant drc^m.
Here holds her search by hcaven-iaughi Reason^s beatn;
Here History pamis vviih elcsj^ncc and force
The [ide of Hmpire^s fiuciuaiing course;
Hea? DouE:la5 iorm$ wild Shuk*;sp*>are into pi a n^
And Harlcy rouses all ihe God in man-
M^hen well-fofjii'd Liste and sparklhiq wiE unite
With manly lore, or female beauty bright,
(BeautVn where Jauklcss symmetry and grace
Can only ciiarm uj in the second place)*
Wiincis my heartn ho^v oEr with pLiminLi teari
Ai on this night, Pvt met these judges hereT
But siil! ihe hope Experience taught to live,
Equal to judj;! — yoiiVe candid to forgive^
No han^^lred-headetl riot hero we meet*
Wi[h decency and law bcneaih his feel;
Nor Insolence as^umi^^ f:iir Freedom ^s n.ime:
Like Caledonians, you applaud or blaine,
O Thou, dread Po^verl whose empire-giving hat^d
Has oft been ^rreichj to shield ihe honoured land I
Strong may she glow with all her ancient ftre;
May e^'Cfy son be v^'orthy of his sire;
Firm may she rise, wiih generous dizain
At Tyranny Vj or direr Pleasure's £:hain;
Stifl Self-de|wndent in her native shore,
Bold may she hrave ^rim D3nj;t=r's loudest roar^
Till Fate ihe curtain drop on worlds to be no more,
THE BONIE MOOR-HEN
The heather was blooming, the meadows were mawn.
Our lads gried a-hunting ae day at the dawn,
O er moors and o'er ino^es and ntony a glenj
At lengrh they discovered a bonie moor-hen,
Choms. — I rede you^ beware at the h'jnting^ young men^
1 icde yuu^ beware ac the huntingj young menj
I
.1
1
262
ROBERT BURNS
Take some on ihe wing^ and some a5 they spring,
Bui cannily steal on a bonie moor-hen.
Sweet-brushing the dew frorn the brown heaihcr bells
Her colours beiray'd her on yan moisy fells;
Her plurnage oudusir'd the pride o' die spring
And O! as she wanton'd sae gay on the wmgr
1 rede you, &c-
Auld PhtEbus himself, as he peepy o^;r the hil!,
In spite ai her pEumage he tri^d his skill;
He jeveird his r^iyi where slie hask'd on [he brae —
His rays were outshone, and bul mark'd where she lay.
I rede you, &c.
They hunted the valley, ihcy hunEed the hill,
The best of our lads wi' the best o' their still;
But ^[jII 35 ihe fairesc she sas in their sightp
Then^ whirr! she was over, a mile at aHight^
I rede you, &C*
4 4* * * t I
t
!
-J
SONG-MY LORD A^HUNTING \
Chorus. — Mv lady's gown, there's gairs apon't,
And gowden flowers sae rare upon't; ^ j
But Jenny^s jimps and jirkinetp
My lord thinks meiklc mair upon^L
My lord a-hunting he is gane,
But hounds or hawks wi* him are nane;
By Coltn'5 cottage lies his game^
If Colin*s Jenny be at bame,
My lady's gown, ficc.
My lady*s white, my lady's red,
And kich and kin q* Cassillis^ blude;
But her ten-pund lands o* tocher ^ude;
Were a' the charms his lordship lo^ed.
My lady^s gown^ &c.
i
POEMS AND SONGS 263
Our o*er yon muir, out o'er yon moss,
Wharc gor-cucki rhro' the heaihcr pss,
There wuiis auld Colin's bonic lais,
A JiLy in a wilderness.
My lady's gown, &C.
SaE sweetly move her gcnty limhs^
Like mu^ic notes o' loi'ers' hymns:
The diamond-dew in her een sac dlue,
Where bughinii love sae waiiion ^svim^.
My lady^s yown, Uc.
My lady^s dink^ my lady'^ drcst.
The flower and fancy o' the wesc;
Bei[ tlie las$ie [hat a man io'es lie?t,
O that's the lass to mak him ble^t.
My lady's gown, &c.
EPIGRAM AT ROSLIN INN
My bkfisinyi on ye, honest wile!
I ne'er was here before;
Ye've wealth q' gear fo7 spoon and knife —
Kear^ could not wish for moren
Heaven keep you dear o^ sturt and strife^
Till f[ir ayoni fourscore^
And while I toddle on ihro* lifcp
Til ne'er gae by your door!
EPIGRAM ADDRESSED TO AN ARTIST
De^b. J Vl\ gie ye same advice.
You II tak ir no uncivil:
You shouldna paint ai angels mair,
But try and paint the devil.
To paint an AngcFs kittTe wark,
Wi* Mick, there*? little danger:
Vqu'U e35y draw a lang-kent face^
But no we weel a stranger. — R* B.
264 KOBERT BUKNS
THE BOOK-WORMS
Thbouch and through ih' inspired leaves.
Ye maggots, make your windings^
But O rcipfci hia loTtlship's la^te,
And spar? his golden bLfidings-
ON ELPHINSTONE'S TRANSLATION' OF
MARTIAUS EPIGRAMS
O THOU whom Poetry abhors,
Whom Pro^e hm turntd out of doors^ j
Heard'il rhou yon groan? — proceed do further^ ;
'Twas laureJ'd Marcial cailmg murUier, ,
SONG-A BOTTLE AND FRIEND 1
f
There's rtani? That's bfw! ftf hmnnn kind, ■
iSut llnj cbttrful and iht; ^^ay^ man, i
HKft£*5 a bocile and an horicst fdend!
What wad ye wish for m:iirp man? \
Wha kcnSj before his life may endj
What his share may be o* care^ man?
ThcEi inarch the moments as ihey fly^
And use them as ye oughl^ min:
Believe me^ happiness is shy.
And comes not aye when sought^ man.
LINES WRITTEN UNDER THE PICTL'RE OF
THE CELEBRATED MISS liURNS
CeasEj ye prudes^ your envious railings
Lovely Burns has charms — confess:
True it isj she had one failings
Had a woman ever less,'
J
POtMS AND SONGS
EPITAPH FOR WILLIAM NICOL, OF THE
HIGH SCHOOL, EDINBURGH
Yx maggots, feed on Nicura bram,
For few sic feasts you've goElen;
And fix your daws id Nicol's heait^
Fdt deil a bit o't's rotten,
EPITAPH FOR MR. WILLIAM MICHIE
Schoolnja^ter of Clejsh Parish, Fifeshire.
Here lie Willie Michie's banes;
O Saiyn, when ye tak him,
Gie him ike schulin o' your weans,
For dt:ver deils he'll mak ihemi
BOAT SONG— HEY, CA' THRO'
Up wi' [he corfs o' Dysart,
And the ]jds o" Buck haven.
And the kimmeis o' Largo,
And the la$se$ o' Jjivcn,
Ckoru!. — HeVs cj' (lira', ca' ihro\
For we hae muckle ado.
Hey, ca' thro', ca' ihro',
For Ave hae muckle ado;
We hae talcs to tell,
An" wc hae sangs to sing;
We hae pennies lae spend*
An* we hae pints to bring.
Viii^j ca' thro*, £<c.
We'll liie a* oui days,
And them that comes behin'.
Lei them do the like,
An' spend the gear they win.
Hey, ca' ihro', Slc.
265
266 ROBERT BURNS
ADDRESS TO WM. TVTLER, ESQ.. OF
WOODHQUSELEE
With an Impression of the Authors Portrait.
Reveled defender of b&auf(?ou5 Stuart,
Of Stuartj a nameonee respeeled;
A name, which to Jove was the mark ot a true hearC,
But aow 'tis di^5p]:>6 and ne^kcreU^
Tho' something [ike moisture conglobes in my eye^
Let no one misdeem xtK disloyal;
A poor Eriendk:>s svand'rer may well elaim a ^ighp
Still more if that wand'r<:r were rovah
My Esthers that name ha^■e re\er'd on a throne:
My fathers have faden to right it;
Those J^alhers ^ould spurn their dejjt^nerate son.
That name should he scoffingly slight ir*^
Still in prayers for Kin^ George ! niosi ht;ir[ily join*
The Queen, and iKe] rest of rht gentry;
Be rhey wise^ be they foolish, i^ nothing of mine:
Their tillers avow'd by my country.
But why of that epocha make such a fuss.
That gave us th' Electoral stem? J
If bringing them over was lucky for us^
Tm iure *lwas a^ lucky for them-
Buti loyalty^ truce! wcVe on dangerous ground;
Whu knovvi how the bshions may aker^
The doctrine, to-day, that is loyalty sound.
To-morrow niay bring us a halter!
I ^end you a triile^ a head of a bard,
A trifle scarce worthy your care;
Bur accept it, good Sir, as a mark of regardp
Sincere as a sainE^s dying prayer,
Now lifers chilly evening dim shades on vour eye.
And ushers the long drcarv night:
POEMS AND SONGS 267
EuE yoUj like ihc siar that athwart gilds die sky,
Your course to the laiesc 15 bright,
EPIGRAM TO MISS AlNSLlE IN CHURCH
Who was looking up the tej[E during sermon,
F^iw miiid. yo\i need not lake (he hintj
Nor idle lexis pursue:
"Twiis ijuiiiy sinners thai he nieantj
!^nl Angels such as you.
BURLESQUE LAMENT FOR THE ABSENCE OF
W]LUA\3 CREECH, PUBLISHER
Al LP chtickie Rctfkie's^ sait Ji^iresr,
Down droops her jinc*^ weel burnished crest,
Nae joy her Uoni^ buskit nest
Can yield ava.
Her dulling bird ihai she lo^es best — ^
Willie's awal
O WiJlie was a wiitj^ wightj
And had o' things an unco* sleighij
Auld Reekie aye he kecpii tight^
And trig an' btaw:
But now They'll busk her like ji fnght, —
Willie's awal
The 5tifTe5E 0' [hem a* he bo^v*d.
The baiildesr o* rhrni a' he cow'd;
They durst xiae mait ihan he aJlowM,
Thai was a law:
We've Io5r a birkie weel worth gowd;
Willie's awa!
Now gawkiGS, tawpies, gowks and fooJs,
Frae ccJIeges and Iwiirding schools,
May sprout like simmer pyddock-siools
In glen or shaw;
He wha could brush them down to mooU —
Willie's awa!
4
268 ROBERT BURNS
The brethren o' rhe Commerce-chaumer
May nioiim their los* wi' d<:ioStu' clamour;
He was a dictionar and grammar
Among ihcin jj\
i fcRr they'll now mak mony a stammer;
Wilh[f'$ awa!
Nae mair we see hSs lovee door
Philosaphfifs and poei:^ poufj
And loothy critics by iJil^ icorCj
In Lploody rawl
The adjuEanE o' a' the core—
WillkM aiva!
Now worthy Gregory^s LatLn face^
Tyffcr's and Grecntield's mode^i gra^re;
Mackenzie^ Stewari, such a brace
As Ron?t n!?'er s^\v\
They a' maun mcci sojne iiUer placj^
Willie's awa!
Poor Burns ev'n ScouL Drink canna quicken^
lie cheeps like some bewildered chicken
Scar'd fiae if s minnie and the deckiix.
By hoodie-craw;
Griefs gien hi^ heart an unco kickin^
WLUie^s awa!
Nou' ev'ry sour-mou'd j;^irnin blellum*
And Calvin's folk, are lit to fell him;
Ilk self-conceited critic skeUum .i
Ht5 quill may draw; -f
He wha could brawUe ward their belluin — ^
Willie ^sawa! ^
Up wimpUng stately Tweed Tve sped.
And Eden scenes on crystal Jed,
And Ectrick banks, now roaring red,
While tcmpe^t^ blaw;
But every }oy and pleasure's fled^
Willie's awa!
POtMS AND SONGS
May T be Slander's cornmon speech;
A ifiKT for Jiifjimy lo preach;
And laslly^ strcckit out Co bleach
In winter snavv;
When I forget thee, WitLTt Creech,
Tho' far awal
May never wicked Fortune tousle himt
May never wicked men bamboozle hitn!
Untit ^ pow a^ raid's Meihusalcm
He canty claw!
Then to die blessed new Jerusaknij
Fleet wii^j awal
NOTE TO MR. RENTQN OF LAMERTON
Your billet, Sir^ I grant receipt;
Wi' you Til canter ony gate,
Tho' ^Iwere a trip to yon blue wad^,
Whare birkies march on burning mad!
Hien, Sir, God willing, I'll attend ye,
And to his goodness f commend ye,
R, ButNS*
269
ELEGY ON "STELLA"
The following poem is the work of same hapless son of the Muses who
'deserved a better fatc^ There is a great deaJ of "The voice of Cona" in
ni^ 5olJt3ry, mournful iJote5; and had the sentiments been clothed in
Shenstone's language, they would have been no discredit even to that
elegarfct poet,— K, B-
Stbatt \% the spot and green the sod
From whence my sorrows flow;
Ajid soundly sleeps the ever dear
Inhabitant below.
Pardon my transport, gentle shade,
While o'er the turf I bow;
Thy earthly house 15 circumscribed,
And sf^irary now.
. A
^
2J0 ROBERT BURNS
Not one poar siyne to tctl thy naine^
Or make thy virtue known:
But u'har avails lo me — ro rheey
The sculpture of a stone?
m sii me down upon ihis luifj
And wipe the rising tear:
The chjii blast paj>^s swifdy by^
And Ilil5 around ihy bi^r.
Dark is ihe dwelling of tht^ Deadj
And s^id their hou&e of rest:
Low hes the head, by Death's coid arms
In awful fold cmbrac^d^
I saw the grim Avenger stand
Incessj^ni by thy side;
Unsc^en by thte, his deadly breath
Thy lingering frame destroyed,
Pa]e grew the roses on thy ^hcek,
And withered was ihy bloom.
Till ihc slow poison brought thy youth
Untimely to the tomb-
Thus wasteJ arc the ranks of men —
Youth, Health, and Beamy tall;
Tl^e Ruhless ruin spreads around,
And overwhelms \is alh
Behold whercs round ihy narrow house,
The graves unnumbered Jic;
The muUicude chat sleep below
Existed but to die.
Some^ witli the rottpfing sreps of Age,
Trod down the darksome way;
And 5ome, in youth's lamented primej
Like thee were torn away:
1
POEMS AXD SONGS
Vet these, however hard their fate,
Hieir native earth receives;
Amid lUeir weeping friends tkiey died,
And fill their fjithers' graven*
From ihy lovM friends^ when first thy heart
W:is [aught by Hcav'n to glow,
Far, Car fcmov'd, the ruthless stroke
Surprised and laid thee low.
At the last limits of our isle.
Washed by cfie western wave,
Touched by thy tatCp a thoughtful bard
Sits lonely by thy grave.
Pensive he eyes, before him spread
The d*^ep^ outsEretch'd and vait;
His rfiourning notes are borne away
Along [he r^pid blast-
And while, amid [he silent EJead
Thy hapless fate he mourns,
His own long sorrows freshly bleeds
And all hii gdef returns;
Like [hee, cut o(T in early youth^
And flower of buauty's pride^
His friend, his first and only joy,
His much lov'd SEella, died.
Hinij toOj the stern impulse of Fate
Rcsisdesa bears along;
And the same rapid tide shall w-htlm
The PoeE and the Song*
The tear of pity which he shedsp
He a^ks not to receive;
Let but his poor remains be laid
Obscurely in the grave-
271
k..
272 ROBERT BURNS
His grief' worn hcan. wiih iruesi ^oy,
Shall mKi I he wekome shock:
His airy harp shall he unstrung,
And silent on rhc rock.
O, my dtar maid, my Stella, when
Shall rhis sick period dose.
And Icid the solitary bard
To his bdov'd repose?
THE BARD AT INVERARY
Who^'ep he be that soiourns here,
1 pity much his case.
Unless he comes id wait upon
The Lord llidr God, His Grace.
There^s naeihing here but Highland pride,
And Highland scab and hunger 1
If Providence has ^enl me here,
Twas sureJj in liJi anger,
EPIGRAM TO MISS JEAN SCOTT
O HAD each Scot of ancient hmes
Been, leanie Scolt, as thou art;
The bravest heart on English ground
Had yidded like a coward,
ON THE DEATH OF JOHN M'LEOD, ESQ,
Brother to a young Lady, a particular frientj of the Author's.
Sad thy tale, thou idle page,
And rueful thy alarms:
Death tears the brother of her love
Fron^ Isabella's arms.
Sweetly deckr with pearly dew
The morning rose may blow;
But cold successive noonride blasts
May lay its beauties low.
POEMS AND SONGS 273
Fair on JsabeUa's morn
The sun propitious smiVd;
But, long ere noonj succeeding clouds
Succeeding hopes beguird*
Faie oft teaf s the bawrn cKords
That Maiure finest strung;
So fsabdla'5 hejirc was form'd^
And io [h;it heart was wf ung-
Drcad Omnlponencc a!onc
Can heal the wound he gave —
Can point ihe brimful griet-worn eyes
To scenes beyond the gravc-
Vjrrue's bJosson^s there shall blow,
And fear no withering blasC;
There Isabella's spotless worth
Sh^ll happy be at East^
ELEGY ON THE DEATH OF SIR JAMES
HUNTER BLAIR
The lamp of day, with ill-presaging glare,
Dim, doudy, ^nk beneaih the wesioin wave;
Th* inconstant blast howVd thro' the darkening air^
And hollow whiided in the rocky cave.
Lone as I wandered by each cliff and dell,
Once the lov^ haunts of Scutia^s royal train;*
Or mus'd where limpid streams, once halfcowM well,*
Or mould'ring ruins mark the sacred fane*'
Th' increasing blast roarM round the beeding rocks*
The clouds 5wi£t-wing'd flew oW the starry skv,
The groaning trees untimely shed their locks,
And shooting meteors caught ihe starded eye*
LTht KiiTRi Park, at Holyrood Hotue.— K. B.
■Sl AniKony's iacII— R. B. 'St. Arnbooy's Chapel.— S, B.
274 liOBERT BUKNS
The paly moon rose in the livid easl-
And mong the cliJls disdos'd a srately form
In weeds of woe, ihal frantic beat her breast.
And mix'd h^r wailings with [he raviQg storm.
Wild to my heart the filial puEses glow,
'Twa$ Caledonia's trophted shield 1 view*d;
Her foriTt majestic droop'd in pensive woe^
The lightning of her eye in tears imbued.
Reversed that spcar^ redoubEable in war,
Rechned that banner, erst in fields unfurl'd.
That like a dtalhlnl meteor jjleam'd afar^
And brav'd the mighty ittonarchs of rhe world*
"My patriot son fills an untmiely grave!"
With accents wild and lified arms she eried^
"Low lies the han<f that oft was srretth*d to iave,
how lies the hcarr that swelled with honest pride^
"A weeping country joins a widow^s tear;
The helpless poor mix with the orphan's cry;
The drooping arts surround their patron's bier;
And grateful science heave:^ the heartfelt sighl
"I saw my ."Sons resume their ancient fire;
I saw fair Freedom's blossoms richly blowi
But ah! ho\v hope is bom but to expire!
Relendess fate has laid [[^cir guardian low,
"My patriot falls: but shall he lie unsung^
While empty greatness saves a worthless name?
No; every muse shall join h<;r tuneful tongue,^
And future ages hear his growing fame.
"AJid I will join a mother's lender careSp
Thro' future times to make his virtues last;
That distant years may boast of other BlairsT' —
She saidi and vanished with the sweeping blasts
POEMS AND SONGS
275
IMPROMPTU ON CARRON IRON WORKS
We cam na here lo view your ^V3J■KSJ
In hopes lo be niair wise.
Bur onfy^ losi we gang to hell,
h snay Ik nae surprise;
But when we ttrVd at your Joor
Your porter dought na hear us;
Sae Ttiayj ^hou'd we to Hell's yctts come^
Your billy Sar^n sair usl
TO MISS FERRIER
Enclosmg the Elegy an Sir J- H. Blair.
Nae heathen n^ime shall I prefix,
Frac Pindus or Parnassus;
Auld Reekie dingi ihem a' to sticks^
For rhyme-inspiring bsscs.
Jove*s (untfu^ dochters three times tbie«
Made Homer deep their debtor;
But, gicn the body hali an e'e^
Nine Ferriers wad done bciierl
Last day my mind was in a bog,
Down George's Sueet 1 scoited;
A crecpinj! c^iuld prosaic fog
My very lenses doited.
Do what I dought to set her free,
My saul lay tn the mire;
Ye lurned a neuk — I saw your e'a—
She took the wing hke firel
The mournfu' sang 1 here enclose^
In gratitude 1 send you^
And pi3yj in rhyme as wee! as prose,
A' glide things may attend you]
?:v
-1
276 ROBERT BURNS
WRITTEN BY SOMEBODY ON THE WINDOW
Of an Inn at Stirling^ on seeing the Royal Palace in ruin^
Here Sttiarw once in glory reigned,
And laws lor Sco^Und's weal ordained"
Bin now unrnot'd their palace sEands^
Their seepire's sway*d hy other hands;
Fallen indeed, and lo the earth
Whence grovehng repliJes take their birth-
The injured Stuart hne is gone^
A race oudandish fills their ihronc;
An idioE races to honour lost;
Who know ihem be$r despise ihcm niosc,
THE POET'S REPLY TO THE THREAT OF A
CENSORIOUS CRITIC
My imprudent lines were answered, very pelulanllyp by ^cmehody^ I
btheve, a Rev, Mr. Haj::Lilton. In a MS-, wht=re I met the answer^ J wrote
belo\^ : —
\ - -
With Esop's lion, Burns says: Sote J fee!
Each othei*s scorn, but tlamn that ass's hed!
THE LIBELLER'S SELF-REPROOF'
R\5n mortal and slanderaus poer, thy name
Shall nu locigtr appear in iht rtcoids of Fame; j
Dost not knou' rliai old ManiBeld, who writes like the Bible, ;
Says, tliL' more 'lis a irulh, air, [he more 'ds a libelf l
VERSES WRITTEN WITH A PENCIL
Over the Chimney-piece in the Parlour ot the Inn al Kenmore,
Taymoulh.
Admiring Nature in her wildest grace,
Thew norihern scenes wifh weary feet I trace;
O'er many a winding dale and painful steep,
Tb' abodes of covey'd grouse and timid sheep,
' ThcM are chymes of dubioUi 3uibenUcLt>'. — Lang.
POEMS AND SONGS 277
My savage journey^ curious^ 1 pursue,
Till fam'd Brcadalbane opens to my view, —
The m^Mzting ctiffs each deep sunk glen divides,
The woods wild scaiier'd, clonhc iheir ample side^;
Th' outstretching kke, imbosomed ^mong ihe hills,
The eye with wonder and ama^rCment fills;
TheTay meand'ring sweet in inf3n[ pride,
Tht palace rising on his verdant iide.
The lawns u'cxsd- fringed in Nature's native taste^
The hillocks dmpi in N:^ture's careless hasie.
The archies j^Cnding o't^r [ht= new-born slreanij
The village flittering in the noantide beam—
■ •*«•«
Poetic ardours in my bnsom swcll^
Lone nandVin;; by the hermit's mossy cell;
The sweep in j; theatre oE hanging woods,
Th* incessant roar of headlong tumbhng floods—
* t • • _ • __ •
Here Poesy might wake h^^r heav*n-taugKt lyre,
And imk through Nature with creative fire;
Flere, to the wrongs of Fate half reconcil'd,
Mi^£fjrtunc$ lightened steps might wander wild;
A»d Disappointment J in these loriely bounds,
Find balm to soothe her bitter, rankling wounds:
Here heart-struck- Grief n:^ight heav'nward itrcich her
[scan,
And injured Worth forget and pardon mann
SONG—THE BIRKS OF ABERFELDY
CAofWJ.—Boriie lassie, will ye go^
Will ye gOy will ye go,
Bonie lassie^ will ye go
To the birks of Aberfeldy!
Now Simmer blinks on flowery braes,
And o^er the crystal streamlets plays;
Come let us spend the lightsome days^
In the birks of Aberfddy-
Bonie lassie^ s^c.
278
HOBERT BURNS
While oef thflir heads rhe hazels hing,
The litde birdies blyihely sLny^
Or lighlly flil on wanton wing.
In ihe birks of Abtr[ddy*
Bonic Jassie^ &c.
The braes a$cend like lofty wa's,
The foacning stream deep-roaring b's,
O'erhung wi' fragrant i^preadmg sbaws^-
The birks of Aberfeldy,
Bonie lassie, fee.
The ho:iry difFs are crownM wi* fiaivers.
White o'er the linns the bumie pours,
And rising, weets wT misty showers
The b]rk5 of Abcrfcldy,
Bonie UsEie^ £cCh
Let Fortune's gifts at random flee.
They ne'er shalt draw a wish frae me;
Supremely blest wi' love and thee.
In [he birks of Aberfeldy-
Bonie lasfiLe, Slc.
THE HUMBLE PETITION OF BRUAR WATER
To [he noble Duke of Athole.
My lord, I know your noble ear
Woe ne'er assails in vain;
Emboldened tbus, I beg you'll hear
Your humble slave complain.
How saucy Phcebus' scorching beams,
Jn flammjj summer-pridcp
Dry- withering^ waste my foamy screams,
And drink my crystal tide.*
The hghdy-jumping, glowrin' trouts.
That thro' my wafers play,
Tf, in ibeir random, wanton spouts,
They near the margin stray;
■ Kruar F^IIst in Atholcb ^rc esLwdin^^Jy picturesque and beautiful; but ihtir cl
U frtudi imp^iircd by the wain qI imut and thnjbs. — K. B,
POEMS AND SONGS 2^9
Ifj h^pF^^s chance! chcy linger lang,
i^m scorching up so shalJowj
Thty Ve Jcfi the whitenmg smnei amang^
In gasping death EO wallow.
Last day I grat wi* spite and tten^
As poet Burns came by,
That J to a bard, I should be seen
wr hal£ my ch^icinel <}ry[
A panegyric rhyme, I ween,
Ev'n as I waSp he shor'd me;
But had I in my glorv been.
He, kneeling, wad ador'd me^
Here, foaming down the skelvy rocks,
in twisting strengFh I rin;
There, high my boiling torrent smokes^
Wild-roaring o'er a linn:
Enjoying each large spring and well,
As Nature gave them me,
I am, dtho* I s3y\ mysel^j
Worth gaun a mile to see-
Would then rny noble mailer please
To grant niy highest wishes,
He'U shade my banks wi' towVing trees,
x^nd bonie spreading bushes*
Delighted doubly then, my lord,
You1! wander on my banks,
And listen mony a grateful bird
Return you tuneful thanks^
The sober lavVotk, warbling wild.
Shall ta the skies aspire;
The gowdspink. Music's gayest child^
Shall sweedy join the choir;
The blackbird strong, [he lincwhite clear,
The mavis mild and mellow;
The robin pensive Autumn cheer,
In all her locks of yellow.
.1
28o
ROBERT BURNS
This, too, 3 covert shall ensure,
To shield them from the siorm;
And coward m auk in deep secure,
Low in her grassy form;
Here shall the ihepherd make his scat.
To weave hi^ truwn of fiovt'ri;
Or find a shelt'rinj", safe rctrenl,
From prone-descending show'r5-
And hercj by sweet, endearing stealth,
Shall meet the loving pair,
Despising world*, wiih all their wealth,
A? empty idle care;
The flow'rs shall vie in all their charms,
The hour of hcav'n lo grace:
And birks extend theii fragrant arm*
To screen the dear embrace.
Here haply too, at vernal dawnj
Some musing byrd may stray,
And eye the smoking, dewy lawu.
And misty mountain grey;
Or, by the reaper's nightly beani^
Mild-chi-q lie ring thro' the irees^
Rave lo my darkly dashing stream,
Hoar.'^e-s welling on the hreeie.
Let lofly Rrs, and ashe^ cool,
My lowly hanks o'erspread,
And view, deep-l^jnding in the jiocil,
Their shadows' watVy bed:
Let fragrant birks, in woodbines drest.
My craggy cli^s adorn;
And. for the little songster's nest,
The close embow'ring [horn.
So may old Scotia's darling hope,
Your btlle angel band
Spring, like their fathers, up to prop
Their hononr'd native land!
POEMS AND SONGS 28 1
So may» ihro' Albion's farthest ken,
To social-flowing glasses.
The grace be — "AthoJe's honest men,
And Athole*s bonie lasses!"
LINES ON THE FALL OF FYERS
Near Loch-Ness.
Wiiiien wiih 1 Pencil on the SpoL
Among the heathy hills and ragged uoods
The roaring Fyers pours hJ5 mossy floods;
Till full he dashes on rhe rocky mounds^
Where, thio' a shapeless breach, his stream resounds.
As high in air the bursting lovrents Row,
As deep recoiling surges foarn below,
Prone down the rock the whirening sheet descends^
And viewless Echoes ear, astonished, rends.
Dim-seen, through rising mists and ceaseless sho^vVs,
The hoary cavern, wide surrounding lours:
Still thro' the gap the struggling rivei loiU,
And still, befow, the horrid cauldron boils —
*l ■ • m ■ ■•
EPIGRAM ON PARTING WITH A KIND HOST
IN THE HIGHLANDS
WiiEW Death's dark stream I ferry o*er,
A rime that surely shall come.
In Heav'n itself I'll ask no more,
Than just a Highland welcome.
STRATHALLAN-S LAMENT'
Thickest night, o'erhan^; my dwelliagi
Howling tempests, o'er me raveJ
Turbid torrents, wintry swelling,
Roaring by my lonely caveJ
'Burn! confesses that his JaCfbilhm wjs merely sentimenlal "eicept when my
pauLons ivere heiiied Ir^ som? accidcnial cau^e," and a lour Through ih<? couimy
where MontroM, ClaverhouiPT Jnd Prince CharFcLi had fought, was cjuse enouEh-
ETrsthdUjn fell gloriously at Cullodetl, — Lang.
.J
282
ROBERT BURNS
Crystal streamlets gendy flowmgj
Busy haunts of base mankind^
Wesiern breezes softly bio wing,
Suil not my distracted mind-
In the cause of Right engaged,
Wrongs m)urious to redrtSSj
Honour's war wc strongly waged.
But ihe Heavens denied success*
Ruin's wheel has diiven oer us,
Noi a hope ihac dar4^ ^itend.
The wide world is all before us—
But a world without a friend*
CASTLE GORDON
Stu^ams that glide in orient plains.
Never bound by Winicr^j chains;
Glowing here On golden sands^
There immix'd with fottfest arains
From Tyranny^s empurpled bands;
These^ rheir richly gleaming waveSj
J leave lo tyrants and rheir slaves;
Give me the stream [hai sweedy laves
The banks by Casde Gordon.
Spicy forests, ever gny^
Shading from the burning ray
Hapless wretches sold to toil;
Or the ruthless native^s way.
Bent on slaughter, bloody and spoils
Woods that ever verdant wave,
T leave the tyrant and the slave;
Give me the groves that lofty brave
The storm 5 by Casde Gordon.
Wildly here, without control,
Nature reigns and rules the wholes
In diat sober pensive mood^
Dearest to the feeling soul,
She plants the loiest^ pour& the Hood;
POEMS AND SONGS 283
Life's pool day Til musing rave
And Unil at night a sheltering cave^
Where waters flow and vjild woods wave,
By bonie Casde Gordon.
SONG—LADY ONLIH, HOXEST LUCKY
Tune—'Tbc Ruffian's RaoC
A' THE lads o' Thorniebank,
When they gsz iq the shore o' Buck/,
Tiii:y'l] step in an' tak a pint
Wj^ Lady OnJie, honest Lucky.
Choi Hi- — Lady Onhc, honest Lucky,
Brewi gude ale at shore o' Bucky;
J wish her sale for her gudc ale^
The best on a' the shore o' Bucky.
Her house sac bicn, her curch sae dean
I wa! she is a daimic 4:hut:kie;
And cheery blinks the ingle-gleed
O' Lady Oniiej honest Lucky!
L^dy OnJie^ &c.
THENIEL MENZIES^ HOME MARY
/Jjr— The Eufllan s R^nt/' or ^ Roy* Wife''
I In comin by the brig o' Dyep
' Ai Darlt^t we s blink did farry;
) As day was dawnin in ihe sky^
We drank a h^Lih to bonie Mary,
CAc?r^j".— Thenlel Menzies^ bonk Mary,
Tlienie! Menztcs" bonie Mary,
Charlie Grigor linC his plaidie,
Ki^in^ Theniel's bonic Mary.
Hef een sae bright, her brow sac white,
Her haflec lotks 35 brown's a berry;
And aye ihey dimprt wT a smile^
The rosy cheeks o' bofrie Mary.
Theniel Menzies' bonie Mary, &c.
284
ROBERT BURNS
We lap a' danced the !ee-lang day^
Till piper lads were wae and weary;
Bui Charlie gat ^hc spring to pay
For kis^in Thonid'a bonie Mary.
Theniel Menzics' bonic Mary» &c.
THE BONIE LASS OF ALBANY'
Twff^ — "Mary'i Drtam."
Mv heart is wac, and unco wae,
To think upon [he ragtng sea,
TEi^E roars between her gard^^ns green
An^ the bonie Lass o[ Albany.
This lovely maid's of royal blood
Thai rul£d Albion's kingdoms three.
But oh, alas! for h^f bonie face^
Thcjy've wrang'd the Lass of Albaay,
Jn the rolling tide of spreading Clyde
Tlierc sits an isle of high degree.
And 3 town of fame whow princely name
Should grace the Lass of Albany.
Bui there's a youth, a wiiless yomh.
That fills the place where she should be;
We'll send him o*tr 10 his naTivc shore^
And bring our ain sivect Albany.
Alas the day, and woe the day,
A false usurper wan the gi"ee,
Whci now commands tht lowers and lands-
The royal right of Albany-
Well daily pray, we^ll nighily pray^
On bended knees most fervencly,
The time may comCp with pipe an' drum
We'll welcome hame fair Albany.
^ Natural daughu^ cf Priiue Chvlf^ £{[waid.
POEMS AND SONGS 285
ON SCARING SOME WATER-FOWL IN
LOCH-TURIT
A wild scene among the Hills of Oughccrtyre.
"This wa^ tlic pioduction of a solitary forenoon 'i walk from Oughier-
lyrc Houst- ] Jived ihetc, ihc guest of Sir William Murray, iat iwo or
ihrac weeks, and was much Hattcrcd by my hospiinble lecepEion- What
a piiy thai the mere emotions of grpCitudL' are so impoieni in ihis world.
Tis lucky [hat, as we arc told, ihey will be of some avail in the world
10 come."— J^. B., GUmiddetl MSS.
Whv, ye tenants of the lake,
For me your wat'ry haunt forsake?
Tell me, fcUow-creaturyii^ why
At my presence thus you lly?
Why disturb your social joys,
Parent, iilial. kindred ties? —
Common friend to you and me,
Nature's gifts to all ale fteei
Peaceful keep your dimphng wave,
Eusy feed, 01 wanton Jave;
Or, beneath the sheltering rock.
Bide the surging billow's shock.
w
Conscious, blushing for our race,
Soon^ too loon^ your fears I trace-
Man, your proudj usurping foe^
Would be lord of all below:
Plumes himself in freedom's pride.
Tyrant sCern to ^ll beside,
Thfi eaglCi from the cliffy browj
Marking you his prey be^ow,
In his breasi no piiy dwells^
Strong necessity compels:
But Man, to whom alone is S'"^*"
A ray duoct from pitying Heav'n,
Glories in his he^irt humane —
And creatures for his pleasure slain!
286
ROBERT BURNS
Tn rhi?5c savage, liquid pbins,
Only known lo wand'rin^ swains.
Where ihi- fnossy rivlcl strays,
Far JVom human haunts and ways;
AH an Nature you depend.
And [ii^'s pool sejsoii ptnceful spend.
Or, if man'^ superior might
Dare invade: your native right,
On the lofty cthi^r borne,
Man with all his pow'rs you scorn;
Swiftly seek, on clanging; wings.
Other lakes ynj other springs;
And the foe you cannot bravt,
Scorn at least to be ins slave.
JiLYTHE WAS SHE'
Tiljf>— ^'Amlro and his Cuuy Gun."
CAojvfi.— Hlyihcp bJyiht and merry wai she,
RJythe was she but and beii;
Blyihe by the banks of Earn,
And Hyihc in Glcnlurii c]cn,
Bv Oughtcrtyre grows the aik,
On Yarrow Links ihe hirkcn shaw;
But Phemie was ^ bonier lass
Tb:in bfaci g' Yarrow ever sjxv^
Biyihe, biythe, &c.
Her loots were like a f\ow\ in May,
Her smile was like a simmer morn:
She inppM by Uil' banks o' Earn,
As lighi*s a btrd upon a thorn.
Ely the, blyihe^ &c.
Her bonie face it was as meek
As ony Iamb upon a fea;
The evening ST.m was ne^er sae sweet,
^ Wrifr^^fi -IT Oii^iiEcrf ^ ^x^ Phtrjiic is Misi Euphtinisi Murray, a coujiji of StJ
William Murnhy erf Ou^rt^rtyrc- — L^^gr
POEMS AND SONGS 287
As was [!i[^ blink o' Phemie's e^e.
The Highland hills I've wanderM wide.
And o'^t rhe Lawknds I hae bceni
Bui Phemie was the blyihesi Uss
Thai ever trod the dewy green*
Biyiht, blydie, &c-
A ROSE-BUD BY MY EARLY WALK
A RosE-EUD by ray early walk,
Adown a corn-enclosed bavvkp
Sat gcnily bent Its thorny siaLk^
All on 3 dewy morning.
Etc in'icc ihe shades 0' dawn are fledj
In n' iC£ crimson glory spread^
And drooping rich the d^wy head.
It scenia the early morning-
Wiihin rhe hush her covert nest
A IiIl[^ Unnef fondly preii;
The dew sac chtlly on. her breast,
Sae early in the morning*
She soon shah se^ her i*;nder btood,
The pride, :he pleasoie 0' tiie wood^
Amang the fresh green leaves bedewed,
Awake the early morning.
So ihoUj dear bird, young Jcany fair,
On trembling string or vocal air,
Shalt sweetly pay die tender care
Thai tents thy early morningH
So thou, sweet Rose-bud, young and gavj
Shalt beauteous blaze upon the day,
And bless the parent's evening ray
That waich'd thy early morning*
2S8
ROBERT BURNS
EPITAPH FOR MR. W, CRUIKSHANK'
Honest Will to Heaven's away
And mony ^hall bment him;
His fan'ts iliey a' in Laiin by,
In English nane e'er keni ihum.
SONG-THE BANKS OF THE DEVON
How pleasant the banks of the clear winding Devonj
With gre^^n spreading bushes and flowVs blooming fail!
Bui the boniest (low*r on the banks oF the Devon
Was once a sweel bud on the braes o£ the Ayr-
Mild be ihe sun on this sweei blusbing flower,
In ihe gay rosy morn, us ir bathes in the dew;
And gentle the fall of ihe soft vernal shower,
That steals on che evening each leaf lo renew!
O spare the dear blossom, ye orient breezes.
With chill hoary wing as yc usher the dawn;
And far be thou distant, thou reptile that seises
The verdure and pride of the garden or la^vnf
Let Bourbon ejsuU in his gay jjilded hlieSj
And En^jland triumphnni display her proud rose:
A fairer than eirher adorns the green valleys.
Where Devon^ sweet Devon, meandeiing flows^
BRAVING ANGRY WINTER'S STORMS
r^fjij-f — "Ncii Gow\ Lament for AUrciji r^y/"
Wei ERE J braving angry winter ^s storms.
The lofty Ochils rise.
Far in their shade my Peggy^ charms
First blest my wondering eyes;
As one who by some savage stream
A lonely gem surveys,
Asionish'd, doubly marks it beam
With art^s mo^t polisl/d blaze*
iO£ (hu lUtinburgh Hiyli School.
POEMS AND SONGS 289
Blest be ike wilJ, sequestered shade*
And blest the day and hour,
Where Pcggy^s charms I first survcj^dp
When lirst I felt their pow'r^
The tyrant Death, with grim control,
May seize my Seeling breath;
But tearing Peggy from my soul
Must be a stronger death.
SOXG-MY PEGGY^S CHARMS
TwJitf — "Thi a' chaiUcath air Jno dhcijjh"
Mv Peggy's face, my Peggy's fornip
The frost of Ijermic Age might warm;
My Peggy's worthy jnv Peggy's mind.
Might chiirm the first of human kind.
r love my Peggy's angel air,
Her face so truly heavenly fair^
Her native grace^ so void of art^
But I adore my Peggy's hoart*
The lily's hue^ tlie rose*s dye.
The kindling lustre ol; an eye;
Whobm owns their magic sway!
Who but knows they all decay!
The lender Elirill^ the pitying tear,
The generous purpose nobly dear,
The gentJe foot that rage disarms —
These are all [mmorsai charmSr
THE YOUNG HIGHLAND ROVER
T«;jHf— "Moras-"'
Lo-CD bUw liie frosty breezes.
The snawa rise mouniains cover;
Like winler on me stizes^
Sinct mv yoting HighfanJ rover
Far vvnmlcra nations over.
J
290 ROBERT BURNS
Wherever he go^ wherever he stray,
May heaven be his warden;
Relurn him safe to fair Stoihspcyp
And bonie Casde-Gordon!
The ireesj now naked groaning^
Shall soon wT leaves be h[ngingj
Tiie btrdifs dowie moaningj
Shail a' be blythcly singing,
And every Howcr be springing;
Sae ril rejoice the lee-lang di^y^
When by hl$ rnighiy Warden
My youth^s returned to fair Strathspey^
And ban IE Castle-Gordon^
BIRTHDAY ODE FOK ^iST DECEMBER, lyZj'
Afar the illuslrious EkiIc roams,
Whom kingdon^^ on this day should hail;
An inmare in the casual shed,
On transient pity's bounty fed.
Haunted by busy mcn^ory's bitter rale!
Beasts of the forest have their savage homes,
But He, who should imperial purple wear,
Own? jio^ die lap of earrh where rests hii royal headi
His wretched refuge, dark despair.
While ravening wrongs and woes pursue.
And distant far [he faithful few
Who would his sorrows share.
False flaiterer^ Hope, away?
Nor think to lure us as in days of yore;
We solemnize this sorrowing natal day.
To prove our loyal truth — we can no more,
And owning Heaven's mysterious sway,
Stjbmissive, low adore
Ye honored, mighiy Dead,
Who nobly perished in rhe glorious cause.
Your KiNfij your Couniry, and her laws,
*The ]^i binfiJay of Priflce Chjricj E^Jward.
POEMS AND SONGS ^91
From great Dundee, who smiling Viciory led,
And fell a Martyr in her arms,
(What breast of northern ice but waims!) '
To boJd Balmerixo's undyinjj name^ ;
Whose soul of fire, hghted at Heaven'5 high flamc^ I
Deserves the proudest wreath departi^d herots cUim;
Nor unrevengeJ ycsur i^tt ih^U lie,
It On]y lajjs^ The f^tal hour^
Your blood ihjllp with incessant cry^
Awake at fast, tW unsparing Power;
Ai from the cltfl, with thundering course, I
The snowy ruin smokes along '
With doublinjT speed and gathering foree^
Till deep il, cruihmg^ wh<;lms the coila^*: in the vale;
So Vpngeanct" arni> cnEan^uin'dp strong^ j
Shdl wtrb r^sisd^As mighr ^s^atlp [
Usurping Brunswick's pride shall lay, ■
And Stewart's wrongs and yours^ wilh tenfold weight repay- \
1
Perdition^ baleful child of nightl
Rise and revenge the injured right
Of Sti-wabt s myal race:
Lead on die unmuzzled hounds oE hell,
Till all [he frighted echoes lell 1
The hiood-notes of [he chyse! 1
Full on the quarry point their vlew^
Full on the base usurping crew, J
The tools of faction, and the nation's curscl j
Hark how the cry grows on the wind; I
They leave the lagging gale behind,
Their savage fury, pitiless, they pour;
With murdering eyes already they devour;
See Brunswick spent^ a wretched prey^
His life one poor despairing Jay^
Where each avenging hour still ushers in a woiseT
Such havockp howling all abroad.
Their uLter ruin bring.
The base apOiTates tc3 rheir God,
Or rebeU to their King.
292 ROBERT BURNS
ON THE DEATH OF ROBERT DUNDAS, ESQ.,
OF ARNISTON,
Lale Lord Presidcni. of ihe Court of Session.
Lone on the blc^nky hills rhe straving flocks
^han ihc fierce storms among the sht^lterin^ rocks;
Down from the rivulets, red with dashing msns^
The gaihoriEig floods burst o'er the disLam plains;
iScncaih [he blast the leafless forests groan;
The hollow cuves reiurn a hollow moan-
Ye hillsj ye plains, ye foreitSj and yt caves,
Ve howling winds, and wintry swefling waves!
Unheard^ unseen, by human ear or eye^
Sad ro your sympathetic glooms I fly;
Where, To the whisdin^ Nast and water's roar^
Pafe Scotia's recent wound I may deplore*
O heavy loss^ thy country ill could hear!
A loss ihese evil days can ne'er rcpairf
Jcisiic&j the high vicegerent of her Cod,
Her JoubtTuI balance eyed, and swayed her rod;
Hearing the lijings of the faiaf blow.
She sank, abandoned to the wildest woe.
Wrongs, iniiirieSj from many a darkiome den,
NoWj gay in hope^ explore ihe paths of men:
See troin his cavern grim Oppression ri^e.
And throw on Poverty his cruel eyes;
Keen on the helpless victim ^ee him fly.
And siiflcj dark, ihc feebly-burst tng cry:
Mark Ruffian Violenccj distained with crimes,
Rousing ebte in ihese degenerate rimeSj
View un inspecting Innocence a prey.
As guileful Fraud points out the erring way;
While subtle Litigation's pliant tongue
The tife-biood equal sucks of Right and Wrong:
Hark, iniur'd Want recounts th' unlistenM tale,
And rauch-wrong'd Misery pours the unpitied waiJl
POEMS AND SONGS 293
Ye dark waste hills^ ye brown unsightly plains.
Congenial ^ccncs^ ye soothe my mournful strains:
Ye tcmpcsiSj rage! yc lurbid torrenti^ lolll
Yc suit the joytess tenor of my soul-
Life's social Kaunis and pJea^ures i resign;
Be nameless wilds and londy wanderings mine.
To moarn rhe wots my country must endure —
That wound degenerate ages cannot cure.
SYLVANDER TO CLARINDA^
Extempore Reply to Verses ciddresscd to [he Author by a Lady, under ihe
signature of "CJarinda" and entitiedp On Burns
saying /if Wxad no^/ting ehe ro Jo/
When dear Clarindxi, matchless fair^
First ^iruck Sylvander's rapturM vlev/^
He gaK*d, he lisrenE^d ro despair^
Alasf ^twas all he dared to do-
Love, from Clarinda's heavenly eyes.
Transfixed his boiom ihro' and thro';
But still in Friendship's guardtrj guise.
For more the demon fear'd to do.
Tha[ heartj alrcidy more than lostp
The imp beleaguered all perduf;
For frowning Honour kept his posl —
'I^o meet tliat froivn^ he shrunk to do.
}
His pangs the Bard refused to own,
Tho' half he wishM Clarinda knew;
But Anguish wrung the unwc^^Ling groan —
Who blames whaf frantic Pain must do?
That heart, wTiera modey follies blend.
Was sififnly still to Honour true:
To prove Cfnrinda's fondest friend,
Was what a lover sure might do.
294
ROBERT BUEKS
Tht Muse his ready qiiill ^tiiployedj
No nearer bliss kc could pursue;
That blisi Clarinda cold dony'd — ^
"Sejid word by Charles how you do!"
The chill behest disarmed hii muie,
Till passion all impaEient grew;
He wrotCj and hinted for excuse^
TwaSj 'cause "he'd riothing dse lo do.
But by iho-^c hopes I have above!
And by those f^ulc£ I dearly rue!
The deed, the boldest mark of love.
For [hee that deed I dare to do!
O could thi^ Falcs hue name the price
Would bless me ^iih your charms and you!
With francic joy Td pay k ihrice,
If human an and power could do!
Then take^ Garlnd^j friendship's hand^
(Friendship^ at feast, 1 may avow;)
And lay no more your chill command, —
ril write whatever Tve lo do-
SVLVANDER.
LOVE IN THE GUISE OF FRIENDSHIP
Your friendship much can m^e me blesf^
O why that bliss destroy!
Why urge ihe only^ one request
You know 1 will deny!
Your thought, if Love must harbour therCj
Conceal it in that thought;
Nor cause mt from my bosom tear
The very friend I sought
POEMS AND SONGS 2^$
GO ON, SWEET BIRD, AND SOOTH MY CARE
For thee is bughin^ Nature gay,
For thee she pours ihe vcrrnaJ day; ^
For mc in vain is Nature drcst, ■
While Joy's a stianj^cr to my breast-
CLARINDA, MISTRESS OF MY SOUL
Clabjijuaj inisEre$$ of my soul.
The measur'd rime is runf
The wretch beneath ihc dreary pole
So mark^ his latcsE sim^
To what dark cave of froien nighc
Shad poor Sylvander hie;
Deprived o£ thce^ his iife ind light.
The sun o£ all his joy?
We pare— but by the^e precious drops,
Thnr fill thy lovely *5yes.
No other light shaJI guide my steps,
Till :hy bright beams arise!
She, the fair .sun of all her KX^
Has blest my glorious day;
And shall a glimmerinjj planet fix
My worship to its uy?
I'M O'ER YOUNG TO MARRY YET
■1
i CAom^,— I'm o'er young, I*ni o'er young, i
I'm o'er young to marry yet; i
I'm o'er yoimg^ 'twad be a sin I
To tak mc f rae my mammy yer^
I AM my mamn^y's ae bairnj
Wi' unco folk I weary, sir;
And lying in a man's bed,
Vm Dey'd it mak me eerie, sir*
Fm o^er youngj flcCr
296 ROBERT BURNS
My mammiG coit me n new gown.
The kirk n^^un h;ic ihc gracing o't;
Were 1 to lie wi' you, kind Sir^
Vm feared y^'d spoil fhe Udrig o'c-
Tm o'er young, aic,
Hallowmass is come and gane,
The nights are (ang in winter^ sir,
And you an' 1 in ae fwd^
Jfi iro^^lhj I dare na vencurCj sir,
I'm o'er youngj Etc*
F\j* loud an* shitl the fro^ly wind
Blaw$ rhro' the l^aR^ss timmefj sir;
Bui if ye come ihis gate again,
111 auldcr be ^in dimmer, sir.
Vm oVr young p fcc-
TO THE WEAVERS GIN YE GO
Mv heart was ance as bliihc and free
As simmer days were lang;
Bui a banie^ westhti weaver !ad
Has gart me change my sang.
C^orui. — To ihe weaver's gin ye go^ fair mald$,
To the weaver's gin ye go;
I rcdc you right, gang ne'er at night,
To :he weavei^s gin ye go*
My rnither seni me lo ihe town,
To warp a plaiden wab;
Hui [he weary, weary warpin o't
Has garr me sigh and sab.
To the weaver's, &c*
A bonie^ wesrfjn weaver lad
Sat working at his loom;
He took my heart as wi' a net^
Tn every knot and thrum.
To the weaver's, &c*
POEMS AND SONGS 297
I 5ar beside my warpin-whcel,
And aye I ca'd ft roun';
But every ^hot and every knock.
My heart it gae a stoun-
To the weaver's, £tc.
The moon u35 sinking in the west,
Wi' visage pie and wan,
As my bonie, wcsclin iveaver Jad
Convoy'd me thro' ihe glen^
To the weaver's, f^c.
Silt what was said, or what was tJone,
Shame fa' me gio 1 lell;
Bui Uh! I fear the kinlra soon
Wilt ken as weel's myself
To the weaver'*, &c,
MCPHERSON'S FAREWELL
7„Pf — "M'Pher^on's Rani/'
Farewell, ye dungeons dark and strong.
The wretch's desrlnie!
M'Pher^on^s time will not be long
On yonder gallows-tree.
Chorus. — Sae rantingly^ sae wantonly,
Sae dauntingly gaed he;
He play'd a spring, and danc'd it round,
Below the gallows-tree.
O, what is death but parting breath?
On many a bloody plain
TVe dared his face, and in this place
! scorn him yet again!
Sae rantingly, StC.
Untie these bands from off my hands^
And bring me to my sword;
And [here's no a man in all Scodand
But ni brave him at a word.
Sae rantingly^ &c.
298
ROBERT BURNS
I've liv'd a Wh of suiri and strife;
I die by rr!!ad]trie:
h burns my heart I muM depart.
And not avenged bn-
Sae ranlingly^ SiC
Now fercwcll light, ihou aunihine bright,
And all beneath the sky[
May coward shame detain his name.
The wrpich that dare? not die!
Sae rantingly, f^c.
STAY MY CHARMER
Ti^jir — "An ^\]\o dubh ciar-dhubh.'^
Stw my channer, cuci you leave me?
Cruel cruel lo deceive me;
Wdl you know how much you grievi^ me;
Cruel chqrmerj can you go!
Cruel charmer, cart you go!
Jjy my love so ill-rcqijiled.
By [hti fanh you fondty plighted,
By [he p:mgs of lovers slighitd.
Do uoi, do not leave me so!
Do not, do not leave mc so!
SONG— MY HOGGIE
What will 1 do gin my Hoggie die?
My joy^ my pride^ my Hoggic!
My only beast, I had nae mae,
And vow bul I was vogie!
The lee-laiig night we w;itc!i'd the fauld.
Me *ind my faiihfu' doggie;
We heard nocht but the roaring linn,
Amang the braes sae scrojjgien
Bul ihe houlct cryM frae the castle wa'.
The blitter frae the boggie;
9}
P0EM5 AXD SONGS 299
The (od reply'd upon the hill,
I trembled iat my Ho^jgie.
When day did daw, and cocks did ct3w^
The morning it was fogjjje;
An unco cyke, bp o'er the dyke.
And maisi has kill'd my Hoggie!
RAVING WINDS AROUND HER BLOWING
I composed ihcse verses on Miss Isabella M'Lcod of Raza, alluding to
Mer /eelirigs on ihe dcaih of her sistcrj and the still more melancholy
Jeaih of hex sister's husbaiid, the bee Earl of Loudoutip who shot himself
■:jui of shetr heaft-break at some monifieations he suffered, owing to the
lerangcd state of his finances. — R. if,, 1791*
Raving winds aroi[nd her blowings
Yeilow leaves the woodlands s[ro\vini;3
By a river hoarsely roaring;,
Isabella 51 ray 'd deploring^-
^TarewoUj hours that Ute did measure
Sunshine days of joy and pleasure;
Hailn thou jjlooray night of sorrovLTi
Cheerieis nighr char knfl^vs no morrow!
"O'er the past too fondly wanderings
On ihe hopeless future pondering;
Chilly grief my |i£p blood freezes^
Fell despair my fancy seizes-
^'Life. thou soul of every blcs^ing^
Load to misery most disiressing,
Gfadly bow would I resign thee^
And [o dark oblivion join theef'
UP IN THE MORNING EARLY
CaIjLd blaws ihe wind frae east t^ west,
The drift is driving sairly;
Sae loud and shill's I hear the blast—
Tm sure it's winter fairly*
300 ROBERT BURKS
Cffofii^\ — Up in the morning's no for nie^
Up In tiie moming early;
When a' the hslU ure covered wV snaw,
Tm sure it's winier fairiyn
The birds sit chEiiering in the thofn^
A' day they fare but sparety;
And lang's ihe niyht trae eVn to morn —
I'm sure it's winier fairly.
Up in the morning^ &c*
HOW LONG AND DREARY IS THE NIGHT
Mow long and dreary is the nighty
When I am frae my dtarie!
J sleepless lie (rae e'en to morn.
Tho' I were ne'er 50 wear)-:
I sleepless lie frae c'cn to morn,
Tho' 1 were ne*er sae wearyl
Wht^n I chink un ihe happy Jays
I spent \vi' you my deatie^
And now ^vhat lands between us lie.
How c^n I be but eeriel
And now what lanJi between u^ lie,
How can f be but eerie!
How slow ye move, ye heavy hours p
vVs ye were wae and weary!
It wasna sae ye glinted by^
When I was wi' rny dejrie]
Ie \v:isna lae ye glinled by^
When I was wi' my dearie!
HEY, THE DUSTY MILLER
HeYj the dusty MiHer^
And his dusty coat,
He will win a shillings
Or he spend a groat:
POEMS AND SONGS 3^^
Dusiy w^s the coatj
Du5ly W3:5 fhe colour^
Duity si'as tlic kiss
That I gat frac the i\f ilkr.
Hey, (he dusty Miller,
And hii duily sack;
LecKp mc on the talUng
Fills the dus[y peck:
Fills the dii^ry peckf
Brings ihe Uusry silier;
I V ad gie my coaric
For the dusty Millor-
DUNCAN DAVISON
There i^ as 3 las^, they ca'd her Meg,
And sht huld oVr the moors to spin;
There w^as a lad that followed hefp
They ca'd him Duncan Davison,
The moor was dreljjh, and Meg was skeigh^
Her favour Duncan could na win;
For wF the rock she wad him knocks
And aye she shook the iem[>er-pin.
As acr the moor ihey itghily foor,
A burn was cImFj a glen was grecn^
U|]On Ehe banks they eas^ their ^hanks^
And aye she set the whet;! beiweeti:
But Duncan swoor a haly ai[hj
That Meg should be a bride the morni
Then Meg took up her spinning-graiih^
And fiang tiicm a* out o'er the burn*
We wil! big a wee> \vee house^
And we will live like king and queen;
Sac blyChe and merry^s we will be.
When ye set by the wheel at e'en.
A man may drinks and no be drunk;
A man may fighl^ and no l>e islam;
A man may kiss a bonie lass,
And aye be welcome back againi
302
ROBERT BURNS
THE LAD THEY CA' JUMPIN JOHN
Her d^Jdie forbadj her minnie forbad
Forbitidcn she wadna be:
She wadna irow^i the browst she browM,
Wad laile sae bitterlle*
Choriii. — 'TI^G Ung lad ihey ca^ fumpin John
Bt^Eiird rhe bonje laj^sie,
The lang Ud they en' Jumpin jdUti
liegxiiTd [hi! bonic bssie^
A cow and a cauf^ a yowe and a hauf^
And thrclty gude shillings and three;
A vera ^tide lochefj a cauer-man's dochnjrj
The lass wi' die bonie black eV,
The lang lad J Ctc-
TALK OF HIM THAT'S FAR AWA
MtJSiKc on the roaring ocearr^
Which divider my love and me;
Wearying heav'n in warm devolion^
For his weal where'er he be.
Hope and Fear's alremate billow
Yielding bie to Nauire^s law*
Whimpering spirits round my piUow,
Talk of him thaf^s far awa-
Ye ivhom sorrou' nevcir wounded,
Ye who never shed a tear^
Care-untroubled J joy-surroundedi
Gaudy day to you is dear.
Genrle night, do ihou befriend me,
Downy ^leep^ the curtain draw;
Spirits kind, again attend me,
Talk of him that's far awal
POEMS AND SONGS 3O3
TO DAUNTON ME
Tme hlude-ietl ro^ ai YuU may bUw,
The iimrner lilies bloom in sn3H%
The frost may frctzc [he deepest sea;
But tin aufcd man ihatl never daiimon me.
Rtf/jtJifl.— To Jjunton Enc, to daunton me.
An auld man shall never daunton me*
To daunlon me, and mc sae young,
Wi' his fau5e heart and flauVing tongue.
That is the ihing you shall never see.
For an auld man shall never daunusn me*
To daunion me^ &:c-
For a' his meal and a* his mJUTj
For a' his fresh beef and his saur.
For a' his gold and while monfe^
An :iuld men shall never datmroti me.
To daunton me, &c.
His gear may buy him kyc and yowes*
His gear may buy him glens and knowes;
Bur me he ihall not buy nor fee^
For an auld man shall never daunlon me-
To daunton me, &c.
He hirpLcs twa fauld as he dow^
Wl' his teethless gab and his auld held poiv,
And the Tain rains down frae his red blear'd e'e.
That auld man shall never daunton me.
To daunton me, fi:c.
THE WINTER IT IS FAST
The winter it is pasi^ and the summer comes at last
And the small buds^ they sing on cvVy tree;
Now ev'ry thing is glad, while I am very sad.
Since my true love is parted £rom me.
The rose upon ihe breer, by the waters running clear^
May have eharms for the linnet or the bee;
Their litde loves are blest, and fheir litde hearts at rest,
Buf my true love is parted from me.
304
ROBERT BURNS
THE BONIE LAD THAT^S FAR AWA
O HOW can I be biyihe and gfad*
Of how can [ gang briik and braw,
When the bonie bd thai I lo'e best
Ts o'er the hills and fai awal
Jf% no ihc frosty winter wind.
It's no the driving drifl and 5n,iw;
Bui aye [he lear earner in my e'c,
To think on him ih-Ats far awa.
My father pat me frac his door,
My friends ihcy hue disown 'd me a I
But I hae ane will tak my pari,
The bonie lad that's far awa.
A pair a' gTooves he bought lo me,
And silkijn snoods he gae me twa;
And T wlEI we^r them for his sake,
The honie bd ihni's far awa,
O weary Winter soon will pass,
And Spring will deed the hirken shaw;
And itiy young babic will be born*
And he'll be hame that's lar awa.
VERSES TO CLARINDA
ScDt iv»h a Pair lyi WinC'ClaAws.
F^ij! Empress of the Poet's soul.
And Queen of PoelesKs;
Ciarinda, take thi^ liide boon,
Thi? humble pair of glasses:
And fill them up with generous juice.
As generous as your mind;
And pledge them to the generous toast,
'The whole of human kind!'
I"
POEMS AND SONGS 3O5
**To ihosc who love ua!" second fill;
But nol to those \\'hom it f love;
Lest we love those who !o\e not us —
A third — 'To ihcc and me, Lflver
THE CHEVALlER^S LAMENT
TiTi small birds rejoice in the green leaves reiurningj
The munnuring sireamlcL winds dear thro' the vale;
The primroses blow in the flews of the morning,
And w]]d icatter'd cowslips bedeck the green dale:
But what can gtve pleasure^ or what can seem fair,
When the lingtrtng moments are Jiumber*^d by Ciire?
No birds sweedy singing, nor fiowVs gaily springing,
Can soothe the sjd boiom of joyless despair.
The deed that I dared, could it merit their malice?
A king and a father lo place on liis throne!
His right are these hillsj and his right are these valleys.
Where die wild b^Ei&cs find shcher, tho' 1 can find nonel
But 'tis not my sulTVingSj thus wreichedj forlorn.
My brave gallant friend-vn 'tis your ruin ! mourn;
Your faith proved so loyal in hot bloody trials —
Atasl 1 can make it no better return!
EPISTLE TO HUGH PARKER
J>j this strange land^ this uncouth clime,
A land unknown to prose or rhymci
Where words ne'er cross't ihe Muse's heckles,
Nor limpit in poetic shackles:
A land that Prose did never view if,
Escept v^ hen drunk h^ stacher'i thro' it;
Here, ambush 'd by the chimla cheek.
Hid in an atmosphere of reck,
I hear a wheel thrum i' the neuk,
1 hear it — for in vain J leuk.
The red peat gleams, a iiery kernel,
Enhusked by a fog infernal:
Here, for my wonted rhyming raptures,
I sit and tount my sins by chapters;
306 ROBERT BURNS
For Irfe and spunk !ike ither Christians,
J'm dwindled down Iq mere eiJisienre,
W]* nae converse bui Callowa' bodi^s^
Wi' nae kcnn'd face buc Jenny GcdJcSj
Jenny, my Pegascan pridt^f
Dowie she saunters down Niihsidc^
And aye a wesdin Jeuk she ihrows.
While lears hap o'er her au[d bra\vn nOiel
Was it for ihisj wi' cannie care.
Thou bure the Hard through many a ihire?
At howeSj or hillocks never siumbled.
And late or early never grumbled? —
O had I power like inclination,
rd heeze thee up a constellation j
To canter with the Sagitarrej
Or loup ihe edtptic hkc a bar;
Or turn ihe pole like any arrow;
Or^ when auld Phci:bu5 bids good-morrow,
Down the zodiac urge che race,
And cast din on hts godship^^ face;
For I could lay ir^y bread and kail
He^d neW cast saut upo' ihy tail, —
Wi" a' this care and a' this griefp
And smi\ smn' proipect fl( relief^
And nought bur peat reek i' my h^ad,
How can 1 write what ye can read? —
Tarbolton^ twenty- fourth o* June,
Ve'll find me in 3 betrer tune-
But till we meet and weer our whisile^
Tak this excuse for nae epistle.
KoBERT B URN'S,
OF A' THE AIRTS THE WIND CAN BLAW^
Tffflf — "Misi Admiral Cordon'^ Stratli-^ipcy,"
Qj- a' [he airi? ihe wind can blaw,
I dearly like the west.
For there the bonie lassie lives^
The lassie I lo e beii:
^Written during a se[>arB.doii from MrSr BuiTs in their honej'moon. Burn& wAt
pr^parifLg a home at Ellisland; Mrs, Burns ^as at Mosffgii?!. — /-JJ?g-
1
r
' *■
]
■ J
POEMS AND SONGS 3O7
There'*] wtlJ-woods grow, and rivers row^
And morty a hill between:
Bui day and nighi my iancy^s flight
Is ovtr wi' my Jean.
1 sec her in ihe Jet^y flowers^
I sec her swtet and fair:
I hear h^r in [he tuncfu^ birds,
J hear her charm ihe air:
There's noi a bonie flower tbitt springs^
By fountainj shaw, or green;
Tht^re's not a bonie bird that sings,
B\j[ minds me o' my Jean.
SO^^G-l HAE A WIFE O^ MY AIN
I HAU a wi£e of my ain,
ril pnrtake wi' naebody;
V\\ take Cuckold frae nane^
III gie Cuckofd to naebody.
I him a penny lo spends
There— thanks to naebojy!
1 hac naeihing to lend,
ril borrow frae naebody,
I am nacbody's lord^
ril be slave to naebody;
1 hac a gude braid sword,
i'll tak dunls frae naebody.
ni be n:ierry and free,
ril be sad fnr naebody;
Naebody care^ for mc,
I carp for nacbody,
LINES WRITTEN IN FRIARS^^CARSE HERMITAGE
Glsnriddei- Hermttace^ June 2Srh_, j:j8S,
TwotF whom chance may hither leadj
Be Ehou clad in russet weedj
Be ihon decki in silken stole,
Grave these maxims on thy souL
4
3o8
ROBERT BURNS
Life IS but a day at niost^
Sprung from nighCj in darkness lost;
Hope not sunshine every hour^
Fear fiot dDUi]$ will aKvays lour.
Happiness is but a name,
Makt tzontent and case ihy aim,
Anibition is a mcEcor-gkam;
Famcj an idle restless dream;
Peace, cbe lend'resl flowV o( spring;
Ple3-'iuri^s, insc^rs on tbt wing;
Ti^osc that sip the dew alone —
Make the butterflies thy o^^n;
Those ihat would ihe bloom devour —
Crush ihu locustSj save the flower.
r -^^-1 ^ - —
For the future be prepared.
Guard wherever thou can'st guard;
But ihy u[mo-s[ duly done^
Welcon^e what thou can'st not shun.
Follies pastj give thou to air^
Make iheir tromfquenc^ ihy c^re:
Keep the name of Man jn mind.
And dishonour not ihy kind.
Reverence with lowly heart
Hinij whose wondrous work thou art;
Keep Hi? Goodness sclll in view,
Thy iru&tj and ihy example, too.
Stranger, go! Heaven be thy guidef
Quod the Beadsman of Nidside-
TO ALEX- CUNNINGHAM, ESQ., WRITER
Ellisland, Ntthsoale, July ^jt^^, !2^8.
My godlike friend — nay, do not stare^
You think the phrase is odd-like;
But God is love^ ihe saints declare,
Then surely thou art god-like^
♦ V
POEMS AND SONGS
And is tliy :irdour still the same?
Ami kindled siiJl at Anna?
Others riay boa^t a partial flame,
But Hiou act a valcaoo!
309
Ev'n Wedlock asks not love beyond
Death's citydissolving pDri:il;
B\il ihou, omnipotcnily fondj
May*st promiic love immortaH
Thy wounds such hcalmg po^^crs dcfj^
Such symptoms dire attend ihcm,
Thar last grear aniiheclic iry —
Makbiage |>orliaps may mend ihem,
Sweel Anna has an air — a gra^e^
Divine, niagnciic^ Touditng:
She talkst she charms — bui who can (race
ll^c process of bewitching?
, ^
SONG.-^ANNA, THY CHARMS
Anna, (hy churms n^y l^som fire,
And wasi-e my soul with care;
But ah! how boutlcss 10 admire,
When fated to despairi
Tet in ihy presence^ lovely F^ir,
To hope may be forgiven;
For sure ^iwere impious lo despair
So much in sight o£ heaven.
THE F£TE CHAMPEIRE
'p
O wiifv will no Saini Sfephcn's House,
To do our errands ihere, man?
O wha will to S^int Stephen'^ House
O* ih' merry lads of Ayr, man?
3IO ROBESr BURNS
Or win we send a man o' law?
Of will w<^ ienJ a sodgtr?
Or him wha led o^cr S^odand a'
The mcikic Ursa-Major?^
Come^ will ye coun Ji nobic lord,
Or buy a score o' laird^^ man?
For wordi acid honour pa^vn [heir ^vord^
Thdr vote shall be Glencaird^- mtin.
Ane gits them coin, ane gies [hem wine^
Anithcr gies them clatter:
Annbank,' wha guessed ihc ladies* tasK^
He Eie=i a F^fe ChampeCrt^.
When Love and Beauty heard the news.
The gay green woods amang, man;
Where, garhering flowers, and basking bowers.
They heard the blackbird's sang, man:
A voWp they sealed it with a kiss,
Sir Politics to fetLer;
As theifs alone, (he patent bliss,
To hold a F^te Champeue,
Then mounted Mirths on gleesomc wing
O'er hilJ and dale she fitw, man;
flk wimphng bum, ilk crystal springs
Jlk glen and jhaw she knew, man:
She summoned every social sprite.
Thai sporLs by wood or wacor.
On ih' bonie banks of Ayr to meet,
And ktep this Fete Champ^tre*
Cauld Boreas, wi' his boisterous crew.
Were bound to stakes like kye, man,
And Cynthia's car, o' silver fu',
Clamb up (be siarry sky, man:
Reflected beams d\^'ell in the streamsj
(Jr down the current shatter;
The western breeze steals thro* the trees,
To view this Fete Champeire*
^ l^mej; Bo^weH, th^ b'lO^z^phcT of Dr. Johnson.
* Sir ](>hii Whitef<>rirdH thoa rtsjdini; at CtoncaLn] <^f "Gl*.-rit^ird_"
'William Cunnin^haniep E^q., of .^nnbank and Enccrkin.
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POEMS A.VD SONGS 3II
How many ^ ro!>e sae gaily floats!
Whiir sparkling jewels glance* man!
To Harmony's cnchantinj; norti^
As moves ihc ma^y Janci^, maci-
Tlie echoing woal^ ihc? wit^diii^ liooj,
Like Paradise did gliiier.
When angdi mer, ai Adam's yell,
To hoM ilieir Ftte Chainpoirc-
When Politics came there, to mix
And make his ethrr-sianCp man!
He circled round ihe magic ground,
But entrance Eound he nane, man:
He blush'd for shame, he quae his name,
Forswore it^ t^very lerter,
Wi' humMp prav^r to join and share
Tliis festive Feie Champeire*
EPISTLE TO ROBERT GRAHAM, ESQ., OF FINTRY
Requeiting a Favour
When Nature her great masterpiece designM^
And fram'd her l3$i, best work, the human mind^
Het eye intent on all the mazy plan.
She formM of vartous parts [he various Man,
Then first she calls ihe u5^?Eul many forth;
Plain plodding Induifry, and sober Worth:
' * Thence peasants, farmtrSp native sons of earthy
And merchandise' whole genus lake iheir birth:
Each prudent est a warm existence findsj
And al] mechanic^' nuiny apron'd kinds.
Some other rarer sorts are wanted yei,
The lead and buoy are n^edFul lo the net;
The fdpjff morruuf?! of gross desires
Makes a material for mere knights and squires;
The martial phosphorus is taught to ffow^
She kneads the lumpish philosophic dough,
Then marks ih* unyielding mass with grave designs.
Law, physic, poliilci, and deep divines;
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312
ROBERT BURNS
LasI, she sublimes ih' Aurara of the pole^,
The flashing elements of female souls.
The ordered system fair before her slood^
Nature, well pleas'd, pronounc'd it very good;
But ere she gave treyEing labour o'er.
Half'] est J she tried one curious labour more.
Some spumy, fiery, ignis fstutif mnilterp
Such as the slightest biea[h oi sir might Scatter;
With arch-alacrily and conscious glee,
(Nature mny have her whim as well as we,
Her Hogarih-art pcrhiips she me^int to show it).
She forms the thing and christens it — ji Poet;
Creature, tho' oft the prey of care and soriow.
When blest to-day, unmindful of to-morrow;
A being formed t' amuie his graver friends,
Admir'd and praised — and there the homage ends;
A mortal quite unfit for Fortune^s strife,
Yge oft the spon of all the ills of life;
Prone to enjoy each pleasure richt^s give,
Yet haply wanting wherewiihal to live;
Longing to wipe cnch tear^ to heal each groan.
Yet frequent all unheeded in his own.
But honest Nature is nol quite a Turk,
She laugh 'd at firstt then lelt for her [joor work:
Pitying the propless dln^ber of mankind^
She cast about a standard tree to find;
And, to support his helpless wocxlbine state,
Attached him to the generous, truly great:
A title, and the only one I claim.
To lay strong hold for help on bounteous Graham,
Pity the tuneful Muses^ hapless train,
Weak^ timid landsmen on hfe's itormy main!
Their hearts no selfish stern absorbent stuff,
That never gives — tho' humbly takes enough;
The litde fate ^llows^ they share as soon.
Unlike sage provcrb^d Wisdom's hard-wrung boon;
The world were blest did bliss on them depend,
Ah, that "die friendly e'er should want a friend f"
POEMS AND SONGS 313
Lei Prudence number o'er each sturdy son,
Who JiEe and wisdom at one race begutti
Who fe(;l by reawn 3nd who giv^ by rule,
(Instiiici'i a btm^y and senrimem a fool!)
Who make poor "svill do'^ wait upon "1 should"—
We own ihcyVc prudenr^ but who feelii diey're good?
Ye wiic ones hencef yc hurt the social eyef
God^i image ruddy etch'd on base il!oy[
but come ye who ih^ godlike pleasure know,
Heuven'jj Jitribuie dE^tinj^ubh^d — to bcitow!
Whose arms of love woulc' g^^^p ihe human race:
Come ihou who giv'sc with nil a courtier'5 grace;
Friend of mv life, true patron of my fliymei!
Prop of my dearest hopes for future times.
Why shrinks my sou! half blushing^ half afmld.
Backward, abash'd to ask thy friendly aid?
I know my need, I know thy giving hand,
1 crave thy friendship at thy kind cojnmand;
But ihere are stich who court (he Euneful Nine —
HeavtnS-l should the branded character be mme^
Whoie ^frjf iti manhood's pride subhmety flows,
Yet vilest reptifei in Their btggii^g prose.
Mark^ how ihcir lofty independm[ sptrit
Soars on ihe spurning wing of irifur^d merit!
Seek not the proofs in private life to find
Piry ihe best of words should be but wind!
Soj to heaven's gates the brk's shrill song ascends.
But grovelling on ihe earth the carol ends*
Tn all the clamorous cry of starving want.
They dun Benevolence with shameless front;
Oblige diern, patronise their IJnsel lays —
They persecute you alf ^our future daysl
Ere my poor soul such deep damnation 5tain>
My horny fisi assume the plough ajjain^
The pip-bald jacket let me patch once more.
On eighteen pence a week Pve liv'd before.
Tho', thanks lo Heaven^ [ dare even [hat last shift,
I trust, meantime, my boon is in ihv gifct
That, plae*d by thee upon (he wishM-for heighl^
WherCp man and nature fairer in her sight,
My Muse may inrtp her win^^ for some subJimer fTight.
>?
•6J
1
3T4 ROBERT CORNS
SONG,-THE DAY JtETURNS
Tim day returns^ my bo^om burns,
The blissful day we iwa did meet:
Tha" winter wild in fempesi Eoii'dj
Ne'er suinmcr-sun was half <tSt iweeC-
Than y' I he pricli^ ihuc Toads the lide,
And crosses o'er ihe sultry line;
Than kingly robes, ihnn crowns and glol>es^
Heaven gave me more — it made tlite mine I
While day and nighrcan bring delight^
Or Nature auj;hl oi plejsure give;
While loys above my mind eaii move.
For thee, and thee alone, I live.
When diat grim foe of Itfc below
Comes in belwe^^n to make us part,
The iron hand ihat bre:iks our band^
J[ breaks my bliss — it breaks tny heart!
_ ^
SOMG.-O, WERE I ON PARNA5SUS HILL
Tfific — "My love is Icisi 10 mc"
O^ WERE I on ParnasEiis hil!,
Or had o' Helicon my till,
Thai I might c^tch poetic skilJ,
To sing how dear I love thee!
Hut Nith maun be my Mule's wtll.
My Muse maun be thy bonis sel\
On Corsincon Til glowr and speJl,
And write how dear I love ihee^
Then come^ sweei Muse, inspire my lay]
Fof a' the lec-bng simmer's day
T couldn^ sing, I couLdna £ay^
How muchj how dear, I love thee,
I see thee dancing o'er the greenj
Thy wai^t sae jimp* ihy limbs sae dean^
Thy tempting lips, Uiy toguiih een —
By Heaven and Earth I fove thee!
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POEMS AND SONGS 315
By mghl^ by day^ a-fieldj at hame,
The thoufihis 0' ihee my breaSE inflame;
And aye I muse and sing thy name —
I only iivc to love thee,
Tho* I were doom'd to wander orij
Beyond the sea, beyond the sun-
Till my lasE weary sand wa^ run:
Till then — and ih<^i\ 1 [ove ihcc!
A MOTHER^S LAMENT
For the Death of Her Son.
Fate gave the woid, the arro^A- sped,
And piyrc'd my darling's hejrt;
And with him all ihc joy$ art^ rtw!
Life can to mc impart.
By cruel hands the snpling drop^^
In dust dishonoured laid;
So fell the pride of all my hopes^
My age's fdCure shade.
The mother-linnet in the brake
Bewails her ravished young:
So I, for my lost darling's saket
Lament die live-day long.
Death, oft Tvc feared thy [atal hSow*
Now, fond, I bare my breast;
Uj da thou kindly Uy me low
With iiim I love^ at rest!
THE FALL OF THE LEAF
T>iE fazy mi$t haiigs from the brow o£ the hill^
Concealing the course of the dark-winding tElJ;
How languid the scenes, late so sprightly, appearl
As Autumn to Winter resigns the pale year-
The forests are leafless^ the meadows are brown^
And all the gay foppery of summer is flo^^^n:
1
3l6 ROBERT BURNS
Apart kt mc wander, apart lee me muio,
How qjick Time is flyings how keen Fate pursues!
How long I have liv'd — but how much liv'd in vain^
Hoii' llttie of life's scanty span may remain,
Whal aspects old Time in his progress has wornj
What ties cruel Fate, iu my bo^m has torn.
How foohih^ or worse, till our summit is gain'd!
And downward, how weaken'd, how Jarkeu'd, how pain'dl
Life is not worth having wiih all ii can give —
For something beyond it poor man sure must live.
I REIGN IN JEANIE'S BOSOM
Ldl'js^ what re^k I by fhee,
OrGeordie on his ocean?
Dyvor, bcjjgar louns to mCj
J rcign in /canie's bosom!
Lci her crown my love her law,
And in ber breast enthrone me,
Kings and naiion^ — siviih awa'!
Pdf randies, 1 disown ycf
IT IS NA, JEAN, THY BONIE FACE
It h na^ Jean, thy bonie face,
Nor sbape rhar f admire;
Aliho' thy beauty and thy grace
Mt^bt weelawauk de^ire^
Somorbing, in ilka part o' ihee,
To praise, Eo love, f lind^
Rut dear as is Uiy form to me^
Siill dearer is thy mind.
Nae mair ungenerous wish I hae.
Nor sTronjrer in my breast^
Than, if I c^nna make thee sae.
At Jeast to see thee blest.
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POEMS AND SONGS
Content *im 1^ if heaven shall give
Bui happiness lo thcc;
And :ii wl' ihee Vd wish to live.
For tliet5 rj bear to die.
317
\A
AULD LANG SYNE
Sho\ lS} 3u\d acqu^intincc be torgot^
And never hroughi to mind?
Should avifd acquaintance Iw forgofj
And auld lang synel
CAcj^w/r — Pov auld lang syne^ my dear,
For auld hnj; syne.
Well Cak a cup 0' kindness yet,
Far aufd Ung syne.
And purely yc'Il be your ptnt stowp!
And surely Til be minef
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness ycl^
For auld lang sync.
For auld^ &c.
We twa hae ran about the bracsj
And pou'd the gowans line.
But wcVe wandered mony a weary fit,
Sin^ auld lang syne^
For auidj &c*
W*? [wa hae paidFd in tbe burn,
Frac morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roarM
Sin' auld Isng ayne*
For auld^ac.
And ihcre^s a hand, my f rusty feret
And gic's a hand o' thinel
And we^U (ak a right gude-wilUe waught^
For auTd lan^ syne^
For aufd, a:c.
3i8
ROBERT BURNS
MY BONIE MARY
Go, fetch lo mc a pint o' wine,
And ^11 it in a silver lassie;
That I may drink befoie I gg^
A service ro my borne la«ie.
The boar rocks ai the pier o I^iih;
Fvj' loud the wind blaws frae li^e Ferry;
The ship rides by [he Berwick-law^
And I maun leave my bonie Mary.
The trumpets sound, the banners fly,
The glitiering ^j>ears are ranked ready;
Tlie shouis o' war are heard afar,
The batde closes deep and bloody;
It's not the roar o^ sea or shorc^
Wad mak me langer wish to tarry!
Nor shouts o' war that^s heard afar —
It^s leaving tiiec, my bonie Mafyl
THE PARTING KISS
HuMTD seal of soft alfectionSj
Tenderesi pledge of fuiure bliss,
Dearest lie of young conncctionSp
love's first snowdrop, virgin kiss!
Speaking silence, dumb conftiisjon,
Passion's birth^ and infant's play,
Dave-like fondnesSp chaste concession^
Glowing dawn o£ future day!
Sorrowing joy, Adieu's bst action,
(Lingering lips must now disjoin).
What words can ever speak alfectioa
So thrilling and sincere as thine!
POEMS AND SONGS 3I9
WRITTEN IN FRIARS CARSE HERMITAGE
ON NITI^ISJDE
Tmuv whoni chance may hiiher katl,
Be iKou clad in russet weed.
Be iliou decki in silken stole,
Grave these counsels on ihy soul-
Life is but a diy at mostp
Sprung from night, — in darkness lost;
Hop*? not sunshine cvVy hour,
Fonr not clouds will always lour.
As Youth and Love wirK spfighdy dance,
Beneath ihy morning star advano?^
pleasure with her siren air
May delude the ihoui^hlless pair;
Let Prudence bles^ Enjoyment's cup^
Then rapiur'd sip, and iip it up*
As thy day grows warm and high,
Life'3 meridian flaming nigh,
Doilt thou spurn the humhle vale?
Life's ptoud iummi[s wouldst ihou scale?
Chetk Thy dimbing scep^ elate^
Evils 3urk in felon wait;
Dangers, eagle-pi moned^ bold,
Soar around e.ich diHy hold!
While cheeffu] Peace, with linnet songj
Chants ilic lowly dells among-
As the shades of ev'ning dose,
Beckoning thee to long repose;
As life itself becomes diseaiej
Seek the chimney-nook of ease;
There ruminare with sober thought.
On a]} Fhou*st seen, and heard, and wrought.
And teach the sportive younkers round,
Saws of experience, sage and sound;
Say, man's true^ genuine estin^atej
The grand criterion of his fatCj
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320
ROBERT BURNS
Is nO[j — Art ihou high or low?
Did thy fariune ebb or ficjw?
Did many calenrs gild ihy span-'
Or frugyl Nature grudge ihce oneP
Tell rhenij and press ii on ihcir mind,
As thou thyself must shortly findj
The smile or frown oE awful Ht^y 'n.
To Viriuc or to Vice is giv'n,
Sjy, ro be jtjsl, and kind^ and wii*; —
There solid self-enjoyment lies;
That foolish J selfish p faithless ways
Lead to be wieicbcd, vile^ and buse.
Thus resi^n'd and quiet, creep
To the bed of lasFing sleep, —
Sleepj whence thou shalt ne'er awake.
Night, where dawn shall never break.
Till fuiure life, future nu morep
To light and joy the good restore.
To light and joy unknown before.
Stranger, gof Heaven be thy guide!
Quod the Beadsman of Nithside.
THE POET^S PROGRESS
A Poem in Embryo
Thou, Nature, partial Nature^ I arraign;
Of thy caprice maternal I complain.
The peopled fold ihy kindly care have found,
The horned bull^ trerncndous^ spurns th^ jrround;
The lordly lion has enough and more.
The forest trembles at his very roar;
1 hou gK's[ the ass his hide^ the snail his shell,
The puny wasp, victatious, guard5 his ce[L
Thy minions^ kings defend, eotitroul^ devour,
In all th* omnipotence of rule and power:
Foyes and statesmen subtle wiles ensure;
The cit and polc^cat srink. and are secure;
Toads with thetr poison, doctors with their drug^
The priest and hedgehog, in their robes, arc snug:
POEMS AND SONGS 321
E'&n silly women Lave defensive aris^
Their cyts^ their tongues — and nameless DTher parts.
But O thou cruel siepmothet and hard^
To thy poor fenceless, naked cliildj ihe Bardl
A ihin^ unteachable in woridly skill,
And half an. ideor too, more helpless siill:
No heels lo bear him from rhe opening dun^
No claws 10 dig, his hated sighi to ^hun:
No horns, but those by luckless Hymen wuin^
And ihose, alasl not Amahhea^s hoirt:
No n&rves olUctVyj true to xVTaminon's Eoot^
Or grunticigj gfub sagacious, eviTs root:
The silly sheep that wanders witd asErayT
Is not more friendless^ is not more a prey;
Vam pyre-book sellers drain him to iht= heart,
And viper-critici cureless venom dart.
Critics! appalTd I venture on the namCj
Those cut throat bandits in the paths of fame^
Bloody disseciorSj worse ihan ten Monroos,
He hacks to reach, they mangle to expose:
By blockhead's daring inio madness stung^
His heart by wanton, causeless malice wrung,
Hts well-won bays — than life iliHjIf mar^ dear —
By miscreants torn ^vho ne'er one sprig mui^t wear;
Foird, bleeding, tortured in ih' unequal strife^
The hapless Poet flounces on ihrougb life,
Tillj fled each hope that once hts l^asom fired^
And fled each Muse that giorious once irpspir'di
Low-sunk in squalid^ unprotected age,
Dead even resentment for his injured page^
He heeds no more ih^ ruthless cri[ics* rage.
So by some hedge the generous SEeed deceas'd^
For half-siarv'dp snarling curs a dafnty feast;
By toil and famine worn to skin and bone.
Lies, senseless of each tugging bitch's son.
-■«*«*»
A little uprightj peri^ tart, tripping wight^
And siill his pri^cious self his dear delight;
Who loves hts own smarr shadow in the streets^
Better than e*er the fairest she he meets;
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322
ROBERT IJURNS
^fuch specious lorCj but litdc understood,
(Veneering oft outshines the solid wood).
His solid sens^^j by inches you must teil^
But mete his cunning by the Scottish e!lJ
A man oi fashion toOj he made his tour,
Learn'd "vive la bagatelle ec vive Taniour;*'
So iraveird monk.cy5 rhcjr grimace improve,
Polish their grin — nay, sigh for ladies' lovel
His meddling vaniEy, a busy fiend^
Sull making work his sclBsh ciaf[ must mend^
* • « # « 4^
• J? • CfOchatlan came,
The old tock^d hat, the brown surcouc — die same;
His grisly beard jusi bristling in its might —
*Twas four long nights and d:iys from shaving-mghl;
1 lis uncomb'di hoary locks, witd-starjng^ tliatchM
A head, fur thought profound and dear, unmalch^d;
Yer^ tho' his caustic wjc was biting-rudcj
His heart was warnip benevolent and good.
# ^ • * '« *
O Dulntss, portion of Ehe rruJy blestT
Caimp sheltered haven of eternal restf
Thy sons neW madden in the fieTce OKfremes
Of Fc]riune*& polar frosl, or torrid beams;
1£ mantling high shi^ fills the golden cup,
With sober, seltish case they sip it up;
ConscEous [he bounteous meed they well deserve,
They only wondtr "some folki" do not starvel
The grave, sage hern Uius easy picks his frog,
And thinks the mallard a sad worthless dog^
When disappointment snaps the thread of Hope,
When^ thro* di$a$trous nighr, diey darkling groptj
With deaf endurance sluggishly they bear.
And just conclude that "fools are Fortune's care:"
So, heavy, passive to the lempesfs shocks,
Strong on the sign-post siands the stupid ox.
Not so the idle Muses' mad-cap train^
Not such the workings of their moon-struck brain;
POl-MS AND SONGS 323
In equanimity ihcy never dwd!,
By lurns in soaring heaven, of vaulted lielJ!
ELEGY ON THE YEAR i/SB
Fop lords or kings J dinna mourn.
E'en Ice them die — for thai [heyVe hoin:
But oh! prodigious fo reflet:' f
A Towmonr, sirs, is gane to wreck!
Eigh[y-eighc^ in thy sina' space,
Whaf dire cvenis hae taLcn pbcei
01 what enjoyments ihou hast rcEc us!
Jn what a pickle thou hast left us!
The Spanish ernpire's fint a head.
And my auld leeihless Bawiie^sdead:
The tulyie's tGugh 'tween Pitt and Fox,
And 'tween our Maggie*s iwa wtc co*:ks;
The tane is game, a bluidy devil^
But to the hen-birds unco civili
The iither's something dour o' treadin,
But better 5tulT ne'er clawed a niiddin.
Ye mintsiers, come mount the pouptt,
An* cry till ye be hearse an' roupitp
For Eighty-eight, he wislied you weelj
An' gied yc a' baith gear an' meal;
E'en mony a pSack, and mony a peck,
Ye ken j^oursels, for Jiitle feet!
: Ye bonie lasses^ dight your e'en.
For some o' you hae tint a fricn';
■ In Eighty-eightj ye ken, was taen,
,f What yell neer hae tc gie again.
V ^ Observe the verv nowt an' iheep,
y ,; How dawff an' davLely they creeps
it Nay, even the yirth ilsel" does cry.
For E'nburgh wells are grurten dry.
O Eighty-nine, thou's but a bairn.
An' no oivre auld, X hope, to learn!
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324
ROBERT BURNS
Tliou beardless boy, I pray lak care,
Thou now hast got :hy Daddy's chair;
Nac handcud'dj mbJ'd, hap&hackJd Regent,
iSui, hkt himseij a full free flfieni^
Be sure ye follow out iht^ plan
Nao waur [han he did^ honest man!
A& muckle better as you can.
ROmN SHURE IN HAJRST
CAorwj-*— J^obin shurc in hairst^
I shurc wi' him.
Fienc a hcuk had I,
Vet 1 stack by him-
I ^aed up [o Dun^j
To warp a wab o' plaiden,
At his daddie'i y^^ii^
Wha met me hut Robin:
Rabin shure, &c.
Was na Rabin bauld,
Tho^ 1 was a colter,
PlayM me sic a trick.
An' rnc the Et'efs dochterl
Robin shure, Sfc-
Robin promised me
A* my winter vittlc;
Fient hael he had bui three
Guse-feathcfiand a whiide!
Robin shurCj &c.
/flj^rfftf^-ji, ij 17I
THE HENPECKED HUSBAND
CuRsV be the man^ the poorest wretch in life,
The crouching vassal to a t)^rani wife!
Who has j]D will but by her high permission,
Who has not sixpence bui in her possession;
Who must to her hh dear friend's secrets tell,
f
POEMS AND SONGS 325
Wlio dreEids a curiaiii lecture woisc than hell.
Weft iuth ilip \vi£c hid fallen to my ]wiri»
r<l break. Iier spirit or I'd break her liean;
I'J i:harm her with the magic o£ a swit*:h^
I'd kiss her maid^, and kick [lie perverse biteh,
VERSICLES ON STGN-POSTS
Hrj face With sttiile etcrnul drcst,
Juit lik^ thcr Landlord's to his Gnest^,
High as [hey han^ with crenkEng din,
To inikx out ihc CoUEKry Jtin-
He looked just ^a your sign-posr Lions do^
Widi aspci=L Bercc, and quit^: as hiumless too.
A KcaJp pvutj sinless quite oi brain and soul,
The very imag*^ ot fl barber'^ Polli
1e shews a human fact, nnd weiirs a wig.
And looki, when well preserved, amazing big,
ODE, SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF MRS-
OSWALD OF AUCHENCRUIVE
D\v£LLER in yon dungeon dark^
Han^rnyn of c:rcacionf mark,
Who in widow-weeds appears.
Laden with unhonour^d y*^3ts,
Noosing with care a bursting purs&p
Baited with tnany a deadly t:ursc?
Strophe
View the withered fit^fdam's face;
Can ihy keen inispection trace
Aughi of Humanity's sweety melting grace?
Note that eye, 'tis rheum overflow?;
Pity's flood r/^erc never ro^e.
See these hands ne er sireiched ro savfit
Handi ihar took, but never gave:
Keeper of Mammon^s iron chesty
Lo, there she goes^ unpitied and unblcsr.
She goes, buF not la realms of everlasting re«f
326
EGBERT BURNS
AsTJbr>LOl'HE
PUinderer of Armies! lift thine eyes,
(A wKile forbear^ ye torruring fiends^)
Sees! iKou whose step, unwilling, hiiher btnds?
No fallen angel, kurrd from upper skies;
'Tis ihy Erusly quondam Mattj
Doom'd to share Thy fiery f^-Ee;
She, laf Jy, helUwarJ plies,
Epode
Am:! are they of no more avail,
Ten Thousand gfiiicring pounds a-year?
!n other worlds can Mammon fail,
Omnipoteni as he is herel
O, bluer mockery of the pompous bier,
While down the wreiched Vu^l Pan is dfiven!
The tave-Iodged Beggar, with a i:onscience clear.
Expires in rags^ unknown, and goes to Heaven.
PEGASUS AT WANLOCKHEAD
With Pegasus upon a day,
Apolto, weary flying,
Through frosty hills the journey lay,
On foot ihe \^ay was plying^
Poor slipshod giddy Pegasus
W"ji$ bu[ a sorry walker;
To Vulcan then Apollo goes,
To get a frosty caulkei^
Obliging Vulcan fell to work,
Threw by his coat and bonnet,
And did Sors business in a crack;
Sol paid him with a sonnec.
Ye Vulcan^s sons of Wanlockhead,
Pity my 5ad disaster;
My Pegasus is poorly shod,
ril pay you like my masier-
POEMS AND SONGS 327
SAPPHO REDIViVUS-A FRAGMENT
Bv all 1 lov'd, neglected and forgot,
No friendlj- face e'er Hghts my squaUd coi\
Shurin*d+ haiedj wrong^d^ unpiticd, unredrest.
The mock'd quoration of the scorner's je^i!
Ev*n the poor support of my wretched li^o^
Snatched by the violence of kgal sfrite.
Oft gr^^teful for my very daily bread
To those my family^ once brgc bounty fed;
A welcomi^ icimjte at their homely fare.
My grieESj my wocs^ my sighs^ my tears they share;
(Thtir vulgar souls unlike the 50uli reRn'd,
The Eashioned marble of the poh&hed mind)^
In vain would Prudence, wiih decorous sneer,
Point out 'A ccnsdiing worldp and hid me four;
Above the world, on wings of Love, I rise —
I know its worstj and c;in that vv^orst despise;
Let Prudence' direit bcMJemeius on me fall^
M[ont£omer]y, rich reward^ oerpaya them all!
Mild 7,ephyrs waft th^e to life's farthest iUore,
Mor Ehink q£ m*: and my distresses morCj—
Falsehood accurst! Nol still I be^ a place.
Still near thy heart some little, 'i^f'^ trace:
For that dear trace the world I would rest^ii;
O let me live, and die, and think it mine!
*'l burnj I burn, as when ihro^ ripcn'd corn
By driving winds the crackling flames are borne;"
Now ravjng-wildi I curse that fmal nightt
Tlien bless the hour that charm^ my guilty sight:
In vain the laws their feeble force oppose.
Chained at Love*s feet, they groan, his vanqutshM foe$^
In vain Religion meets my slirinking eye,
! dare nol con:ibat, but 1 turn and fly:
Conscience in vain upbraids th* unhallow^ Ere^
Love grasps her scorpions — stifled they expire!
Reason drops headlong from Iiii sacred throne^
328
ROBERI BURNS
Your dear idea reignSj and reigns alone;
Each thoughi iniosicaied homage yields^
And riois wariiofi in forbidden fields.
By all on htgk adoring mortals knowF
By all ibi: coQSi:iDU£ veilain Eear^ below!
By your dear self! — the last great oath I sw^ar^
Not lifcj nor soul^ were ever half so dearl
SONG-SHE^S FAIR AND PAUSE
SnE^i fair and fause ihal causers my smari,
I lo'cd her meikle and Ung;
She's broken her vow. she's broken my heart,
And I may e'en ^ae hang.
A cvof t:am in wi' rourh o' gear,
And I hae lint my dearest dear;
Bui Woman is but warid's gtrar^
SaE^ iel the bo Die lass gang,
WEiae^er ye be that woman lovCj
To this be never blind;
Nae ferlie 'lis tho' JickU she p^o^^e|
A woman haVi by kind.
O Woman lovely^ Woman fairl
An angel fofin's faun to thy sharc^
Twad been o'er meikle to g^en ihce mair—
I mean an angel mind.
IMPROMPTU LINES TO CAPTAIN RIDDELL
On Returning a Newspaper.
YoLR News and Review^ sir,
V\c read through and (hrough^ siT,
Wirh Jicde jidmiring or biaming;
The Papers are barren
Of home-news or foreign.
No murders or r^pes worih the naming.
Our friendsj the Reviewers,
Those chippcrs and hewers^
Are judges of moriar and stone^ sir;
POEMS AND SONGS 329
But of meet or unmcei,
In n fjliric complete^
I'll boldly pronounce they are none, sir^
My goDsc-quill loo rude is
To tctl all your goodness
Bestow d on your tenant* the Paet;
Wou[ti to Cod 1 l^nd onu
Like a beam of the iun,
And [hen all the world, sir, should know I'tl
LINES TO JOHN M^MURDO, ESQ,
OF DRUMLANRIG
Sent with some o£ the Author's Poems.
O COULD I givo thee India's wealth,
As I this trifle send;
Because thy joy in lioih would be
To sliaie ihem widi a Iiicnd.
But golden sands did never grace
The Heliconian stream;
Then lake wliat gold could never huv —
An hone&t bard's esteem.
RHYMING REPLY TO A NOTE FROM
CAPTAIN RIDDELL
Dear Sih^ at ony time or tide,
rd rather sit wi' you than ride,
Thoiijih 'twere wj' royal Geordie:
And trowEh, your kindness, soon and late,
Aft ^ars rne to mysel' look blatL —
The Lord in Heav'n reward yef
R. Burns.
CALEDONIA— A BALLAD
Tnrtjf — "Calcdorian Hujiu' Duli^'hi" of Mr. Gow.
i ( These was once a day, but old Time was then youngs
That brave Caledonia, the chief of her line,
..^
iP
KOBERT BURNS
From some f>f your norihcrn deltk$ sprung^
(Who knoui not thai brave Catetlonia '5 divine?)
From Tweed to che Orcades was her dom^iin^
To huiitj or ro pasrurcj or do what she woiald:
Her hoav'iily rdarions [here fixed her reign,
AEid picdg'd her their godheads 10 ^varrant ir good-
A Umbkin in pe3j:ej buE a Lon in war^
The pride oEher kindred^ the heroine grew:
Her gr^jidsire^ oid Odiii^ irlumphanily swore,—
^'Whoe'er shall provoke thce^ iW encounter shall rue!*
With tillage or pasture at dmcs she would sport,
To feed her fair flocks by her green rusding corn;
But e!;iefly fhe wood^ were her fav'rite resort^
Her darling amiiEement, ihe hounds and iht^ horn.
Long qufei she reigned; iiH ihitherward ^reor^
A flighr of bold eagles from Adrians iirand:
Repeated^ successive, for many long ycarSj
They darkened rhe air, ynd they plundered the land;
Their pounces were murder, and terror their crj",
They'd conquered and ruined a world beside;
She tciok to her hills, and her arrows ler fly*
The during invaders ihey fled or ikey died.
The Cameleon-Sav'age disturbed her repose^
Wtfh tumult, djsqujctj rebellion^ and strife;
Provok'd beyond bearing, at last she arose,
And robb'd him at once of his hopes gnd his life:
The Anglian lion, the terror of France^
Oft prowling;, ensanguined the Tweed's silver flood;
But, taught by the hriglu Caledonian lance.
He learned to fear in his own native wood.
The fell Harpy-raven cook wing from the norths
The scourge of the seas^ and the dread of the shore;
The wild Scandinavian boar issued forth
To wanton in carnage and wallow in gore:
O'er countries and kingdoms dieir fury prevaiVd^
No 3rt5 could appease them, no arms could repel;
?
POtMS AND SONGS 33I
Bui br3ve Caledonia in vain they :is^[1'd|
As Larg-"? well can witness, and Luncarttc I^IL
Thus bold, independent, unconquerM, arid free^
Her bright course of glory foi ev*;f ihall run:
FoT brave Caledoiii^i immortal must be;
rU prove it from Euclid ai cWr as ihc sun:
Reciangle-irianglej the figure well chusc:
The uphgfii is Chance^ and old Time is the base;
But brave CaledoniVs the hypochenuse;
Tli^Hs ergo, she'il march i[icm, and match ihem always*
TO MISS CRUiCKSHANK
A very Young Lady
Wciuen on die Bbnk ]>afof a Book, preseniod to her by the AuthoJ^
Beauteous Rosebud, young and gay,
Blooming in [by early May,
Never may'st ihou^ lovely flower^
Chilly shrink in sleety shower!
Never Boreas* honry paih,
Never Eurus* pois'nou^ breathy
Never baleful stellar lights.
Taint ihee with untimely bligbisl
Never, never replile thief
Riot on thy virgin leafl
Nor even Sal [oo fiercely view
Thy bajTom blushing still with dewl
May*s[ ibou Jongs swffct crimson gem,
I Kichiy deck thy native stem;
f Till iome ev'ning^ sober, calm^
I" Dropping dews, and breathing balrrii
\ While ah around ihe woodland ring'?.
And evVy bird thy requiem sings;
ThoUj arnid the dirgeful sounds
Shed thy dying honours rounds
And resign to parent Earth
The loveliest form she e*er gave births
3
332 ROBERT BURNS
BEWARE O^ BONIE ANN
Ye gallants bright, 1 rede you rights
Beware o^ bonie Ann;
Her comely face sae fu^ 6^ grace.
Your heart she will irepan:
Her Gen sae brighn^ like stars by nighty
Her skin sae like ihe swan;
Sae jimply Uc^tl her genty waist^
ThaC sweetly yc might 5p;in.
Youths Grace, and l^ove atiendanr move^
And pleasure leads the van:
Tn a* thojr charm-Sj ;irid conquering arms,
Tbcy wait on bonle Ann^
The captive bands may chnin the hands.
But love enslaves the man:
Ye galEanis braw, I rede you a*.
Beware o' botiie Ann!
ODE ON THE DEPARTED REGENCY BILL
(March, 17S9)
Daughter of Chaos' doting years,
Nurse of ten thousand h^pes and fears^
Whether ihy airy, insub^tandal shade
(The rights of sepulture now duly paid)
Spread abroad its hideous form
On the roaring civjf storm,
De^ifening din and warring rage
Factions wild wiih factions wage;
Or undcr-groundp deep-sunk^ profound^
Among the demons of the earth,
With groans that mate rhe mountains shake,
Thou mourn Hiy JH-^rarr'd, blighi^^d birth;
Or in the uncreated Voidj
Where seeds of future being fights
Wilh lessened step ihou wander wide,
To greet thy Mother — -Antient Night.
And as each jarring, monster-mass is past^
POEMS AND SONGS 333
Fond r^dolicct ^vhar once ihou wast:
In rn^ncicr duc^ Iwncaih this sacred oik,
Hcjfj Spirit, hear! thy presence I invoke!
By a Monarch's heaven-struck faiCj
By a distmited Scat^,
By a genorcms Prince's wrongs.
By a Senate's strife of tongues,
By a Premier's sullen pride,
Louring on the changing liJe-
By dread Thuflo^v'^ po^vers to awe
Rhetoric^ blasphemy and law;
By the turbulent oc^an — ^
A Nation's commotiorii
By the harl^i-cares^cs
Of borough addresses^
By days few and evilp
(Thy poriion, poor devil!)
By Powefp Wealthp and Sho^^/^
(The Gods by men adort;d,)
By namele&s Poverty,
(Their hell abhorred,)
By all ihey ho|)ej by all they fear.
Heart and appear!
Stare not on me^ thou ghastly Powerl
Kofj grim with chained defiance, lour:
Ko Babcl-5iruciure wouEd / build
Where^ order exiled from his native sway^
Confusion may the regent-sceptre wieldj
While all would rule and none obey:
i Go^ lo the world of man relate
Tlw story o£ thy sad^ eventful fate;
And call presumptuous Hope to hear
And bid him cht^ck his blind career;
And rcU the sorc-prest sons oE Cata^
Ncveij never to despairl
Paint Charles's speed on wings of firCj
The object of his fond desire^
Beyond his boldest hopes^ at hand:
Paint all the tiiumph of the Portland Band;
J
334
ROBERT BURNS
Hark how They ]\k the jay-elated voice!
And who are che^e ihat equally rejoice?
Jews, Gentiles^ whar 5 modey crew!
The iron tears their flinty cheelis bedew:
See how unfurled the parchment [:n«gns flvj
And Principal and Interest all the cry!
And how their num'rous creditors reioice;
But just as hopes to warm enjoyment iliiej
Cry CoxvalescanoeI and ihe vision flies.
Then next pourtray a dark'ning twilight gloom,
EcJipiin^ sad n gay, rejoicing morn,
While proud Ambition to th' untimely lomb
By gnaihing, grim, despairing fiends is home:
Paint ruin, in tin? shape of high Dfundas]
Gaping ivith giddy terror o'er ihe brow;
In vjin he struggles, the fates behind him press,
And clam'rous hell yawns for her prey below:
How fallen Thai, whose pride late scaled the skies!
And This^ like Lucifer, no more lo rfSe!
Again pronounce the powerful word;
Sec Day, [fiumphant from [he night, restored.
Then know this tmch, ye Sans of Men!
(Thus ends thy moral fafe^)
Your darke5t terrors may be vain,
Your brightesi hcpes may f.iil.
EPISTLE TO JAMES TENNANT OF GLENCONNER
AuLD comrade dear, and briiher sinner,
How^s a* the folk alwut Glenconnec?
How do you this blae eastlin wind^
That^slike to blaw a body bHndi^
For mcj my faculties are frozen^
My Jeai~e5t member nearly do^en^d^
I've seni you here, by Johnip Simson,
Twa sage philosophers to glimpse on;
Smith p wi' his sympathetic feeling,
An Reidj to common sense appealing,
Philofflphera have fought and wrangled.
An' meikle Greek an' Ldtm mangled^
- J
POEMS AND SONGS 335
Till wf their logic-jargon rir'd,
And in :he depth ot science mifd.
To comman sense they now appeal,
Whnt wives and wabsicrs see and feel-
But^ h.irk yc, friend I I chiirge you strit;dy,
Peruse them, an' reiurn thern qui*:kly:
For now Vvn grown sac irursed douce
I pray :jnd ponder buif the house;
My ihitiSj my lane, 1 there sit roustin'.
Perusing Bunyan, Brown^ an^ EostoUj
Till by an' by, if I hand on^
rl! gnint a real gospel-groan:
Already I begtn to rry ii.
To cast my eVn up like a pyci,
When by the gun she tumbles o'er
FluitVing an* gasping in her gore*
Sae shortly you $ha!l see me bright,
A burning an' a shining light.
My heart-warm love to guid aulj CTen,
The 3ce an^ wale of honest men:
When bending down wi* auld grey hairs
Beneath the lo^^d of years nnd cares.
May He who made him still support hicr^
An* views beyond the grave comfort him;
His worthy family far and near,
God bless thern a' wi' grace and gear!
My auld schoolfellow. Preacher WLlliej
The manly tjr, my mason-bill ie,
And Auchenbay, 1 wish him )oy,
If he^s a parent, tass or boy,
^fay he be dad, and Meg [he mither^
Ju5l five-and- forty years thegirhi^rf
And no forgetting wabsier Charlie,
I'm tauld he offers very fairly*
An' i-ordp remember singing Sannock,
Wi* halo breeks, saxpcnce^ an' a bannock!
And next J my auld acquaintance, Nancy,
Since she is fitted to her fanq^^
336
BOBERT BURNS
Art' her kind sUiis hae airied lill hei
A guid chiel wi' a pickle siller.
My kindest^ besi respects^ 1 s€i\ ii^
To cousin Katc^ an' sister Janen:
Tell iheiTij frae me^ wi' chiels be cautious^
Far^ faiiKj rhtyll aiblins fin ihem fashious;
To gr:^nt a hearl i^ fnirly cjviTp
But [o gram 3 maiden ki^ad's ihe devjip
An^ lastiyp Jamie, for yonrsel.
May j^ardian angels lak a spell.
An* sTet^r you seven miles south 0' helli
Hut firirp before you see heaven's ylory,
May ye get mony a merry story,
Mony a laugh, and mony a drink^
And aye eneugh o* needfu' clink-
Mow fare ye weel, an' joy be wi* you;
For my sake^ this I beg it o' you,
Asiisi poor Sim son a' ye can,
Ye'll iifi him just an honest man^
Sae I cortclude, ^nd quat my chanlcr,
Your^Sp saint or sinner^
Rofl TiiE Ranter*
ANEW PSALM FOR THE CHAPEL OF KILMARKOCK
On the Thank5);ivingDay for His Majesty's Recovery,
O SING a new song to the Lord,
Make^ all and every onep
A joyful noise, even for the King
His restoration.
The som of Belial in the bnd
Did sel their heads together:
Come J let us sweep them offp said ihey^
Like an o'erflowing river.
They set iheir heads together, I say.
They wr their heads together;
On rights on left, on every hand^
We saw none to deliver.
POEMS AND SONGS 337
Thou madest strong Uvo cliown onea
To q;icll the Wkked'$ pride;
That Young Man^ great in Issacharj
The bucUen-bearing tribe.
Ant! hfm, among the Piinces chief
In our [eriisafenij
The judge that's mighty in ihy law.
The man that fears thy naine^
Yc! they^ even they^ wEch all their strength.
Began lo faint and fail:
Even as two howhng, ravenous wolves
To dogs do lurri their tail-
Th' ungodly o*er the just prevailed,
Foj" so thou hadst appointed;
That rhoti mighr'st greater glory give
Unto thine own anointed*
And now thou hast restored our State,
Pity our Kirk also;
For she by tributaiions
Is now brought very low.
Consume that high-p!aee^ Patronage,
From off thy holy hill;
And in thy fury burn the book —
Even of that man M^Gill/
Now hear our prayer, accept our song^
And fight thy chosen's battle:
We seek but litde^ Lord^ from thee^
Thou kens we get as Utile*
^^Dr. Wtllhm lATAW of Ayr, wKnse "Tracricat Eiiay Vn di? Dtath ot J^sU6 Chrisi'"
]cd Eo 1 char^ c»f heresy a^^iinst him, Burn^ took up hi; caii$c Lfi "Tbc Ki^k cii
Scoti^d'5 Alarm'' (p. 351)-— ijH£,
h
I
L
I
338 ROBERT BURNS
SKETCH IN VERSE ^
Inscrtbed Eo the Right Hon. C. j. Fox*
How Wisdom and Folly meet, mtK^ and uiutCp
How Virtue and Vice blend ihdr black and their white^
How Genius^ tW itlusliioas father o( fiction.
Confounds rule and law, leconciles coniradiction,
I sing: If ihesG mortaUj the critics, should busde>
I care not^not I — let the Critics go whistle!
But now for a Patron whose name and whose glorVj
At once may illustrate ^nd honour my story.
Thou first of our orators, first of our wits;
Yet whos« parls and acquitements ^-^ecm just lucky hits;
Wuh knowledge so vast^ and wirh judjjmenc so strong,
No man with rhe half of ^cm e'er could go vvrong;
With passions so potent^ and fancies so bright^
No man with the half of 'em e*er could go right;
A Eorry, poor, misbegot son of ihe Mu^es,
For using rhy namoH offers fifty exi^uses.
Good Lordj what is Maul for as simple he looks.
Do but try to develop his hooks and his crooks;
With his depths and his shallows, his good and his evil^
All in all he 5 a problem must puzzle the devil-
On his one ruling passion Sir Pop^ hugely Uhours,
Thatj like th' old Hebrew walking-switch, eats up its neighbours:
Mankind are his show-box — a friend, would you know him?
Puil the strings Ruling Passion the picrure wilt show hun,
Whai pity^ in rearing 50 beauteous a systetn.
One [rifling particular. Truths should have missed him;
For, spke of his fine theoretic posEtEons,
Mankind is a science defies definitions^
Some sorr all our qualities each lo its tribe^
And think human nature they truly describe;
Have you found this, or Mother? Thete*s more in ihe wind;
As by one drunken fellow his comrades youl] find-
i
POEMS AND SONGS 339
E^Jl such is the flaw, or the depth of the plan,
In the make of Ehat wonderiul creature called Man,
No iwo virtue?^ whaiuvcr reUcion ihey daim.
Nor even two difterent shades of the same,
Though ]ike 35 was ever twin brother to brother,
Posscs&mg the one shall imply you've the other-
But rruce with abstraclion, itnd tmce with a Muse
Whose rhymes you'll perhaps, Sir, ne'er deign to peruse:
Will you leave youi ^ustirigs, your jars, and your quarrels,
Contending wilh Billy fur proud-.jodding laurels?
My much-honour'd Patron, believe your poor poet,
YoLir courage, much more than your prudence, you show it:
In vain with Squire KiUy for laurels you struggle;
l le'll have ihem by fair trade, if not, he will snuggle:
Not cnbincEB even of kins^s would conceal "em,
He'd up the back stairs, iind by God^ he would steal 'em.
Then feats like Squire Billy's you ne'er can achieve *em;
It 1^ not, out-do him — the task is, out-thieve himl
THE WOUNDED HARE
Inhuman man! curse on thy barb'rous art,
And blasted be thy murder-aiming eye;
May never pity soothe thee with a ^igh,
Nor ever pleasure glad thy cruel heart!
Go live, poor wand 're r of the wood and field!
The bitter little that ot life remains:
No more the tliickening brakes and verdant plains
To thee a home, or food, or pastime yield,
Seetj mangled wretch, some pTace of wonted rest^
No more of rest, but now thy dying bcdl
The sheltering rushes whisding o'er thy head,
The cold earth with thy bloody bosom prest.
Perhaps a mother^a anguish adds its woe;
The playful pair crowd fondly by thy side;
Ah! helpless nurslings, who will now provide
That liEe 3 mother only can bestow!
4
340 ROBERT BURNS
Ofi as by winding NiLh I3 musingj wait
Tlie iobcr evf^, or Nail the cheerful dawrij
rif miss thee sporring o'er the dewy lawn,
And curse the ruilian's aiii^, and mourn ihy hapless £aK*
DELIA, AN ODE
To rSfi Edilor of TAj? Sti^r, — Mr, Printer— If the productions of a
simple ploughman can merit a place in th& same paper with Sylvester
Otway^and tht oth&r (svouriies of tht Muses who illuminate the 5irti \\U\)
the lustre oi genius, your insc^rtion ol the enclosed trifle wiU be succeeded
by fuiure communications from — Yours, ac, R, Burns,
Fair the face of orient day.
Fair the tints of opening rose;
But fairer siill my DcHa dawns.
More lovely far her beauty shows.
Sweet the brk*s wild warbkd lay,
Sweet the tinkling rill to hear;
But, Defia, more deliBh[ful still,
Steal tiiine accents on mine ear*
The flower-enamour'd busy bee
The rosy banquet loves to sip;
Sweet the streamlet's limpid lapse
To the sun-brown'd Arab's lip.
But, Delia, on ihy balmy lips
Let mc, no vagrant insccr, ro\^e;
O let me steal one liquid kiss.
For Oh! my soul u parched with love-
THE GARD'NER Wr HIS PAIDLE
W^r£^^ rosy May comes in wi* flowers,
To deck her fiay^ green-spreading bowers,
Then busy^ busy are his hours^
The Gard'ner wi^ bis paidle.
POEMS AND SONGS 34^
The crystil waters gc:iilly fa\
The mtrry bards are lovers 3'^
The iccnted breezes round him blavv—
The Gard'ner wi' his paidle-
When purple morning starts ih^ hare
To sital upon her e^iriy fare;
Then ihro' [fie dewi he maun repair —
Tho Gardner \vV his paidle.
When day, expiring in ihe wesi.
The curtain draws o' Nature's rest.
He ilics to htr arms he lo'es ths best*
The Gard'ner wi' his paidte.
ON A BANK OF FLOWERS
0\' 3 bank of flowers, in a summer day,
For summer llghdy drest,
The youthful, blooming Nelly lay,
\\^iLh love and ^!eep opprest;
When Willit, wandring thro* the wood.
Who for her favour ofi had sued;
He gaz'd, he wish'd
Hcfeard, hehlush'd,
And tremblifd "here he slofld.
Her closed eye^, like iveapons sheath'd,
W^ere seaVd m soft repose;
Her hp. slill as she fragrant breath'd.
It richer dyed the rose;
The springing hlies, sweetly presE,
Wild-ivanion kissed her rival breast;
fie gaz'd, he wish'dj
Hefear'd, heblush'd,
His bosom iU at rest.
Her robes, light-waving in ihe breeze.
Her lender hmbs embrace;
Her lovely form, hei native ease,
AH harmony and gface;
TumuUuoua tides his pulses roll,
J
34^ ROBERT BURNS
A falterjng^ ardent kiss he stole-
Ht gaz'd, he wish'dt
He fear'd, he blushM,
And sigh*d his very saui.
As flies the partridge from ilie brake,
On fear inspired wings^
So Nelly, starling, halE-awako^
Away ailrighted springs;
But Willie follow 'J™.is he should*
He overlook her in Tlie wood;
He vow*dj he pray'd,
He found the maid
Forgiving all^ and good-
YOUNG JOCKIE WAS THE ELYTHE5T LAD
Yor>jf; )ockK was tho biyrhest laJ,
In a^ our town or here awa;
Fu' biyihe he whistled at the gaud,
Fu' lighdy danc'd he in the ha\
He roos'd my een sae bonie btue.
He roos'd my vai^t sae genly sma*;
An' aye my hoarr cam to my mou',
When ne^er a body heard or saw.
My Jockie loils upon the plain,
Thro^ wind and wcci, thro^ frost ^nd snaw*
And o'er ihe ka I leuk fu' fain^
When Jockie's owsen hameward c.i\
An' aye the night comes round again.
When in his arms he laki mt a^j
An' aye he vows hc1l be my ain,
As bng's he has a breach to draw.
THE BANKS OF NlTH
The Thames flow5 proudly to the sea^
Where royaf cities statejy stand;
But sweeter flows the Nith lo me.
Where Comyns ance had high command-
POEMS AND SONGS 343
V^Tien 5ha3] I see thai honourM Ijnd,
Thn[ winding stream I love so Jcar!
Must wayward Fortune's adverse hand
For ever, ever keep me herel
Hotv lovely, Nithj rhy fruiiful vnles^
Where bounding hawthorns gpiiy bloom;
And sweetly spread thy sJaping dales^
Where lambkins wanlon through the hroom.
Tho' svandcring now must be my doomj
Far from thy bonic banks and braeSj
May ihere my latest hours consume^
Amang ihc friends of early days!
JAMIE, COME TRY ME
Chorus. — Jamie^ come try me^
Jamicj come try mc.
If thou would ^vin my love,
Jamie, come try me.
If thou should ask my love,
Could I deny thee?
Jf thou would win my love,
Jamie^ come try me!
Jamie, come try me^ a:c.
If thou should kiss me, love,
Wha coufd espy thee?
Jf thou wad be my love,
Jamie, come try me I
Jamie, come try mc^ &:c.
I LOVE MY LOVE ZN SECRET
My Sandy gied to mc a ring^
Was a' beset wi' diamonds fine;
But E gied htm a far belter things
I gied my heart io pledge o' his ring.
i
344
ROBERT BURNS
Chorus. — My Sandy O^ my Sandy O,
My bonic, borne Sandy O;
Tho^ the love that f owe
To iKee I dare na show^
Yei I love my love in sccrci, my Sandy O*
My Sandy brak a piece o* gowd^
While down his checks die $ayt leari rovt'd"
He took a hauf, and j;ied it lo me^
And l\\ keep u till ihe hour I die.
My Sandy O, &c-.
SWEET TIBBIE DUNBAR
O WILT ihou go \y\ mc, sweet Tibhie Dunbar?
will thou go wi' myj sweet Tibbie Dunbar?
Wih diou ride on a borse^ or be dra^vn in a car^
Or walk by my sidc^ O sweet Tibbie Dunbar?
1 care na thy daddie^ his lands and his moncy^
I care na ihy kin, 5ae high and sac lordly;
BiEi sac that thou'lt hac me for betier for waur.
And come in thy coatie^ sweet Tibbie Dunl^ar*
THE CAPTAINS LADY
Chorus. — O mount and gOy mount and make you readyi
O mount and gOj and be [he Capiain's lady,
Whe>; the drums do beai> and the cannons ratile.
Thou shalt sit in slate, and see thy love in baUU:
When the drums do beat, and [he cannons raitle^
Thou shah sit in statej and see thy love in battle,
O mount and go^ Scc^
When ihe vanquished foe sues for peace and quiet.
To the shades we'll go^ and in love enjoy it:
When the vanquished foe sues £or peace and quier,
To the shades we'll go, and in love enjoy it.
O mount and go, &c*
POEMS AND SONGS 345
JOHN ANDERSON, MY JO
JohES AvpEKsoN, my jo, John,
When wc nen^ firsi acquenl;
Your locks were like (he raven,
You I bo rile bio\v w^i brenn;
But Tio\v your brow i* beld, John,
Your lock^ 3te like the siiaw;
But blessin^^ on your frtisty pow,
John A-ndcrion, my jo,
John Anderson, my jo, John,
We clamb the hill thcgithei;
And mony a cantic day, John^
We've had wi' ane anither:
Non' we maun lotter doun, John,
And hand in hand vic'll go,
And sleep ihegilhcr at the £oot,
John Anderson, my jo^
UX LOVE, SHE'S BUT A LASSIE YET
My lovp, she*s but a lassie yet,
My love, sUi?'? but a bssie yei;
We'll lei her aland a year or iwa,
She'll no be half ^ae saucy yet;
i rue the day I sought her, Ol
T rue the day I sought her* Ol
Wha gets her needs ng say shc'i woo'd,
: s But he may say he's bought her, O.
' 1^
Conic, drciw a tlrap o' the best o't yec.
Come, draw a drap o' the be^t d'[ yet»
Gae seek for pleasure whare you will,
But here I never missed it yet,
We're a' dry wi' drinkin o't,
"We're a' dry vji' drinkin 0*1;
The rninister kiss'd the fiddler's wife;
He could na preach tor thinkin o't.
IjV
34^ ROBERT tURNS
SONG— TAM GLEN
Mv hearl is 3-brcaking, dear Time»
Some counsel unto ine comt len*,
To anger ihcm a' is a pity,
Bm what will I do wl' Tam tlkn?
I'm thinking* wf sic a br^w fellow,
In poofdth I might ma k a fen;
What care I in riches lo wallow.
If I maunna mairy Tarn Glen!
There's Lowrie t]ie Laird o" Dumeller —
"Glide day to you, Iirutel'* he comts ben;
He brags and he blaws o' his siilcr,
But when will he dance like Tam GienI
My minnie Joes consiandy deave me,
And bids me beware o' young men;
They flatter, she snys, to deceive me,
But wha can think sae o^ Tam Glen!
iMy daddie s.^ys, gin I'll forsake him,
He'd gic mtf gude bunder marks (en;
But, if It's ordain'd I maun take him,
O wha uil] I get but Tam Glen!
Yestreen ai the Valentines' dealing.
My heart to my inQLi" gicd a aten';
For thrice J drew ane without failing,
And thrice it was written "Tam Glen"!
The last Halloween I was waukin
My droukit sark-sleeve* as yc ken,
Hjs likeness came up the house staukin,
And the very grey breeks o' Tam Glen!
Come, counsel, dear Titlie, don't tarry;
ril gic ye my bonie hiack hen,
Gif ye will advra? me to marry
The lad I lo'e dearly, Tam Glen.
-I
i
POEMS AND SONGS 347
CARLE, AN THE KING COME
Chom^. — C^rUs ^n [he King com&p
Carle^ an the King come,
Thou shall dance and I will sing.
Carle, 3n ih^ King come.
As' somebody were con^e ^£S'ri>
Then somebody maun cross chc main.
And every man shall hac his ain.
Carle, ^n ihe King come*
Carte, an the King come, &c.
J trow we swapped for The worsc^
We gae the booi and belter horse;
And Lh3t we'll teli ihem at the cro^Sy
Carle, an rhe King conne.
Carle, an the King come, ^c.
Coggie, an the King come,
Coggie, an the King come,
Tse be fouj and [hou'se be loom
Coggie, an ihc King come.
Coggic, an the King come, &c-
THE LADDIE^S DEAR SEU
There's a youih in this city, ic were a giear piiy
Thai he from our lassies should wander awa';
For he's bonic and braw, wcel-favor^d wiiha",
An' his hair hcis a natural buckle an' a\
His coat is the hue o^ his bonnei sae blue^
His fecket is white as the new-driven snaw.
His hose ihey are blae, and his shoon like the slae^
And his clear siller buckles^ ihey dazzle us a\
For beauty and fortune the kddie*s been couitsn;
WeeUeatur'dj wccE-tocherMj weel-mounreJ an' bmw;
But chiefly the siller that gars him gang till her.
The f>enny^ ihe jewel ihai beautifies a\
. -iJ
r
348 ROBERT BURNS
There's Meg wi' the mnilen ih3[ fain wad a hacn him»
And Susie, whu'i diiddle was laird o' :he Ha';
There's lang-foelier'd Nancy maisi feirers his isticy,
— But ihe Jaddie's dear sel', he Joes dearest of a',
WHISTLE O'ER THE LAVE O'T
First uhcn Maggie was my cafCj
Heav*n, I ihoug]ii^ was in hor a^f,
No^v \veVe married — speir nac mair^
Bui uhi5tk oVr the lave o'l!
Meg ivys meek, an<l Mt^g wiis mild.
Sweet and harmless as a child —
Wiser men ilun me^s bcguiTd"
Whiitle oer ihc lave o^c!
How wt: live, my Me^ and me,
How wc love^ and how we grce,
I eare na by how ftw may see —
Whiide o'er ihe lave o'tf
Wha r wish were iJiasgot^s meat,
Dish'd up in her witiding-sheetj
I could \^Titc — hut Meg maun ^ee'i —
Whisik o'er the lave oW
MY EPPIE ADAIR
.CAmwj* — An' O my Eppie^ my jewels my Eppie,
Wha wad na be happy wi' Eppie Adair?
By love, and by beauty^ by law, and by duty,
I swear lo be true to my Eppie Adairl
By lovej and by beauty, by law, and by duty,
I swear to be true ro my Eppie Adairf
And O my Eppie, &c-
A* pleasure exile me, dishonour defile me^
If e'er 1 beguile ye, my Eppie Adairl
A' pleasure ej^ile me, dishonour defile me,
If eer I beguile thee, my Eppie Adair!
And O my Eppie, £cc*
1
POEMS AND SONGS
349
ON THE LATE CAPTAIN GROSFS PEREGRINATIONS
THRO^ SCOTLAND
COLLECTS NC THE ANTlQLITIES OF THAT KIXCDOM
Hear, Land o' Cakes^ and brither S(XJtSj
FfjG Maidcnkirk to Johnie Groat's;^
If iheres a hok in j' your coats,
1 rede you tcni it:
A chield^s amang you lakin notcsp
And, faith, he'll prent it;
If in your bounds ye chance to ligbt
Upon a line^ fat^ fodgd wighCj
O* scaiurc shorl^ bu^ genius bright^
That's he, mart weel;
And wow] he has an unco sleight
.0' cauk and keein
By 5om€ auld, hou1er-haun[ed bij^gin.
Or tirk deserted hy its riggin,
k*3 ten 10 ane ye^]l find him snug in
Som^ eldritch part,
wr deilsj chey say^ Lord wave's! colleiis"^^
At some black art.
Ilk ghaist that haunts auld ha' or chaumer,
Ve gipsy-jjang that deal in glamour^
And youj deep-rtad in \\^IV% black grammar^
Warlock? and wiiches,
Ye^il tjuakc at his conjuring hammer,
Yc midnight hitches.
U*s lauU he was a sod^er bred^
And ant wad rather fa'n than fled;
But now he's qua! [he spurde-blade.
And dog-skin waller,
And taen the — Antiquarian [rade^
I think thdv call iL
350 ROBERT BURNS
He has 3 foutK o" auTd nick-nackcis;
Rusty aim caps and linglin jackeis*
Wad haud the Loihians three in lackets,
A towmoni jjude;
And parriich'pais and auld sauf-backets,
Defoic The FlooJ.
Of Eve*s first fire he ha* a ctnder;
Adtd Tubalcain's fire-shool and fender;
Thai which distinguished the gender
O* Balaam's ass:
A broomitick o* the witch t>f Endor,
Weel shod we' bra^s.
Forbye^ he'lT shape you aiT Eu' gleg
The cut of Adam's phllibeg;
Tht knife [hat nickit AbePs craig
He'll pro^e you fully,
Tt was a fa ul ding lOctelegt
Or Ung'kail gullie,
But wad ye see him in bis glec^
For moikic glee and tun has he,
Then sei him dosvn^ and twa or three
Gude fellows wV him:
And port, O port! shine ihou a wee,
And THEN yell see him!
Noiv^ by the PowV;^ o* verse and prose!
Thou art a dainty chield^ O Grose! —
WhacW o' thee shall ill suppose.
They salr misca' thee:
I'd take the rascal by the nose,
Wad say/^Shamc fa^heel^'
EPIGRAM ON FftANClS GROSE THE ANTIQUARY
The Devil gor ncatice that Grose was a-dying
So whip! at the summons* old Satan came flying;
But when he approached where poor Francis lay moaningp
POEMS AND SONGS 35^
And saw each bed-po^r wiih its burthen a-iiroaningi
Asionish^d, confiiundctl, cries Satan — "By Godi
rJl wane him, ere I take such a damnabie [oad!"
THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND'S ALARM
A Ballad,
Jkw— "Come rouiCt Brother Sponicnan!"
Orthodo:^! orthodox, who believe in John Knox^
Let me sound an alarm to jour conscience:
A heretic blast has been blown in the West,
"lliLii whai is no sense must be nonsense/'
OnhodoxT Th^^l what is no sense must be nonsense*
Doctor Mac! Doctor Mac^ you should streek on n racV,
To strike evil-doers wi' terror:
To (oin Faith and Sense, upon any pretencej
Was herelic, damnable error^
Doctor Mac!^ Twai heferic, damnahk error-
Town o[ Ayrl town of Ayr^ it was mad^ I declare*
To meddle wi' mischief a-brewing,^
Provost John^ is still deaf to the Church's relief,
And Orator Bob^ is its ruin.
Town of Ayr? Yes^ Orator Bob is its ruin.
D'rymple miTdl D^rymple mild^ tho^ yotir bean's like a child,
And your life like ihe new-driven snaw,
Yet [hat winna save you^ auld Satan must have you>
Foj" preaching I hat three's ane an^ twii^
DVympfe mildP For preaching ihat three's ane an' twa-
Rumble [ohni nimble John, mount the steps with a groan.
Cry the book is with heresy crammed;
Tlien out wi* your ladle, deal brimstone like aidle,
And roar ev'ry note of the dajnn*d*
Rumble John!* And roar ev'rv note of the damned,
r, M'Gill Ayr.— 7^. B, ^Sec tht ^[Ivcrtl^cmcnt.— R. B.
Dalrjrtiistc, Ayr.— ;^. B, ^Johri BussoU, Kilmarawk— i^ £-
h ■
■
'352 ROBEKT BURNS
Simper Jamcsf simper Jame^j leave your fan tiillie tlamcs.
There's a holier chase in your view;
nl by on your head, that ilicr pack you'U soon leaJ,
For puppies hkc you [hcre^i bui few,
Simper Jamcs!^ For puppies like you there'^ but few.
Sinjjei Sawniel sirigci Sawnie, are ye huirdii\ the penny.
Unconscious whai evils awatt?
Wiih » jump, yiiUj and ho^vl^ ;ilarm ev'ry soul.
For rhe foul thief is [U.sE at yonr gale.
Singet Sawnie!'* For the foul thief is just at your gate.
Poet Willie! poet Willie, gle ihe Doctor a volley,
Wi' your ''Liberty's Chaiti'^ and your wit;
0*er Pegasus* side ye ncVr laid a stride,
Ye but siTiek, manj the place where he sh-t.
Poet Williel* Ye bur smelt man, the place where he sh-l*
Barr Steenic! Barr Stecnie, what mean ye, what mean ye?
If ye meddle nae mnir wi' ihe matier,
Ye may hae iome prett^nce to havins and sense,
Wi' peopfe rhai ken ye nae bettor^
Barr Stcenie!'* Wi' people that ken ye nao better.
Jamte Goose! Jamie Goost?, ye made but toom roose^
In huntinj;; the wicked Lieutenant;
But the Doeior^s your mark, for the Lord's holy ark^
He has coaper'd an* ca*d a wrang pin in'i,
Jamie Goose!"^ He ha? cooper'd an' ca'd a wrang pin m*t.
Davie Blusltir! Davie Bluster, for a sairiE ye do muster,
The corps h no nice o' recruitsj
"^ Jamtj Mackinlay, Kilmarnock. — -R. B,
^Alcsandcr M^ifxlJe of Ricciirton. — R. B.
^ Wiltiam Pcfble5i id Newiaii'Xipon-A)T+ a poeta&icr. whon acnoiig many oilie
[hin([Sp published an ckIc on ihc "Ctnl^nary of the Revolutions" in ivhicll wss tht line
"And bound in Liberty's endearing chainr" — li. P,
^0 Sicphon Yf^ung o( Itarf— JJ. &
^M^fnt5 Yonngi in ^nvc CunintickL whn h^d bn^ly hctn EoiltJ in an eircle^ia
pros^xution against a Licu^nanc Miti:hcL— i^ £,
POEMS AND SONGS 353
Yet to worth lefs be jiist^ royal blood ye mighr boa^l^
If [he Ass were ihe king o' ihe brures,
Davi^ Blu^er]^^ U fhc Ass were the king o' the brutes.
Irvine Side! Irvine SitlG, wi' your lurkey-cocb piide
Of manhood but sma^ is your share;
Yc'vc ihc figurej 'tis true, ev'n your foes will allow,
And your friends ihoy dare grani you nae maifj
Irvine Sidel^^ And your friends ihey dare grant you nae mair,
Muirliind fock! muitUnd Jock, when the Lord makes a rotk,
To t:ruih common-sense for her sins;
If ill-manners were v/h, there's no mortal so fit
To confound the poOf Doctor al ance^
Muirfund Jock!" To confound ih[] poor Doctof at ance-
Andro Gowk! Andro Gowk^ ye may slander the Book,
An' the Book nought the waur, lei me (ell ye;
Tho' jeVe rich^ an' look big, yet> by by hat ^n' wig,
An' ye '11 hae a calfVhead o' srna' value^
Andro Gowk!^^ Ye'll hae a calf's head o' sma^ value.
Duddy Auldl daddy Auld^ there's a tod in the fauld,
A tod meikfe waur than the clerk;
Tho' ye do licde skaith, ye'll be In at the death.
For gii ye canna bite, ye may hark,
Daddy Auldl^* Gif ye canna bite, ye may bark.
Holy Will! holy Will, there was wit in your skull,
When ye pilfered the alms o* the poor;
The timmer is scant when ye're taen for a saunt,
Wha should swing in a rape for an hour,
Holy Will !^^ Ye should swing in a rape for an hour,
Calvin's 5ons^ Cafvin's sons, seize your spiiicuaE guns,
Ammunition you never can need;
,"DiXvid Grant. OnWltrM-.—fi- B- '^ G**arpe SinJth. C?aUrf»n.— ^. B.
■I* John Slitpherd Muirkifh.™/?. B. ^^D(- Andrew MitchcL Mcjfikiijn,— R B.
"WiHEim Auld. MauchUnci ior the <\i^rb, see "Holy WiKie's Prayer. —R. Br
^ Vid^ the "Praver" ot thij sainL— iJ, B,
354 ROBERT BURNS
Your hearts are ihe STufI will be powder enough,
AnJ your ikuJls are a storehouse c' lead,
Calvin*ssonsf Your skulls art a storehouse o' lead*
Poci Bum si poet Burns, wi' your pricst-skdpin turns^
Why deserL ye yonr auld naihe shire?
Your muse is a jjipsy, yet were she e'en tip^y.
She t:ould ca* ua nae waur than we are,
Pocr Burns] She could ca' us nae vvaur thjin uc are.
PRtSESTATlOS SIAMAS TO COBRESPONn^NT^
Factor John! Factor John, whom the Lord m^^de afone,
And neV made amth<?rj thy peer.
Thy poor servani, the Bard, m respectful regard,
He presents thee this token sincere,
Factor John! lit presents thee this token ^incece^
Afton's Laird! Afton's Laird, when your pen can be spared,
A copy of th^s I betjueath,
On the same sicker score as 1 mentioned before,
To ihat [rusty auld worihy, Clackleiih^
Afion's L^irdl To that trusty auld worthy, Clacklcich.
SOMNET ON KI^CEIVING A FAVOUR
JO Augnj 1789,
Addrtsf^d to Robert Chai-taMs Esq. o£ Fintry^
I CALL no Goddess to inspire my stmins,
A fabled Muse may suit a bard that feigns;
Friend of my life! my ardent spirit burns,
And all ihe tribute of my heart reiurns,
For boons accorded, goodness ever new.
The gifts still dearer, as the giver you-
Thou orb of day' ihou other paler Itght!
And all ye many sparkfing iiars of ni^htl
If aught that giver from my mirn;i efface,
if 1 that giver's bounry e'er disgrace,
Then roll to me afong your wandVing spheres,
Only to number out a villain's years!
I lay my hand upon my swefling breast.
And grateful wouldj hui cannot ipeak the rest*
[
POEMS AND SONGS 355
EXTEMPORANEOUS EFFUSION
On being appointed lo an Excise divjiion.
Searching auld wives* barrels,
Oclion the day[
Tha[ dany barm shouU stain my laurels:
Euc — what'll ye say?
These movin' things ca'd wives an' wcans.
Wad move the very hearts o' stanesf
SONG-WILLIE BREW'D A PECK O' MAUT^
O WILLIE brewed a peck o' mauC^
And Kob and Allen cam to see;
Three blyther hearts^ rhaC Ice-laug nighty
Ye wadna found in Chrisfendie^
Cio^wji— We are na iou, we're nac that fou^
Buiju^Ca drappie in ourec;
The cock may t:r3w, the day may daw
And aye we'll Ea$te ihe barley brce.
L^ Here are we met, three merry boys,
^ Three merry boys I trow are we;
] And moiiy a n\ghi we Ve merry beon^
\ And mony mat we hope to bel
f We are na fou^ Sec
It is i!iK mooiij f ken her horn,
Thai's blinkin' in the lift sae hie;
She shines sae brighi lo wyle us hamc,
But, by my soothe she^ll wait a wee!
\ J We are na fou, &c,
"Wha first shall rise to gang awa*
A cuckold, coward loun is hel
Wha first beside his chair shall fa*,
He is the King am^ng us three.
We are na fou, &c,
l*^WilJjc h Nicol, Allan h Musrerion the wriijng-mjster. The 5ccti^ is betvfccn
MoUai and thp head of ch^; L«h of the Lo^-cs, Dato> August-Sepicmbeft i^Sg.— /jJifl-
356 EGBERT BURNS
CA' THE YOWES TO THE KKOWES
C^ori4s. — Cii' the yowes 10 the kno^ve^j
Ca' them where the heather yrows,
Ca* ihcm Adhere the burnie rowcs^
My bonie dearle-
As I gaed down (he waier-alde.
There [ met my shepherd Udi
He Towd mc sweetly in his pUsd,
And he caVI me his dearie.
Ca' the yowcsj &c.
Will ye gang down the water-side,
And ice the waves sae sweetly glide
Bent^aih ihe hazels spreading wide,
The nicwn it shines fu' clearlyn
Ca" the yowesj ic*
Ye sail gel gowns and ribhons mee!,
CGuMea[her shoon upon your feet.
And in my arms ye'se lie and slcep^
An' ye salt be my dearie^
Ca^ the yoweSj &:Ch
Tf yell but stand to ^vhal yeVe said,
I'se gang wi' thee, my shepherd [yd,
And ye may row me in your plaid,
And I sail be your dearie,
Ca' iheyowes^&c.
While waters wimple lo [he sea,
While day blinks in the lift sae hie,
Till clay-cauld death sail blin^ my e*e,
Ye sail be my dearie.
Ca' the yowes. Sec*
1 GAED A WAEFU' GATE YESTREEN
I ciAED a waefn' gate yestreen^
A gate, I fear^ Til dearly rue;
I gat my death fme twa sweet eerij
Twa lovely cen o' bonie blue.
!
POEMS AND SOKGS
'Twas VIOL htr golden rmglets bright.
Her lipi like rows war ^i' JcWj
Her heaving bosom, ii[y-wbi[(j—
It was her ecu Me bonii^ blue.
357
She talkM, she smirj, my heari she wylM;
She charm 'd my aoul I wist na how;
And aye the ^tound^ ihc deadly wound,
Cmti trie her cen so bonie bluen
But ''spare to speak, and spare lo speed;*
She'lt aibljns Ksten to my vow:
Should she refuse, [11 by my dead
To her iwa een sae bonie blue-
>t
4
I
HIGHLAND HARRY BACK AGAIN
Mv Harry was a galianc gay,
Fu' stately strade he on the plain;
Bu[ now he's bani-'vh*d far away,
ril never see him back again.
Chorus.— O lot him back again!
O for him back again'
T wad gie a' Knock ha spiels land
For Highland Harry back again^
When a' the lave gae to ihejr bed^
I wander dowie up d^e filen;
i set me down and grtec my fill.
And aye [ wish him back agairi.
O for hiin^ ftc-
O were some villains hangtt high^
And ilka body had their ain!
Then I might see the jayfu' sight.
My Highland Harry back again-
O tor him, flee*
353 ROBERT BURNS
THE BATTLE OF SHERRAMUIR
T^uif — 'Tht CdinoronijD Rant."
''O CAM ye here she fighi Eo shun^
Or herd the sheep wi* me^ m:ia?
Or were ye at tl^e Sherra-moofj
Or did die baitfe we, man?"
i »^v/ the bacde, sair and ictigh^
And reekin-rcd ran mony a sheugh;
My l^tari, for fcar^ gacd sou^h for sough.
To hear the thisdSj and see the duds
O^ clans ffae woods* in rart^in duds^
Wha glaun:^'d at kingdoms diree^ man.
L3j la, la, la,^ &c.
The rpj-coaf ladsj wi' black cockauds,
To mcL^l ihcni were na slaw, man;
They rush'd and push'd, and bludc outgushM
And mony a book did fa\ man:
The great Argyle let! on his lilcs,
I \^:ti; [hey glanced twenty miles;
They hough'd the clans like nine-pin kytos,
They hatk'd and hashed, while braid-iwords clashed,
And thro' they dash'd, and hew'd and smashed,
TiJl fey men died awa^ n^an*
La^ U Ja^ la, &c.
But had yc seen the philibegs,
And skyrin tartan trews, man;
When in the teeth they dar'd our Whigs,
And covenant True-bhiesj man;
In lines extended hng and large^
When baiginets o'eipower'd the large,
And thousands hastened to the charge;
Wi' Highland wrath they Frae the sheath
Drew blades o' deaths till, out o' breathy
They fled like frighted dows, man!
La. la. la, la, &c.
ti
O how deilj Tamj can that be true?
The chase gaed frae (he north, man;
i
POEMS AND SONGS 359
I saw myselj they did pursue.
The horsemen batk to Forth, man;
And ar DunbUnej in my am si^hi^
They took the brig wi' a^ their mtghij
And straughi to Stirling winged their llight;
But, cursed lot! the gates were shut;
And mony a huntit poor rtd-coat,
For fear amaist did swarf, man!"
Lsj la, la, la^ fltc*
My s!$ter Kate cam up the gale
Wi' crowdie unto me, n^an;
She swoor she saw some rebels run
To Perth unlo Dundee, man;
Their left-hand general had nae skill;
The Angiis lads had nae gude will
That day (heir neibors^ blude to spili;
For fear, for foes, thai they should lo^e
Their cogs o* hrose; they acar'd at bSows,
And hanneward fast did fleCj man^
La^ la^ la, ia, £cc«
They've lose some gallant Rcndemen^
Amang the Highland clans^ mant
I fear my Lord Panmure is slain^
Or fatien in Whiggish hands, man.
Now wad ye sing this double fights
Some fell for wrang, and some for rtghl;
But mony bade the world gudc-nighi;
Then ye may lell, how pell and n^cll,
By red claymores, and muskets knell^
Wi* dying yell, the Tories fell.
And Whigs 10 hell did flee, man.
La, la^ la, la, kc.
THE BRAES O^ KILUECRANKIE
Where hae ye been sae braw, lad?
Whare hae ye been sae brankie^ Or
Whare hae ye been sae braw, Ud^
Cam ye by Killieerankie, O?
360 ROBERT BURNS
Chortis- — An ye had been whare I hae been^
Ye wad na been 5^e cantie, O;
An ye h^d seen whai I hae seen,
r the Braes 0' Killiecrankie, O.
T {aught at land, I faught at sea,
At hame I (aught my Auniic, O;
But I met the devil an" Dundee,
On ihe Braea o' Killiecraukic^ O.
An ye had been, &c.
The bauld Piicur fell in a furr,
An^ Qavers gal a dankie, O;
Or J had fed an Arhoie gkdj
On ihe Braes 0' Kill ice ran IciCj O,
All ye had been, &c.
AW A' WHIGS, AW A'
ChOTHS. — Awa' Whigs^awa'l
Awa' WhigSj awa'!
Ye're but a pack o' traitor lounSj
Ye'll do nae gudc at a'.
Our ihfi^des Hourish'd fresh and fair,
And honie btoom'd our roses;
Bui Whigs cam' like a frost in June,
An' wixher'd a' our posies.
Awa' Whigs, &c.
Our ancient crown's fa'en in the dust —
Deil Win' them wi' the sloure o't!
An' wrire their names in his black beuk,
Wha gae the Whig^ the power o't,
Awa* Whigs, ^c.
Our sad <!ec3y in church and ^cafe
Surpasses my desc riving:
The Whig? cam' o'er us for a curse,
An' we hae done wi* thriving.
Awa' Whig^, &c
POEMS AND SONGS 36 1
Grim vengeance lang hai I3tn a iiiip.
But we may see him waukcn:
Gudc htlp ^hc day wlicn royal heads
Are hunted like 3 matikin!
Awa' Whigs, Sic.
A WAUKRIFE MINNIE
Whabe sre you gaun, my bonie las?,
Whart are you jjaiin, my hinnic?
She answered mc right saucilie,
"An errantl for my iviifiiiie.'*
O whare live ycy my bonif ]:i5S,
O whare live ye, my hLnnie^
By yon burnsidct gin ye m:iun ken.
In a wee hou^e wV my minnie."
Bui 1 £oor up the glen at t'en.
To see my bonie Ussic-
And lang before the grey morn ca[n,
She was na hauf ^ae .■;aucje^
O weary fa' the waukrife cock,
And the foumart lay his crawinl
He waukcn'd ihe anld wife frae her sleep,
A wee blink or the dawin.
An angry wife I wai she raise,
And o*er ihe bed she hrochl her^
And wi^ a nteikle hazel rung
She made her a weel-py'd dochier-
O fare (hee weclj my bonie lass,
O fare thee well, my hinni^l
Thou art a gay an* a bonnie lass.
But thou has a waukrifc minnje.
THE CAPTIVE RIBBAND
TuiTif— '*Rybaidh dana £orKh."
Dear Myra, the captive nbband^s mine,
^Twas all my faii[^ful love could gainj
362 ROBERT BURNS
And would you ask mc no re^i^n
The bole reward that crowns my painP
Go> bid thi? hero who has run
Thro' fields of dujih to gather fjme.
Go, bid ]iim by hi.> bnrels down.
And all his weEl-earn'U praise dii^cUim,
The ribband shaH Ita freedom loit — -
Loiie ;lI! the bliss it had wilh you.
And share (he fate I would impose
On thee» weit thou my captive too.
Il ^hall upon my bnsom live,
Or clasp me in a dose embrace;
And at its fortune if you i;rreve.
Retrieve its doom, and lake its place.
MY HEART'S IN THE HIGHLANDS
Fahewell !o the Highlands, Farewell to the North,
The birth-place of Valour, ihe country of Worth;
Wherever I wander, wherever T rove,
The hilli of the Highlands for ever I love.
Choruj. — My heart's in iKe Highlands, my heart is not heie,
My heart's in the Highlands, a-chasing the deer;
Chasing the wild-deer* and following the ton.
My heaic'n in che Highlands, wherever £ go.
Farewell to the mountains, high-covei'd ^vith snow,
Farewell to The straths and green vallies belo"-;
Farewell fo the forests and wild-hanging woods.
Farewell to the larrenu and loud-pouring floods.
My heart's in the Highlands, &c,
THE WHISTLE— A BALLAD
I sI^-G of a Whistle* a Whistle ot ivorth,
I sing of a Whisrie, ihe pride of the North.
Was brought to the court of our good Scottish King,
And long with thi^ Whistle all Scotland shnti ring-
POEMS AND SONGS 363
OIJ Loda^ sTill rueing the arm of FingaJ,
The god of [fit l>Dide 5end,s down from hii Imll —
"The WhiSilt^V your challenge, xo Scotland goi o'er,
Ajid drink ihem to hell^ Sitl or neer sec me more!"
Old potts have sung^ and old chronicles lell,
What champions vcntar'd, what champions idU
The son of great Loda was conqueror still.
And biew on ihc Whistle their requiem shrill.
Till Kobertj the lord of the Cairn and ihc Scaur,
Unmaich'd at the bouk^ unconquer'd in war,
He drank his poor god-ship as deep ai the soa;
No tide of the Baltic e'er drunker thnn he^
Thus Robert, victorious, the rrophy has gain'd;
Which now in his house has for ages remain "d^
Till three noble chieftains, and all of his blood,
The jovial contest again have renewed.
Three joyous good feliowi^ with hearts dear of flaw
CMigdarroch, so famous for wit, worth, and law;
And trusty Cknriddel^ so skilTd in old coins;
And gallant Sit Hubert^ deep^read in old wines-
Craigdarroch began, with a tongue smooth as oil,
iJesJring Glen riddel to yield tip the spoil;
Or else he would muster the heads of the cbn^
And once more, in claret, try which was the man*
^'By the gods of the anciehtsT* GlenrLddel replies,
"Before J surrender so glorious a prize,
ril con)ure the ghost of the great Roric More.
And bumper his horn with him twenty times o^er/'
Sir Robert, a soTdiei, no speech would pretend.
But he ne'er lurn'd his back on his foe, or his friend;
Said, "Toss down the Whistle, the prize oE the field,'
And, knee^deep in ciarec, he*d die ere he*d yield-
364 ROBERT BURNS
To the board of Glen riddel our heroes repair,
So noted for drowning of sorro^v and care:
But, for wine and for welcome, not more known to isme.
Than the sense, wit, and taste, of a sweet lovely dame.
A bard was selected to witness the fray,
And tell future ages the feats oE the day;
A Bard who detested all sadness and spleen,
And wish'd that Parnassus a vineyard had been.
The dinner being ovei, ihe ckrct they ply,
And evVy new cork is a new spring of joy;
In [he ba[ld^ of old friendship and kindred so set,
And the bands grew the tighter liie more they were wet. ,
Gay Pleasure ran riot as bumpers ran o er:
Jirli;h[ Phtcbus ne'er witiiess'd so joyous a core,
And vow\l that to leave them he was quite forlorn.
Till Cynthia hinted he'd see them next morn.
Six bottles a-piece had well wore out che night,
When gallant Sir Robert, to jrnish ihe fight.
TurnM o'er in one bumper a boide of red,
And swore 'twas the way that their anceitor did.
Then worthy Cjlenriddel, so cautious and sage,
No longer the warfare ungodly ^iiuld wage;
A high Ruling Elder to walloiv in wine;
He left the foul business to folks less divine.
The gallant Sir Robert fought haid to the end;
But who can with Fate and quarF bumpers contend!
Though Fate said, a hero should perish in lights
So uprose bright PhcEbus— and down felt the knight.
Next uprose our Bard, like a prophet in drink: —
"Craigdarroch* ihou'lt soar when creation shall sinki
But if ihoQ would flourish immortal in rhyme.
Come — one bottle more — and have at the sublime!
I
i
r
ii
|h
POEMS AND SONGS 365
"Thy line, that hjiip strnggfcJ for freedom uiih Bruce,
Shall heroes and patriots ever produce:
So thine be nhc laurel, and mine bo ihe hay;
The fldd Lhou luiC won, by yon brighi god of day!"
TO MARY IN HEAVEN
TttoL- lingering star, with les^enin^ rny.
That lov'st to greet die early morn.
Again thon usher' si in die day
My Mary from my soul «'J5 lorn,
O Maryl dear departed shjJel
Where i^ ihy place of blissful rest?
See'il thou thy lover lowly laid?
Hear*st ihou tfn? groans that rend hi:^ broasir
That sacred hour can I forget,
Can I forget the hallow 'd grove,
Where, by the ivinding Ayr, we met.
To live one day of parting love!
Eternity uill not efface
Those records dear of irari'jjjorts past.
Thy image at our last embrace,
Ah! Sitde thought we 'twas our lastl
Ayr, gurgling, kiss'd his pebbled ^:hor^.
O'erhung iviih wild-woods, thickening green-
The fragrant birch and hawthorn hoar,
'Twin'd amflrtjus round the rapiur'd scene:
The flou'crs sprang wanton to be pre^l,
The birds sang love on every spray;
Till [00, too *ioon, the glowing west,
Proclaini'd the speed of winged day.
Still o'er rhese scenes my mem'ry wakes,
And fondly broods with miser-care;
Time but th' impression stronger makes,
As strejms their channels deeper wear,
My Mary! dear departed shade!
Where is thy blissful place of rest?
See'st thou thy lover lowly laid?
Hoar'sc thou the groans that rend his breast?
366 ROBERT BURNS
EPISTLE TO DR. PLACKLOCK
Elltsland, 21J/ Oct., 1789.
Wow, but your letter made me vauntie!
And are ye hale^ and weefc and cantie?
I k^n'd it slUl, your wee bit jauntie
Wad bring ye 10:
Lord send you aye as weeVs I want ye!
AnJ th^fi y^'Ii Jo.
The ill-chief blaw the Heron south!
And never drink be near his drouth!
He [auld myself by word o' mouili,
He'd lak my leiteri
I lippen*d to the chic] in rrouih,
And bade nae better.
But aiblins, honest Master Heron
Had* Jit the lime, some dainty fair one
To ware his liicoiogic care on,
And holy study;
And tired 0* sauls to waste his lear on.
E'en tried tbc l>ody-
Bur what d*ye think, my tru^ry fere,
I'm turned a isangcr — Peace be herel
Piirnassian queans, I fear, I fear,
Ye1i now disdain me!
And then my Jifty pounds a year
Will little gain me.
Ye glaiUit, gleeiome, dainty damics,
Wha, by Castalia's wimplin streamies,
Lowp, sing, and lave your pretty limbies.
Ye ken, ye ken,
That Strang necessity supreme is
"Mang sons o" men.
T hae a wife and twa wee laddies;
They maun hae brose and brars o' duddies;
POEMS AXD SONGS 367
Ye ken youiaels my heart ilghi proud is^
I need 03 vaunt —
But riS sned besoms, ihraw saugh woodies^
Before they want-
Lord help me thro' this narld o' carel
I'm weary sick o\ lato and air!
Not but I hae a richer sh^re
Than mony iihers;
BuC why should ae man beu^r tare.
And a' men briiht^rs?
Comej Firm Resolve^ lake {]iou [he van,
Thou iialk o' carl-hemp in man!
And let ui mindj faint liL>arL n^ er wan
A bdy fuir*
Wha does the utmost [hat Ik* can^
Will whiles do niair-
But to conduce my silly rhyme
(Tm scant o* verse and scant o' lime),
To make a happy fireside clim^
To weans and wife,
Thaf'5 the true palhos and sublime
Of human hfe.
My compltments to sister Beckie,
And eke the same to honest Lucky;
I wai she ia a daintit: chuckie.
As e'er tread day-
And gratefuliy, my g\ide auld cockle^
Tin yours for aye.
Robert BtPNS.
TH£ FIVE GARLINS
An Election Ballade
THBf— ^^Chcvy Ch.iw."
Theue was five Carlins in the South,
\
1
They fell upon a scheme, 1
To ^end a lad to London toun^
To bring them ddings hame.
J
368 ROBERT BURNS
Nor c]Eily bring them tlJings hamCj
Hut do Lhcir errands there.
And iiiblin^ gowd and honor baith
Might be that Uddic's share.
There was Maggy by the banks o' Nithj
A dLime ni pti6^ ejieu^h;
And Marjory &' the mony Lochs^
A Carlin auld and leugh.
And blinkin Ress of AnnnntUlcj
That dwelt ne^ir Solway-ilde;
And uhiiky Juan, ihiit took her gilfj
In Galloway sae widc-
And auld bli^k Toan frae Crichton Peel^^
C gip&y tilth an' kin;
Five wighter Cadins were na (ounJ
The South counirie within.
To 5ond ii lad lo London Eown^
They mtt upon a day;
And mony a knijjhtj and mony a iairJ,
This cirand Eaiji wad gac.
O mony a knight, and mony a laird,
This errand fain wad g^e;
But nae ani; covild their fancy please,
O ne'er a anc but twie*
The first anc was a behed Kni^hr,
Bred of a Border band;^
And he wad gae to London town.
Might nae man him withitartd.
And he wskI do their errands week
And meikle fie w;^d say;
And ilka ane about the court
Wad hk! to him glide day,
^S^qubar. ^ Sit lames Jtthnston of Wcsterh.ilL
I
POEMS AND SONGS 369
The niiiil cam in a Sygtzr youih,^
Who sp^k \\i modcsE grace^
And he svvid gae lo London lown,
11 £ae ihcir pleasure was*
He wad na hecht them coiirdy gifts.
Nor mcikle s]>Gech pretend ^
Bui he wad heehi an honesi litafi.
Wad ne'ei" desert his friend.
Now^ wham to chuse, and wham refu^e^
Ai strife ihir Cadins fell;
For some had Gentlefolks lo please.
And some wad plta$e themser*
Then out spak mim-mou'd Meg o' Niihj
And she spak up wC pride,
And 5he uad send :he Soger youth,
Whatever mighl betide-
For thti add Gudeman o* London court^
She didna care a pin;
But she wad send the Soger youth.
To greet his eldest son,^
Then up sprang Eess o* Annandale,
And a deadly aith ^he's [nien,
Thai she wad vote the Border Knt^ht,
Though she should vote her lane.
"For far-off fowls hae feathers fair.
And fools o' changi^ are fain;
But 1 hae tried the Border Knight^
And 113 try him yet again"
Says black (oan fiae Crichton Peel,
A Cadin stoor and grim,
*'The auld Gudeman or young Gudeman-j
For me may sink or swim;
Capuijl Pau^ick Mitl^ir of DaJswinitm. ^ Tht King. ^ The Prince of Wale,
370 KOBERT BURNS
For fools will praic o' right or ^^r^ny^
While knaves laugh ihem lo itom;
Hui the Soger*5 friends hae hiawn ihc best.
So he shall bear [he horn."
Then whisky Jean spak. owre her drink,
*'Ye weel ken^ kimmtrs a\
The auld gudenian o' London codri.
His back's been at rhe wa';
^^And mony n. friend thaE kiss'd his caup
Is now a fremit wighi;
Bui Ji's ne'er he said o' whisky ]t^n —
Well send th^ Border Knight"
Then slow raise Marjory o^ the Lochs^
And wrinkled was her brow.
Her ancient we^d was ms^t gray,
Her auld Scois bluid was irue;
*^Thcre*£ some great folk set light by me,
I jct as light by them;
But I will send tt^ London iown
Wham I hke l>est at haine."
Sae how this mighty pica may end^
Nae mortal wight can lell;
God grant tht King and ilka man
May look weel to himsel.
ELECTION BALLAD FOR WESTERHA'
Tunr-^'Vp and waur thcin ^\ WJllk."
Tufi LaUdit?s by the banks o* Nith
Wad trust his Grace^ wi a\ Jamie;
But he^ll sair them, as he sair'd the King —
Turn tail and rin awa*p Jamie.
^Thc fourth Duke flf Quccnibcrry. who supponcJ th^ pmposaT rhat^ durif
Gcflrgt lU's iILuksh cht Primre oi Wales shouU assurnc die Government with £l
POEMS AND SONGS 37I
ChoruiM — Up ;ind waul ihem a\ Jamiei
Up and waor ihem a';
The Johnitones hae the giiidio o't.
Ye turncoat Whigs, awa'l
The d;iy he stude his country's friend^
Or gietl her facs a claw, JamiCj
Or Irae pyir man a bUssin wan^
Tliar day the Duke neVr aw, Jamie*
Up and waur diem, &c.
But wlia is lie, his coumry's boast?
Like him rhere is na iwa, Jami^;
Thcrc^s no a callcnt lenr^ the tytj
Bui kens o' Westerha', Jamie.
Up and waur them^ ic-
To end the wark, here's Whisdebirk^
Lang may his whisile blaw, )amie;
And Maxwclf rruc^ 0' sreriing bJue;
And we'll bo JohnstoiiGs a^^ Jamie*
Up and waur diem, &c,
PROLOGUE SPOKEN AT THE THEATRE OF
DUMFRIES
On New Ycar'$ Day Eveningp 1790,
Md song nor dance I bring from yon great citv^
That queens it o'er our [aste— the more's the pily:
Tho' by the bye, abroad wliy wiJJ you roamP
Good sen$e and taste are natives here at home"
But not for panegyric 1 appear^
I cojne to wish you all a good New Yearf
Old Father Time deputes me here before ye^
Not for to preach, but tell Iiis simple story:
The sage, grave Ancient cough*d, and bade me sav^
"You re one year older this important day,"
If H'i^^r too — he hinted some suggestion.
But ^wollld he rude, you know^ to ask the question;
And with a wouJd-be roguish leer and wink.
Said — "Sutherland, in one word^ bid [hem tihnk!"
37^ ROBERT BURNS
Ye sprighrly youihs, quinc fluih with hope and spirit,
Who ihink to storm the world by Jint of merit,
To you the dotard h^s a deal to say,
In his sly, dry, senlenilous, proverb wayT
He bids you mind^ amid your thoughtless rjtde,
That the first blow is ever hiilf the bactlci
That tho' some by the skirc may try to snatch him.
Yet by the forelock is the hold to catch him;
That whether doing, suffering* or forbearing.
You may do miracles bj' persevering-
Last, iho' not lea^t in !ove, ye youthful fair,
Angelic forms, hreli Heaven's peculiar care!
To you old liald'pate smoothes his wrinkled brow.
And humbly begs you'll mind the importani — nowI
To crown your happiness he asks your Itave,
And offers, bliss to give and to receive.
For Odt sincere, tho' haply weak endeavours.
With grateful pride wc own your many fs^ouis;
And howsoever our tongues may ill reveal iE,
Believe oui glowing bosoms truly feel it.
SKETCH— NEW YEAR'S DAY [1790]
To Mrs. Dunlop.
This day, Time winds th' exhausted chain;
To run the twelvemonth's length again;
I see, the old bald-patcd fellow,
With ardent eyes, comple^tion sallow,
Adiust the unimpair'd machine.
To wheel the equal, dull routine.
The absent lover, minor heir,
In vain assail him with their prayer;
Deaf as my friend, he sees ihein press,
Nor makes the hour one moment kss,
Will you (the Major's ivith the hounds,
The happy tenants share his rounds^
Coila's fair Rachers care to-day,
POEMS AND SON'GS 373
And bloomtrLg Kdth's engaged with Gray)
From housewife c^ires a minuie borrow,
(That grariJchjld'6 cap wiJl do to-morroWp)
And join ^viih me a-momlizing;
This day's propitious to be wi^e in.
Fir si J what did yesiernight dehver?
*' Another year has gone for ever."
And \\ hal is this day's strong suggestion?
''The passing niomcnt^s all we rest on!'*
Rest on — for what: what do we here?
Or why regard the passing yearp
WiU Time, am.us*d with prg^crb'd lorcj
Add to our date one mtnute more?
A few days may — a few years mu5t —
Kepo5e LIS in the sticnt dust,
Thenj is it wise to damp our blissP
Yes — aJl iuch reasonings are amiss!
The voice of Nature loudly cries.
And many a message from the skiesj
That something in us never dies:
That on this frail, uncertain state,
I-Jang matters of eternaE weight:
That future life in worlds tinknown
Must take its hue from this alone;
Whether as heavenly glory bright,
Or dark as Misery^s woeful night-
Since then, my honoured first of friends^
On this poor being aU depends.
Let us ih* important ncti^ employ,
And live as those who never die.
Tho^ you, with days and lionours cro\^'n*J^
Witness that filial circle roundp
(A sight life's sorrows to reputsc,
A sight pale Envy to convulse )j
Others now claim your chief regard"
Yourself, you wait your bright reward.
374 ROBHRT BURNS
SCOTS' PROLOGUE FOR MR. SUTHERLAND
On Ki5 Benefit-Night, at the Theatre, Dumfries*
WjfAT needs ihis din about the town o' Lan'on^
How ihis new play an^ that new sang is comiri?
Why is outlandish stulT sae meiktt; couricdr
Docs nonsense mend^ hke brandy* when imported?
Is theie nae poet, burning keen for fame,
Will try ^o gie us sangs and plays at hame?
For Comedy abroad he need na loil,
A fool and knave ate plants of every soil;
Nor need he hunt as far as Rome or GreecGj
To gather matter for a serious piece;
There^s themes enow in Caledonian story,
Would shew the Tragic Muse in a' her glory-—
li there no dmng Bard will rise and tell
How glorious Wallace stood^ ho^v hapless fell?
Where are the Muses fled ihai could produix
A drama worthy o' the name o' Bruce?
How here, even here, he first unsheath'd the sword
'Gainst mighty England and her guihy Lord;
And after mony a bloody^ deathless doing,
Wiench'd his dear country from ihe jaws ot Ruinl
O for a Shakespeare, or an Otway scene^
To draw the lovely^ hapless Scottish Queen!
Vain all ih' omnipotence of female charms
^Gainst headlong, ruthtess^ mad Rebel hon*s arms^
She fellp but fell with spirit truly Roman,
To glut that direst foe — ^a vengeful woman;
A womanj (tho' the phrase may seem uncivil^)
As able and as wicked as the Devill
One Douglas lives in Homers immortal page,
But Douglasses were heroes every age:
And tlio^ your fathers^ prodigal of fife*
A Douglas followed to the martial strife.
Perhaps, if bowls cow rights and Right succeeds.
Ye yet may follow where a Douglas lead^l
As ye hae generous done, if a^ the land
Would take the Muses* servants by the hand^
J
J
POEMS AND SONGS 375
Not only heafj bui paironizej l>efricnd ihem,
A_nd whore he jusdy can commend, comrrn^nj llicm;
And ajbljns ^vhen ihey winna stand ihe test.
Wink hard, and say The folks hae done [heir beirl
Woo Id ii' the land do Hiisp then Ml be caiiioii,
Ye'U ioon ha^ Poets o^ ihc Scottish nation
Will gif Fame bfaw uniil her trumpet eratzk^
And warsle Timo^ an' lay him on his backf
For U5 and for our Srage, should ony spier,
'*Whaseaughr ihge chicls maks a' this bustle here?'*
My best leg foremostj Til set up my brovv — '
Wc have the honour lo belong to you! '
We're yoxsr ain bairns, een guide us as ye like^ J
Bui lik& jjood miihers ihore before ye strike; I
And grntefu' still, I trust ye'h ever find us, i
For gcnVous patronage^ and meikle kindness 1
We've got frae a' professions^ sets and lanks; t
God help usi weVe but poor— ye'se get but Ehunki*
L
LINES TO A GENTLEMAN, ^
Who had sent the Poet a Newspaper, and ofltrcd to coniinue ]
it free of Expense. '
Kind Sir, Tve read your paper through^
And faith, to me, 'twas really new!
How guessed ye^ Sir, what maist I wanted?
Thiji many a day I've grained and j^raantcd,
To ken what French mischief was brewin;
Or what the drumlie Dutch were doin;
That vile doup-skelper^ Emperor Joicph, f
[f Venus yel had got his nose off; f.
Or how the collieshan^ie works jj
Atween the Russians and the Turks,
Or if the Swede, before he hali^
Would play aniiher Charles the twali;
If Denmark^ any body spk o'r;
Or Poland, wha had now the tack o't:
How cul-lhroat Prussian blades were hingin;
How hbbet Italy was singin;
376
ROBERT BURNS
If Spaniard, Ponuguese^ or Swiss^
Were sayin' or [akin* aught amiss;
Or how our meiry lads at hamej
in Britain's court kepL up the jjame;
How royal George, the Lord leuk o er him!
Ws-'v managing St- Stephen's quorum;
H steckit Chatham Will was livinp
Or glaikit Charlie goi his nieve in;
How dad die iiurkt the plea was cocjkln,
1£ WaiTcn Hastings' neck was yeukin;
Ho^v cossGS^ sEcnts, and fees were rax'd^
Or if bare arses yet were laxM;
The news o^ pric^ce^, dukes, and earls,
Pimp^t ^h^rpE^fs^ bawJs, and opera-girl sj
if dial Jaft buckle, Geordie Wales,
Was threshing sEill at hizEies' tails;
Or if he was grown oughtUns douser.
And no a perfect kintra coosef:
A* thii and mair i never heard of;
Andj bu[ for you, I might despaired of.
So, graiefu^ back your news I 5end you,
And pray a' gudc things may attend you-
Ellisland, MoT^day Morning, 1790
ELEGY ON WILLIE NlCOL'S MARE
Peg Nicholson^ was a good bay mare,
As ever irod on aim;
But now she's floating down the Nith^
And past the mouth 0^ Cairn-
Peg Nicholson was a good bay mare^
An' rode thro^ thick and [hin;
But now she*s flonimg dovvn the Nith,
And wanting even the skin-
Peg Nicholson was a good bay mare^
And ance she bore a priest;
But now she'-'s floating down the Nith^
For Solway fish a feast.
POEMS AXD SONGS 377
Peg Nichols^5n was a good bay marci
An' the priest he rode her sair;
And much oppress d and bruis'd she was,
As priest-rid caide are, — ^c. £ic,
THE GOWDEN LOCKS OF ANNA
Yestbeew r had a pini o' wliiej
A place where body saw na;
Yesueen hiy on this breast o* mine
The gowden locks of Anna.
The hungry l^w in wilderness,
Rejoicing o'er his manna^
Was nacthing to my hinny bh»
Upon the Kps of Anna-
Ye tnonarchs, liikc the East and We^t
Frae Indus to Savannah;
Gitj me, ^viihin my straining grasp,
The melting form of Anna:
There ril d«pi5c Imperial charms^
An Empress or Sultana,
While dying raptures In her arms
1 give and rake w\ Anna!
Avva. thou flaunting God of Day!
Aw&^ rhou pale Diana!
Ilk Star, gac hide thy twinkhng ray.
When Tm to meet my Anna! ,
Comt, in thy raven plumage, Night, J"
(Sun, Moon>and Starsj withdrawn a';)
And bring ai] angel-pen to ivriie ;
My tran^porr^ with my Anna!
The Kirk an' State may join an^ tell, jj
To do $ic thiiigs ] maunna^
The Kirk an' Slate may gae to hell,
And ril gae to my Anna-
3/8 ROBERT BURNS
She is I he sunshine o' iny e'e>
To live bill her 1 canna;
Had I on earth but wishes thrcCj
The first should be my Anna*
SONG— 1 MURDER HATE
I MUfiD^R h:ne by flood or lidd,
Tho' glory's name may screen us;
In wars m home Til spend my blood —
I^fengiving wars of Vcnus-
The deities that ] adore
Are social Peact^ and Plenly;
Tm better pleas^ lo make one morej
Than be ihe death of twenty,
I would noE die like Socraies,
For all the fuss of Pl:ito;
Nor would T wiih LconidaSj
Nor yei would ! wcth Cato:
The zealots of iht Church and State
Shall ne'er my mortal foes l>ei
IJnr let me have bold Zhnri's fate^
Within the arms of Coibtl
GUDflWlFE, COUNT THE LAW2N
Gane is the day, and mirk*5 the Jiightj
Bui we'll neVr stray for faut o' light;
Gude ale and brandy's siars and moon.
And blue-red wine'ji ihe riiin* sun*
C/toms. — Then gudewife, count the lawin.
The lawtn^ the lawin,
Then ^iidewife, count ihc lawin,
And bring a coggie mair.
There^s weahh and ease for gentlemen^
And simple folk maun fecht and fen*;
But here we're a* in ae accord.
For i!ka man that's drunk's a lord^
Then gudewife, &c.
1
POEMS AND SONGS 379
My cog^ie h a haly pool
Thar heaU ihe wounds o' care and dooT;
And Pleasure is a wanlon trout.
An ye drink it a', ye'll find him out.
Then gudewife, &c*
ELECTION BALLAD
At the closer o£ rhe conKsi for rcpreseniinfi the Dumfries Burgh^^ 179^.
Addvcsfcd ro Kh Graham, Esq. of Fintry.
FiNTBv, my stay in worldlv srrifet
Friend o' my musc^ friond o' my lit.\^,
Are ye ai idlers [ am?
Come then, wi' uncouth kinira ilcg^
0*er Pegasus Dl fling my leg,
And ye sliall see me try him.
But where sball I go rin a ride.
That 1 may splatlcr nant beside?
J wad na be uneivit:
In manhood^s various paths and ways
There's aye some doyiin' body surays^
And / rsde like the deviL
Thus 1 break aff wi' a' my birrj
And down yon dark, deep alley spufp
Where Theological daunder:
Ala^! curst wi' eternal fogs.
And dainn'd in everlasting bog^^
As sure's the creed TU blundetl
rH sTain a band, or jaup a gown,
Or rjn my reckless, guilty crown
Againsi the haly door;
Sair do I rue my luckless fate,
Wheuj 35 the Muse an* Deil wad hae't>
I rade that road before*
Suppose I take a 3pun> and mix
Amang the wilds o' Politics —
Electors and eJRcted.
380 ROBERT BURNS
Where dogs at Court (sad sons of bitches!
Sopiennially a madness touches,
Till all the land's infccred.
All haill Drumlanrig^s haugtiEy (Jr^Jcc,
Di^cardE^d remnani of a race
Once godlike— great in ^Tory;
Thy torliMrs' virtues aJI contrasted^
The very name of Douglas blasted.
Thine thai inverted glory]
Haii?j envy^ ofl the Douglas bore^
But thou hasi superadded more^
x\nd sunk Them in contempt;
Follies and crimes have sisin^d rhe name,
lititt Queensberry, chine ihe virgin daimj
From aught ihafs good e.xempcl
ni sing the zeal Drumlanrig bears,
Who left [he ali-important cares
01 princes, and their darlings;
x"\ndj beiU on winninti borough touns.
Came shaking hiinds wV ^t^yb^ierJoons,
And kissing barcfii carlins^
Combustion ihro' our boroughs rode,
Whiiitling his roaring pack abroad
Of mad unmuzzled lion^;
As Qneensberry blue and buEl unfiirrd^
And We^cerha' and I lopctoun hurled
To every Whcs^ defiance.
Rur caufaou* Queensberry left the war,
Th' unmanneKd tlusi might soil hi^ star,
Besides J he haled bl^i^dh^g;
But left behind him heroes bright^
Heroes m C^esarean fights
Or Ciceronian pleading.
O for a rhroar like huge Mons-Meg,
To mtjsicr o'er each ardetit Whig
Beneath Drumlanrig^s banners;
t.
POEMS AND SONGS 381
Heroes ^ind heroines commixj
All in the field oi poliiicSj
To ^^in immorcal hanours.
M'Murdo and his lovdy ^pousCj
(Th^cnamour'd lanr^zls kiss her brows!)
Led on the Loves and Graces:
She won each yapin^ burj^css' hearty
While htj itib rOia* played hi$ pare
Amang [heir \vives and lasKS,
Craigdarroch led a light-arm'd core^
Tropes, meiaphors^ and fij;ures pour^
Like Heda ^Ereaming thunder:
GlenrSddeU skill'd in ruity coinii^
Ulew up each Tory^s dark, designs.
And bared [he ireaion under.
In either wing two ehampions [ought;
Redoubred Siaig^ ^vho set at nought
The wildest savage Tory;
x^nd Welsh who neVr yet llinch'd his ground,
High-wav'd his magnum-bonum royiiJ
With Cyciojx.ian fury.
Miller brough[ up th' anillery ranks^ I
Hie manv-poundcrs of the B^nks, :
Resistless desolitton!
While Maxwekon, that Ixiron bold,
'Mid Lawson^s port entrenched his hold, ;
And threaten "d worse damnation, ^
To these what Tory Eio&(4 opposed, -*
With these ^vhat Tory warriors closM,
Snrpasses my descriving; ^1
Squadrons, extended long and large^ ^
With furious speed rush 10 [he charge, >
Like Eurioxii devils driving, !
Whai verse can sing^ what prose narrate^
The buccher deeds of bloody Fate,
Amid this mighty tulyie!
^82
ROBERT BURNS
Grim Horror gir n'd. pale Torror roarM^
As Murder ai his rhrapple shor'd.
And Hd[ mix'd in the brulyie.
As Highland craigs by thunder clefc.
When iighUiings fire the stormy liftp
Hurl dawn with crashing raiEle;
As flamejj limong a hundred woods^
As headlong foam from a hundred llooJi^
Such is the ragt; of Battle-
The siuhhorn Tories dare to die;
As soon the rooted oak^ wuuld fly
Before th' approachcng ^elly^5:
The Whigs come on like Ocean's roiir^
When all his wintry billows pour
Again it the Buch^in Bu[!ers.
Lop from the shades of Death's deep night,
Departed Whigs enjoy the fight.
And think on formtr daring:
The muifled niurthc^rer oi Charles
The Magna Charter flag unfurls^
All deadly gules its hearing.
Nor wanting ghosts of Tory fame:
Boid Scrirageour follows gallant Graham;
Auld Covenanters shiver —
Forgivel forgive! much-wrongM Montruic!
Now Death and Hell engulph thy foeSp
Thou liv'si Qn high for tver>
Still o*er the field the combat burns.
The Tories, Whiga^ givt; way by turns;
But Fate The word has 5(xjkt;n:
For woman^s wit and strength o' man^
Alas! can do but what they can;
The Tory ranks arc broken.
O ihat tny een were flowing hurnsT
My voice, a lioness that mourns
Her darhng cubs' undoing^
POEMS AND SONGS ^"6^
Thai 1 might greet, thm 1 might cry^
While Tories fall, while Tories %j
And furious Whigs pur^uingl
What Whig bii[ mdcs for good Sir James,
Dear to his country, by ihe names,
Friend* Patron, Benefactor!
Not Pvilteney*^ wealth can Pulieney save;
And Hopeioun falls, ihe generous, brave;
And Stc^vart, bold ^s Heclor.
Thou, Pi[!. shah rue rhis overthrow,
And l^KurTow* growl a curse of woe,
And Melville melt in walling:
>Jdw Fo\ and Sht^ridan rejoice^
And Burke shall sing, "O Prince, ari$c!
Thy power 15 all-prevailing!"
For your poor friend, the Bard, afar
He only htars and sees the war,
A cool spectator purely!
So, uhen die storm the forest rends,
The robin in the hedge descends.
And sober chirps securely^
■
Now, for my friends' and brethren's sakea^
And for my dear-lov'd Land o' Cakes,
I pray with holy firs:
Lord, send a rough- shod iroop o' Hell
O'er a' wad Scotland huy or sell.
To grind them in the miret
ELEGY ON CAPTAIN MATTHEW HENDERSON
A Gentleman ^vho held (he Patent for his Honours immediately
from Almighty Cody
Shnuld iht pcor be flattered?— SSffi^irf^dr^*
O Death! thou tyrant fell and bloody!
The meikle devil wi' a woodie
Haurl thee ham? to his black smiddie,
O'er Imrchton hldesj
3^4
ROBERT BURNS
And Jjke stotk-fish come o'er his sluddie
Wi'ihy auld sides!
He's ganCj he^s gane! he^s frae us [orn.
The ae best fellow e'er was bornf
Thecj Maiihews Nature's sel' shall mourn.
By wood and wild.
Where haply^ Picy strays torlom^
Ffat man exil'd*
Yc hill 5, near neighbours o* the starns^
That proudly coth your ere sling cairn si
Yc diffs, rhe haunts of sailing earns^
Where Echo slumbefil
Come join, yc Naiuro^s bEurdit^st bairns^
My wailing numboril
Mourn, ilka grove the cushat kens!
Ye ha7-1y shaws and briery dens!
Ye burTLtes, wimplin* down your glens,
Wi' toddhn din^
Or foaming. sUang. wi' hasiy stenSf
Frae lin to lln.
Mourn, liiElc hnrcheUs o*er the le^j
Ye stately foxgloves, fatr to see-
Ye woodbines hanging bonihe^
In scented bovvVsj
Ye roses on }Ouf thorny tree^
The first o' flowers-
At da^^ n, when ev'ry grassy blade
Droopi With a diamond at his head^
At ev'n, whcu beans their fragrance shed,
r th' rusding gale,
Ye maul^inSp whiddin thro* the glaJe,
Come )ain my waiL
Mourn, ye wee songsters o' the wo^d"
Y^ 3;mu^ ihat crap th^ heather budi
POEMS AND SONGS 385
Ye curlcvvsj calling thro' a dud;
Ye whiftlijnj; plover;
And moufn, we whirring pjilrick brood;
tie's gane for ever!
Mourn, sooty cools, and speckled :ea!si
Yc Rshcr herons, watching eeli^^
Yc duck and drake, wi' airy wheels
Cirding die lake;
Ye biiiernsj ull iKe? quagmire reels,
Jtair [or his sakt,
Mouffij claraVmg craiks at close o' day,
'Mang fields o' flowVing cEovei" gay;
And when ye wing your annual way
Frae our cauld shore.
Tell ihae far warlds wha lies iri day,
Wham w& deplore.
Y^ houletSj £rac your ivy bowV
In some auld tree, or eldritch towVp
What lime the moon, wi' silent glow^fi
Sets up her horn,
Wail ihro' the dreary midnighc hour^
TiU waukfjfd mornl
O riverSj foresEs, hilts, and plains!
Oft have ye heard my canty strains:
But noWj what dse for me remains
But tales of woe;
And frae my een the dcapplng rains
Maun ever flow*
Matirn, Spring, thou darling of the yearl
Ilk caivslip cup shall kep a Eear:
ThoUj Simmer, while each corny apear
Shoots up its head.
Thy gay, green, flow'ry tresses shear,
For him that^s dead !
386 ROBERT BURNS
Thou, Autumn, wF ihy yeHow hair,
In gfi^f thy sallow mand^ tear!
Thou, Wimer, hurling ihro' the air
The roaring bUiS,
Wide o'er the linked world declare
The worth we*ve IqsII
Mourn him, thou Sun^ great source? of Jjght!
Mourn, Empress of the siUnt night!
And yo;ij yc [winkling siarnies bright,
My Matthew mourn!
Foi through your orbs he's ta'en his flight,
Ne^cr to return^
Henderson! the man! the broihcr!
And art diou g<^"ti> =ind gone for ever!
And hasi thou crost that unknown river,
Litems dreary hound!
Like thee, where shall I find .mother,
Tlie world around!
Go to your sculptured tombs^ yc Greatj
In a' the tinsel trash d' stntc!
But bv ihy honest turf Til wait.
Thou man of worth!
And weep the ae be^C fellow's fate
E'er lay in earth*
THE EPITAPH
Slop, passcngert my story^s brief^
And iruth I shall relate^ man;
1 lell nae comn^on taJe o' grief,
For Matthew was a great man*
If ihou uncoriimon merit hasij
Yet ipurn'd at Fortune^s door^ inan;
A look of pity hither cast,
For Matthew was a [50or man.
If ihou a noble sodgcr art.
That passest by this grave, man;
POEMS AND SONGS
There moulders here a galUnt hf^ait^
For Mitthew was a brave man*
If ihou on men, iheir wotks and w;ijii,
Cansr ihrow uncommoQ lightp man;
Her<i lies wha wcel had won ihy praibc^
For Matthew was a bright nunn
If ciioUp at Friendship's sacred ca\
Wad life itself resigni man:
Thy EympaEhetic tear matin fa\
For Matthew wns a kind man-
rf eKou art siaunclij without a sLiIa,
Like the unchanging blue, man;
This was a kinsman o' thy am,
For Matthew was a true man-
If thou hasL wjtt and fun^ and Rrc^
And ne'er guid wine did fear, man;
This was ihy billie^ dam, and sirt,
For Matthew was a queer man.
I£ ony whiggishT whingin* sot,
Ta blame poor Matihew dare^ man;
May dool and sorrow be hi^ joi^
For Matthew was a rare man.
But now, his radiant course is run^
For Maiihew's was a bright one!
His soul was hke the glorious sun,
A matchless, Heavenly ligiit, man^
VERSES ON CAPTAIN GROSE
Wrirten on an Envelope, enclosing a Letter to Hin:i-
Ken ye aught o* Captain Grose."* — Igo^ anj ago,
U he's amaiig his friends or i<xs?—lr<tm, ctn^am, dago.
Is he to Abra'm^s bosom ganeP^/go^ and ago.
Or haudin Sarah by the wame?— /ramj coram^ daso^
387
388 ROBERT BURNS
Is he south or h lie north? — Igo, ^nd ago.
Or dro^^n(}d in ihc river Fonhr — ham, coraH^ dago.
Is he s!ain by Hiebn' bodies? — 7go, ami ago^
And eaicn like a wether haggis?— /ri?in^ iroydm, d^^go.
Wheic'cr he be, ihe Lord be neai him!^-/^o, {ind ago,
As for Fht] deilj he daur na sieer him. — Iram^ coram, dtigo.
But please transmtF iK endostrd letter^— /^o, <^n£^ ago.
Which will oblige vour humble debtor. — In^m, coram^ dago.
So may ye h^c aultl ^Lanes in storo^-^/^o, dT?j^ ago^
The vtry sianei that Adnm bore- — ham, coram, dagc^
So may ye get in glad possession, — Igo, and ago,
The coins o' Satan*s coronationl — Iram coram dago.
TAM O' SHANTER
A Tale,
"Of Bj-iJU'iiyii and of Bo^ilLii full is ihis Buke/'
When chapman billies leave the street,
And drouthy neiborSj nclbors meel;
As markcf days arc wearing late,
And folk begin to lak the g3lo>
While we sit bovising at ihe nappy, ;
An' getting fou and unco happy, '
We think na on the lang Scots jnilcSj j
The n^osseSj waters^ slaps and stiles,
ThaE he between us and our hame,
Where sits our sulky, sullen dame,
Gaihering her brows like gathering storm,
Nursing her wraih to keep it warm*
This truth fand honest Tam o' Shantlr,
As he frae Ayr 3e night did canter:
(Auld Ayr^ wham ne'er a town surpas^s^
For honest men and bonie lawes).
POEMS AND SO>rGS 389
O Tarn! hadV ihau but htien s^e wise,
As tat^n ihy ain wife Kare's advice!
She taulii ihcc \vcei ihou was a skellum,
A bEeiJioringj blusiermg, drunken blellum;
That frjc November till Ociobeip
Ae tnarket-day ihou was na sober;
That ilka melder wi' ihe Miiletp
Thou sal as hnj; as thou had siller;
ThaE Gv^ry iiciig was ca'd a shoe on
The Smiili and chce gat roarin* fou on;
Tliat at the Lord's house, ev'n on Suiiday,
Thou drank wi' Kirkcoai Jleiji rill Monday,
She prophesied that late or soon,
Thou wad be found, deep drown'd in Doon,
Or catch^d wi* warlocks in the mirk, ^
By Alloway's auld, haunied kirk-
Ahj gentle dances! it gars me greet.
To think how mony counsels sweelj
How mony Wgthcn'dt sage advices.
The husb^ind Erao the wife de^pisesf
But Jo our ralei Ae market nighr,
Tam had got planted unco righc^
Fast by an jng]e, bkc^ing finely, .
Wi framing swats, that dfank divinely;
And at his elboWj Soutcr Johnie^
His anctentp trusty^ drouthy crony: :
Tan^ io^cd him like a very brithcr; '
They had been fou for weeks ihegither.
The night drave on wi' sang5 an' clauer;
And aye the ale was growing belter; I
The Landlady and Tarn grew graciouSj
Wi' favours secret, sweet, and precious: |
The Souter lauld hi^ queereii sLorie?; j
The Landlord's laugh was ready chorus: 1
The storm without might rair and rusile, 1
Tarn did na mind the storm a whisde.
Care, mad to see a man sae happy,
E'en drowii'd Eiirnsel amang [he nappy-
:
390 ROBERT BURNS
As bees Hee hame wi' Jadcs o^ treasure,
The minuies winged iheir way wi' pleasure;
Kings miy be blesl, bni Tarn was gioriouSj
O'er a' the ills o' life vicroiious!
But pleasures are Iik^ poppies spread.
You seize the flowV, it^ bloom is shed-
Of like the snow falls in ihe riveCj
A moment white — then melia for evet;
Or like the Borcalis racCp
That flit ere you can point their place-
Or like [he Rainbow's lovely form
Evanishing amid the storm. —
Nae man can tether Time nor Tide,
The hour approaches Tam maun ride^
Thai hour, o' night's black arch the kcy-sLine^
That dreary hour he mounts his beast in;
And sic a night he laks [he road irii
As ne'er poor sinner was abroad in^
The wind blew as *twad blawn its last;
Thf5 ratrhng showers rose on the Nasi;
The ipL^edy gleam5 die darkness swallowed;
Loud, deep, and lang, ihc ihunder bellow'd:
That nightj a child might undcrsfandj
Thi^ deil had business on his hand.
WeoT-mounied on his grey mare, Meg,
A belter never lifted leg,
Tam skelpii on thro' dub and mire^
Despising wind, and rain^ and iire;
Whiles holdicig fa^F his gude blue bonnet^
Whiles crooning o^cr some auld Scots sonnet,
Whiles glow^rin round wi* prudent cares^
Lest bogles catch him unawares;
Kirk- Alio way was drawing nigh,
Where ghaisis and houlets nighdy ery.
By this time he was cross the ford,
Where in the snaw^ ihe chapman smoor'd;
POEMS AND SONGS 39!
And past ihe birks and mcikle stanc,
Where drunken Charlie brak ^a nGi:k-bjine;
And thro' the whinsj and by the c^irn^
Where hunters Eand the murder'd bairn;
And ntar ilit ihnm^ aboon [he well,
Where Mucigo's miiHer hsng'd herser.
Bcfore htm Doon [>ours all his tloods^
The doubhng storm roars thro' the woods^
The lightnings flash from pole to pole^
Ntir und more near lUti rhunders roll.
When J gllmmeting thro' the groaning Tree 4,
Kirk-Alloway seem'd in a bleeze^
Thro' ilka bore the beams were glancing,
And loud resounded mirth and dancing.
Inspiring bold John Barley corn 1
What dangers ihou canst make us scorn!
Wi' rippcnny, we fear nae evi3;
Wi' usqu^bae, we'll face the devil!
The swats siie ream'd in TammieV noddle,
Fair play^ he car^d na deils a boddle.
But Maggie stood, right sair astonished.
Till, by [he heel and hand admonished.
She ventur'd forward on che light;
And J wowl Tarn saw an unco sight!
Warlocks and witches in a dance:
Nac cotillon, brtnt new frae France,
Hut hornpipes, figSj strathspeys, and reels.
Put life and mettle in their heels-
A winnock-bunker in the easfj
There sat auld Nick, in shape 0' beast:
A low^ie tyke, btack^ grim, and largSj
To gie them music was his charge:
He scrcw'd the pipes and gari them skirl,
Till roof and rafters a' did dirl. —
Coflln-s sLood round, like open preises^
That shaw*d the Dead in their last dresses;
And (by some devilish cantratp sleight)
Each in its cauld hand held a light.
jjH
39^ EGBERT BURNS
By which heroic Tam was able
To noic upon the haly (able*
A murdcri^r's banes, in gibbct-airns;
Twa span-langj wee, unchrisiencd baimt;
A fhiciy new-^:u[Kd tca^ a rape,
Wi^ his last gasp hts gab did gape;
Five tomahawks, wi' blude red-rusted:
Five scimitarij wi' murder crusttd"
A garter wlut;[i a babe had strangled*
A knife, a father^s ihront had mangled*
Whom his ain son of life b^refr,
The grey-bairs yet stack to [[le heft;
Wi' mair of horrible and awfij\
Which even lo name wad be unlawfu'.
As Tammie glowrM^ amaJiM, and curious.
The mirth and fun grew fast and furiou-s;
The Piper loud and louder blow,
The dancers quick and quicker flew,
They reerdj ihey set^ they crossed, they cleekit,
Til! ilka carlin swar and reekii^
And coost her duddies to The waik,
> And linkit at it in her sark!
Now Tani, O Taml had ihey been queans^
A' plump and strapping in ihcir teens!
Their sarks, instead o^ creeshie llaincHj
Been snaw-whitc seventeen hunder hnenf —
Thir hreeki o' mirte^ my only pair^
That ancc were plush o^ yuid blue hair,
1 wad hae gien thcni olT my hurdieSj
For ae blink o' the bonie burdies!
But withered lieldamSj auld and droll,
Rigwoodie hags wad spcan a (o^il^
Louping an' Hinging on a crummucrk,
I wonder did na turn thy stomach-
But Tarn kenr what was what fu* brawlie:
There was ac winsome wench and waulie
That night enlisted in the core^
POEMS AND SONGS 393
Lang after kerj'd on Carriirk. ihore;
^FoT" mony a beast to dead she shot,
And p*^risK^d mony a bonic boatj
And shook baiih meikle corn and bcar^
And kepi (ht country-side in fear);
Her cuny sark, o' Paisky ham,
Thai while a lassie she had warn.
In lorigilude llio' sorely st^nty,
U was her best, and she \vas vauntie.
Ah! lillle ken d ihy revtrend grannie.
Thai sark she coti lor her wee Nannie,
\vr cwa piind Scots ('twas a' her riches).
Wad ever j;;rat:'J a dance of witchesl
Bui here my Muse her wing rnaun cour^
Sic flights are hr beyond her power;
To sing how Nannie lap and flange
(A souple jade she was and sirang)^
And how Tam stood, like ane bewileh^dj
And thought his very een enrich'd:
Even Satan glowr'd, a^id iidg'd fu' f:dn,
And hoich'd and blew wi' might and main:
Till first ae caper^ syne anither,
Tarn lint his reason a ihegicher.
And roars out^ "W*^el done^ Cuitysjrk!"
And in an in^iani all was dart:
And scarcely had he Maggie rallied,
When out the hellish Jegion sallied-
As bees hizz out wi' angry fyke,
When plundering herds assail their byke;
As open pussie's mortal foes,
When, pop! she siarts before theit nose;
As eaj^r runs the market-crowd,
When '*Catch the ihiefT' resounds aloud;
So Maggie runs, ihe witches follow,
Wi' mony an eldritch skreich and hollow-
Ah, Tam! Ah, Tamf ihou'll get thy fairin!
Jn hell, ihcy'Jl roasl thee Uke a herrinl
394 ROBERT BURNS
In vain thy Kate awaits [hy comin!
KdW ^oon will be a woefu" woman!
Kq^\ Jo thy speed y-ULiUosI, M^^jj,
And win. the kcy-sionc o^ the bfi^;'
ThcrCj at them thou thy lijI mny roas,
A running stream chey dare na cro^if.
Bui ere ihe keysUne she could make.
The lietiE a tail she h:id to shake!
For Nannio, far before the re:it^
Hard upon nobie Maggie presi.
And fl^w at Tani wi' furious etde;
Uul IiliIl- wEsi she Maggies mettle!
Ae spring brought oiY her inuiter halCj
But left behind her ain grey tail;
The carlin daught her by ihe rump.
Acid kEl poor Magj;ie scarce a stump*
Now, wha thii taEe o^ rruih ^hal] ruaj,
Ilk man and moiher^s son, take heed:
Whenever la Dnnk you jre indinVl.
Or Cutlv-sirfcs rin in your mind.
Think, ye mav buy the joys o'er Je.ir;
liemejtiber Tam o^ Shanler's mjre.
ON THE BIRTH OF A POSTHUMOUS CHILD
Born in peculiar c^ircum^Unces of family distress.
SwtET fiow^reti pledge o' meikle iove,
Acid ward o' Enony a prayer^
Whal heart o' stane wad [hou na move.
Sac helplessj sweelf and fairP
November hirploi o'er ihe lea,
Chilly on [hv lovely form:
And gane, aias! the shetiVing ire^j
Should shiclj [hee frae tht storm.
' Ie is a ivtU-knrtwn (a« iSai wiccJicSb *>f any ^i\ h\iirit^^ hmc no powder to follow
2. poor wi>;ht any EafthL-r thjn (he inltUk t>t tin; n*:\T running ^tr£:^ni. Tt may bt
proper iikewlse l<i mencian to the bertiiihced iravellf*', th^l \vhcn h^ EaUs in with
6cg!tiy whatever danet^r mctj" be in his ^in^ ffrf^^ard, there i^ initL'li more ha-s^rd in^
turning back. — Rr B. j
POEMS AND SONGS 395
May Hg who give? ihe rain lo pour,
And wing^ ihe blast to bbw, |
Protect ihee frae iKe driving show'r,
The biiter froai and snaw. j
May Ht^t The friend o' Woe and WauTj I
Who heds life's various s^oundi^ j
Project and guard ihe aloiher plant, j
And heai her cruel wounds. j
But ] ale she ffourjsh'd, rooied fast^.
Fair in ihe summer morn.
Now feebly bends she in the blaslj
Unshdicr'd and foilorn.
BEesi he thy hfoom* ihou Tovely gem^
Un^cai-hy by ruHian hand! '
And from ihce many a parent stem
Arise To deck our land!
ELEGY ON THE LATE MISS BURNET OF
MONBODDO
Life ne^er cxiihed in so rich a pri^Cj
As liurncT, lovdy from her native $ki«;
Nor envious death so triumphed in a blow,
As ihai wliich laid ih' accomplished Burnet low, f
Thy form and mind, sweet maid, can T forgei?
In richest ore the brightest jewel set!
In thee, high Heaven above was irueit shown,
As by His noblest work the Godhead best is known.
In vain ye flaunt in summer's pride^ ye grov<ssi
Thou crystal sEreamlet with ihy flowery shore,
Ye woodland choir that chaunt your idle loves,
Ye cease lo charms Ell^a is no more^
Ye heahhy wastes, immix'd with reedy fens;
Ye mossy streams^ with sedge and rushes stor'd:
Ye rugged diffs^ overhanging dreary glens,
To you 1 lly — ye with my soul accord.
■•
39^ ROBERT ELKNS
PrinccSj whosti cumbrous pride was all their worthp
Shnl! venal lays thdr pompous esjt hail^
And ihouj sweet E;i.cellen<:cf forsake our earth,
And not a Muse wuh honest grief bewail^
We saw thee shine in youth and bcaury'j pride.
And Virtue's ligbt^ that Jjcams beyond the spheres;
But, like the sun cclips'd :iL morning tide,
Thou left us darkling in a world of learSr
The parentis heart t^aC ncsded fond in iheCn
That hcarE how sunk, a prey to grkt and care;
So dcckt the uoodbine ^u■ce| yon aged tree;
So^ from it ravish'd, leaves ii bleak ai^d bare-
LAMENT OF MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS, OK THE
APPROACH (JF SPRING
Now Nature fi.'iiij;? her manile green
On every blooming tre^.
And spreads her sheets o' daisies white
Out o'er the gfassy k-a;
Now Phccbui cheers the crystal streams.
And glads the azure skies.
But nought can glad the wearv wight
That fast in durance lies.
Now laverocks wake the merry morn
Aloft on dewy wing;
The merle, in his noontide bow'r,
Makes woodland echoes ring;
The mavis ^vild wl' mony a note^
Sings drowsy day to rest:
In love and freedom they rejoice,
Wi' care nor thrall oppresl.
Nou' blooms the lily by the bank^
The prL[nrosc down the brae;
The hawthorn's budding in the glen*
And milk-whiie is the slae:
POEMS AND SONGS 397
The meanest hind in Liir Scoibnd
May rove fhejr sweets amaijg;
But Tj [he Quj»Gn of a' ScodanJ,
M^un lie in prison Strang.
I was the Queen o* bonie FrancCp \
Wheie happy I hae been;
Fu' lightly lai^ I in the morn^
As blyihe lay down at e*en:
And Tm ihc sovereign of Scotland^ '
And mony a traitor there;
Yel here I lie in foreign bands.
And never-ending care* I
Gut a$ for diec^ thou false woman^
My lisicr rtnd my fae,
Grim Vengeance yet sEiaEI whet a sword
That thro' ihy soul shall gae;
The weeping blood in woman's breast
Wii never known to thee;
Nor th' balm that draps on svoundij of woe
Frae woman^s pitying e'e.
My soni my sonf may kinder stars
Upon thy fortune shine; j
And may those pleasures gild ihy reign^ I
That ne'er wad hJtnk on minel ^
God keep thee £rae ihy mother*5 faes, ,
Or turn their hearis [o dice:
And where thou mect^st thy moiher^s frienJ>
Eemember him for me! i
4
1
Of sOOHi to mej may Summer suns j
Nae mair light up the mornt
Nae mair to me the Autumn winds
Wave o^er the yellow corn?
And, in the narrow house of dcaih^
I_^r Winrcr round me rave;
And the next fiow'rs that deck the Spring,
Bloom on my peaceful grave!
:^
398 EGBERT BURNS
THEREXL NEVER BE PEACE TILL JAMIE COMES
HAME
Bv jon Cajiile W3\ at the close of ih^ dayj
I lufirtl a man sing, iho' his hegd it was grey*
And as lie was singings the tears doon came, —
Tlicrelt never he peace till Jainie comes hame^
The Church is in mins^ the State h in jars,
Delusions^ oppressions^ and murderous wars^
Wt dare na weel say't^ but we ken wha's to hlame^—
There'll never he peace till Jamie comes hame.
My seven braw 50ri$ for Jamie drew sword,
But now \ greet round their green beds in the yerdj
It brak the sweei hea.rt o' my faithful auld dame, —
There'll never be peate till Jamie comes hame^
Now life is a burden That bows me down,
Sin^ I tint my bairns, and he tint his crown;
But till my last moments my words are the same^ —
TTiereH never be peace till Jamie comes hame^
SONC-^-OUT OVER THE FORTH
Out ove^r rhe Forth^ I look to the North;
Bui what is the north and its Highlands to me?
The south nor the east gie ease to my breasE,
The far foreign land. Of ciie wide rolling sea.
Bui J look to (he west when I gae to rest.
That happy my dreams and my slumbers may be;
For far in ihe west lives he T loe besE,
The man ih^t is dear to my b^bie and me^
- - \ J. -
THE BANKS O* DOON
FIRST VERSION
Sweet are the banks — the banks o' Doon,
The spreading flowers are fair.
And everything is biythe and glad,
But I am fu' o^ care-
POEMS AND SONGS 399 |
Thou'li brt^ak my hearty thou boDLC bird,
Thfli sinj;5 upon ihe bough;
Thou minds me 0' the happy days \
When my fauic Luve wai true: i
Thou'il break my hearEj Uiou bonie biid,
That aings beside thy rfiaEe,
For sae 1 sat, and .-ac f sang.
And wist na o' my fate*
Aft hae I rov'd by bonie Doon,
To see the woodbine iwino;
And Ilka birds sang d" its Luve^
And sat did I 0' mine:
Wi' lightsome heait I pu'd a rosCj
Upon if* thorny Tree;
But my fause Luver sww my rose*
And left the thorn wi' mt:
Wj' lightsome heart J pu^d a rose^
Upon a morn in June;
And sae I flourished on the morn.
And sae was pu'd or noon!
THE BANKS O' DOON
SECOND VERSJaW |
Ye flowery banks o' bonie Doon,
How can ye blame sae fair? \
How can ye chant, ye lirile birds, j
And I sae £u' o carel !
Thou'li break my heart, thou bonie birdj
That sings upon the bough!
Thou minds me o' the happy days
When my fauie Luve was true,
Thou'Il break n^y heart, thou bonie bird,
That sings beside thy mate;
For sae I sal^ and sae 1 sang, Ij
And wisi na 0' my £are- I
Aft hae I rov*d by bonle Dooni
To see the woodbine twine^
1
400 ROBERT BURNS
And ilka bird sang o' Its Luve*
And sae did I o' mine.
Wi' li^hisome heart I pu'd a rose,
Upon 1(5 I horny tree;
But my fnuse Luver staw my roic^
And lefi the I horn wi' me*
Wi' lightsome heart I pu^d a rose.
Upon a morn in June;
And sae I flourish^^d on rhe mornj
And $3e was pu'd or noon.
THE BANKS O^ DOON
THIRD VCR5ION
Ye banks and braes o* bonie Doon^
How can yc bicxjni sae fresh and iaif?
How can ye chant, ye litde birds,
And I *3^ weary fu* o^ care!
Thon'U breali my hcari, thou warbling bird,
Tiiat wantons chro' ihe flowering thorn:
Thou minds me o* departed joys^
Departed never to return.
Aft hae I rov'd by Botiie Doonj
To see the rose and woodbine twine;
And ilka bird sang o' its Luvc,
And fondly 5ae did I o* mine;
Wi' lightsome heart 1 pu'd a rose,
Fu' sweet upon its thorny tree!
And my fause Luver slaw my rose^
But ah! he left the thorn wV me.
LAMENT FOR JAMES, EARL OF GLENCAIEN
The wind blew hollow frac the hills.
By fits the sun^s departing beam
Look'd on the fading yeUow woods,
That wav'd o'er Lugar's winding stream;
Beneath a craigy steep, a Bard,
Laden with years and meikle pain,
In loud lament bewall'd hii lord,
Whom Death had all untimely ra*en-
POEMS AND SONGS 4OI
Her leaned him to an ancient aik.
Whose trunk was mouM'rlng down with years;
His locks were hUachM white with timcj
Hi5 ho^iry cheek was wet wi' tearsi
And as he louch'd his ircmbhng harp.
And as he tun^ his doleful sang^
The windsp lamenting ihro' ih^ii cavcs^
To Echo bore the notes alang.
*'Ye scalier 'd birds that faindy sing,
Tht re|iquc$ o' the vernal qucirl
Yc woods ihat shed on a" the winds
The honours t?£ ihe aged yeafl
A few short months, and gUd and gayj
Again yell charm the ear and e'e;
But nocht in all-revolving time
Can gladness bring again to me,
"I am a bending aged tree^
That long has stood the wind and raini
But now has come a cruel hiasr,
And my last hald of earth is gane;
Nae leaf o' mine shalt greet ihe springs
Nae simmer sun exah my bloom;
But [ maun Iti^ before the storm,
And ithers plant them in my room,
'Tve seen sac mony changefu* years.
On earth I am a siranger grown;
T wander tn the ways of men,
Alike unknowing, i^nd unknown:
Unhoafd, unpitted, unrelieved,
I bear alane my lade D* care.
For silent, lowj on beds o£ dust.
Lie a' that would my sorrows share*
"And lastj (ihe sum of a' my griefsl)
My noble master lies in cUy;
The How'r amang our barons hold,
His eountry^s pridfj his country^s stay:
402
ROBERT BURKS
In weary being now ] pine,
For a' the life of life u Jt^adj
Ant! hope has Icfi my ag^d ken.
On forward wing for ever fled-
"Aw^ikc thy last 5ad vqicq^ my harp!
The voice of woe and wild despair!
Awake, r^^Hsund rhy la lest !ay.
Then sleep In silence evermairl
And HioUj my last^ best, only, friend,
ThaF fillest an untimely tomb,
At:dGpi [his tribute from the Bard
Tliou broughL from Fortune's mirkcsi gloom^
"In Poverty's lotv barren vale,
Thick mists obscure involved me rounds
Thougji of[ I turned ihe wistful eye,
Njie ray of fame was to be found:
Thou found'st nie^ like the motning suo
That me!t5 ihe fogs in !impid air^
The friendless bard and rustic song
Becami^ alike thy fostering care.
"0[ why has worth so short a date.
While villains ripen grey with time?
Must thou^ the noblej ^n^rous, j^reat^
Fall in bold manhood's hardy prim
Why did I live to see that day—
A day to me so full of woeP
O? had I met the mortal shaft
Tliai laid my benefactor lovv!
"The bridegroom may forget [he bride
Was made his wedded wife yestreen;
The monarch inay forget the crown
That on his head an hour has been;
The mother may forget ihe child
That smiles sae swet^dy on her knee;
But ril remember thee, Glcneairn^
And a' that thou hast done for me!"
POEMS A^^D SONGS 403
LINES SENT TO SIR JOHN WHITEFORD, BART
WITH THt LAMENT ON' THE UEATH OF THE EARL OF GLE^CAlRN
Thou, who thy honour as ihy Gotl fever' st,
Who, save ihy mmd'js reproach^ noughE carihly fear'slj
Tq thee rhis voiive olTeriiig I imparl,
The tearful rribuic of n broken heart.
The Fn^nd thou ViilucJ'sE^ Ip the Patron lovM;
His worth, his honoufj dl the world approved:
\Wli mourn [ill we loo go as he has gone.
And [read the shadowy path la ihat dark world unknown-
CRMGIEBURN WOOD
Sweet dos^s the ev^ncng on CrnEgieburn Wood,
And biythcly awauktns the morrow;
But the pride 0' the spring in the Craigieburn Wood
Can yield to me nothing but sorrow.
CAorH j.^Bcyond ihec, dearie ^ heyond thee^ dearie^
And O to be lying beyond thee!
O sweedy, soundly^ wed may he sleep
Thai's laid In ihe lied beyond ihee]
I see the spreadin^j leaves and flowers,
r hear the wild birds singing;
But pleasure they hae nane for me^
While t:are my heart is wrmgirig.
Beyond thee, kc^
I can na lell, J maUTi na tell,
I daur nsi for your anger;
But secret love will break my heart.
If I conceal it langer.
Beyond ihee, Sac^
r see thee gracefu", straight and tall^
I see thee sweet and bonii;;
Bui oh, what will my iorn:itnt bpp
U thou refuse thy Johnie!
Beyond thee^ &c-
404
ROBERT BURNS
To see thee in anorhcr*^ arms^
In lovt to Uc ^nd languish}
*Twad be my dead^ iKar will he seenj
My liGjiri wad burst wi' anguish.
Beyond thcc, &c-
!But Jcanie, say thou \iilt be mine.
Say thoa lo'es nanc before me;
And a^ my days o* life la come
I'll grarctully adore thee.
Beyond iliec, &C.
THE BONIE WEE THING?
Chorus. — Bonie wee things cannie wee things
Lovely wee thingj weft ihou mine^
I wad wear ihee in my bosom.
Lest my jewel it should tine*
WrsiiruLLY I look and languish
In that bonic face o' thinc^
And my heart it stounds wi" anguish^
Lest my wee thing be na mme-
Bonie wee things &Cp
Wit, and Grace^ and Love, and Beauty,
In ae conateSlation shine;
To adore thee is my duty,
Goddess o"" cltis soul o^ mine!
Bonie wee thing, &c.
EPIGRAM ON MISS DAVIES
On beiDg asked why she had been formed so liide^ and
Mrs. A so big.
Ask why God made the gem so small ?
And why so huge the granite?—
Because God meant mankind sliould set
That higher value on iL
POEMS AND SONGS 405
THE CHARMS OF LOVELY DAVIES
G HOW shall Ij unskilfu*, try
The poet's occupation?
The tunelV powers, in happy hours^
That whisper inspiration;
Even ihey inaun dare nn cfTori mair
Than aught they ever gave us.
Ere ihey rehearse^ in equal verw*
The charms 0' iovcly Davies-
Each eye it cheers when she appears.
Like Phtebus in the mornings
When past the shciwerj and every f^owec
The garden is adorning:
As the wreich looks o'er Siberia's shore,
When winter-bound the wave is;
Sae droops our heurl^ wEien we maun pari
Frac charming, lovely Daviea,
Her smile's a gift frae 'boon [he lift^
That niaks us msiir ihan princes;
A sceptred hand, a king's eonirnand^
Is in her darling glances;
The man in arm^ 'gainst female charms
Even he her willing slave is.
He hugs his chain^ and own^ the reign
Of conquering, lovely Davies,
My Muse, to dream of such a ihemc,
Her feeble powers surrender;
The eagle's g^z^ alone surveys
The sun's meridian splendour*
! wad in vain essay the sfrain^
The deed too daring brave is;
rn drap the lyre* and mule admire
The charms o* lovely Da vies.
'ii
40.6
ROBERT BUENS
WHAT CAN A YOUNG LASSIE DO WF AN AULD MAN
What can a youn;; lassie* what sliafi a young U$sii?,
What can a young la^le do wi' an auid man?
But] luck on the penny that Tempted my minni«
Toidl her puir Jenny for lilkr an' lan'f
JlaJ luck on tlie penny that tempted my minnie
To sell her puir Jenny tor siller an' Ian'.
Hc^s always compleenin' frao mornin' to c^enin*,
He hoa:>u a/id liy hjrpli^.-v rhc weary day JanE^
He's Joyk and he's do^in^ hi? btude it is frozen,^
man;
O, dreary^s [he mghc wi' a crazy auld
He's doyli and he's dozin, his blujci U is frozen,
Oj drcary*s the night wi' a crazy auld man-
He hums and he hankers, he frets and he <:ankers,
I never can pteasc him do a' that ] can;
He's peevish an' jc^lovs o* a* the young feilow^j —
O, dool on the djiy [ met wi' an auld man!
He'i i^t^vish an' jealous o' a' ihc young fellows,
O, doof on the day I mei wi^ an auld man*
My iiuld auniie Kalie upon me taks pity,
rll do my endeavour lo follow her plan;
ni cross him an' wrack him, until J heartbreak him
And ihtjn his autd brass will bay me a new pan,
ril cross him nn' wmck him, until I hearlbrenk hem,
And then his auld brass will buy nie a new pan.
THE POSTE
O Luv^ will venture in where it daur na wcel be seen,
O luve will venture in xvhere wisdom ance has buen-
Bur I wiJl doun yon rtver rove, omang the wood sae green,
And a' to pu' a Posie to my ain dear May.
The primrose T will pu^^ the firsding o* rhe year,
And r will pu' thc^ pink, the emblem o' my dear;
For she^s the pink o* womankind, and blooms witlioui a peer,
And a' to be a Posie to my ain dear May,
POEMS AND SONGS 407
Ml pu' the budding rose, when Ph<cbti* peeps in view,
For it's like a baumy kiss o^ her swact, bonic mou;
The hyacinth's for consiancy wi' \is unchanging blue,
And a* 10 be n Posie 10 my nin dear May.
THe? hly ii is pure, and die lily Ji is fair,
And in hor iovdy bo5om I'll ptace ihe lily th«e;
The daisy's for simplicUy and unaffecied air.
And a' to be a Po^ie lo my ain dear May.
The liau'iliorn 1 will pu\ wi* its locks o' sillor Rray,
WfiorCj like an aged man, it stand-^ at break o' day;
Bui ihe songster's nest wuhjn die buih i wlnnj lak ^way 1
And a' la be a Posle lo my ain dear May- 1
J
The woodbine T will pn\ when the evening star is near.
And the diamond draps o' dew shall be her ecn sae dear;
The vioIet^s (or modestyj which wtel she Fa^s lo wear.
And a' to be a Po^ie lo my ain dear May-
Til tic Uit Positr round wi' the silken band o' luve.
And ril pEace it in hzv breast, and Til swear by a' above.
That to my latcsT draught a life ihe band shall ne'er remove^
And [his will be a Posic lo my ain dear M^yn
ON GLENRIDDELUS FOX BREAKING HiS CHAIN ]
A Fragment^ ^79^*
Thou^ Liberty^ thou art my theme;
Not such as idle poets dream^ i
Who trick thee up a heaihen goddess S
Thar a fantaitic cap and rod has; }
Such stale conceits arc poor and stlly;
J paint ihec^ out, a Pli^hJand iilly^
A sturdy* stubborn^ handsorne dappJe,
As sieek's a mouse, as round'5 an apple,
Thai when thou pleasest canst do wonders;
Bar when thy lucklew rider blunders,
Or if ihv fancy should demur there,
\V\\i break thv neck ere ihou go further.
4o8
ROBERT BURNS
These things premised, 1 sing a Fox^
Was caught among kk nadve rocks.
And lo a dirty ken tie), chained p
How he his Lbcrty regained,
Glenriddell! Whig n-ithouta stain,
A Whig in principle and grain,
CouUl*-si ihoij enslave a £ree-born creature,
A narjve denizen of NaiureP
How coaid'st thou, with y jieart sa goodj
(A better ne*er was sluiced with bloodl)
Nail a poor devil to ^ trtie.
That ne'er did harm to ihine or thee?
The staunche.-vi Whig Glenrlddell was,
Quite frantic in his counlry's cause;
And ofi was Reynard'5 prison passing,
And with his brother-Whig^ canvassing
The Kights of Men, the Powers of Women,
With all the dignity of Freemen,
Sir Reynard daily heard debates
Of Princes', Kings', and Nations' fates,
With many rueful, bloody stories
Of Tyrants, Jacob iies^ and Torie?:
From liherry how angels fell,
That now are galley-slaves in hell;
How Nimrod lirst (he trade began
Of binding Slavery's chains on Man;
How fd! Semi ram is — God damn her!
Did fifsi^ wirh sacrilegious hammer^
(All ills [ill then were trivial matters)
For Man dethroned forge Jien-peck fetters;
How XerxeSj that abandoned Tory,
Thought cutting throats was reaping gloty,
Until the stubborn Whigi of Sparfa
Taught him great Nature's Magna CharEa;
How mighty Rome her hat hurl'd
Resistless o'er a bowing worlds
POEMS AND SONGS 4O9
Antit kinder than ihey did de^irCp
PfllUh'd m;ifikind with iword and fire;
With [tiudij too ifdious to rel^Ee^
Of anciejit ai^d of modern dale,
But ending siillp how Billy Pitt
(Unlucky boy!) with wicked wit^
Has gagg'ti old Brii^inp drain'd her coHer,
A$ butchers bind and bleed a heifer-
Thus wi!y Reynird by degrees,
[n kennd hstening at hi? ejse,
Suck'd in a mighty stock of knowledge.
As much as some folks at a College;
Knew Britain's rights and constttuiion.
Her gggrandisement, diminuiion,
How fortune wrought us good Erom evil;
Let no man^ then, d^spi^e ihe Devil,
As who should iay, *I never can need hinin'
Since we to scoundrels owe our freedom.
POEM ON PASTORAL POETRY
HaiLj Poesief [hou Nymph reserved!
In chase 0* theCp what crowds hae swerv^
Frae ccjmmon sense, or sunk cnerv'd
*Mang heaps o' el a vers:
And och! o'er aft thy joes hae starved,
^Mid a' thy favours 1
Say, Lassie^ why^ thy train amang,
While loud the trump's heroic clangs
And sock or buikln skdp alang
To death or marriage;
Scarce ane has tried [he shepherd-sang
But wT miscarriage?
Tn Homer*5 craft J^k Milton thrives;
Eschyius' pen Will Shakespeare drives;
Wee Pope, the knurling [ill him rives
Horatian fame;
410
HOEERT BUKNS
Id thy sweet sang, Barbauld^ survives
Evcti S:ipplio's flame.
Bur theOj Theocritus, wh^i matches?
ThcyVc no herd's baJJai^, Maro's calches;
Squire Pope but bu^ks his skjnklin' pjitcrhcs
O' heaih<?n latters:
T pass by hundcrs, nameless wretches.
That ape their betters h
In this bfaw age o' wit and lear.
Will nane the Sheph^^rJ^s whistle mair
Blaw sweetly in its native air.
And rural grace;
And, wV the far-fam*d Grecian, share
A rival place?
Yesl there Is ane — a Scottish tallan!
There's ane; come forrit, honest Allani
Thou need na jouk behint the hallan^
A chiel sae clever;
The reeth o' time may gnaw Tantalian,
But thou '5 forever.
Thou paints auld Nature to the nines,
Jn lliy ^weift CaWotiian lines;
Nae gowden stream thro' myrtle iwineS,
Where Philomel,
While nifihdy bree^^s sweep the vines,
Her griefs ^vill tell I
In gov^any glens thy burnie strays.
Where honie lasse$ bleach their claes,
Or irots by hazelly shaws and braes,
Wi^ hawthorns gray.
Where blackbirds lOin the shepherd's lays,
Ac dose 0' day.
Thy rural loves are Nature's sel*;
Nae bombast spates o' nonsense swell;
POEMS AND SONGS 4TX
Nai^ snap cooceits^ bur rhai sweet spell
O' wirchin love,
That charm tliac can rhe strongest quell,
The sternest nlo^e.
\'ERSES ON THE DESTRUCTION OF THE WOODS
NEAR DRUMLANRIG
As on the banks o' wandering Nith,
Ae smiting simmer morn I stray 'd.
And traced its bonie howes and baughs,
Where linries sang and lamntica pljiy'di
I sat me down upon a ciaig,
And drank my fill □' fancy's dream,
When from the eddyiny deep below,
Up rose the geniuii of the stream.
Dark, iike the frowning rock, bis brow.
And trouhled, like hia wintry wave,
And deep, aa *ugh& the boding wind
Amang bis caves, the sigh he gave—
''And come ye here, my son/' he cried,
*Towander in my bitkcn shade:
To muse some tavouriie Scottish theme*
Or sing some favourite Scolli&h maid^
"There wJS a fime, ft*s nac lang syne.
Ye might hae seen me in my pride,
When a' my banks sae bravely saw
Their woody pictures in my tide;
When hanging beech and spreading elm
Shaded my stream sae clear and cool:
And stately oaks their twisted arms
Threw broad and dark across the pool;
"When, gbnting thro' the trees, appeared
The wee while cot aboon the miii,
And peacefu' rose its ingle reek,
That, slowly curling, clainb the bilL
^
412 ROBERT BURNS
Bui Qow the cot is bare and cauld.
Its leafy bidd for ever gancj
And scarce a slimed birk is left
To $Kiver 10 The blast irs lane/'
^^MasF qunth I, "what ruefu* chance
Has [uin'd ye o' your siaiely trcts?
Has laid your rocky bosom bare —
Has stripped the cUtding o* youf braes?
Was it the bitter eastern btasi^
That scatters blight in eady sprici^?
Or was \ ihe wirfirc scorchM [heir boughs,
Or canker-worm wi' secret sting:"
"1
Nac casdin blast," the sprite replied;
It blanks na here sae fierce and fell,
Afid on my dry and halesfime hanks
Nae canker-worms get leiive to dwell:
Man! cruel man!" the genius sighed —
As ihrough the cliEfs he sank him down—
*'The worm that gna^v'd my bonlc trees,
That repiile wears a ducal crown/' ^
THE GALLANT WEAVER
Weiere Cart rins rowin^ (o the sea,
By mony a flower and 5pread[n3; iree,
There lives a lad, rlie lad for me,
He h a gallant Weavcr,
Qj 1 had wooers aught or nine,
They gied me rings sand ribbons fine;
Arad l wa^ fear*d my heart wad tine.
And I gied it to the Weaver.
My daddfe sign'd my tocher-band^
To gie the lad that has ihe land.
But to my heart Til add my hand.
And give it to the Weaver-
While birds rejoice in leafy bovvers.
While bees deJight in opening flowers^
While corn grows green in summer ihowerSj
I love [ny gallant Weaver,
^ The Duke of QuMnibcrrj'-
f
POEMS AND SONGS 4T3
EPIGRAM AT BROWNHfLL INN^
At Brownhill we always get datniy good cheer^
And plenty oi b^con each day in the year;
We've a' ihing ihai's nice^ and mosdy in seawn.
But why always Bacon^ — come, lelt me a reusotif
YOU'RE WELCOME, WILLIE STEWART
Chomj, — You're welcome, Willie Stewart,
You're welcom*;, Willie Slcwart,
There's ne'er a flower that blooms in May,
Thai's half sae wckome^s ihou an!
Come, bumpers high, express your joyj
The how] we maun renew it^
The Tappet hen, gae bring her ben.
To welcomt.^ Willie Siewart,
You^e welcome^ Willie St*;warl, &c-
May foes be sirang, and friends be slack
Ilk action, may ho rue it,
May woman on him turn her back
That wrangs lh^^e, Willie Ssewart^
YouVe welcome^ Willie Stewart, f^c-
LOVELY POLLY STEWART
Choruj:. — O lovely Polly Stewart,
O charming Polly Stewart,
There*s nc*er a flower ihat blooms in May,
That's halt so fair as ihou art!
The flower it blaws^ it fades, it fa*s,
And art can ne'er renew ii\
Bat worth and truth, eternal youlh
Will gie to Polly Stewart,
O lovely Polly Stewart, &c-
I
1 Racon was ihc n^me of 3 prc^urnably intni^lve tosL The lints iit ^id Co have
414
ROBERT BURNS
May Tie whase arms shall fauld thy charms
Possess a leal and true hcaril
To him be given lo ktn ihc hoaven
He grasps in Polly Siewartl
O lovely Polly Stewart, &c.
FRAGMENT.—DAMON AND SYLVIA
-T/fjre— ^Thc Tilhci Uwa."
Yn^ wandcTing rill that mark? the hill^
And glances oer the brae, Sir^
Slides by a bower, where mony a flower
Sheds fragrance on the day, Sir;
There iDamon lay, with Sylvia gay.
To love they thought no crimo, Sir,
The wild birds ^"J^i die echoes rang,
While Damon's heart beat time. Sir,
JOHNIE LAD, COCK UP YOUR BEAVER
When first my bmvfi Johnie lad came Co this town,
He had a blue bonnet that wanted the crown;
Kiir now Eie has jjotien a hat and a feather^
Hty, brave Johnie lad* cock up your bcaverl
Cock up your beaver, and tock it fu' sprush,
We'll over the bordcfp and gie them a brush;
Th^^^e'5 somtrbody ihcrc we'll teach l}eirer bt^havioutj
Hey, brave Johnie Ud, cock up your beaver!
MY EPPIE MACNAB
G SAW ye my dearie, my Eppte Macnab?
O saw ye my de^irie, my Eppie MacnabP
She's down in the yard, sh^'s kis^in the laird.
She winna come hame Co her ain Jock Mafj-
come thy ways to me^ my Eppie Macnab;
O come thy ways to me, my Eppie Macnab;
Whatever thou hast dune, be it lalCj be it sune,
Thou's welcome again to ihy atn Jock Eab-
POEMS AND SONGS 415
What s^iys she, my deane, my Eppie Macnab?
Whai says she, my dearie^ my Eppit Macnab?
She ht\ the<i Co wit rhat she has thee forgot,
And for ever disowns ihet;, her ain Jock Rab-
O had I ne'er seen ihee^ my Eppie Macnab!
had 1 ne'er sten thee, my Eppi& Macnabf
As light as the air, and as fausc as ihon's fair,
Thou'& broken the heart 0' thy ain Jock Rab.
ALTHO' HE HAS LEFT ME
Altho" ht has left me tor greed o' tht siller^
I dinna envy him ihe gains he can win;
1 rathtr wad bear a' the lade o' my sorrow,
Than evor hae ac^ed sae faithless to hlm»
MY TOCHER^S THE JEWEL
O MEiKLt ihlnks my !uvc o' my beauty^
And meikle ihinks my luve o' my kin;
But htite [hinks my luvc 1 ken brawlie
My locher'--; ihe jt^wel has charms far him-
h\ a' for die apple he'll nourish ihe [ree^
It's a^ for the hinny he'll cherish the beCp
My ladthe's «e meikle in luve wi' the silEer,
H<f canna hae luve to spare for nje.
Your prol^er o* luve's an airle-penny.
My tocher's the Iwrgain ye wad buy;
Bui an ye l^ crafty, I am cuiinin',
Sae ye wi anith^r your fortune may try,
YeVe like to the timmer o* yon rotten wood^
Ye' re like ly the hark o* yotx roEten tree^
Ye^ll slip frae me like a knotless thready
And yell crack your credit wi^ mae nor me^
O FOR ANE AN' TWENTY, TAM
Chortis. — An' O for ane an' twenty. Tarn I
And hey J sweet ane an^ twenty, TamT
ri] learn my kin a raitlin* sang^
An' I saw ane an' twenty^ Tam-
4i6
ROEEBT BURNS
They snool me sair^ and haud nic down,
An* ijar me look like blunlic. Tarn;
But three shorl years will soon wheel roun ,
An' then comes :ine an' twenty^ Tani,
An' O for, &c,
A glieb o' Ian', a claut o' gear,
Was kft me by my auntie, Tarn;
Ai kirh or kin 1 need na ^pier^
An r saw ane an' Ewcniyj Tani,
An' O for, ficc
They^ll hac mc wed a wealfhy coof^
Tho* I myseP hac pleniyp Tarn:
Butj bear'st thcu laddie! there's my loof,
Vtn iliine ai ane an' twcmy^ Tarn!
An' O for, &c.
THOU FAIR FX12A
TvjtN a^ain^ thou fair Eliza!
Ae kind blink before wq part;
Rue on ihy despairing lover^
Can'si thou break his faithfu' hean?
Turn again^ thou fair Eliza!
If Co love thy heari denies.
Oh, in pity hide the sentence
Under friendship's kind disjjuise!
Thee, sweet maidp hae 1 offended?
My offence 15 loving thee;
Can^st thou wreck his peace for ever,
Wha for thine would gladly die?
While the life beats in my bosom,
Thou shak mix in ilka ihfOe:
Turn again, ihou lovely maiden,
Ae sweet smale on mc bestow.
Not the bee upon the blossom,
In the pride o^ sinny noon;
Not rhe hide sporting fairy,
All beneath ihe simmer moon;
POEMS AND SONGS 417
Not [he Minsirel in [he moment
Fancy lightens m his e'cp
K-yns ihe pleasure^ feds the rapiure,
Thai Ehy prcicnce gio^i [o me.
MY BONIE BELL
Tjje smiling Spring comes in rqoicing^
And surly Winter grimly Hies;
Now crystal dear are ihc falling W3[er5p
And banie bJue are the sunny skies.
Frc^h o'er die mountains breaks furlh iht^ morning^
The evening gild^ ihe ocenn^s swdl;
A[l creatures joy in the sun's returning^
And I rejoice in my bonie Bell.
Tiicr fiowery Spring leads sunny Summcip
The yellow Autumn presses near;
Then in hii turn comes gloomy Winter,
Till smiling Spring again appear:
Thus sea son 5 dancing, Kfe ad vane in 3;,
Old Time and N3[ure [heir changes C*;U; !
But never ranging, siil! unchanging,
I adore my bonie BelL
SWEET AFTON 1
Flow gen[]yt sweei Afton! amang thy grt^cn braes, l|
Flow gentlyj 111 sing tht;e a song in ihy praise;
My Mary's asluep by Ehy murmuring stream^
Flow gendy, sweet Afton^ disturb not ber dream. "
i
Thou stockdove whose echo resounds thro' the glen, f
Ye wild whisding blackbirds in yon thorny den*
Thou green-cresttd lapwing ihy screaming forbeaCp
I charge you, disiurb not my slumbering Fair^
How lofiyp sweet Afron, thy neighbouring bills.
Far marked wiih [he courses of dear, wtndmg rilU;
There daily I wander as noon rises high,
My flocks and my Mary's sweec cot tn my eye.
»j
4^8 ROBERT BURNS
How pleasant thy banks :ind green valleys belo\v»
Where^ wild in [he wofldbnds, [he primrose^ blflw;
There ofl, as mild Ev'ning weeps over the iea,
The s^vi?(,'i-^ce Filed birk shades my Mary and me.
Thy ciyasl sircam, Af[on, how lovely it glide?,
And winds by ihe ccit v here my Mary resides;
How wanlon ihy waters her snowy feet lave,
As, jjalht^ring sweet flowcrc[s, she stems thy clear Mave.
Flow gently, sweei Afton. amang thy green biaes.
Plow gtrnUy, sweet liver, the thctne of my lays;
My Mary's asleep by rhy murmuring itream,
Flow gently, swcer Afton^ di&iurh not her dream.
ADDR[:SS TO THE SHADE OF THOMSON
On Crowning Hii Bu^t at Kdnam, Roxburghshire, with a
Wreath of iJavs.
While virgin Spring by Eden's floodj
Unfolds her tender mantle grL^n,
Or pranks [he 5od in froltc mood^
Dr tunes Eolian smiins Ijeiwcen.
While Summer, with a matron gractj
RctrcaLS to Dryhurgh's cooling shade,
Yet oft, dclighicdp stops to trace
The progress of the spiky bladfi-
While Autumn, benefactor kind,
By Twcotl crccEs his ngtd headj
And seesj with self -approving mind,
Each creature on his bounty fed*
■ ^
While maniac Winter rages oVr
The hills whence dassic Yarrow flows,
Rouslny I he lurbld tor rentes roar^
Or sweepings wild, a waste of snows.
•*i
i</.<
POEMS AND SONGS 4I9
So long, sweet Poet of the yearT
Shall bloom that wreath thou well hast woni
While Scotia, with ejtukmg n?ar,
Proclaims that Tiio^^so^ wa^ lu?r son,
NITHSDALE^S WELCOME HAME
The noble Maxwells and their powers
Are coming o^er the border, j
And thcy^ll gae big Terreagles' lowers :
And set them a' in order.
And they declare Terreagfes fair^
For [heir abotle diey choose lE;
There^s no a heart in a* tJie iand
Buf? lighter at the news o'e-
Tho^ stars in skies may disappear.
And angry lempcst^ gather- ;
TTie happy hour may soon be near
Thai brings us pleasant weaiher: I
The weary night o^ care and grief
May hie a joyfu* morrow;
So dawning day has brought relief,
Fareweel our night o' sorrow.
FRAE THE FRIENDS AND LAND I LOVE 'i
TflTitf.— '^Carron Side."
Frae the friends and land X [ove^
Dfiv'n by Foriune's felly spite;
Frne my besi bclov*d I rove^ ]
Never mair to taste delight:
Never mair maun hope to find
Ease fra^ toil, relief frae care;
When Remembrance wracLs the mindi
pleasures but unveil despair.
Brightest clitnes shall mirk appear^
Desert ilka blooming shore,
Till the FateSt nae mair severe^
Friendship^ love^ and peace restore,
* -"i
.4
\-
4^0 EGBERT BURNS
Till Reven^e^ wi* bur^rd hcad^
Bring our b:tiikhed hame againj
AriLJ ilk loynlj bonic Lad
Cross the seasj and win. Iiis ain^
SUCH A PARCEL OF ROGUES IK A NATION
Fareweel to *i* our Scotiish famc^
Farewwl our ancient glory-
Farcied ev'n to Hie Scoitish namc^
Sac fam'd in mariiai story.
Now Sark. rins over SoUvay snnd^^
An* Tweed rins to ihc occant
To mark where Eiigland's pravmce stands —
Such a parcel of rogues in a nation I
What force or guile could not subduej
Thro' many warlike ages^
Ifi wrouf^ht now by a coward few^
For hireling iraitor^s wages.
The English steel w^^ could di^d^in^
Securi^ in valour's sialion;
Bnt Enjjli^l] gold has hten our bane —
Such a parcel of rogues in a nation!
O would, or r had seen the day
That Treason thus could sell us,
My auld grey head had lien m clay,
Wi' Bruce and loyal Wallaccl
Bui pith and power, till my last hour,
rU mak this declaration;
We're bought and sold for English gold —
Such a parcel o£ ragues in a nation I
YE JACOBITES BY NAME
Yt Jacobites by name^ give an ear, give an ear^
Ye Jacobites by name^ give an eati
Ye Jacobites by narne,
Your fautes f will proclaim,
Your doctrines I niaun blame, you shall hear«
POEMS AND SONGS 431 '.
What is Right, and What is Wrang, by the law^ by
rheluw? ;■
What is Itiglii and what Is Wran^ by rhe law? i.
What is Right, and what is Wrang? n
A short sword, and a Inng, \'i
A weak arm and a stran^jj for to draw^ i
What makes heroic strife, famed afar, famed afar?
What makes heroic strife famed afar?
What makes heroic strife?
To whet tW asussin's knife.
Or hunt a Parent's IUq^ wV bluidy war?
Then let your schemes alone, in the state, in the state.
Then let your schemes alone in [he state.
Then let yovir schemes alone^
Adore the rising sun,
And Itave a man undone, to his fate.
1 HAE BEEN AT CROOKIEDEN
1 HAE been at Crookieden,
My bonie laddie^ Highland bddie^
Viewing Willie and hts men.
My bonie laddie^ Highland laddie.
There our foes rhai burnt and slew,
My bonic laddie, Highland iaddic,
There, at last^ ihey gal their due.
My bonie laddie^ Highland laddie,
Satan sits in his hiaek neuk,
My bonie laddie. Highland laddie,
Breaking slicks to roasi the Duke,
My bonie laddiep Highland laddie^
The bloody monster gac a yell,
My bonie laddie, Highland laddie.
And loud the laugh gied round a' hell
My bonie laddie, Highland laddie^
I
.
422
ROBEltT BURNS
O KENMURE^S ON AND AW A, WILLIE
O Kenmi-He's on gnct awa, Willie^
O Kcfimurc's on and awji:
An' Kenmure's lord's [he bravest lord
Tlor ever Galloway saw.
Success [o Kcnmurc's band, Willie!
Success to Kcnmiirc^s band!
There's no a heart that fears a Whig^
Tlini rides by Kenmure^s hand,
Here*s Kenmurc^s hcakh in witie^ Willi^f
Here's Kenmure's hcakh m vvinel
TliGfo's ne'er a coward o' Kenmure's blude,
Nor yd o' GordoQ^s line*
O Kenmure*s lads are men^ Wilhej
O Kenmare's Iad5 arc men;
TEieir hearts and swords are metal [rue.
And that ihcir foes shall ken*
They'll live or die wj' famCp Willie;
They'll live or die wi' fame;
Bui siiiiCy wi' sounding Victoria,
May K.cnmurc's lord come hame!
Here's him that's far awa, Williel
Here*s him that's far awa[
And here's the flower rhac [ loe beslj
The rose that's like (he &naw.
EPISTLE TO JOHN MAXWELL, ESQ., OF
TERRAUGHTY
On His Birthday.
Health to rhe Maxwells* veteran Chief!
Health, aye unsour'd by care or grief:
lnspi/d> I lurn'd Fate's sibyl leaf.
This natal morn,
1 see thy life is stuff o' prief.
Scarce quite half-worn.
POEMS AKD SONGS 423
This day thou mctcs threescore elevcQ^
And I can :ell that bounteous Heaven
(The second-sightj ye ken, is given
To iJka PoeO
On [hce a lack o^ seven times ^even
Will yet bmsrosv it-
If envious buckiea view wi* sorrow
Thy lengthened days on this blest niorrow,
May Desolation's lang-iteth'd hairaw^
Nine mile^ an hour^
Bake therHj like Sodom and Gomorrah,
In brunslane sEour^
But for thy friends, and they are nn>nyj
Baith honest men^ and Sassier honie.
May couthie Foriune, kind and eannie,
In social glee^
Wi' mornings blythe, and e'ifnings funny^
Bless them ^nd di^el
Fareweel, auld birkic! Lord be near ye.
And then ihe deiJ, he daurna st^er ye:
Your friends aye love, your faes aye fear ye;
For me^ shame fa' me.
If neist my heart ! dinna wear ye,
While iSuRNs I hey ca' me.
SECOND EPISTLE TO ROBERT GRAHAM, ESQ,,
OF FINTRY
5th Ot:[ober 1791.
Late cripprd of an arm, and now a ]eg,
Abouc to beg a pasi for leave to beg;
Dull, listless, teas'd, dejected, and deprest
(Nature is adverse to a cripple's rest);
Will generous Graham list to his Poet^s wai!?
fir soothes poor Misery^ hearkening to her lale)
And hear him curse the light he first survey'd,
And doubly curse the Juckless rhyming trade?
424
ROBERT BUKNS
ThoUj Nature! |>jrtia] NaturCp I arraign;
Of ihy caprke maienml 1 cotnplain;
Thcr liori and ihe bull ihv care have iound^
One ihak<^5 ihe foresiSp and one spurns the ground;
Tliou giv'sl The .155 his h[de, the snail his shell;
Th* envonoin'd W3spj vicLorious, guards his cell;
Thy minions kings defend^ control, devour^
Jn all th* omnipotence of rulc^ and power;
Foxes and statesmen subtile wjks ensure;
The cit and polecat slink, and are secure"
Tosids with their poison^ doctors wiih iheir drug*
The priesi and hedgehog in their robeSt ^^^ ^nug;
Ev'n silly woman has her warlike arts,
Her tongue and eyes — her dreaded spear and darts^
But OhI thou bitter siep-mother and hard^
To ihy poor^ fenceless, naked child — the ISardT
A ihintT unteachable in world's skilly
And haff an idiot loOj more helpless still;
No heels lo bear him from the op'ning dun;
No claws todtgj his hated sight to shun;
No horns, but those by luckless Hymen worn.
And those, alasl not, Amalthca's horn:
No nerves oKaciVy, Mammon's trusty cur^
Cbd in rich Dulness' comfortable Eur;
In naked feelings and in aching pride^
He bears th' unbroken blast from evVy side:
Vampyre booksellers drain hitn to the hcarlp
And icorpion critics cureless venom dart.
Critics — appaird, I venture on ihe name;
Those cnt-throal bandits in the paths of fame;
Bloody disstctorSj worse than ten Monroes;
He hacks to teach, they mangle to expose;
His heart hy causeless wanton malice wrung,
By blockheads' daring into madness stung;
His ^vt^U-won baySj than life itself more dear^
By miscreants torn, who ne'er one sprig must wear;
FoiI'd, bleedings toriur'd in ih' unequal strife,
The hapless Poet flounders on thro' life:
POEMS AND SONGS 425
TjIL ilc<i Q^ich hope ihat once his bosom fir'Ji
And fie J tach muse [h^t gJoriou5 onK inspired,
Low sunk in squ:iJid^ unprotected age,
Dead even resentment for his injured page,
He heeds or feets no moie the ruthless critic^s raget
SOt by some hedge, the genVous steed deceas'dj
For half-starvM snarling curs a dainiy feast;
By toll and famine wore to skin and bone.
Lies, senseless of each tugging bitch's son.
O Dulnessf portion of ihe truly blest!
Calm sheltered haven of eternal rest!
Thy sons ncer madden In die fierce extremes
Of Foriune*s polar fro-^^ or torrid beams*
If manding high she fills the golden cyp^
With sober selfish case they sip it up;
Conscious the bounteous meed diey well deserve^
They only wonder ^'some folk$" do not starve.
The grave sage hern thus easy picks his frog^
And thinks the mallard a sad worthless dog.
When Jisappoinunent snaps the c[ue of hope^
And thro' disastrous night they darkling gi^ope,
Widi deaf endurance sluggishly rhey be^rj
Ant! jusl conclude thaf ''fools are fortune's care."
Soj heavy, passive to the tempest's shocks^
Strong on the sign-post stands the sEupid ox^
Not so rhe idle Muses' mad-cap train ,
Not such the workings of their moon-struck biam;
In equanimity they never dwell.
By turns in soaring heaven, or vaulted hell,
! dread thee. Fate, relentless and severe^
With all a poet^s, husband's, father's fear!
Already one strong hold of hope is lost—
Glencairnp the truly noble^ lies in dust
(Fled, like the sun eclipsed as noon appearsj
And left us darkling m a world of tears);
O! hear my ardent^ grateful, selfish prayV!
Fintry, my other stay, long bless and spare!
426
ROBERT BURNS
TKro* a long Jjfe his hopes and wi^he^ crown,
And bright in cloudless &kie& his sun go down!
May bliss domestic smooth his private patfi;
Give energy to life; and soolhe his latest breath,
With many a filial tear circiini; [he bed of death!
THE SONG OF DEATH
Titiic — "Oran an Joiy."
5*:jjr^-"A Fltld of Hanlc. Time of the day — evening. The waunckd and d>ing
the vLctonoLs arniv art ^upj^OfCd lo join in the full^tvin^ jm^.
Farewell, ihou fair day, ihou green earLhp and yc skies,
Now gay with the broad se[Ung sun;
Farewellj loves and friendships^ ye dcsir itiider tits.
Our race of existence is run!
Thou jjrim King of Ti^rrors; thou Lifers gloomy foe!
Go, frighten [he cowaid and slave;
Goj teach [hem [o trembie^ fell tyr^ntl but know
No terrors hast thou to the brave!
Thou slirik^st the dull peasani — he wnks in the dark.
Nor saves e'en the wreck of a namc^
Thou sink'st the young hero — a glorious mark;
He falls in ihe bUze of his fame!
In the field of pjoud honour — our swords in our hands,
Our Ktng and our country to save;
While victory shines on Lifers Jast ebbing sand^, —
O! who would not die with the brave!
POEM ON SENSIBILITY
Sensibility^ how charn:iing.
Dearest Nancy, thou canst teli;
But distress, with horror* arming,
Thou alasf hast known too welll
Faire$c flower, behold the lily
Blooming in the sunny ray;
Lei the blasi sweep o'er the vaheyj
See u prosirare in the clay.
POEMS AND SONGS 427
Hear the wood lark charm the forest,
Telling o'er his litiie joys;
But alas I a prey the sure&t
To each pirare of ihe sties.
Dearly bought the hidden treasure
Finer feelings can bestow:
Chords that \ibrace sweetcai pleasure
Thrill the deepest notes of woe*
THE TOADEATER
Of Lordly acquaintance you boast.
And rhc Dukes that you dined wi' yestreeiij
Yet an insect's an insect at mosl^
Tho' i: crawl on the curl o( r Queen!
DIVINE SERVICE IN THE KIRK OF LAMINGTON
As cauld a wind as ever bfcw^
A taufd kirkt an in't but few;
As cauld a mcnisler's e er spak;
Ve'se a" be het e'er I come back.
THE KEEKIN'-GLASS
How daur ye ca* me howtet-face,
Ye bicar-e'edj withered sptitirep
Ye only spied the keekin'-glass^
An' rhere ye iaw your picture.
A GRACE BEFORE DINNER, EXTEMPORE
O THOU ^ ho kindly dost provide
For every creature's wanll
We bless Thee^ God of Nafure wide,
For all Thy goodness lent:
And if li please Thee, Heavenly Guide,
May never worse be sent;
Butt v^hether granted, or denied,
I^rdj bless us with content* AmenI
A
/^
428
ROBERT BURNS
A GRACE AFTER DINNER, EXTEMPORE
O THOU, in whoin wc live and move —
Who made [he sea and shore;
Thy gcHMJness consraiuly we prove^
And gra[eful wuuld adare;
And, if it plG:ist Thcc, Power aWve!
Still granf us, wiih such siore.
The friend we trusty the fair we lovi
And we desire no more* Amen'
O MAY, THY MORN
O MAY, thy morn was ne'er so sweet
As rhc mirk nijjhi o' December!
For sparkling was the rosy wine,
And private was ihe chamber;
And dear was she 1 dare na name,
But I will aye remember:
And dear was she I dare na name.
But I will aye remember,
And here's to ihcm thatp like oursel,
Can push about the joruml
And here's to ihem [hat wish us wcel,
May a' chat'^ guid watch o'er em!
And here's to ihem^ we dare na fell,
The dearc5t o' the quorum!
And here's to them, we dare na tc!l,
The dearest o' die quoum.
AE FOND KISS, AND THEN WE SEVER
runr—"Rori' Dairs Pori."
Ae fond kisSj and then we sever;
Ae farewecj, alas, for ever!
Deep in hearr-wrung tear.-; HI pledge Lhee>
Warring sighs and groans Til wage thee.
Who shall say that Fortune grieves him,
While the siar of hope she leaves him '^
Me, nae cheerful twinkle lights me;
Dark despair around benights me-
POEMS AND SONGS 429
nt ne'er blame my pcirtial fancy,
N:(t;thing coifcld resist my Nancy;
Bui ro htjt! hpr was to \ov^ her;
Lovt but het, jnd love ior ever-
Had WG never lov'd sac kindly^
Had wii never lov'd sue blindly,
Never met — or never parlcd,
Wc had ne'er been broken-hearted*
Pare-ihee-uoelj ihau firsl and facresl!
Fare-tliee-^vcclj thou htit j\nd dcarcscl
Thine be ilka joy and treasure^
Peace, Lnjoymeni, Love and Pleasure!
Ae foEitl ki^^j and ihen we se^ef!
Ae [arewed, alas, for everl
Deep in heart-wrung [ears I'll plcdgtf tbee^
Warring sighs and groans Til wage chee^
r
BEHOLD THE HOUR, THE BOAT, ARRIVE
BEHotD the hour, the boat, arrive!
My dearest Nancy, O fafewei?!-
. Severed frae thee, can I survive,
prae ihee wliom I hae lov'd sac wecL'
Endless and deep shall be my grief;
N:fco nsy of comfort shall I see^
But this most precious^ Jl^eit belief^
That thou wilt still retnembcr mel
Alang the solitary d\oire
Where Hitiing sea-fowl round me cry,
Across ihc rolling, dashing roar^
ril wosrward mm my dishful cye,
^'Happy thou Indian grove/' TH say,
"Where now my Nancy's path shall bef
While thro' your sweets she holds her way,
O tetl me, does she muse on me?'
]+>
430
BOBERT BURNS
THOU GLOOMY DECEMBER
An'ce mair T haiJ thcc, [fiou gloomy December!
Ance mair 1 hail ihce wi' ioirow and care;
Sacf "r'jis the parting thou makes me remember —
PjrTliiy wi' Nimcy, oh, ne'er lo meel maSrl
Fond lovers' parting is sweei, painful ;j|eaMjre»
Hope beaming mild on the ■iijfl parting hour;
Bui l!ie dire fcehng, O farewell for ever!
Is anguish unmingled, and agony pure!
Wild Ri ihe ^^'inllfr now tearinj; the forest,
Till the iast leaf o' the summer is ilown;
Such is tlie tempest has shaken my hosora,
Till my last hope and last comfort is gone.
Siill p^ I hail thee, ihou gloomy December,
Still shall I hail thee wi.' borrow and care;
For iad was ilie parting thou make;; rne remember,
Parting vvt' Nanty, oh, ne'er lo meet mair,
MY NATIVE LAND SAE FAR AWA
O SAD and heavy, should [ part^
But for her sake, sae far awa;
Unknowing what my way may thwart.
My native land ^ae far awa.
Thou that of a' things Maker art,
That formed this Fair sac far awa,
Gie body strength, then 111 ne'er start
At ihis my wa^ sae far awa.
How true is love to pure desert!
Like mine for her sae far awa;
And nocht can heal my bosom's smart,
Whilej oh, she is sae far awal
Nane other love, nane other dart,
f feel but her's sae far 3W3',
POEMS AND SONCS 4^1
Bui fairer never touched a hear[
Than her's, nhe Fair, sae far awa.
T DO CONFESS THOU ART SAE FAIR
Alwrahon of an Old Poem.
I DO confess thou art sae fair,
I wad been o'er \h*^ lug^ in luve,
Had I na found ihe slightcsi prayer
Thac lip5 cotild speak ihy lif^ari could muvc.
I do confess thee sweef, but find
Thoxi an so thrifiless o" diy sweets^
Thy lavourfi are the silly wind
That kisses ilka thing it rneets.
See yonder rosebud* rich in dew,
Amttny iis naiive brieri sac coy^
How sunc it tines i^5 scent and hue^
When puM and worn a comtnon toy*
Sic fate ere Tanj; sball thee beiidpt
Tho' thou may gaily bloosn awhile;
And sune ihou shak be thrown asid<?>
Like ony common weed and viltn
LINES ON FERGUSSON, THE POET
1ll-!-ated genius! Heaven-taught Ferg\i5Son!
What heart that feels and will noi yidd a rear,
To think Life's sun did set e'er well begun
To shed Irs influence on thy bright career,
O why should truest Worth and Genlui pine
Beneath the iron grasp ot Want and Woe^
While titled knaves and idiot-Greainess shine
In atl the splendour Fortune can bestow?
THE WEARY PUND O' TOW
CAorMJi— The weary ptind, the weary pund,
The weary pund o' tow;
r think my wife wiEl end her life,
Before she spin her tow^
i.
"J
I
432 ROBERT BURJJS
I ROi^ciiT my wife a stane 0' lint,
Ai gude as e*er did grow^
And a" thai she has made o' that
Is ac puir pund o' low.
The weary pundj £ic.
There sat a botile in a bole,
Bcyonr ihe ingle low;
And aye she look rhe tiiher souk^
Tq dronk (he stourie tow*
The weary pund, ^c,
Quoih [, For shame, ye dirty damCj
Gae spin your lap o' lowf
She rook the rockp and wi' 3 knock.
She brak ir oVr my pow.
The weary putid, &<;,
Ar la SI her feet — I sang ro seeM
Gaed foremosi o'er the knowe,
And or [ wad aniiher jadj
ni waHop in a tow.
The weaiy pund, &c.
WHEN SHE CAW BEN SHE BOBBED
O wi[£N she cam' ben she bobbed fn' law^
O when she cam* ben she bobbed fti" law,
And when she c^rn hcHy she ktss'd Cockpen,
And syne denied she did k at a\
And was ns Cockpen right saucy i.viiha'?
And was na Cockpen right saucy wiiha'?
In leaving th^ daughrer of a lofdp
And kissin^ a collier lassie an' a*!
O never look down* my TassTe, at a*i
O never look down, my lassie^ at a\
Thy lips are as sweety and ihy fi^rure compIeiCp
As the finest dame in casde or ha\
POEMS AND SONGS 433
TTio' ihou has nac silk, and Wland sac sma^^
Tko" [hc^u has nae silkj ;ind hdland sac sma\
Thy coat and ihy sarL art thy ain handhvark^
And bdy Jean was never sae braw,
SCROGCAM, MY DEARIE
TiiEtE was a wife wonn'd in Cockpenj
Scroggam;
She brewed gudc ale for gcnilcmcn;
Sing auJd Cowl lay yc down by me^
Scroj^anij my dearie, ruflum.
The gudcwife's dochter fell in 3 fever,
Scrogpm;
The priesi o' the parish he fell in ankher;
Sing aiild Cowl Uy ye down by mc^
Scroggam^ my dearie^ ruffum.
Th*?y laid ihc iwa i* the bed thcglthefj
Scroggami
That ihe heai o' the tane might cool the li^her;
Sin^ auld Cowl, lay ye down by mc,
Scroggam, my dearie^ Tuffmn^
MY COLLIER LADDIE
^'WjTARE live yc^ my bonic lass?
And lell me what they ca' yc;'*
'My name," she says, "is mistress Jcan^
And I follow the ColfLer laddie."
"My namCj she sayjj £ic*
*^Scc you nor yon hills and dates
The sun shines on sae brawlie;
They a' gre minc^ and ihey shall he thine^
Gin ye'lf leave your Collier laddi^H
"They a' are mine^ &c,
*'Ye shall gang in gay attirCj
Weel huskic up sae gaudy;
434
ROBERT BURN'S
And ane to wjiii on every hand,
Gin yell leavt^ your Collior laddie-"
*'And ane to wail, &c.
"Tho' ye had a' the sun shines on^
And [he eardi coiice^l^ sae lowly,
I wad turn my b^ick on you aud it a\
And embrace ray Collier kddie^
'^I wad turn my back, fitc,
■^ can Win my five pennies in a day,
An^ spen'r at night fu' bravvlie:
And make my bed in (he collier's ncuk.
And iie down wl' my Collier laddie.
"And make my bed, &c.
"Love for Jove is the bargain for mCj
Tho' the wee cot-house should haud rae;
And the warld before me to win my bread.
And fair £a' my Colher laddiel"
^^And the warld before me, &c-
SIC A WIFE AS WILLIE HAD
WiLLtE Wastle dwali on Tweedy
The spot ihey ca'd it Lmkumdoddie;
Willie was a wabster gude,
Could stown 3 clue wi^ ony body:
He had a wife was dour and din,
Tinker Maidgie was her mither;
Sic a wffe as Wiliic hnd,
1 wad na gie a button for her!
She ha$ an e'e, she hsi bui ane,
The cat lias twa the very colour;
Five rusty teeth, forbye a siump^
A clapper tongue wad deave a miller:
A whiskin beard abou[ her mou'.
Her nose and chin they threaten ither;
Sic a wife a^ Willie had^
I wadna gie a button for her!
p^
POEMS AND SOKGS 435
Ehe*s bow-hough^dt she*s hem-shinM,
Ae limpin Jeg a hand-breed shorter;
She's lwi«ed ^igl"f she*s iwisicd left,
To balance fair in ilka quarter:
She has a lump upon her breasU
The iwin o' that upon her shouther;
Sic a wife as WiUie had,
I wadria gie a burton foi her!
Auld baudrons ty the ingle sitSj
An^ wi her tooi her face a-washifi;
But WiUie's wife is nae sae ing^
She djghls her grunale svi* 3 hushion;
Hftr wahe nieves like midden-creels^
Her face wad fylc the Logan Water;
Sic 3 wife 3S Willie had^
t wadna gtea button tor her!
LADY MARY ANN
O LADV Mary Ann look^ o*er the Casde wa',
She 5aw three bonie boys playing at the ba',
The^ youngest he was the flower amanjj ihcm a^^
My bonie Eaddie^s young, hut he's growin* yel-
O father, O father, an ye think it fit,
We'll send him a year to the college yet,
We'll sesv a green ribbon round aboui his hat,
And that will let them ken he's to marry yer.
Lady Mary Ann wa? a nower in the dew,
Sweet was ils smell and bonie was ils hue,
And the longer it hlos-'rom'd the sweeter it grew,
For the Illy Iti the bud wLl! be bonier yet*
Young Charlie Cochran was the sprout of an aik,
Bonie and bloomin' and straught was its mate,
The sun took dehghi to shine for its sake^
And it will be the brag d' the forest yei.
The simmer is gane when the Eeaves they were gfeen,
And the days are awa' that we hae seen,
436
KOEEKT BURNS
Bm far belter day^ I irusl will come again;
For my bonic ladtlie's youngs bui he's growin' yel.
KELLYBURN BRAES
There li^cd a carl in Kellyburn Braes,
Hey» and the rue grows Ijonic wi' thyme;
And he had a wif(f was the plague of his days,
And the thyme ic in wiihery, and rut is in prime,
Ae day as the carl gaed up the lang jrlen,
Hty, and the rue grows hoiiie wi' thyme;
He met with the Devil, says, "How do you fen?"
And the thyme ii is withered, and rue is in prime.
I've got a bad wife, sir, thal*^ a' my complaint.
Hey, and ihe rue grows bonie wi' thyme;
'Tor, Mvin your presence, to her ye're a saint,"
And the ihyme it i^ withered, and rue is in prime.
It's neither ynur stot nor your staig I shall crave,
Hey, and rhe rue grows bonie v,-V thyme;
"Bin gie me your wife, man^ for her I must have,"
And the thyme lE is wither'd, and rue ii in prime.
'X^ welcome niosl: kindly!" the blylhc carl said,
Hey, and the rue grows bonie wi' thyme;
"But if ye can match her ye're waur than ye're ca'd,
And the thyme ic i& withered, and rue is in prime.
The Devil has got the au!d wife on his back,
Hey^ and the rue grows bonie wi' thyme;
And, like a poor pedlar, he's carried his pack,
And the thyme it is wither'd, and rue is in prime.
He's carried her hame to his ain hallan door,
Hsy. and llie rue grows bonie wi' thyme;
Syne bade her gae in, for a bitch, and a whore.
And the thyme it is wither'd, and rue is in prime.
• .H
POEMS AND SOKCS 437
Then smlj;!!! he makes fifiy, the pick o his band,
Hey, and the mc grows bonis wl' thyme:
Turn out on her guard in the cUp o' a hand,
And [he ihymc it ii wiihcr'd, and rue is in prime.
The carlin gacd ihro' ihem like ony wud bear,
Hoy* and the rue grow^ honie wi' ihyme-
Whac'er she gat hand^ on cam near her nae mair,
And the thyme it is wither'd, and rue is in prime.
A rcekit wee deevi! looks over the wa'*
Hey. arid the rue grows bonie wV thyme;
"O help, malsier, help, or shell ruin U5 a'T'
And ihe thyme k is wither'd, and me is in prime.
The Devil he swore by the edge o' hi$ knife,
Hey, and the rue grows bonic wf thyme;
He pitied die man that was tied lo a wife,
And the ihymc it h wither'd. and rue i^ in prime.
The Devil he swore by ihe kirk and the bell,
Hey, and the rue grows bonie wi' thyme;
He was not in wedlock, thank Heav'n, hut in hdl,
And the thyme it is wkher'd^ and rue h in pri
■rime.
Then Satan has travdl'J again wi' his pack,
Hey, and the rue grows bonie wi' ihyme;
And [o her ould husband he's carried her hack,
v\nd the thyme it i$ withered, and rue is in prime.
I hae been a Devil the Eeck o' my liEe,
Hey, and the rue grows bonie \vi' thyme;
"Hut ne'er was In hcil till I met wi' a wife,"
And the thyme it i^ wither'd, and rue is in prime.
THE SLAVE'S LAMENT
Trwasin sweet Senegal thai my foes did me enthral,
For Ehe lands of Virginlaj-ginia, O:
Torn from that lovely shore, and must never see ii more;
And flla^f J am weary, weary O;
438 ROBERT iiURNS
Torn from iTi^t lovely shore, and must nev&r see it more;
And aUisi I am weary^ weary O-
All on that charming coast is no h\ttet snow and frost,
Like ihe lands of Virginian-j^iniaj O:
There strtsms for ever flow, and there (Eowers for ever blo%V|
And alas! I am weary^ weary O:
There streams for ever flow^ and there flowers for ever Wow,
And alas! 1 am weary, weary Q-
The burden I must bear, while the crue[ scourge I feafj
In the lands of Virginia^-giniaj Oi
And 1 [hlnk on friends mosE dear, wild the birter^ bitter lear.
And ajasf J am weary, weary O:
And 1 think on friends moit dear, with the bitter, bitter tMfp
AnJ alas! I am weary^ weary O*
O CAN YE LABOUR LEA?
Chorus — O can ye labour lea, young man^
O can ye labour lea:
Tt ffie nor liountilh shall us iwine
Gin ye can labour lea,
I fek'ej a man at MichLielmas^
\Wy airle pennies three;
But a' the faut I had to him^
He could na labour lea,
O can ye labour lea» Sec-
O clappin^5 gude in F^^barwar,
An' kissin^s swi?eE in May;
But my delight^s the ploughinan lad.
That weel can labour lea,
O can ye labour lea, itc,
O kiKin 15 tbe key 0* luve.
And clappin' i$ rhe Eock;
An" makin' o\ the best ihing yet^
Th^t e'er a yotmg thing gai.
O can ye labour lea^ ^Ch
POEMS ANTJ SONGS
439
THE DEUKS DANG O'ER MY DADDIE
The bjitms gat out wj' an unco shoui^
Tho ticuks dang oVr my d^ddicj O!
The ficn ma-carcj quo' iKe feirrie auld xvife*
He was but a pidlin body, O!
He paidlc:^ ouE, and he paiUlcs in,
An' he paidlcs laie and early^ 01
Thii seven lang years I hae lien by his side,
An' he ia but a fusionlcss carlie, O.
baud your longue, my feiirie auld wife,
O haud your tongue, now Niinsie^ O:
Tve seen ^he djy, and sae hae ye.
Ye wad na ben sae donsie^ O-
Fve seen the day ye buLter'd my biose,
And cuddTd me laie and early, O"
But downa-do's come o'er me now^
And oh, r find it sairly, O!
THE DEiUS AWA WV THE EXCISEMAN
Thk deil cam fiddlin' ihro' the town,
And danc'tl awa wi* th' Ejrciseman,
And ilka wife cries, ''AuM Mahounj
1 wi^h you luck o' rhe pris^^ manJ'
C/iortii — The deiTs awa^ the deil's awa^
The deil's awa wi' the Exciseman^
He's danced awa^ he*s danc'd awa^
He*s danc'd awa wV the Exciseman-
We'll mak. our mauE^ and \vc\l brew our drink,
We'll l:^ugh^ ^irtg: ^nd rejoice^ man^
And mony hraw thanks ro the mt^ikle black deil^
Thai danc'd awa wi" th' Exciseman*
TJie dei]*E awa, Uc,
There^s threesome reels^ there's foursome reels^
There^s hornpipes and strathspeys, man^
But the ae best dance ere eame to the land
Was^ — the deiFs awa wi' rhe Excisemann
The deil^s awa, Etc,
\
440
ROBERT BURNS
THE COUNTRY LASS
In simmer, when the hay was mawn,
And corn wav'd green in ilka field*
White chvor bloomi whici: o'er [he Jea
And roses blaw in ilka beild!
Blyche Bessie in the milking %hiel,
Says — "V[\ be wed^ come o^[ what will":
Out spake a dame in wrinkled eild^
"O' glide advisement comes nac i\\.
"It's ye hae wooer? moiiy ane,
And lassie* ytVe but young ye ken;
Then wait a wee, and cannie wale
A roiuhic butt, a routhie ben;
There's Johnie o' the Buskic-glen,
Fu* is his bam, fu' is his byre;
Take [his frae me, my bonie hen,
Ir's pienty beeis the luvcr's file."
"For fohnie 0' the Buiklo-glen,
I dinna care a single flie;
He lo'es sae weel his craps and kye.
He has nae love lo spare for me;
Eui biyihe's the blink o' Robie's e'e.
And weel 1 wat he lo es me dear:
Ae biink 0' him I wad na gic
For Buskie-glcn and a' his gear,"
*'0 thoughtless lassie, life's a faught;
The canniest gate, the strife is sair;
But pye fu '-han't is feciitin' best,
A hungry care's an unco care:
But some will spend and some will spare.
An' wiliu' folk maun hae their wiil;
Syne as ye brew, my maiden fair,
Keep mind that ye maun drink the yill."
'*0 gear will buy me rii;s o" land,
And gear will buy me sheep and kye;
POEMS AND SONGS 44I
But the lender heart 0' leewme love,
The govvd and siller carina buy;
We may be poor — Robie and I — ^
Light is iKe burd<^n love lays on;
Content and love brings peace and joy^^
What mair liae Queens upon a throne?**
BESSY AND HER SPINNIN^ WHEEL
O LEEZE me on my spinnin* wheels
And leeie me on my rock and reel;
Frac up to tae that elt^eds me bien.
And haps ine bid and warm at e'en;
ri! set me down and sing and spin,
While laigh descends ihe simmer suup
file$t wF content^ and milk and meal,
O !eczc me on my spinnin' \^heel-
On ilka hand rhe burnies trot.
And meer below my theekii cot;
The scented birk and hawthorn white^
Across ihe pool their arms unECe^
Alike to screen the birdie's nesr.
And litde iishes' calEcr real;
The sun blinks kindly in the belTp
Where blyche I lurn my spinnin wheel.
On lofty aik5 the cushats wail.
And Echo cons the doolfu' tale;
The lintwhites in the hazel braes,
Delighted, rival icher's lays;
The craik amang the claver hay.
The pairtrick whirring ocr the ley,
The swallow jinkin' round my shield
Amuse me ac my spinnin' wheel.
Wi* sma* to sell, anc? less ro buy^
Aboon distress, below envy,
O wha wad leave this humble state.
For a' the pride o£ a' the great?
Amid their flairing^ idle toySj
IC
442
ROBERT BURNS
Amid their cumbrous, dinsome joys^
Can they the peace and pleasure feci
Of Bessy at her spinnin' whed?
LOVE FOR LOVE
Tthers seek ihey fcen na what,
Features, carriagCj and tC that;
Gie me love in her I court,
Lovt to love maks a^ the sport.
Let love sparkle in lier e*e;
Lei her lo^e nac man bui me;
Thai's I he [ocher-gude I prizo^
There the inverts treasure lies.
SAW YE BONIE LESLEY
O t\w ye bonie Lesley,
As she gacd o*er the Border?
She's gane^ like ^Mexander,
To spread her conquests farther.
To see her is to love her^
And love but her forever;
For Nature made her what siie isj
And never made anither!
Thou art a queen, fair Lesley,
Thy $ub)ects^ we before thee;
Thou an divine, fair Lesley,
The hearts o* men adore ihee.
The deli he could na scakh thee,
Or aughi that wad beUng thee;
He'd look into ihy bonie face,
And say — "I canna wrang thee!"
The Povirers aboon will tent thee>
Misfflriune $ha'na steer thee;
ThouVt like (hem selves iae lovely ,
That ill they'll ne'er let near thee.
-SI
POEMS AND SONGS 443
Reuirn again, fnir Lesleyj
Rtjiuni to Caledoitie[
Thai we may brag we hae a lass
There's nane again liae bonie-
FRAGMENT OF SONG
No cold approach, no aliered mien.
Just vvhai would make suspicion sfart;
No pause rhe dire extremes bcisveen.
He made me blest — and broke my heart,
FLL MEET THEE OK THE LEA RiG
When o'er the hill rhe ea^'^Eerii star
TelU bughcin liine is near, my jo.
And owsen frac the furrow 'd field
Return s^^ dowi and weary O;
Doivn by the burn^ whtrc birken buds
Wi' dew are hangin clear, my |0j
m meei thee on the ka-rig.
My .lin kind Dc^arie O-
At midntght hour, in mtrkcst gfeiij
Vd rove, and ne*er h^ eerie O,
If thro' that gten f gaed to thee.
My ain kind Dearie O;
Altho' ihe night were ne*er sae wild,
And I were ne'er sae weary O^
INI meet thee on Ehc lea-rig,
My ain kind Dearie O^
The hunter lo'es the morning sun;
To rouse the mountain deer, my jo;
At noon the fisher seeks the glen
Adown the burn to steer^ my jo:
Gie me the hour o^ gloamin* grey,
It maks my heart sae cheery O,
To n^eet thee on the lea-rig^
Mv aici kind Dearie O.
I,
1.
444
ROBERT BURNS
MY WIFE'S A WINSOME WEE THING
.Str—'Mi, \Vifc"> 3 Wjnton Wee Thiny."
Chorui. — She is a. winsome wee ihinni^
She is a handsome wcc ihing^
She is a fo'esome wee thing,
Thi^ dear wee wife o' mine.
Tj
NEVEP saw a
fai
rer.
I never lo'ed a dearer,
And neiii my heart I'll wear her,
For fear my jewel llne»
She is a winsome, &c.
The warld's wrack we share o'c-
The waritle and the care o'l;
Wi' her I'll biylhely bear it.
And think, my lot Jivjne.
She is a winsome, ^c.
HIGHLAND MARY
Ye banks^ und hrac5, 3nd streams around
The c^isde o Monrgomeryl
Grcjcrn be your woods^ and fair your flowers,
Your wareri never drumlie:
There Simmer firsi unfauld her robes.
And (here the lan^sl larry;
For there 1 took the last FtireweU
O' my $weei Highland Mary-
How sweetly bloom 'd ttie ^y^ jriecn birk,
Hflw rich ihc b^^wihorn^s blossom.
As underneath their fragrctni ^hnde^
1 c!as[Al her lo my bosomT
The golden Hours on angel wings,
Flew o'er mc and my Dearie;
For dear to me, as light and life.
Was my sweer Highland Mary,
■J
I
POEMS AND SONGS 445 j
Wi' mony a vow^ and locked embrace,
Oltt parting was i^u lender; i
And, pledging afi ro m^ei aj^ain, j(
We lore oiirscis asunder; |.
Buc oh! Id] Death's untimely Erosi, ;
That nipt my Flower sae earlyl
Naw green's ihc sod^ and cauld's the clay
That wraps n^y Higlilund jMaryl
O i^Jilc, fialo no\\\ those rosy tips,
1 ai^t h:ic k],sVd sae fondly!
And cJosd for aye^ the sparkling glance
Thai Jwaf[ on me sac klndlv!
And mouldering now in silent dust,
Thai heart iha: lo'ed me dearly!
Bui siiJl within my bosom's core
Sliali live my Highland Mary.
AULD ROli MORRIS
There's Auld Roh Morris [hat wons in yon glen,
He'^ the King o' gude fellows, and w^le o' auld men;
He has gowd in his coffers^ he has owsen and kine.
And ae bonic lass, hii dauiie and mine*
She*s fresh as the mornings rhe fairest in May;
She*s sweet as the evening nmang the new hay;
As blythc and as ardess as the lambs on the lea^
And dejr lo sny liearl aa the light to my e^e,
Buf ohf she^s an Heiress, auld Robin^sa faird.
And my daddie has nought but ;i eo[-house and yard;
A wooer like me maunna hope to come speed,
Tlie wounds J must hide that will soon be my dead«
The day comes to me, but delight brings me nane;
The night comes to me^ but my rest it is fiane;
I wander my lane Uke a ni^hi-troubled gh^ist.
And I sigh as my heart it wad hurst in my breast.
9'
446
ROBERT JiUBNS
had she buc been of a lower degiw,
1 ihi^n might hae hop'd shii wad smird upon meT
O how pasc deixcriving had chcn been my bli^s.
As now my distmciiDn nae words can osprciS.
THE RIGHTS OF WOMAN
An Occasional AddTess.
Spoken by Miss Fonrtn<?l!e on her bcnpfir t^ight,
November 26, 1732.
WmtE Europe's eyo i;^ fix'd on mighty ibings,
The fate of Empireii and ihc fall of Kings;
While quacks of Slate mujii each produce his plan,
And tven children lisp the Righi^ of Man;
Amid this mijjhry fuss just let me mcnrion,
Thi^ Rights of Woman merir sonic attention.
First, in the Sexes' inrermix*d connection.
One sacred Right of Woman is. proiecihn.—
The Cender ilowcr that lifts iT^ head, elate,
Helpless, must fall before the blasts of Fate,
Sunk on the earth, defac'd its lovely form,
Unless your shelter ward th' impending storm.
Our second Right — but needless here i^ caution,
To keep that right invioUle's the fashion;
Hath man of sense has it so full before htm.
He'd die before he'd wrong it— 'its deciiajn. —
There was^ inJei^J^ in far less polish'd days,
A time, when rough rude man had naughty ways,
Would swagger, swear, get drunk, kick up a liot.
Nay, even thus invade a Lady's quiet.
Now, thank our ^tarsf those Gothic limes are fled;
Nowh well-bred men — and you are all well-bred —
Moit justly think (and we are much ihe gainers)
Such condtEcr nelfher spirit, wit, nor manners.
For Right the third, our last, our best, our dearcsl.
That right to Huiiering female hearti the nearest;
Which even the Rights of Kings, in low prostration.
POEMS AND SONGS 447
Mosl humbly own— 'tis dcnf, dear adujiia^ion!
In ih^t bii?5t sphere alone we live and move;
There lasce xh^i life of life— immOF[3l love.
Smiles, glances, wghs> tears, fits, fliriaiions, aiis;
"Gar list %uch an hoat what Hinty savage dares.
When awful Beauty joins with alT her chaims^ —
Who is so rash as lise in rebel arms?
iJut truce with kings, and inice with consiituiions,
With blondy armaments and revuluiiona;
Let Majesty your Eirsi aiteiUJon summon,
,-lAt fft iia! THE HAj£5TV OF woman!
EPKJRAM OX SEEING MISS FONTENELLE IN A
FAVOURITE CHARACTER
S"'PFT naiveic of feature,
Simple, wild, enchanting elf.
Nor to thee, but thanks to Nature,
Thou art acting but thyself
Wert [hou awkward, stiff. aSfi^cteii,
Spurning Nature, torturing art;
LovL?s and Graces all receded.
Then indeed thoa'd'st act a part.
EXTEMPORE ON SOME COMMEMORATIONS
OF THOMSON
Dost thou not riw, indignsnt ^hade^
And smile wi' spurning scorn,
Whtn [hty wha wad hae starved thy life.
Thy senseless [urf adorn?
Helpless, aTane. thou elamb the brae,
\Vi' mcikle hone^i toil,
And daught ih' unfading garland there— -
Thy sair-worn, rightful spoil.
And Hear it ihout and caTl aloud
Thi^ axiom undoubted —
i
.''
1
448
ROBERT BURNS
Would thou hae Nobles' pationage?
First learn to live wiihout ii!
To whom hae much, more shall be given.
Is every Great man's faith;
But he, the helpless, needful wretch^
Shall lose the mrte he hath,
DUNCAN GRAY
DuNCAw Gray cam^ hero to woo^
Ha, haj the wooing o%
On Nyihe Yule-night when we were foa,
Ha^ hap ihe wooing o\
MagE"^ coo$t her head fu' heigh,
Look'd asklcnt and unco skeigh^
Gari poor Duncan stand aheigh;
Hsj h^ij the wooing o'l,
Duncan fleech'd and Duncan pray'd;
H^^ ha^ the wooing o'c,
Meg w3$ deaf 35 Aiha Craig,
Ha, haj the wooing o't;
Duncan sigh'd baith out and in,
Grat his e en baiih bEear^t an' blin\
Spak 0' Eowpin o^er a linn;
Ha, ha, the wooing o't.
Time and Chance are but a tide.
Ha, haj the wooing 0^^
Slighted love is sair to bide,
Haj h3j ihe wooing o^t;
Shall I like a fooT, quoth he^
For a haughty hizziedie?
She may gac to — France for met
Ha, haj the wooing o't-
How It cnmes !et doctors tell.
Ha, hap the wooing o*t;
Meg grew sickj a$ he grew hale,
Hs^ hap the wooing oY
^/J
POEMS AND SONGS 449
Somelhing in her boiom wrmgi^
For rdlef a sigli sht brings:
And oh] her ten thcv ^ipak sic Lhmgs!
Ha, Ka^ ihe wooing o't.
Duncan was a lad o' grace.
Ha, lia, cb^ wooing o*t:
Maggie's was a piieous case^
Ha, ha^ the wooing o't:
Duncan could n a be her death,
SwdUng Pity srnoor'd bis wrath;
Now [heyVe crousc and canty b^ifb^ i
Ha, hat ^he wooing o'l. J
HERE S A HEALTH TO THEM THAT^S AWA i
4
Here's a health to them tbat^? awa, -i
Here's a healih to [hem thai^s awa;
And wha wjnna wi^h gude luck to our cause, 1
May ntver gude luck be their i:il I
h\ gude to be merry and wise, .]
It^s gude to be honest and true;
It*s yude la support Caledonia's causc»
And bide by the buff and the blue^
Here*s a health to tiiem that's awji,
Here'^ a health to [hem that's awa,
Here's a health Eo Charlie' the chief o' the clan,
Aliho^ that his band be but sm^'t
May Liberty meet wi' successf
May Prudence protect her frae evill I
May tyrants and tyranny tine i* ibe mist.
And wander theJr way to the devil!
Here's a healrh to ihem diat's awa^
Here's a health to them ihafs awa;
HereV a heahh to Tammie,^ the Norlan' laddie^
That hves at the lug o* the law!
Hei"e*s freedom lo them ihai wad read,
Here*5 freedom to them ihat wad write,
'Ch^rlts JarriL^ Fojl ^Hon. Thos- Erskinep afrcriv:irds Lord Erikiae.
p
4'
^
t
45^ ROBEKT BURNS
There^s nant £ver fear'd rhjii ihe ir^ich should be
hc^rd,
But they whom the trurh woulj injire*
Here's a htaTtTi lo rhtm tiiat*s flwa.
An' here's to ihem that's awa?
Here's lo MaitUnd and Wycombe, let whii dodsna
like ^em
15g built in a hok in th^ wa*;
Heme's timmer that's red at the heart
Here^s fruit that is sound at ihe core;
And may he be tk^t wad turn the bu3 and blue coat
Be rurn'd to ihe back o* the door.
Here's a health lo them that's awa.
Here's a health lo rhem that's awa;
Here's chjefiain M'Leod, a chieftain worih gowd^
Tho* bred amang mounLiins o^ snaw;
Here's friends on baith sides o^ the flrchj
And friends on baith sides o^ ihc Tweedj
And wha wad l>oiray old Albion's righlj
May they noef eat of her bread!
A TIPPLING BALLAD
On the Duke of lirunswlck's Breakitij; up hi^ Camp* and the
iJefeat of the Austrians^ by Dumouriefj November 179^-
When Princes and Prclales,
And hot-headed zealots,
A* Europt^ had seE in a low, a low.
The poor man lies down,
Nor envies a crown,
And comforts himself as hedow^ as he dow,
And comforts himself as he dow-
The black-headed eagle.
As kt^en as a beagle.
He hunred o*er heighr and o'er kowe,
in the braes o' Gcmappej
He fell in a trap,
POEMS AND SONGS 45 1
E*en let him come out as he do^v, doWj Jow,
E*en let him come out as he dovv*
« -«^ # # 4 * «
But truce with commotEoiiSj
And new-fjingled nntionsj
A bumptfj I Trust you'll allow;
Here^s George our good king.
And Charlotte hts quceHs
And bnj; may ihey rin^ as they dow^ dow, dow^
And brig may they ring ;i'i lU^y doiv.
POORTITH CAULD AND RESTLESS LOVE
TuT^r — "Caulcl Kail in Aber[i^;Mx"
O pooRTlTii cauld^ and resdess love.
Ye wrack my peace btiween ye;
Yti poonith a' I could forgive^
An 'twere na for my Jeante.
Chorus — O why should Fate sic pleasure have.
Life's dearesC hands untwining?
Or why sae sweet a flower as fovc
Depend on Fortune^s shiniEig?
The w^irld's we^ilEli, when I think on^
It^s pride and a' the laveo^i;
O fie on silly coward man.
Thai he should be rhe ^ave a't!
O why^ ficc.
Her e^en, sac bonie blue, betray
How she repsiys my passion;
But prudences is her o'erword aye^
She lalks o' rank and fashion.
O why, fiic.
O wha can prudence think upon^
x^nd sic a lassie by him?
O wha can prudence think upon,
And sae in love as J am^
O why, 4:c.
w
L
1
,:
452
ROBERT JiURNS
How lik^r the simple cocwr's fece!
He wQOi liis anless dearie;
The silly bogles^ wealili and stale,
Can never moke him eerie.
O svhy, £ic.
ON POLITICS
In Polidcs if thou would'si mix.
And mt:an ihy foriune^ be;
Bc^i ihis in mind, — be deaf ynJ bhnd.
Let great folk hear and see.
BRAW I-AD3 O^ G^VLLA WATER
Bp\w, hraw lads on Yarrow-braeSi
They rove amang the blooming heather;
Bui Yartow hv^e^, nor EEtrick ^haws
Can march the lads o' Galla Water,
Bill iheie is ane, s secret ane,
Aboon rhem a' J loe him beiiei;
And I'll be his^ and he'll be mine»
The bonie Lid o' Galla Water.
Allho' his daddie was nae laird,
And tho^ 1 hire nae mcikle tocher.
Yet rich in klndesl* truest lave,
We'll lent our flocks by Galla Water.
It ne^er w^s wealth, it ne ei was wealth,
Thai cofi conieniment, peace, or pleasure;
The bands and bliss o' mutual love»
O that's the chiefest warld's treasure.
SONNET WRITTEN ON THE AUTHOR'S
BIRTHDAY,
On hearing 9 Thrush sing in his Morning Walk-
SiNC on, swccE thmshj upon the leafless bought
Sing on> sweet birdj I listen to thy strain^
Se^ aged Winter, 'mid his surly reign^
At thy bEythe carol, clears his furrowed brow.
POEMS AND SONGS 453
So in lone Poverty's dominion dr-^ar,
Sils m^t^k Content with lighl^ unnnxiou^ heart;
Welcomes [he rjipid moments, bidi ihcm part^
Nor asks \i ihey bring ought to hope or Eear.
I thank thee. Author of this opening dayf
Thou whose bright sun now gilds yon orient skies!
Riches denied, thv boon was pur*;j- loys —
Wliat vvcjiUh could never give nor tnke away!
Yet come, ihon child of poverty jud care*
Them[[e hi^h hea>'ji beitow'J, ihaimiLe with thee J'U
shafts -
WANDERING WILLIE
First V^nicn
Here awa, there awa, wandering Wjllie,
Now lired with wandenhg^ haud awa hamc;
Come to my bosom, my ac only dearie^
And tcH mc thou bring' st me my Willie the same^
Loud blew (he cauld winter winds at our pariing;
h was na the blast brfliighr rhe lear in my e^e:
Now welcome ihe Simmcrj and welconie my Willie,
The Simmer to Nature, my Willie to me,
Ye hurricanes rest In the cave o^ your slumbers,
O how your wild horrors a lover alarms!
Awaken ye bree^est row j;eEidy ye billowsj
And wafi my dear laddie ance mair to my arms-
But if he's forgotren hts falihfultcst Nannie,
O still flow between us, thou wide roaring maim
May r never see it, may I never trow il^
Butj dyingj boiieve thai my Wllhe'a my ain!
^
454
ROBERT BURN5
WANDEKING WILLIE
Revised V
£rston
Hepe awa, there awa^ wandering Williej
Here awa, there awa^ haud awa hmne;
Come to my bosoms my ain only dearie,
Tell me ihou briny 'sL me my Willie ihe same^
Winter winds bltw loud and cauld at our parEing,
Fe^rs for my Willie brought tears in my e'c,
Welcome now Simmer, and welcome, my Willie,
The Simmer to Naiure^ my Willie lo mef
Rest, ye wild storms, in the cave of your slumbers,
How your dread howling a lover alarms!
Wauten^ ye breezes, row gently, ye billows^
And wah my dear Uddie ance mair to my arms.
But oh^ if he's faiihless^ and minds ria his Nannie,
Flow itill between us, thou wide roaring main!
May f never see it, may I never Irow it^
But^ dyings believe that my Willie's my aini
LORD GREGORY
O MIRK, mirk is thi^ midnight hour,
And loud the tempest*s roar;
A waef u* wanderer seeks thy tower,
Lord Gregory J ope thy door.
An exile frae her father's ha\
And a' for loving thee;
A[ least some pity on me shaw,
If tove it may na be-
Lord Gregory, mind'st thou not ihe grove
By bonle Irwine side.
Where first I own'd that virgin love
I lanEj^ lang had denied.
How afLen didsi ihou pledge and vow
Thou waj for aye be mine!
And my fond heart, itsel* sae true,
It rie'er mislrusted thine.
._M
POEMS AND SONGS 455 j
Hard is ihy heart. Lord Gregory, i
And ilmEy is thy brcist: '
Thou bolt of Heaven that Hashesl byt 1
Of wiii ihou bfing me r«l! *1
Ye mu^iering thundery from above^
Your willing vklirn see;
But sparo and pardon my fause Love,
His wrangs to Heaven and me.
F
OPEN THE DOOR TO ME, OH
OHp opon the door^ some pity to sht^Wp
Oh, open the door to me, oh,
Tho' thou ha5t been false. Til ever prove Crue,
Ohj open the dooi lo me, oh^
Caiild is the blast upon my pale cheek,
But cauLder thy love for me^ oh:
The frost [hat freezes the iifc at my heart.
Is nought to my pains frae ihee, oh.
The wan Moon h setting beyond the white wave,
And Time is iectinj; with me, oh:
False friends, false love, farewell! for malr
Til ae'er trouble iherti, nor thee, oh.
she has openM the door, she has opcn'd it wide,
She ^ees ihc pale corse on the plain, oh;
"My true love!" she cried, and sank, down by his
side^
Never to rise again, oh-
LOVELY YOUNG JESSIE
True hearted was he^ the sad sv^^ain o' the YarroWj
And fair are the maids on the banks of the Ayr;
But by the sweet side o' the Nifh's winding river,
Are lovers a^ faithfulj and maidens as fair:
To equal young Jessie seek Scotland all over;
To equal young Jessie you seek it in vain^
Grace, bejiuty^ and elegance, feuer her lover,
And n^aidenly modesty fixes the chain.
456
ROBERT BURNS
O. fresli 15 ihe rose in lU^ gay, dewy inornmg^
And sweci \s the lily, at evening close;
Bui in the fair presence o' lovely young Je&sig,
Unipen is ihe lily, unhetdctl the roiC.
Love sits in her smile, a wizard ensnaring;
Enthron'd in her een ho delivers his law:
And still to her charms she alone h a stranger;
Her modest demeanour's the jewel of a'.
MEG O^ THE MILL
O KEN ye what Meg o' ihe Mill has goaen.
An' ken ye what Meg o' the Mill has gflUen?
She gotien a coof wi" a cJaut o' siller,
And broken ilie heart o' the barley Miller.
The Miller was Airappin, the Miller was ruddy;
A heart like a lord, and a hue like a lady^
The laird was a widdifu', hteertt knurl;
She's left the gude fellow, and laen the churl.
The Miller he hccht her a heart leal and loving.
The laird did address her wi' matter mair moving,
A line pacing-horse wi' i dear chained bridle,
A whip by her side, and a bonie side-saddle.
O wae an the siller, it i; sae prevailin".
And wao on the love thai is fixed on a maileni
A tocher's nae word in a true lover's prle,
Bui gic me my love, and a fig for the wad'!
MEG O' THE MILL
Another Vcnion
O K£S ye what Meg o' ihe Mill has gotten.
An' ken ye what Meg o" the Mill has gotten?
A braw new nalg wi' the tail o' a roltan,
And that's what Meg o' the Mill has gotien.
O ken ye what Meg o' the Mill M'es dearly,
An' ken ye what Meg o' the Mill Iocs dearlyp
n^l
POEMS AND SONGS 457
A dram o' gude siruni in the morning early,
And that's what Meg o* the Mill lo'cs dcarly-
O ken ye how Meg o* the Mill was married,
Ari' ken ye how Meg o' the Mill was married^
The priest he was oxter'd^ ihe dark he was carried.
And [hat^s how Meg o* the Mill was married*
O ken ye how Meg o' ihe Mill was beddeU,
An' ken ye how Meg o' ihc Mill was bedded-*
The gfoom gal sae Eou'^ he fell awald beside ii,
And [hai's how Meg o^ the Mill was bedded,
THE SOLDIER'S RETURN
-Jjr— ■ The M;IL mill, O."
When wild war^s deadly bJa$t was blawn^
And gentle peace returning^
Wi' mony a sweet biihe fatherless^
And mony a widow mourning;
I left [he lines and tented Held,
Where lang Td been a lodger^
My humble knapsack a' my wealih,
A poor and honest sodger*
A lealj light heart was in my breast^
My hand unsiain^d wT plunder;
And for (air Seotia hame againp
1 cheery on did wander:
I thought upon [he banks o' Coil,
I (bought upon my Nancy,
J tbought upon the witching smi]e
That caught my youthful fancy^
Ai length I reachM ihe bon^e glen.
Where early life I sported;
1 passed the mill and irysting ihorn,
Where Nancy afi I courted:
Wha spied I but my ain dear ma[d^
Down by ber mother's dwelling!
And Eurn'd me round to hide the flood
That in my een was swelling*
1^ i
?
458
ROBERT BURNS
Wr alier'd voicc^ quoth Jp "Sweci lass,
Svveet as yon hawthorn^s blosiomp
01 liappYj h^ppy may he be,
That's deare$r to thy bojom:
My purse is hghi, I've far to ganj;.
And fain would be thy lodger;
Vvc 5ervM my king and country lang —
Take piiy on a sodger*^'
Sae winfully she ga^'d on mc^
And lovelier was than everi
Quo' ihcj *'A sodger ance 1 lo^ed,
Forgec him shall I never?
Our hurtibk cott and hamely fare^
Ye: freely shall partake It;
That gallant badge — the dear cockadej
Ye're welcome for the sake d'lJ'
She gazM — she redden'd like a rose—
Syne pale like ony lily;
She sank within my arms^ and criedj
''An Ehou my ain dear Willie^'*
"By hfm who made yon sun and iky!
By whom true love's regarded,
I am Ehe man; and thus may stil]
Tfue lovers be rewarded.
"The wars are o er, and Vm come hame^
And find thee 5[il] true-hearted;
Tho' poor in gc3fj we're rich in love^
And mair we'sc ne'er be paricd."
Quo^ shcj "My grandsire left me gowd,
A mailen plenish'd fairly;
And come J my faithfu' sodger lad,
ThouVt welcome to it dearly!'^
For gold the merchant ploughs the main.
The farmer ploughs the manor"
But glory is the sodger^s prize^
The sodgefs wealth u honor:
POEMS AND SONGS 459
The briivc poor sodger ne'er despise.
Nor count him as a stranger; j
Remember tie's his couiiiry'i stay, i
In day and hour of danger. -^
i
THE TRUE LOYAL NATIVES
Ye true ''Loyal Natives" afiend to my song
In uproar and riot rejoice the night long; ,
From Envy and Haired your corp^ i:* exempt. j
Bui where is your shield from the darts o£ Contempt I
ON COMMISSARY GOLDJE'S BRAINS
Lord, lo account uho daros the*: call.
Of e'er dispute thy pleasure? j
Else why, within so thick a wall,
Enclose so poor a treasure?
LINES INSCRIRED IN A LADY'S POCKET
ALMANAC
Grant me, inHuTgenr Heaven, that 1 may live»
To see rhe miscreants feel the pains they give;
Deal Freedom's sacred treasures free as air, j
Till Siave and Despot be but things that were. •
THANKSGIVING FOR A NATIONAL VICTORY j
Ye hypocrites! are fhese your pranks?
To murder men and give God thanks!
Desist, for shame! — proceed no further;
God won't accept your thanks for hurthehI
LINES ON THE COMMEMORATION OF RODNEY'S
VICTORY
Instead of a Song, hoys, 111 give you a Toast;
Here*s to ihe memory of those on the twelfth that we lost! —
That we ion. did I say? — nay, by Heaven, that we found;
For their fame it will last while the world goe^ round- ^^1
I
1
460 ROBERT BURNS
The next in succession Til give you's the King!
Whw nr would betray him» on high may he swing!
And here's the grand fabric, our free CoN'STiruTtON,
As built on the base of our gieaL Revolution!
And longer with Pohiics noi to be cramm'd^
Be AhABCHY curs'd, and Tvb,inny damn'd!
And wlio would to Liejirtv e'er prove disloyal.
May his son be a hangman — and he hi^ fsrji irial!
THE RAPTURES OF FOLLY
Thdd greybeard, old Wisdom! may boast of thy trea$tjrcs;
Give me ivith young Fdly m iive;
I gram ihee ihy calm-blooded, timo-setdcd pleasure*.
But Folly has raptures 10 give-
KIRK AND STATE EXCISEMEN
Ye men of wii and weahh^ why all this sneering
Gainst poor Excisemen? Give the cauat a hearing:
What are your Landlord's rcnt-rolh? Taxing ledgersf
What Premiers? What ev'n Monarchs? ^^lghty Gaugers^
Nay, what are PriestsP {(hose seeming godlv wi$o-menp)
What are [hey^ pr^y^ but SpiriLual Excisemen!
EXTEMPORE REPLY TO AN IN\^ITATION
The King^s nnosr humble servant, I
Can scarcely spare a minute;
Eui ril be wi' you by an' by;
Or etse [he Deil's be in it.
GRACE AETER MEAT
LoRD^ we [hank, and thee adore^
For temporal gifts we litdc merit;
At pr^wnt we will ask no mare —
Let Wiiliara Hisiof? give the spirit.
POEMS AND SONGS 4^1
GRACE BEFORE AND AFTER MEAT
O LoBDv when hunger pmches sDre,
Dc ihou suetd u^ in steady
AnJ send us^ from ihy bounteous storey
A lup or wether head! Amen-
O Lord, since we h^vt^ feasted TKuip
Whkh we so little meriij
Let Meg now take auay the flesh.
And (ock bring in the spirit! Amen,
^PROMPTU ON GENERAL DUMOURIER'S DESERTION
FROM THE FRENCH REPUIiLICAN ARMY
Ydl"*re welcome lo Despots, Dumourier;
YouVc welcome to Despots, DuinoLirier:
How doci D:itnpiere do?
AYt and Bournonville too?
Why (lid they not come along with you^ Dumourier? i
I Will lighl FfLince with you, Dumourier; 1
I wtll lighi France with you, Dumourier;
I will fij;ht Frjnce with yon, j
[ will lake my chance with you;
By my soul^ Fll dance wirh you, Dumourier,
Then let us fight :iboutj Dumourier;
Then let us fi^ht ^bout^ Dumourier;
Then U[ VIS fight about.
Till Freedom's spark be out^
Then we'll be d^mnM, no doubly Dumourtcr.
THE LAST TIME I CAME O'ER THE MOOR
Teie last lime I came o'er fhe moor^
And leit Marta's dwellings
What EhroeSj what tortures passing cure.
Were in my bosom swelling:
Condemned lo see my rivars reign.
While I in secret languish;
462
ROBERT BURNS
To feel a fire in every vein.
Yet dare not speak my anguish.
I,<]ve*s vcricsl wrelch, de^pairinj;, I
Fain, fain, my crime would cover;
Th' unweeiin^ ^"^osn* J^l"^ bursting sigh,
Betray the guihy lover.
J know my doom must be despair,
Thou wilt nor canst relieve mej
Bm oh, Maria, hear my prayer,
For Pity's sake forgive meJ
The music of ihy tongue T heard,
Nor \visr white it enslav'd me;
1 saw thine eyes, ye: nothing fear'd.
Till fear no more had sav'd me:
The unwary sailor rhu^, aghast.
The wheeling torrent viewing.
Mid circling hoirors yields a: jasT
To overwhelming ruin.
LOGAN BRAES
Tun£ — "Logan Waier.^'
O LocANj sweetly didst thou glitie,
That day I was my Willie's bride,
And years sin sync hat o'er us run,
Like Logan LO ihe simmer suti:
But now liiy flowery banks appear
Like drumlie Winrerj dark and drear.
While my dear lad maun face his faes;,
Far, far frae me and Logan braes.
Again the merry monih of May
Has made our hifls and valleys gay;
The birds rejoice in leafy bowers,
The bees hum round [he breathing; Howeis;
Blydie Morning lifts his rosy eye.
And Evening's rears are tears o' joy;
My sou], delighdcss a* survey s^
While Willie's far frae Logan braes-
!
POEMS AXD SONGS 463 '
Wiihin yon n^ilk-whirc hawthorn buj^h, 'S
Amang her nestlings siEi the ihruih:
Her fakhfu* male will share ht^c Toil^
Or w'V his son^j her cares beguile;
Bui I wi^ my ivveet nursltngs here,
Nae niate 10 help^ nac male to cheer.
Pass widowed nights and joyless days^
While Willie's far frae Logan braes.
O ^vae bo to you. Men o' State,
That brethren rouse to deadly hate!
As ye make mony a fond heart moarn,
Sae may it on your heads reiurn!
How cufi \OMF fit Illy liearts enjoy
The widow's lear^ the orphan's cry?
But soon may peace bring happy days.
And Willie hame W Logari braes!
BLYTHE HAE I BEEN ON YON HILL
7^«f— 'The Quakcr^i Wife/'
Blythe hae J been on yon hill,
Ai rhe lamb^ before me;
Careless ilka thought and free^
As the hrtcKe Raw o'er me;
Now nae larger sport and play,
Mirth or sang can plense me;
Lesley is sae fair and cov,
Care and anguish seize me.
Heavy J heavy is the lasTc,
Hopeless love declaring;
Tremblings f dow nocht but glower.
Sighing, dumb despairing!
If she winna ease the thraws
In my bo-Wim swelling,
Underneath the grass-green sod.
Soon maun be my dwelling*
464 BOBERT BURNS
O WERE MY LOVE YON LILAC FAIR
O WERE my love yon Lilac fair,
Wi' purple blossoms to the Spring,
And [, a bird to shekcr there,
When wearied on my liule wing!
How I wad mourn wiien i[ was torn
By Autumn wild^ and Witiler rude!
But I wad sing on wanion wing,
WUeii youihfu^ May its bloom renewed*
O gin my love were yon red roac^
Ti^at grows upon the cascle wa';
And f my&elf a drap o' Jew,
Into her bonic breast to fa'!
O there^ beycind e;:pression blest,
Vd fca^t on beauiy a* [he night;
SeaTd on her silk-Sj^ft faulds lo rest.
Till fley'd awa by Phccbus' light!
BONIE JEAN-A BALLAD
To in nin lune.
There was a la^s, and she was fair,
A I kirk or market 10 be $een;
When a' our fairest maids were met.
The fairest tnaid was bonic Jcan^
And aye she wrought her maminie's wart,
And aye she sang sae meirijie;
The blythesi bird upon die bush
Had ne'er a UyhLer heart than she. .)
Bui bawks will rob the tender joys J
That bless the liide linrwhiie's nest; *
And frost will blight the fairest flowers^
And love will break the soundest rest. ^
Voung Robie W35 the brawesi Ud,
The flowei and pride of 1' tlie glen;
POEMS AND SONGS 465
And he had oiv'sen^ shecp^ and kyc^
And wanton naigiea nine or ten.
He gacd wi' jeaiiie to the iiystc,
He danc'd v,\ Jcanie on the down;
And, )ang ere witless ^canie wisf,
Her heart WJ5 dnr, her peace was scown!
As in [he hosom of the stream,
Tlic moon-beam dwells at dewy e^en;
So trembling, pure, was tender love
Within the breast of bonie Jean,
And now she works her mammie's wark,
And aye she sighs wi' csre and pain;
Yet wist na what her ail might be,
Or what wad make her wed again.
But did na Jeanie's heart loup light,
And didna [oy bhnk in her e'e^
As Robie lautd a tale 0' love
Ae Evening on the lily lea?
The $iin was sinking in [he west»
The birds sang sweet in ilka grove;
His check to hers he fondly laid,
And whisper'd thus his lale 0' \ove:
*'0 Jeanie fair, 1 lo'e thee dear;
O canst thou think to fancy me,
Or wilt ihou leave thy mammie's cot,
And learn to tent [he farms wi' me?
"At barn or byre thou shall na drudge,
Or naething ci^e to trouble thee;
But stray amang the heather-bells.
And tenl the waving corn wi' me."
Now what could artless [eanie do?
She had naf will :o say him na:
A: length she blush 'd a sweet consent,
And love was aye between ihem twa.
466 ROBERT BURNS
LINES ON JOHN M'MURDO, ESQ.
BLtsT be M'Murdo to his latest day!
No envioiii cloud o'ercasr his evening ray;
No wrinkle, furrow^ by the hand of care»
Nor ever sorrow add one silver hairf
O may no son the father's honour stain.
>Jor ever daughter give die motliet paini
EPITAPH ON A LAP-DOG
NitMED ECHO
In wood and wild, ye warbling ihrong^
Yonr heavy loss deplore;
Now. Iialf extinct your power; of song,
Sweet Echo is no more.
Ye iarring, screeching things around.
Scream your discordant joys;
Now, half your din of tuneless sounij
With Echo silent lies,
EPIGRAMS AGAINST THE EAKL OF GALLOWAY
What dosi thou in that mansion fair?
Etil, Galloway, and find
Some narrow, dirty, dungeon cave,
The picture of thy mind.
No Stewart art thou, Galloway,
The Stewarts all were braver
Besides, the Stewarts were but fools.
Not one of them a knave.
Bright ran thy line, O Galloway,
Thro' many a far-fam'd sire!
So ran the far-famed Roman vi^a^j
And ended in a mire.
s
Sparc me rliy vengeance^ GallowayT
In quiet let me five: j
I ask no kindness at thy hand^ ^
For ihou hast nooe to give. ^
I
POEMS AND SONGS 4^7
EPIGRAM ON THE LAiRD OF LAGGAN
WfjES Morinc^ dcccas^, lo the Devil went down,
*Twas nothing would 5t:rve him but Saran's own crown;
"Thy fool's hi'ad/' tjuoch Satan, "ihat crown shall wear tiever^
I grant [houVc a% wicked, but not quite so clever,"
SONG-PHILLIS THE FAIR
Tune — "Robin Adair,"
WhilE; Urks^ with liitk wing»
Fjinn'd the pure alr^
Tasdng the brcn[hing Spring,
Fordi I did fare;
Gay ihe sun's golden eye
Peep'd o'er the mounrains high;
Such thy mam! did 1 ciy,
Phillis the fair.
In each bird's careless song^
Glad I did share;
While yon wild-flowers amongi
Chance led mc there!
Sweet to the op'ning day,
Rosebuds benr the dewy spray;
Such thy bloom! did I say,
Phillis the fail-
Down in a ahady walk,
Doves cooing were;
I marked the cru(?l hawk
CaughE in a snare;
So kind may fortune be,
Such make his destiny.
He who would injure thee,
Phil lis Ihe fair.
SONG^HAD 1 A CAVE
TiiOff^-Hohia Adair."
Had 1 a cave on ^otne wild distant shore,
Where the winds bowl to the waves' dashing coar:
-I
4^8 ROBERT SXjRKS
There would I weep my woes.
There seek my lost repose,
Till grief my eyes iliould close,
Ne'er to wake more!
FalsEsC of womankind, can'st thou dtdare
All [fiy fond, plighied vows fleeting as aid
To ihy new lover hie,
Laugh o'er thy perjury;
Then in thy bosom try
Whai peace is ihere!
SONG.-BY ALLAN STREAM
Ev Allan sircam 1 chanc'd to rove.
While Phtcbus sank beyond Benledi;
The winds are whispering thro' the jjrove,
The yellow corn was waving ready'
t listened to a lover's sang,
An' thought on youthfu' pleasures mony;
And aye ihe wild-wood echoes rang —
'^O. dearly do I love thee, Annie!
"O, happy be the woodbine bower,
Nae nighrly bogle make it eerie;
Nor ever sorrow stain the hour,
The place and time T met my DcarieT
Her head upon my throbbing brea$[»
She, sinking, said, Tm thine for cverT
While mony a kiss the seal imprest —
The sacred vow we ne'er should sever."
The haunt o" Spring's ihe primrose-brae,
The Summer joys the iiocks to follow;
How cheery thro' her short'ning day,
Is Autumn in her weeds o* yetlow;
But can they melt the glowing heart.
Or chain the sou[ in speechless pleasure?
Or thro' each nerve the rapture dart,
Like meeting her, our bosom^s treasure?
rOEMS AND SONGS 4^9
WHISTLE, AND I'LL COME TO YOU, MY LAD
C/ioycis.~0 uiM^TUE, an' I'll come lo yc, my hd,
O wliisik, an' I'll comt lo yu, my bJ,
Tho' h^hcr an' mother an' a' should £a<! mad,
O wliisiio, an' Tl! come to ye, my latl-
But warily lent when ye come to couit mc,
And dome nac unless the back-yen be a-jcc;
Sync up the back-siilc, and Ui naebody see,
Anj;! coine as ye were ns comin' lo me,
And come as yc were na comin' to me.
O u'histic an" Til come, &c.
At kirk, or at marker, whene'er ye meet me,
Gan^ hv me as tho' that ye car'd na a Ilic;
BuC steal me a blink o' yotii honie black e'e^
Yei look as yc were na lookin' to me.
Yet look as yu were na lookin' to me^
O whittle an' I'll come, &c.
Aye vovs' and protest that ye care na for me,
And whiles yc may lightly my beauty a- wee;
But court na amthcr, tho' |okin' ye bCj
For fear that she wile your fancy frae me.
For fear that she wite your (ancy frae me,
O \vhisik an' Til come, 6fC.
PHlLLiS THE QUEEN O' THE FAIR
Tdrtf— "Tlie Muckin o" CeorcIi4^\ ByTc. "
ADnw>! winding Nidi T did ivander.
To mark the sweet flowers as ibey spring;
Adown winding Nith I did wander,
Of Phillis lu muse and to sing,
Choriii. — Aua" wi' your belles and your beauties.
They never wi' her can compare,
Whaever has met wi' my Phillis,
Has met wi" the queen o' tho fair.
V
47^ BOBERT BURNS
The daisy amus'd my fond fancy,
So urEless, so ^impk, so wild;
Thou emblem, said [^ o' my Phillis —
For sh£ is Simplicity's {:hild«
Awa* wf your belles, *tc+
The ro$e4md*s the blush o' my charmer,
Her swGci balmy lip when 'lis prest;
How fair jnd how pure is the hly!
But fairer and pur^r her brea^L
Awa' wi' your belles, &c^
Yon knor of gay fiowers in the arbautj
They ne er wV my Phillis can vie;
Htr breaih is the hrejih of the woodbine,
Ifs dew-drop o^ diamond her eye,
Awa' wi' your belles, &c-
Her voice is the song o^ the morning.
Thai wakeji thro* the green-spreading grove
When PhtE^bus peeps o^er [he mounTamSj
On musicj and pleasure^ and love,
Awa' wi' your belles, &c-
But beamy, how frail and how fieetingT
The bloom o£ a fine summer's day;
While worth in the mind o' my Phillis,
Will flourish wtthout a decay-
Awa' Wi' your belles, &c,
COME, LET ME TAKE THEE TO MY BREAST
Come, let me take th^^e to my breaiE,
And pledge wc ne'er shall sunder^
And I shall apurn as vilest dust
The world's wealth and grandeur:
And do I hear my Jeanie own
That equal transports move herP
I ask for dearest life alone,
That I may live to love her.
POEMS A^^J soXGS 471
Thus, in my arms^ wi' a' lier charms^
1 cla$p mv countless treasure"
111 seek nacmaii o" Heav'n 10 share,
ThaQ sic a moment's pleasure:
And by thy e en sa^ bonic hluc,
1 swear Vm ihcnc for crvcrf
And an chy lips I seal my vow,
And break it shall I never.
DAINTY DAVIE
Now rosy May comes in \vi' flowerSp
To dock her gay, green -spreading bowels;
And now conies in the happy hours,
To wanJor wV my Davie.
Cfiorui. — Meet me on the n'arlock knowCj
Dainny Davie, Dainty Davie;
There Til spE^nd ihe day wi^ yoUj
My ain dear Dainty Davie-
Thfi cry^rd waters round us fa\
The merry birds arc lovers a',
The scented breezes round us blaw,
A wandering wi' my Davie.
Mtet me on, &c.
As purple morning slarts ihe harfij
To steal upon her early fare*
Then thro' the dews I will repair^
To meet my faithfu* Davie,
Meet me on, &c.
When daVj expiring in the westj
TTie curiain draws o^ Nature's rest,
I flee 10 hifi arms l lo'e the best,
And r!iai*s my ain dtar Davie,
Meet me on, &c
i
!
3
1
472 ROBERT BURNS
ROBHRT BRUCFS MARCH TO BANNOCKBURN
ScOTSj wha hae wi Wallace bleJ,
Scots, whjim Bruce has aften led.
Welcome 10 your gory bed.
Or to Viclorie!
Now*5 ihe day, and now's ihe hour;
Sec the front o' IsLiult lour;
See approach proud EnwARo'b power-
Ckains and Slaverie!
Wha will be a traitor knave?
Wha can fill a conard's grave?
Wha sae base ai be a Slave?
Lei him [urn and flee!
Wha, for Scoiland^s King and Law,
Freedom '5 sword will strongly draw^
Free-maij S[and, or pRtE-MAW h\
Lei him on wi' me!
By Oppression's woes and painsl
By your Son5 in servile chainsi
We will drain our dearesi veuUj
But they shall be freeT
Lay the protid Usurpers Tow!
Tyrants fall in every foe!
Liberty's in every blowf—
Let us Do or Die !
BEHOLD THE HOUR, THE BOAT ARRIVE
Behold the hour, ihe boat arrive;
Thou goestp the darling of my heart;
Seve/d from ihee, can I survive,
But Fate has will'd and we must part-
VW ofien greet the surging swell.
Yon distant Isle will often haii:
*^E'en here I took the last fareivcll;
There, latest marked her vanish 'd sail/'
POEMS AXD SONGS 473
Alan55 ttie soliiaiy ^hore^
Whife flitting ^ea-fowl round mc cry,
Across the rolling, dashinj; toa.T,
Hi westward ttirn my wislful eye:
"Happy thou Indian jjroie," I'll say,
"Where now my Nancy's path may Ihi!
Wliile thro' thy sweets sho toves to stray^
O tel! nil!, doci she muse on mel"
DOW_\= THE BURN, DAVIE
A? down the bum they took iheir ^^'ay,
And ihro' the EEo^very djie;
Hi5 check to lii?rs he aft did lay,
And love was aye the tale:
With '*Mary, when shal) we return,
Sic pkasure to re new r'
Quoth Mary— X^'^'^f I like the burn,
And aye shall follow you.^
THOU HAST LEFT ME EVER, JAMIE
TiiTc — "Fee him, faiherH fee KmiJ'
Tiiof hast left me ever, Jamie,
Thoti hasl Itft mc ever;
Thou hasL left me ever, Jamie,
Thou hast left me ever;
Aften haai ihou vow'd that Death
Only should us sever;
Now ihou'sl left thy lass for aye —
I maun we ihee never, Jamie^
I'll see tlice never.
Tliou hast me forsaken, Jamie,
Thou hast me forsaken;
Thou ha^t me forsaken, Jamie,
Thou hast mc forsaken;
Thou canst love another jo,
While my heart is breaking;
474 HOBERT BURNS
Soon my weary ccn ]'!! closc^
Never m air to waken, Jamie^
Never mair Lo waken!
WHERE ARE THE JOYS 1 HAVE MET?
WirtRE ^Tc ihc loys 1 h^ive mc! in [he morning,
Thai danced to [he lark*s taHy song^
Where ii [he peace rhat avvatied my wandering,
At tivcEiing Ehe wilj-woods among?
No more a winding the course of yon river,
And marking Awett flowereis su fair,
No more 1 cmce ihe light footsteps oi Pleusurc,
But Sorrow and sad-sighing Carc-
fs it ihat Summe/s forsaken our valleys^
And gnnij surly Winter is near?
No, no, the bees humming round the gay roses
Proclaim it the piide of the year*
Fain would I hide what T fear to discover^
Yet longj longj Ido weJl have I known;
All that has caused this wreck in my bosoni^
1^ Jenny, fair Jenny done.
Time cannot aid mc, my griefs arc immortal,
Nor Hope dare a comfort bestow;
Come iheflp enrtniour'd and fond ot my anguish,
Enjoyment HI seek in my woCh
DiiLUDED SWAIN, THE PLEASURE
T/^jir— "The Collicr'j DMhttr**'
Deluded swain^ rhe pleasure
The fickle Fair can give thee,
Is but a f^iry creasure.
Thy hopes will soon deceive ihee:
The billows on the ocean,
The hreezes idly roamingj
POEMS AND SONGS 475
The cloud's unccriain moLioiu
They arc but types ai Woman.
O art thou not a^haniy
To Joai upon a feature?
If Man ihiiii wouldst be uam'd.
Despise die silly cicifiure.
Go, find an honest fellow,
Good claret set before [hee,
Hold on till thou an nieUow,
And then to bed in glory!
THINE AM 1, MY FAITHFUL FAIR
Thiwe am T, my faithful Fair,
Thine, my lovely Nancyj
Ev'ry pulse along my veins,
Ev'ry roving fancy.
To thy bosom lay my heart,
Thete to throb and languish;
Tiio* despair iiad wrung its care,
Thai voultl heal its angniiih.
Take away [Eiose rosy lips.
Rich with balmy treasurei
Turn away thine eyes of love,
Leaf I die with plea^iure!
What is life when wanting Love?
Night wfthoLit a morninj;:
Love's the clondleas summer sun,
Nature gay adorn ing-
ON MRS. RiDDELL'S BIRTHDAY
4th November 1793.
Olp Winter, wiih his frosty beard,
./!
Thus once to Jove his prayer preferred: ii
"What have I done of all the year,
To bear this hated doom severe? ,jj
J
47^
ROBERT BURNS
My cheeile^s suns no pleasure know; j
Night's horrid i:nr drng^, Jreary slow; j
My dismal months no joys nre crowning, ]
But spleeny English hanging, drowning, 3
"Now Jove, for once be mrghly civih
To con me rba I ante all this evil;
Give me, and I've no more to say,
Givi? me Maria's natal dnyf
That brilliant gift ili^il! ^o enrich me,
Spring, Summer, Autumn, cannot match me."
" 'TJs done!" says Jove; so ends my story,
And Winter once rejokcd in glory.
MY SPOUSE NAiNCY
HusuAND, husband^ cease your sErife^
n
Nor longer idly rare, Sir;
Tho' 1 am your wcrldcd wife
Yet I ;im not your ibvc^ Sir/'
"One of [wo mu&f still obcy^
Nancy, Naticy;
U it Mun or Woman, say,
My spouse Nancy?"
"If *iis siill rliG lordly word*
Service and obedience;
r\l dissert my 50vVeij;^n lord,
And so, p;ood hyp, iillegiancel"
"Sad shall I be^ so bereft^
Nancy, Nancy;
Yet ni iry to make a shift,
My spouse Naacy/'
My poor hear[, then break if must,
My last hour I am near it:
When you lay me in the dust,
Think how you wilT bear it/'
POEMS AND SONGS 477
"I will hope .ind trust in Heaven,
Nancy 3 Nancy;
Sircnj^th [0 bear it will be g^venj
My spouse Nancy*^*
'^Well, Sir, from the sikni Jeadj
Slit! rii iry to daum you;
Ever round your mjcimght bed
Horrid sprites shall haunt you T*
**r]l weJ another like my dear
Nancy, Nancy;
Then all hell will fly for fear^
^■ly spouse Nancy.'^
ADDRESS
Spoktn by Miss Fontenelle on her Benefit Nighr, December 4th, 1793,
at the ThcairCj Dumfries*
Stili, anxiou^v to secure your partial favour,
And not Ic-is anxious^ sure, chis nighl, than ever^
A Prologue, iLpiltJgue, or some such matter^
'Twoutd vamp my hilK said I, if nothing beUer;
So i^fiii^hl a poet, roosted near ihc skies^
Told hitn I came to feast my tuitous eyes;
Said^ nothing like his works was ever primed;
And lasti my prologue-business slily hinted.
''Ma'am, lei me i&ll you," quoth my man of rhymes,
'*J know ynur bent — -these are no Jaugfiing umes:
Can you — but, Missj J own l have my fears-
Dissolve in pause, and sentimental Eears;
With laden sighfSj and solemn-rounded sentence,
Rou^ from his sluggiih slumbers, fell Repentance;
Paint Vengeance as he rakes his horrid stand.
Waving on high the desolating brandy
Calling the storms to bear him o'er a guilty land?"
I could no mart; — askance the creature eyeing,
"DY^ think," said I, "this face was made for trying?
ril laughs that^s po/ — nay more, the world shall know it;
And so, your servam! jjloomy Master Poet!"
478
ROBERT BURN'S
Firm as my creed, Sir%> 'tis ray tijf"d beliet,
Thjt Miicry'i another word for Grief:
J also chink— so may I be a bride!
That so much lajghter^ io much life eu)oy*d.
Thou man of cr:izy care and ceaseless sigh.
Still under bleak Misfortune's blasting eyi:;
Doomed to that ioresE task of man alive —
To make ihrte guineas do tiie work, of live:
Laugh in Mijiforiune's faee — the beldam wirch[
Say, you'll be merry, tho' you can^E be rich.
Thou other man of care, the wretch in love,
Who long with jilll^h airs and arts hast strove;
Who^ as the boughs all templing[y project,
Mea5ur'sl in desperate rhouglil— a rope — thy neck-
Or, where the beetling cliff oVrhangs the deep,
Peerest 10 meditate the healing leap:
Wonld'st thou be cur'd, thou silty, moping etf?
Laugh at her follies — laugh e'en at thyself:
Learn to despite those frowns now so lernfic,
And love a kinder — that's }'Dur grand specific.
To sum up all, be merry, T advise;
And .IS "-c'rc merry, niay ^^'e still be wise.
COMPLIMENTARY EPIGRAM ON MARIA
RIDDELL
'I
PaATSE Woman still," his lordship roars,
Dcserv'd or not, no matters "
But thee, whom all my soul adores,
Ev*n Flattery cannot flatter:
Mam \, all my thou^'hl and dream,
Inspires my vocal shell;
The more I prai!;e my lovely theme,
The more the truth I tell.
POEMS AND SONGS 479
REMORSEFUL APOLOGY
The friend whom, wiM from Wisdom's way^
The fumes of v/ine infuriaic scnd^
(NoE moon^- mildness more astray)
Who but dpp]ore$ that hapless friend?
Mine was th^ insensate frenzied parij
Ah! why should I such scenes outlive?.
Scenes $o ^bhorreni lo my heart! —
"Tis ihine to pily and forgive*
WILT THOU BE MY DEARIE?
T^m^ — "Tht Suior's Dochicr,"
Wilt ihoH be my Dearie?
When Sorrow wring thy gentle heart,
O will thou let mc cheer thee!
By the treasure of my soul,
That's the love I bear thee:
1 swear and vow thai only thou
Shall ever be my Dearie!
Only ihou, 1 swear and vow.
Shall over be my Dearie!
Lassie, say thou loVs m^i
Or, if thou wi)t na be my ^w^
O say na thou'It refuse me!
If it winna, canna be.
Thou for thine may choose mCj
Lei mc^ Lissie, quickly die^
Still trusting; thai thou lo'es mel
Lassie^ let me quickly die,
Still trusting that thou Wes me!
A FIDDLER IN THE NORTH
T^iFif — "The King o' France he rade a rate."
Ahakc the trees, where humming bees,
Al buds 3nd flowers were hinging^ O,
480
ROBERT BURNS
Auld Caledon Jrew out her drone,
And TO luT pipe wa^ liinjjm^, O:
'Twas Pibroch, San^, Sirjiihipey$, and Reels,
She dirl'd ihem aH fu' ck-arly, O:
Wlien I he re cam' a yell o' foreign jqu^els,
That dang her tapsaliecric, O.
Their capon craws an' queer "ha, ha's,"
They made our iugs jjrow eerie^ O;
The hungry bike did scrape and Tyke,
Till wc vcrc wae and weary» O:
Bui a royal ghaiit, wha ante was cas^d^
A prisoner, aughteen year awa'.
He fir'd a Fiddler in ihe North,
That dang ihem tapsalieerie, O.
THE MINSTREL AT LINCLUDEN
Tunc— "Cuir\nack Psalmi/'
As I Stood by yon roofless lower,
Where ihe wa*flnw'r wents the dewy air.
Where the howlet mourns in her ivy bower,
And tells the [Tiidnij^ht maon her care,
CAofUi— -A lassie atl alone, was making her rnoiin,
Lamenting our lads bevunii die aea:
[n the bluidy wars ihey ii\ and our honour's
gane an' a*,
And broken-hearted we matin die.
The wind$ "ere laid^ the air was still.
The stars they ^hot along the sky;
The tod was howling on the hill.
And the djst:in [-echoing gfens reply.
A lassie all alone, fliC.
The burn* adown ii^ hazelly path,
Was rushing by the ruin'd vfa\
Halting to join the sweeping Nith,
Whase roarings wtm'd to rise and fa',
A lassie all alone, £tc.
POEMS AND SONGS 481
The cauld blae Norih was streaming Corih
Her Jighis^ wi* hissings eerie din^
A[hQrt ihe lift they siarL and shifty
Like Foriune's favoursj lint as win,
A lassie all alon^^ &lc.
NqWj looking over firih and fniuld^
Her horn the pale-faced Cynthia rear'd^
When lol in forni of Minstrel auld^
A stern and sialuan ghaisi appcarM.
A lassie ali aione, &c,
AnJ frae his harp sic sirains did flow\
Mighr rous'd the slumbering Dead to hear;
But o[i, IE was a ta!c of woe^
As ever met a I3riton*5 earJ
A Jassie all alone, £cc.
He sang ^V joy his farmer d^y,
He, weepings wail'd his laiter times;
But what he said — it was nae play,
I winna vcnture't in my rhymcs-
A lassie ali alone, £^e.
A VISION
As I stood by yon roofless tower,
Where (he wa 'flower scents the dewy air,
Where the howlei mourns in her i^y bower.
And itUs die midnight moon her care.
The winds were laid, the air was still,
TT\c stars they shot alang the sky;
The fox was howling on the hill.
And the disiant echoing glens reply.
The siream* adown irs Jiaselly path,
Was rushing by iht ruin'd waV,
Hashng to join the sweeping Nith,
Whase distant roaring swells and fa^s«
482 ROBERT BURNS
The cauld bhe North was streaming fortli
Her lighis^ wi* hissing, eerie din;
Aihwari ihe lift they siart and shifi,
Like Fonune's favors, lull 3S win.
By hctdlcss chance 1 ^urn'd mine eyes.
And, by (he moonbeam, shook to see
A stern and slalwari ghaisi arise,
Atiir'd as MinstrtU woni to be.
Had I a statue been o' stane,
His daiing look had d-tumed me;
And on his bonnet grav^ wss plain,
The sacred posy — "LiQUBTitl"
And frac his harp sic strarn; did flow,
Might ronsM ihe slumbVin;^ Dead to hear;
But oli^ it was 3 Ule of woe,
A& ever met :■ Bnion'^ ear!
He sang wi' joy his former Jay,
He, weeping, wailed his buer times;
Bui whar he said — ii was nae pUy,
1 winna veniuro't in my rhymes^
A KHD, RED ROSE
O MV Luve's like a red, retl rose^
That^s newly sprung in June:
O my Luvc's like the mdodicj
That^s sweetly played in tune.
As fatr art thou, my borne lass^ j
So deep in luve am I; I
And [ will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a* the seas gang dry-
Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear.
And the rocks meli wi' the sun;
And I will luve thee still, my dear^
While the sands o* life shall run^
POEMS AND SONGS 483
And farp-thee-wcelj my only Luvcf
And fare-lhee-weel, a while!
And I vj]\\ come aguin, rny Luvc^
Tho' 'iwere ten thousand mile!
YOUNG JAMIE, PRIDE OF A" THE PLAIN
TuBf—"Tiu: Carlin ot the Gko."
^ ■ ^
Young [amjEj pride of a^ the plains
Sae gallanE and sac gay a swain.
Thro' a' our lasses he did rove^
And rcign'd resistless King of Love,
But noWj wi' sighs and starLing tcars^
He iiravs amanj; the woods and brelrs;
Or in the glens and rocky caves*
His sad complaining dowie raves: —
*'I wha sae lale did range and rovcn
And chang'd with every moon my love,
I liiile thought the time was near.
Repentance I should buy sae dear,
^^The slighted maids my lormonts see.
And hugh aL a' the pangs I dree;
White she, my cruel^ scornful Fair,
Forbids me e'er to see her inair-"
THfi FLOWERY BANKS OF CREE
Hebe is the glen^ and here the bower
All underneath the birchen shade;
The viilage-bell has told che hour,
O what can stay my lovely maid?
^is not Maria's whimpering call:
Tis bti[ the balmy breathing gale,
Mixr With some warbler's dying fall,
The dewv iCar o£ eve to hail^
484 BOBERT BURNS
Ic is Maria's voice I hear-
So calls the wcxjdktrk. in the grove^
Hiii littlcj faithful mate to chwr;
At once 'tLs music and *iis love.
And art thou come! and arr rhou true!
O wekomt dear lo love and mef
And let us all our vows renew^
Along the flowery banks of Cree^
MONODY
On a lady famed for her Caprice.
How cold is that bosom which folly once fired,
How pale is ihac cheek where the rougtf lately glisien'd;
How $ilent that longue whitih the echoes oft iiredj
How dull is thai car which to flaifry so lisien-'d!
If sorrow and angutsh their exit awaitj
From friendship and dearest affection reniOvMi
How douhly severely Maria^ thy fate,
TKou diedst unwept^ a$ thou hvodst unlov'd^
Lovesj Graces^ and Virtues, I call not on you;
So ihy, ii^ave, and Jislant, ye shed not s tear:
But como, all ye offspring of Folly so true.
And flowers let us cull for Marians cold bier*
We'll search through the garden for each silly flower^
Well roam thro' ihe forest lor each idle weed;
But chiefly [he nettle^ so typical^ shower,
For none e^er approached her but rued ih^ rash deed.
Well sculpture the marble^ we'll measure the lay;
Here Vanity itrums on her idiO[ lyre;
There keen Indignation shall dan on his prey^
Which spurning Contempt shall redetra from his ire,
THE EPITAPH
Here hesp now a prey 10 insulting neglect^
What once was a hutterEy^ ^ay in lifers beam:
Want only of wisdom denied her respec^
Want only of goodness denied her esteem^
J
POEMS AND SONGS 485
PINNED TO MRS- WALTER RIDDELUS CARRIAGE
Ji- yoQ rartle along like your Mistress's tongue,
Your speed will outrival the darl;
But a % for your loud, you'll break down on the roadj
If your stufi be as lotlen's her heart,
EPITAPH FOR MR. WALTER RIDDELL
Sic a rtptilc was Wat^ sic a miscreant slave.
That [he worms ev*n d:imn'd him when laid in hi;* grave;
"In his Hesh [here's a famine," a «arvcd reptile aies,
■'And his heart is rank paison!" another replies.
EPISTLE FROM ESOPUS TO MARIA
FnoM those drear soUiudizs and frowsy cclk^
Where [nfamy with sad Repentance dwdls;
Where lurnkoys m^ike the jealous porlal fast^
And deal from iron hands the spare repast;
Whcie Lruani 'prenticesj yec young in sifij
Blush ai the curious stranger peeping in;
Where srrumpeis^ relics of the drunken roar^
Resolve lo drink, nay, half, to whorcjno more;
Where liny thieves not desiin'd yet to swing,
Beat hemp for others, riper for the string:
From these dire scenes my wretched lines I date^
To tell Maria her Esopus' fate.
*"AUs! I feel J am no actor herel"
'Tis real hangmen real scourges heart
Prepare Maria, for a harritl tale
Will turn thy very rouge to deadly pale;
Will make thy hair, tho' erst from gipsy poird*
By barber woven, and by barber sold,
Though twisted smooth with Harry's nicest care^
Like hoary bristles to erect and starc-
The hero of the mimic scene, no more
1 start ]n Hamlet, in Othello roar;
Or, haughty Chieftain, *mid the din of arms
In Highland Bonnetj woo Malvina^s charms;
486
KOEERT BURNS
While sans<ijlo»es sloop up the mountain high,
And 5ieal from mc Maria'5 prying eye,
Blesl Highland bonnet! once my proudest dress.
Now prouder stillj Maria's temples press;
I see her wave thy lowering plumes afar,
And call each coxcomb to [he wordy war:
I see her face the HrsL of jreland^s sons^
And even om-Irlsh his Hibernian bronie;
The crafiy Colonel leaves the tarun'd lines,
For other wars, where he a hero shines:
The hopeful yoiuh, in Scottish senate bred.
Who owns a Bushby^s heart without the head^
Comes *mid a siriny oi coxcombsj to display
That i^fUJ, t^iiii, t/ii^i\ IS his way;
The shrinking Bard adown the alley skulks,
And dreads a meeting worse than Woolwich hulks;
Though there, his heresies in Church and State
Might well award htm Muir and Palmer^s fate:
Still she undaunted reels and rattles on^
And dares the public like a noontide sun.
Whisf scandal called Marians jaunty stagger
The ricket reeling of a crooked swagger?
W^flofjr spleen (e^en worse than Burns's venom^ when
He dips in gall nnmix*d his eager pen,
And pours his vengeance in the burning line^) —
Who chrisEenM rhus Maria's lyre divine
The idiot sfrum of Vaniiy bemused.
And even the abuse o£ Poe^y abusMP —
Who Cfilled her verse a Parish Workhause, made
For motley foundling Fancies^ stolen or $irayed?
A Workhouse! ah^ that sound awakes my woes.
And pillows on the thorn my raek'd repose!
In durance vile here must I wake and weep.
And all my frowsy couch in sorrow steep;
That straw ^^here many a rojsue has lain of yore^
And vefmin'd gipsies litier'd heretofore-
Why, Lonsdale^ thus thy wrath on vagrants pour?
Muit earth no rascal save thyself endureP
Mu^E thou alone in guilt immortal swells
POEMS AND SONGS 487
And make a vast monopoly oj; hell?
Thou know'ii rhe Virtues camor hate thee worse;
The Vices also, must ihcy club ihoir curse?
Or musi no tiny sin to ofh^rs isW,
Because ihy guilt's aupremfi cnougli for all."
Maria, send mc loo ihy griefs and cares;
In all of chec stirc ihy Esopui shares.
A^ ihou at all mankind the flag unfurls.
Who on my fair ono Satire's vengeance hurU —
Whu calls thee, pert, alTected, vain coqjetle^
A wit in folfy, and a fool in wit!
Whfl says that fonl alone is not thy doe.
And quotes thy tryacherio^ to ]jrove it iruel
Our force united on thy foes we'll tujrri,
And dare ihc war with all of woman born;
For who can write and speak as thou and 1?
Mj periods that deciphering defy.
And tliy still uiaccliless tongue that conquers all reply!
EPITAPH ON A NOTED COXCOMB
Capt- Wm. Roddicfcn of CorbUron-
LtcjJT lay ihe earth on ?lil!y's brenst.
His chicken htnri so Fender;
But build a easily on his head,
His scull will prop [e under.
ON CAPT. LASCELLES
When Lascc!Tes thought fit from tliis world to depart*
Some friends warmly thought of embalming his heart;
A bystander whispeis — "Piay don't make so niuch o'[.
The subject is poison, no reptile will touch it."
ON WM, GRAHAM, ESQ., OF MOSSKNOWE
"Stop thlefl" dame Nature call'd to Death,
As Willy drew his latest breath;
How shall T make a fool ajjain?
My choicest model thou hast ta'en-
488 ROBERT BURNS
ON JOHN BUSHBY, ESQ., TINWALD DOWNS
Her£ lies John Bushby — honest man.
Cheat hiitij Devil — if you can!
SONNET ON THE DEATH OF ROBERT RIDDELL
Of Gkarjddcll and Pxiars^ Cdise^
No morcj ye warhTcrs o£ the wood? no more;
Nor pouf your dcicant gmiing on my soul;
Thou young-eyed Spring! gay in ihy verdanl sloltj
More welcome were to me grim Winter's wildesi roar-
How can ye chatiii, ye flowers, with all your dyes?
Yc blow upon [he sod [iiai wraps my friend!
How can [ to riic luntfni sirain attend?
Thac strain flows round the untimely tomb where Riddell hes.
YcSj pour, ye warblers! pour the notes of woe.
And soothe the Virtues weeping o'er his bier;
The man of worth — and haili not left his peer!
Is in his "narrow house/* for ever darkly low.
Theej Spring! again with joy shati others greeli
Me^ memory of my Joss will only meet-
THE LOVELY LASS O' INVERNESS
The lovely lass o* InvernesSj
Nae joy nor pleasure can she see;
For, e^cn to morn she crieSp alas!
And aye the saut tear blin^a her e^e.
"DrumossiG moor, Drumossie day —
A waefu' day it was to me!
For ihere I lost my father dear,
My father dearj and brcihren diree-
^'Their winding-sheet the bluidy clay*
Their graves are growin' green to see;
POEMS AND SONGS 489
And by rhtm lies the dcarcsi lad
That ever blest a woman's e'eT
"Now ivae ro ihee, thou crud lord,
A bluidy man I trow (hou be;
For mony a hean thou lia^ made sair»
That ne'er did wrang 10 lEiinc or thee!"
CHARLIE, HE'S MY DARLING
'TwAs on a Monday morning,
Right early in the year,
That Charhc came 10 our lown^
The young Chevalier.
Chorus — An' Ch.nlie, Tic'i my darling,
My darlings my darling,
C^harhc, he's my darling.
The younji Che vj her.
As he was walking up the srrcet,
The city for to vitfw,
O there he spied a bonie lass
The window looking through,
An' Charlie, &c.
Sae h'giii's he jumped up the stair,
And [irl'd at the pin;
And w ha sae ready as heiscl'
To lei ihe laddie in.
An' Chctrlie, fee-
He set his Jenny on his knee,
All in his Highland dress;
For brawly weel he ken'd the way
To please a bonie lass.
An" Charlie, fee.
It's up yon heathery mountain.
An' down yon scroggie glen,
We daur na gang a milking,
For Charlie and his men,
An' Charlie, fitC-
.%
490 ROBERT BURNS
BANNOCKS O" BEAR MEAL
C/ioru^ — iJannocks o' bear mealp
Bannocks o" barky.
Here's to the Hlghlandman's
Bannocks o" barleyl
WhAj in a brulyie> wlW
First cry a parley r"
Nev*:r the lads v^i' the
Bannocks o' bear meal, &c-
WhSj in his wae days,
Were loyal to CharlieP
Wha but the lads wV the
Bannocks o' barley!
Bannocks o' bt^ar meal, &c.
THE HIGHLAND BALOU
Hee b&loUj my succt wee Donald^
Picture o^ the great Clanronald;
Brawlie kens our wanton Chief
"Wha gat my young Highland thief-
Leezc me on thy bonie craigiCj
An' ihou live> thou II steal a naigie,
Tr4ivel [he country thro' and Ehro\
And bring hame a Carlisle cow.
Thro* the Lawlands^ o^er the Boider>
Wccl, my babii^, may thou furderl
Herry the louns o the laigh Countrie^
Syne to the Highlands hame to me-
THE HIGHLAND WIDOW'S LAMENT
Oh T am come to ihe low Couniriep
Ochon, Ochon^ Ochriel
Without 3 penny in my purs^j
To buy a meal to me^
POEMS AND SONGS 49I
Tt W3$ nz $^Le jn the Highlan^J hills^
Ochofi^ Ochcan^ Ochrie!
Nae woman In the Country wide^
Sae happy was as mc.
For ihcn I had a score 0' kye,
Ochon, Ochon, Ochrie!
Feeding on yon hill sae highj
And giving miJk lo me.
Am] there F had three scoie 0' yoweSj
Ochon* OchoHj Ochrie!
Skipping; on yon bonie knowe?,
And casling woo' 10 me-
I was the happiest of a* the Clan^
Siiivj sair, may I repine;
For Dtmald was ihe brawest niarij
And Donald he \va^ mine*
Till Charlie Stewart cam at last,
Sae far to set us free;
My Donald's arm was wanted then,
For Scotland and for me-
TheiT l^=aefu' fate whai need I tell.
Right to the wrong did yield;
Mv Donald and his Country fell,
Upon Culioden field.
Oh I am come to ihe low Coimtrie,
Ochon^ Ochon, Ochrie!
Nae woman in the warld wide^
Sae wretched now as me.
IT WAS A^ FOR OUR RIGHTFU' KING
It wais a' for our rightfu* King
We left fair Scodand's sirand;
It was a* for otir rightfu' King
We eW saw Irish land, my dear,
We e'er saw Irish land-
L4.
:j
492 ROBERT BURNS
KoAV a' is done that men ciin do.
And a^ is done in vain;
My Love and Native Land faraweelj
For 1 maun cross ihe main, my dear^
For f maun cross the main.
He turned him right and round aboutp
Upon the Irish shore;
And gae his bridk rtms ^ shake^
With adieu for evermore, my dear,
And adieu for evermore.
The soger frae the ^ars returns,
The sailor frac the main;
But I hae parted frae my Love,
Nevur to metit again^ my dear,
Nevtr CO meet again.
When day is gane, and night is comej
And a' folk bound to sleep;
I think on him [hat's far awa>
Tlie lee-lang night, and weep, my dear^
The Ice lang nighty and weep.
ODE FOR GENERAL WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY
No Spartan tul>e, no Attic shelly
No lyre j^olian I awake;
'Tis libcriy'i bold note I swell,
Thy harp, Columbia, let me take!
See gaihering thousands, while I sing^
A broken chain e^uUing bring.
And dash it in a lyrant's face.
And dare him lo his very beard,
And tell him he no more is feared —
No more the despot of Columbia's race!
A tyrant's proudest insults braved.
They shoiit— a People ir^^l They hail an Empire
saved-
POEMS AND SONGS 493
Where is man's god-Hke form^
Where is ihat brow erect and bold — ■
That eye ihat can unmov'd behold
The wilder rage, the toudcst storm
That e'er crealed fury dared to raise?
Avavintl ibou cailiff^ servile, base.
That trem blest at a despot's nod,
Yet. crouching under ihe iron rod.
Canst laud the hand thai struck th* insuldng
Now I
Arc thou of man^s Imperial line?
Do^t boast that countenance divine?
Each skulking feature answers. Nol
But come, ye ^ous of Lilierty,
Columbia'^ offspring, Ua\e as free,
In danger's hour still flaming in the van,
Ye kno^^^ and dace inainlainj the Royalty of Manl
Alfred! on thy starry tlirone,
Surrounded by the tuneful choir»
'I he bard^ that erst have struck (he patriot Eyre,
And roui'd the freeboln Briton's soul of fire,
No more thy England own!
Dart iniured nations form the great design,
To make detested tyranr^ bleed?
Thy England execrates the glorious deedf
Beneath her hostile banners waving,
Every pang of honour braving^
England in rhunder calls, 'The tyrant's cause is miner
That hour accurst how did the fiends rejoice
And hell, thro' all her confines, raise the exulting voice,
That hour which saw the generous English name
Lirikt with such damned deeds of e^erlascing shamed
Thee* Caledonia! thy wild heaths among.
Fam'd for the martial deed* the heaven-taughc song.
To thee J turn with swimtning eyes;
Where is thai soul of Freedom fled?
Imminglcd wiih the mighty dead,
Beneath that hatlow'd turt where Wallace lies
.i
494 ROBERT BURNS
Hear it notj Wallace! in ihy bed ot death.
Ye bahbiing windsf m silence swetp,
Disturb not ye the hero's ileep,
Nor give (he coward secrer breath]
Js this ihe ancienr Caledonian form,
Firm as (he rock, resistless as the storm?
Show me tliat eye which shoi imniorial hale^
Blasih^g the despot's proudest bearing;
Show me rbat arm whicb^ nerved with thundering fate,
Crushed Usurpation's boldest daring'^
Dark-quench 'd as yonder sinking star.
No more that glance lighieni abr;
That paUii^d arm nu mori^ whirls on the waste of war*
INSCRIPTION TO MISS GRAHAM OF FINTRY
Her]-, whete the Scotiish Muse immortal lives*
In sflcreJ sfrafns and tuneful numbers foined,
Accept the gift; though h^miblc he who gives^
Rich is the tribute of the graCefuE minJ«
So may no ruffian-feobng jn my breastj
Discofdani, jar thy bosom-chords among;
But Peace attune thy gentle soui to rest.
Or Love^ ccstaiic, wake his seraph song*
Or Pity's notes^ in luxury^ of Tears,
As modesi Want rhe ule of woe reveals-
While conscious Virtue all the strains endears*
And heaven-born Piety her sanction seals.
ON THE SEAS AND FAR AWAY
Twwr — ^'O'er die hil[fi and far avvay-^'
How can my |>DOf he^irt lie gUd,
W[ien absent from my sailor lad;
How can ! the thought forego —
He's on the seas to meet the foe?
Lei me wander, let me rove.
Still my heart h with my love;
Nighdy dreams^ and thoughts by day,
Are with him ihat's far away.
P0EM5 AND SONGS 495
Chorus. — On ihc seas and far aw^ay,
On slormy seas and far avv-ay;
Nightly dreams and thoughts by day^
Are aye xvitK hipt thur^s far away.
When in summer noon 1 fainlj
As weary flocks around me pam^
H^iply in ihis scorching 511 n^
My sailor's fhund'ring a^ hh gun,
BuUEts, spare my only joyl
Bulleis, spare my darling boy!
Fsffei do with me what you may,
Spai^ but him ihat^s far away*
On ihe seas and far away.
On stormy seas and far away;
Fate, do with me what you may,
Spare but him ihyt's Ejir away.
At che starless p midnight hour
V/hen Winter rules with boundlestt power.
As the srorms the forescs i^ar*
And thunders rend the haivling aiij
Listening to the doubling roafj
Surging on the rocky shore.
All I can — I weep and pray
For his weal thafs far away.
On the seas and far away.
On stormy seas and far away;
All I can— I weep and pray.
For his weal thai'j far away-
Peaccj thy olive wand exrend^
And btt.1 wild War his ravage endj
Man wiih brother Man to meet.
And as a brother kindly greet;
Then may heav'n with prosperous gales,
Fiii my sailor's welcome sails;
To my arms their charge convey^
My dear lad that's far away-
On the seas and far a^vay.
i
b J
4
496 ROBERT BURNS
On stormy seas and far away;
To my arms iheir charge convey.
My dear lad that's far away.
CA^ THE YOWES TO THE KNOWES
SECOND VERSION
Chorus, — Ca' [he yowes to rhc knowcs^
Qi' [lit^m where tli^] heatJicr growsj
Ca" ihem where the burnie rowes,
My bonie Dearie.
Haiik I he mavis' e'ening sang.
Sounding Clouden's wooJs amang;
Then :^-fau3ding let us gang,
My bomt Dca rit^
Ca' the yowcs, kc.
We'll gae down by Clouden side,
Thro' the haae^ spreading widc^
O'er th^ waves thai sweetly gUde^
To [he moon sae clearly.
Ca' the yoweSp &c.
Yonder Clouden*? silent lowers,*
Where, at moonshine*^ midnight hours,
0*er die dewy bending flowers,
Fairies dance sae cheery^
Ca' the yowesj &c*
Ghaist nor bogle shalt thou fear^
Thou'n 10 Love and Heav'n sae dear,
Nochi of iJ[ may come thee near;
My bonie Dearie,
Ca' the yowes, ficc
Fair and lovely a? thou artp
Thou hast stown my very heart;
I can die— ^but canna paft>
My bonie Dearie,
Ca* rht: yowess icc-
^ An aid ruin ij] 4 &w(u:t sjtuation at the conrlueiicc of the Clc^ud^n and ibc Nith,
POEMS AND SONGS 497
SHE SAYS SHE LOES ME BEST OF A^
TKJjf^"0tTPJ3fih s Waterfall."
Sae flaxen were her ringlctSj
Her eyebrows ol a darker hue,
Beui^chingfy o'er-arching
Twa laughing e'en o' lovtly blue;
HtT ifnjling, sae wylingj
Wad make a \vTetch forget hii woe;
Whar pleasure, what ircasure,
Unto thes<i rosy lips to growl
S^K'h was my Chloris' bonie face,
When first thai bonie face I saw-
And aye my Chloris' dearest charm —
She iJiji^ she Wn^ me best of a'*
Like harmony her motion,
Her prelty ankle is a spy^
Betraying fair proportion,
Wad make a saint forgei the sky:
Sae warmings Sae charmingj
Her faultless form and gracefu* air;
Ilk ft^aturt — aukl Nature
Declar d [h:H she coufd Jo nae mair:
Hers are ihc willing chains o' jove^
By eonquermg Bcauty^s sovereign laWj
And still my Chloris" dearest charm- —
Slic savs. she lo'es me best of a\
Let others love the c\iy^
And gaudv show, at sunny tioon;
Gie me ihe lonely valley.
The dewy eve and rising moon,
Fair beaming, and streaming.
Her silver light rhe boughs amang;
While fallings recalling.
The amorous thrush concludes his sang;
There, dearest Chloris^ wilt thou rove.
By wimpling burn and leafy shavv^
And bear my vows 0* truth and love,
And say^ thou lo'e^ me be^t of a\
498 ROBEKT BURNS
TO DR. MAXWELL
On Mi$s Jesay Staig's recovery,
Max^vell, if merit here you crave,
That merit I deny;
You save fair Jessie from the grave! —
An Angel could not die!
TO THE BEAUTIFUL MISS ELIZA J N
On hei PfincipTes of Liberty and Equality.
How, Liberty! girl, can it be by thee nam'd?
Equality [00! hus^ey^ an not asliam'd?
Free and Equal indeed^ while mankind thou enchamest.
And over their hearts a proud Despot so reigncst.
ON CHLQRIS
Requesting me 10 give her a Sprig of Blossomed Thorn.
From the while-blosaom'd sloe my dear Ch^ori^ requested
A sprig, her fiiir breast to adorn:
No, hv Heavens! I excbim'dj let me perish^ \i ever
I plant in th^t bosom a [hornl
ON SEEING MRS. KEMBLE IN YARICO
KehhlEj thou curV my unbeEief
Of Moses and his rod;
At Yarico's s^veet note of grief
The rock with lears had flow'd-
EPIGRAM ON A COUNTRY LAIRD,
not quite so wise as Solomon.
BtE» jesus Christj O CardonesS|
With grateful, lifted eyes.
Who taught thai not the soul alone,
Bai hody too shall rrse;
POKMS AND SONGS 499
For hud Ht said "the sou! alone
From dcaih 1 will deliver,"
Alai, nh$\ O Cardoness,
Then hadii thou Iain for ever.
ON BEINC; SHEWN A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY SEAT
Belonging to the same Laird-
We grani: they're ihine, ^hose beauties all,
So lovely in our eye;
Keep them, thou eunuch, Cardoness,
For others to enjoy I
ON HEARING IT ASSERTED FALSEHOOD
is expressed in the Rev. Dr. Babington's very looks.
That there is a fstschood in his Icxjks,
1 must and ivill deny:
They icll their Maste: h a knave,
And sure they do not lie.
ON A SUICIDE
Earthed up, here lies an fmp o' hell.
Planted by Satan's dibble-
Poor silly wretch, he's damned himserj
To save the Lord the [rouble.
ON A SWEARING COXCOMB
Hebe cursing, swearing Burton lies,
A buck, a beau, or "Dem my eyes I"
Who in his life did Hide good.
And his last words were "Dcm my blood!"
ON AN INNKEEPER NICKNAMED "THE MARQUIS"
Hepe lies a mock MarquiSj whose rirles were shamni*d.
If ever he riic, it will be to be damny.
■ ■ J
I
500 ROBERT BURXS
ON ANDREW TURNER
In seventeen hunder 'n forty-nlnej
The UgiI gal suii^ lo m;ik a swine,
Ad' C0051 it in a cornL^r;
Bui wiJily he ch^ng'd his plan.
An* shap'd U someihinp 3ike a manj
An' ca'd ii Andrew Turji4;r-
PRETTY PEG
As I gacd up by yon gate-end.
When djiy wai^ vvaxin^ wcary>
Wha did i mi-*eE come down the sfrettj
But pretty Pegj my de^friel
Her air sae sweety an^ shape completej
Wi' nae propofEion waEitEng,
The Queen of Love did never move
Wt' motion mair cnchanlingr
\W linked hands we took the sandi^
Adown yon winding nver;
Oh, that sweet hour and shady bower,
Forget it shall ! neverf
ESTEEM FOR CHLORIS
Ai-r^ Chloris, since it may not bd
Thai ihou oE love wik hear:
If from the lover ihou maun llee^
Yet let the friend be deaf.
Ahho^ I love my Chloris mair
Than ever longne could id!;
My passion I will ne^er declare —
I'll say, r wish thee welL
Tho' a' my daily cate thou aft^
And a* my nightly dream,
ril hide the siruggle in my hearti
And say it is e^ieem.
POEMS AND SONGS 50I
SAW YE MY DEAR, MY PHILLY
Tfw^—''\\h^:\ zhc c^iJir ben site bohbti,"
O SAW ye my Dcar^ my Philly?
O siw ve my Dear^ my Phiilyj
She's doivn r ihe gfove, she's wi' a new Lovej
She wifina come hame lo her Willy.
What aay^ she my Jear, my Pliilly?
What says she my dear, my Philly?
She lets thcc 10 wit she has thee forgot,
AnJ forever disown* ihee, lier Willy,
O had 1 ne'er ^een [hee, my Philly!
had I nt'er seen ihee, my Philly!
As Jight as the airland fauseas thou's biri
Thou's bioken the heart o* ihy Willy.
HOW LANG AND DREARY IS THE NIGHT
How !ang and dreary is the nfght
When I am frae my Dearie;
I restless he fme e'en to morn
Thou^ih r were ne'er sae weary^
Chorusn — For ohj her lanely nights are kng!
And oh, her dreams are eerie;
And oh, her widow'd heart {^ sairp
That^s absent frae her Deariel
When I think on the lightsome days
1 spent wj' theep my Dearie;
And ticw what seas between us roar,
How ean I be but eerie?
For oh, &c.
How slow ye move, ye heavy hours;
The joyless day how dreary:
It was na sac ye ghnied by^
When I was wP my Dearie!
For oh, &Cn
^"
L
502 ROBERT BURNS
INCONSTANCY IN LOVE
T;^n(?— "Duncan Craj/*
Let not Woman e'er compUirt
Of inconsuiicy in Eove;
Let noE Woman e'er compbin
Fickle Man is api to rove:
Look abroad ihro' Nature's range,
Nature's mighty Law is changep
La<lieSj would it not seem itrange
Man should then a monster prove!
Mark the wind^j and tnark the skies.
Ocean's ebb, and ocean's flow.
Sun and moon but set to rise.
Round and round the seasons go-
Why iben ask of silly Man
To oppose great Nature's plan?
We'll be constant while we can —
You taii be no morc^ you know,
THE LOVER'S MORNING SALUTE TO HIS
MISTRESS
r«ffff— ' Di-^jl tak the wars.'*
StHtp^sT tbouj Or wak'st thou, fairest creature?
Rosy mom now lifts his eye,
Numbering ilka bud which Nature
Waters wi' [he tears o* ]oy,
Nowj lo the streaming founiain-j
Or up the heathy mountain,
The har^ hindj and rue, freely, wildly-wanton stray;
In twining hazel bowers.
Its lay I he linnet pours^
The laverock to the sky
Ascends J wi* sangs o^ )oy^
While the sun and ihou arise to bless the day-
Phcebus gilding the brow of morningi
Banishes ilk darksonae shade^
POEMS AND SONGS 503
Nature, gladdening and adorning;
Such 10 me my lovely maid.
When i^rac my Chloris parted,
Sad, cheerlesi* brokt^n-hcartcd,
Tht nighis gloomy shades, cloudy, dark, o'ercast my sky.
BuC ivhcn she charms my sight.
In pride; of Beauty's light —
Wlicn ihro' my very heart
Her burning jjluries dart;
Tis then — Ws then I wake to life and joy!
THE WINTER OF LIFE
But faiely seen in gladsome green,
The woods rejoic'd the day.
Thro" genile showers, the laughing flowers
In double pride were gay:
But now our joys are fled
On winfer blasts awa;
YeC maiden May, in rich array,
Again shall bring them a\
Bill my white paw, nae kindly thowe
Shall niek the siiaws of Age;
My trunk ol eild, but buss or beild.
Sinks in Time's wintry rage.
Oh, Age has weary day^.
And nijjlits o' sleepless pain:
Thou golden time, 11 Youthfu* prime,
Why comes thou not again T
BEHOLD, MY LOVE, HOW GREEN THE GROVES
T/(jjtf— "'My lodging is m the cold yrtmnd."
Bi^iioLb, my love, how green the groves^
The primrose banks how fair;
The balmy gales awake the Bowers,
And wave ihy flowiflg hair,
The laverock shuns the palace gay^
x^jid o'er the cottage sings:
■n^rl
504 EGBERT BURKS
For Nature smiles as sweet, 1 w^eOj
To Shepherds as to Kings.
Lei minstrels sweep the skUfu' string,
Jn tordly lighteJ ha':
The Shepherd stop? his simple reed,
Blytlie in the birken shaw.
The Princely revel may survey
Our rustic d^nec wi^ scorn;
But afL* their hearts as light a$ ourSj
Beneath tl^e milk-white thorn!
The shepherd, in the flowery glen;
In shepherd's phrase, will woo:
The couriier tells a Hner tale,
But is his heart as true!
These wild-wood flowers Tve pu'd^ to deck
Thai spDck^s brea^r o' thine^
The courtiers' gems may ivitness love,
Butp ^tis na love Hke mine.
THE CHARMING MONTH OF MAY
It was the charmmg month of May,
When ^]l the ilowVs were fresh and gay-
One mornings by the break of day,
The yourhful^ charming Chloe—
From peaceful slumber she arosSp
Girt on her mantle and her ho^e^
And o'er the llowVy mead she goes—
The youthful, charming Chloe*
Chorus. — Lovely was she by the dawn>
Youthful Chloe, charming Chloe,
Tripping o'er the pearly lawn^
The youthful, charming Chloc^
The feathered people you mighc see
Pcrch'd all around on every tree^
POEMS AND SONGS 5O5
In note:* of iwcctest melody
They hall iIig charming Chloej
Till, pai tiring gay ihc easnem sk'Ki^
Tht glorious iun btgan 10 rise,
Ouiriv^rd by [he radbnt eyes
Of vouthfulp charming Chloe^
Lovely wa5 she, &c.
LASSIE Wr THE LINT-WHITE LOCKS
Tuff r—'Rothitmuruhics Rjn:."
Chorum. — Lassie v^V iheltrLt-whire locks*
lionie lassie^ artless bsEie,
Wilt thou wV me tent the llocks^
Wilt thou be my Dearie, O:
Nosv Nature deeds the flowery lea.
And a^ U young and sweet like ihee,
O wile thou share its )oys wi^ me.
And say thou 'It be my Dearie, O*
L^^sic wT ihe^ &c«
The prtmrose bank, the wimp^ing bum.
The cuckoo on the milk-white thorn^
The wanton Iambi if[ early mom,
Shall welcome thee, my Dearie^ O*
Lassie wi' the, &c.
And when the welcome simmer shower
Has checT'd ilk drooping little flower^
Well to the breathing woodbine bower.
At sultry noon^ my Dearie, O*
Lassie wi^ the, £-:C.
When Cynthia light?, wi^ silver ray,
The weary shearer's hameward way,
Thro' yellow waving fields we'll siray,
And talk 0" love, my Dearie, O-
Lassie wl* the^ &c-
506 EOBEET BCKNS
AnJ when [he howling winery blast
Disiurbs my Lassie'^ mid night re&r^
Enclasped lo my faith J:u^ bre^&c,
ril comfort thcGj my Dearie, O,
Lassie wi' tbe, &c.
DIALOGUE SONG-PHILLY AND WILLY
Tunc — "The Sow's tall to Ctordic/
rt
He^ O Philly, happy be that day,
VViitn roving; ihro' the gathered hay.
My youlhf u* hearr was slown away.
And by [hy charms, my PKilly.
5^^, O Willy, aye I bics*; ihe grove
Where Rrsi I own'd my maiden love»
Whilsi ihou did pled^-e the Powers above.
To be my ain dear Willy.
Boih. For a' the joys that gowd can gie,
I dinna cnre a single flie;
And ihai's ray ain dea:
wniy.
Philly.
He. As sonj;sieT5 of the early year,
Arc iJka day mnir sweer to hear,
So ilka day (d me mair dear
And charming is my Philly.
She, A^ on [he brier the budding rose,
Still richer breathes and fairer blows,
So in my tender bosom grows
The love 1 bear my Willy,
Boih. For a' die joys, ^c
He. The milder sun and bluer sky
That crtiwn my harvest cares wi' ]<tyy
Were ne^er sae welcome to my eye
As is a sight o' PhilJy.
She. The little swallow's wanron wing,
Tho' wafting o'et the floweiy Spring,
POEMS AND SONGS 50?
Did ne'er [o me sic tidings bring.
As meeting o' my Willy,
Both- For a' the joys, £<c,
Hf. The bee that thro' ilic sunny hour
Sips nectar in the opening Hower,
Compared wi' rny delight is poor,
Upon the !ip5 o' Philiy.
5Af,The ^vooJbine in the dewy weet,
When cv'ning shades in siknce meet,
Is noeht sae fragrant Dr sae sweet
As is a kiss o* Willy.
Boih, For a* the joys, Sic.
//f-Lec foruiaie's wheel at random rin.
And fool$ may tine and knaves m^sy win;
My thoughts are a^ bound up in ane.
And tiiat^s my ain dear PhilSy.
She, What's a^ the joys that goivd can gie?
I dinna care a single flie;
The Ud I love's the lad for me,
And That's jny ain dear Willy.
Both. For a' the joys. f-:c.
CONTENTED WV LITTLE AND CANTIE Wr MAIR
7,„,^"Lii]rLf^ o- Puddin."
Contented wi' Utile, and cantie wi' mair,
Whene'er I foriiathcr Wi Sorrow and Care,
1 gie ihem a skclp as ihey're creeping abng,
Wi* a cog o' gude £WjiE$ and an auld Scoaish sang.
Chorus — Contented wi' little, &C,
r whiles daw the elbow o' troublesome thought;
But Man is a soger, and Life is a fiught;
My mirth and gude humour are coin in my pouch,
And my Freedom's my Lairdship nae monarch dare touch.
Contented wi' little, a:c.
A townmond o' trouble, should that be may fa^
A night o' gude fellowship sowchers it a*;
jI. <
5o8
ROBERT BURNS
When at [he blyElie end o' our journey at last,
Wha the deil ever thinks o' ihe load he has past?
Conitnied ^vi' htile, &c.
Blind Chance^ let lier snapper and stoyte on her way;
Be't to me^ he't frac me, e'en let the jade gae:
Come Ease, or come Travail, coine Pleasure or Pam,
My warst word is: "Welcome, and welcome again!"
Conti^nted \^i' liidcj Stc,
FAREWELL THOU STREAM
Air — "NiniiL^'i to the groenv.'ood ganc/'
Fareu i;rXj lliou itroam thai winding flows
Around F.liza^s dwdJing;
mcjnVyl spjre tlie cruel thocs
Wiihin my bosom swdling*
Condcjrtn*d to drai; s iaopclcss chaJji
And yet in secrci languish;
To fee! a lire in every vein.
Nor dare disclose my anguish-
Love's veriest wretch, unieen^ unknown,
J fain my griefs would cflver;
The bursting sigh, th^ unweeiing groaHj
Betray [he hapless lover.
1 know thou doom'st me to despair,
Nor wilij nor canst reUeve me;
Eulj O Eliza, hear one prayer —
For piiy's sake forgive mel
The music of thy voice 1 heardj
Nor wist white it ensUv'd me;
I saw thine eyes, yei nothing ftar'dj
Till fears no more had sav'd me;
Til' unwary sailor thus^ aghast
The wheeling torrent viewing,
'Mid dirthng horrors sinks at last^
In overwhelming ruin^
\a
POEMS AND SONGS 5**9
CANST THOU LHAVE MH THUS, MY KATJE
Ti,nf—-Ri,\\ Wife-
Chofn: — Cause ihou leave me thu^, my Katie?
Csn^I ihou leave mc ihui, my Kaiier
We|] [hou know 'si my aching lic-iit,
And can&i ihou leave mc thus, tor pity?
Istbii ihy pHghicd, fond Teg3r<3^
Thus cmeily 10 psvJ.. my Kaiie?
Is ihis ihv faiihful swain's ff^ward^
An aching, brokon heatL niy KaticI
CansE itlQU k^vc mc^ Etc,
Farewell! and ne'er such sorrows tear
Thai fickfo horiri of ihinc- my Kniic!
Thou maytT fiiul ihosc will love ihec titar^
Bui nt)E a Jove like minc^ my Katipj
Canst [hog ka^t mCj *cc*
MY NANIE'S AWA
Trmr — *Thwc'|[ ncvrr be pcdcc liH |amlc corner Jsjme/'
Now in hcf yrtcn mantle blvihc Nature arr*iysj
And JisTfns iht l^iinbktns ikii bleat o'er her braes;
While birdi wflrhle wticomes in ilka green shaw^
But to nic ]i% dcll^hiksE — my Nanit's jwa,
The snawdrap an*! primrose our woodlands adorn.
And violets bathe in the weec o^ the morn;
Tliey pain rny sad bosom, sji: sweedy ihcy blaw,
Thtv minJ me o' N'anie — and Nanie's a^rvan
Thou laverock ihat springs frae iht dews of the lawn.
The shepherd to warn o' (he grcy-brt^akin;j dawn^
And ihou mellow mavis [hat hails ihe nighc-fa\
Give over for pity — my Nanie*fi awa*
Come Aummnj sae pensive, in yellow^ and greVj
And snocht me wi' tidings o' Natuie^s decay:
Thti dark, drcarv Winier, -ind uild-dnving snaw
Alane can delight rae— iiow Nanic's awa^
510 ROBERT BURNS
THE TEAR-DROP
Wae is my hcari, and the Lear's in my e'e;
Langf !an;i ha^ Joy boen a stranger ro n^e:
Fors:ikun and frienij1ess» my burden I bcjr^
And [he sweet voice 0* Piiy ne'er sounds in my ear.
Love thou hast plca$urt$, and Ucep liac I luv'd;
Love, ihou hast sorrows and ^air hae I pruv'di
But thii bruisud heart that now btecds in my breast,
1 can feci, by its [lirobbings,will soon bu at rest.
Oh. if I were — where liappy I hae bcon —
Down by yon stream, and yon honie castle-green;
For there he is wand'ring and mu^inj; on me,
Wha wad 5oon dry the tear-drop that dingi to my e'e.
FOR THE SAKE O' SOMEliODY
Mv heart is sair — I dare na iell»
My heart ii sair for Somebody;
I could wake a wimer nijihi
For the sake o' Somebody,
O-honI for Somebody!
O-hcyl for Somebody!
1 could rangt' the world around.
For the sake o" Somebody.
Ye Powers thiii ^mile on virtuous love,
O, ivveedy smile on Somebody!
Fra<^ iik:x danger keep him fret:.
And send me safe my Somebody!
O-hon! (or Somebcjdyl
O-hey! for Somtfhody!
I wad do — what wad 1 not?
For the sake o' Somebody.
,.,
POEMS AND SONGS 5II
A MAN S A MAN FOR A^ THAT
Tiiflf— "For a' thaL '
Is there r"or hoiicii Poverty
rha[ hjiijjs his head, an* a' ihai;
The coward sJave — v:e pas$ him b)\
Wc dare be poor tor a^ [hat!
For a' that, an' a' ihat.
Our toils obscure an' a' tbat.
The rank is but ihc guinea'^ stannpj
1 Kl^ Man^s tht gowd /or a^ thai.
What [hough on hamtly iarc wc dine^
Wejir hoddin grey, an^ a' rhai;
Ck fools iheir silks, and knaves thdr winej
A ManV a Man far a' ihai:
For a' thai, and a' that,
Their EinwJ shou^ an' a' that;
The honci^t mjin, thi^' e\r sac poor,
Is king 0* mtin for a' rbal*
Ve sec yon birkie, ca^d a lord^
Wha irruT$, an' stares, an' a* rhar;
Tho* hundreds worship al his word,
Hl's hist a coof for a' that:
For a" ihaii an' a^ ihai,
His ribband, slar, an' a* lha[:
The jnan o* indepcndeni mind
Hti looks an' laughs at a' thai^
A prince can mak a belled knightj
A marquis, duke, an" a' that;
But an honesi man^s aboon his mightj
(jude lakh, he maunna fa' that!
For a" that, ^n^ a' that,
Their dignities an' a' that;
The piih o^ sense, an' pride o* worthy
Are higher rank than a' that.
512 ROBERT EUENS
Tlien let us pray that come it may^
(As come it will for a' ihatj
That Sense and Worch^ o'er a' the earthy
Shall be^r cEie grce, an' a' that»
For a' thai, act' a' tha^
h\ coming yet for a' thac^
That Man lo Man, the world o'er^
Simll broLliers be for a' tJ^t-
CRAIGIEBURN WOOD
Sweet fa'i the eve on Craigieburn^
And blyihe a\v;ikes the morrow;
But a^ the pride o' Spring's return
Can yield me nocht but sorrow.
I sec the flowers and spreading trceSp
I hear the wt!d birds singing;
Bui what a weary wighL can pka^e,
And Care his bosom wringing^
J
i
j
Fain^ fain would 1 my griefs imparEp *
Ycc dare na for your anger;
But secret love wilE break my heuri^
If I conceal it bnger^
If thou refuse IQ piiy tne^
If thou shak love another^
When yon green leaves f:ide frae the tree.
Around my grave they'll wither.
VcreidEH at 1795
THE SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT
The Solemn League ant! Covenant
Now brings a smile, now brings a tear;
But sacred Freedom, too, was theirs:
If thou'rt a slave, indulge thy sneer.
POEMS AND SONGS JIJ
COMPLIMENTS OF JOHN 5YME OF RYEDALE
Lines ieni with a Present of a Dozen o£ Porter.
O HAD (he mal[ thy 6trcn|;[h of mind*
Or liops rlie flavour oE thy wji,
Tuere drink fur first oi human kind,
A gift dial e'en for Syme were Hl
INSCRIPTION ON A GOiiLET
There's Death in the cup, so beware!
Nay, more— thj^rc is danger in Touching;
But ^vho can avoid the fell snare^
The man and his wine's so bcwirching!
APOLOGY FOR DECLINING AN INVITATION
TO DINE
No more of your guests, be they tilled or nor,
And cookery ihe fir^t rn [he nation;
Who is proof [o thy personal converse and wit,
Is proof ro all other temptation^
EPITAPH FOR MR. GABRIEL RICHARDSON
i
Here Brewer Gabriers fire's extincij
And empty all his barrcfi;
y He^s blest — if^ as he brcw'd^ he drinkj
In uprighlj honest morals.
EPIGRAM ON MR- JAMES GRACIE
Gracie, thou arc a man of worth,
O be ihou Dean for ever!
May be \k damned to hell hencoforrh,
Who faxiU rhy weight or measure!
^
h"jjn
514 ROBERT BOHNS
IJONIE PEG-A-RAMSAY
Cauld is the e'enin blasr,
O' Boreas o'er the pool,
An' dawin' il ii dreary,
When birks are bare ai Yule.
Cauld bTaw$ the e'enin blast,
When bitter bites the frosE,
And, in the mirk and dreary drift,
Tht hiils and glens arc lost:
Ne'er sae murky blew the night
That driiiod o'er [he hili,
But bonie Peg-a-Rainsay
Gal griil to her mil!,
INSCRIPTION AT FRIARS' CARSE HERMITAGE
To the Memory of Robert Riddell.
To RidddT, much lamented man.
This ivied tdt was dear;
Wand'rer, dost value matchless worth?
This ivied cot revere.
THERE WAS A BOME LASS
Th^iH; Ha5 a bonie lass, and a banie, bonie lass,
And she lo'ed her bonie laddie dear;
Till War's loud alarms tore her laddie frae her arms,
Wi" mony a sigh and tear.
Over sea, over shore, where the cannons loudly roar,
He srrll was a stranger to fH:?ar;
And nochc could him quail, or hi^ bosom assail,
Bui [he bonie lass he lo'ed sac dear.
WEE WILLIE GRAY
Ttinc—'VJcc TotTim FogS'"
Wee Willie Gray, and his learher wallet,
Peel a willow wand 10 be him boots and jacket;
The rose upon the breir will be him trews an' doublet,
Tile rose upon the breir will be him trews an* doublet.
-".\
POEMS A^*D SONGS 515
Wee Willie Gray, and liia leiiher wallet.
Twice a lily-flower will be him saik and cravat;
Feathers of a flee wad feather up his bonnet.
Feathers of a flee wad fcacher up Uis bonnet,
O AYE MY WIFE SHE DANG ME
Chcf'us — O aye my wife she dang me,
An* aft my wife she bang'd me,
If ye gje a woman a^ her will,
Gude falthl she'll soon o^er-gang ye.
Os* peace an* rest my mind wa? bent^
And, fool I wasi I married;
BliE never honest man's intent
Sac cursedly miscarried-
O aye my wife, &c.
Some saif ie comfort at the last.
When a' rhir days are done, man,
My pain$ o' hell on earih is past^
Tm sure o' bStss aboon, man,
O aye my wife, &c-
GUDE ALE KEEPS THE HEART ABOON
C/tom^ — O ^iitTe alo comes and gude ale goes^
Gude ale gars me sell my hose.
Sell my hose, and pawn my shoon^^
Gude ale keeps my heart aboonT
I MAD sax owsen iil a pTeugh,
And chey drew a* wcel enough:
1 seird [hem a^ just ane by ane —
Gude ale keep^ the heart aboon !
O gude ale comcs^ &l
Gude ale hauds me bare and busy.
Gars me mooji wi* the servant hizi^ieT ^
Stand i' the stool when I hae done —
Glide ale keeps the heatt aboofil
O gude ale comes. &c. , j
5l6 ROBERT BURNS
O STEER HER UP AN^ HAUD HER GAUN
O STEER her up, an' haud her gaun^
Her mkhcc's ai the mill, jo;
An' gin she winna tak a man^
E'en hi her tak hci wiilj jo.
First shore her wi' 3 genlk kiss*
And ca' anither gill, jo;
An' gin she tak the thing amiss,
E'en let her flyte jier hlJi jo.
O steer her up, an" be na blate,
Aa' gin she [ak ii i!lj jo,
Then leave the lassie till her fate,
' AtiJ time nae liinger spilh }o:
, - Ne'er break your heart for ae rebule^
But chink upon it still, )□:
That gin the lassie winna do'l,
Ye'lt find anither will, jo.
THE LASS O^ ECCLEFECHAN
Tffff^— '^Jacko Lauji."
G^T ye inc^ O gat ye me,
O gat ye mc wi raclhing?
Rock an reclp and spinning wheel,
A micklc quarter Ixtsin:
Bye atlour my Gutcher has
A heich house and a hkh are,
A' forbye my bonie sel,
The ross o' Ecdefechan-
haud your tongue now. Lucky Lang,
haud your tongue and jauner
J held the gate till you I met.
Syne I began Eo wander;
1 lint my whisile and my sang,
1 tint my peace and pleasure;
But your green graft, now Lucky Lang,
Wad airt mc lo my treasure.
POEMS AND SONGS 517
O LET ME IN THIS AE NIGHT
O LASSIE^ are ye sleopin yci.
Or are ye waukin, I wad wii?
Foi Love ha.^ bound mc hand an' fit.
And 1 would fain bt iu, jo.
C^iorm — O let mc in this ae nighc,
This atj asj ae night;
O lot me in ihis ac night?
ril no come byck again, jo!
O hear'st ihou not ihc wind an* weet?
Nae 5lar blinks thro' ihe drLving slcct;
Tak piEy on my ^veary fcot^
And shield me frac the rain, jo-
O kf mi^ inj £(C*
The bitter bbii that round mc blaws.
Unheeded howls, unheeded fa's;
The cauldness o' ihy heart's the cause
Ot a' my care and p[ne. jon
G let mc in, &:C.
HER ANSWER
O tell na mc o' wind an' rain.
Upbraid na me wV cauld dlsdairij
Gae back the ga[e ye aim again^
I winna let ye in, jo-
C/io^Uf — I rel] you now this ae nighi.
This aCp ae^ ae night;
And ance for a' ihis ae nighty
I winna let yt m^ )o*
The anelle^i blast, at mirkesi hours p
Thar round the pathless wandVer pours
Is nocht to whai poor she endureSj
That's trusted faithless man, jo.
I tell you noWj &C-
*. t
5i8
ROBERT BOKNS
The swcettif flower ihat decked tlie mea^.
Now trodden like the vilest weed —
Let simple maid the lesson read
The weird may be her ain^ jo,
r teil you now, ac*
The bird (hat charmed his summer day,
Is now the cruel Fowler's prey;
Let w^rless^ iruscing, Wom^n say
How aft iier faio's the same, jol
I tell you now, iic.
riX AYE CA^ IN BY YON TOWN
-tfi> — "I'll tLany nac n^ait k? >un iciurj,"
Chot'ui — rtl aye ca' in by yon town,
And by yon ^^arden-^^rcen again;
ni aye ca' in by yon toivn.
And see my bnnie Jean again-
Tftfre's nane saU ken, there^s nanc can guess
Whjii brings me back ihe gate agaiHj
But she, my f^ireit faiihfu* iass^
And stowniins we sail meet again-
ni aye ca' in^ &c-
She'll wander by the aiben tree^
When trystin time draws near again;
And when her lovely form T see,
O haith! she^s doubly dear again.
HI aye ca' in, Fcc«
O WAT YE WHA'S IN YON TOWN
T^w^ — 'Til [jang jiae m;iir lo yon toua/'
Cf^Of'iit — O TA-al ye wha's in yon Town,
Ye iee the e'enin sun upon.
The dearest maid's in yon town.
That e'ening sun is shirking on-
POEMS AND SONGS 5I9
NtHV haply Jown yon gay green shaw.
She waniiers by yon spreading tree;
How hJest ye flowers iha[ round her blawj
Ye cutch [he glances o' her c'e!
O wat ye wha'sj &c*
How bleat ye birds that round her sing.
And welcome in the bloaming year;
AnJ doubly weleome be (he Springp
The season to my Jcanie dear.
O wal ye wha'5, &c.
The sun blinks blythe on yon town,
Amons ihe broomy btaes sae green;
But my delight in yon lown^
And dearest ple^^^ure, 1:^ my jean.
O wat ye wha'Sp &c.
Without n^y Fair, not a' the charms
O' Paradise could yield roe joy:
But give me Jcanie in n\y arms
And welcome Lapland^s dreary $ky[
O wat ye wha's, ^c.
My cave wad be a lover ^s bower,
Tho' raging Winter rent the air;
And she a lovely litde flower.
That I wad Tent and shelter ihere,
O wat ye wh;3'sj Stc*
O sweet is she in yon town.
The sinkin' snn^s gane down upon;
A fairer than '5 in yon town,
His setting beam ne*er shone upon.
O wat ye wha^s, a^c*
If angry Faie is sworn my foe,
And suflVing 1 am doom'd to bear;
T careless quit aught else below,
But sparcj O spare me Jeanie dear
O wat ye wha*s, S^c.
520 ROBERT BURNS
For while life's Jeare$i hlocj j^ warm,
Ae [bought ftae her ihall ne'er depart,
And she, as fairest is her form,
She has ihe truest, kindest heart.
O wac ye wha's, £tc-
9Bllnb% on JflT, jldtron'a S\ttiirm, 1703
BALLAD FIRST
Whom wHl you send to London town,
To Parfiament and a" that?
Or wha in a' the country round
Tiic best dowrvGs id fa' ihal?
For a' that, and a' that,
Thro' Galloway and a' that,
Where j^ the Laiid or belted Knight
The ben deserve? to fa' that?
^Tia sees Kerrough[rce's open yett^
(And wha is'i never saw thai?)
Wiia ever wi' Kerroughtree met.
And has a doubt of ;i' that?
For a' that, and a' that.
Here's Heron yet for a* thall
The independent patriot,
The honest man» and a' that-
Tho' Wit and worih, in cither sex,
Saint Mary's Jsle can shaw that,
Wi' Dukes and Lordi let Selkirlc mix,
And weel does Selkirk fa' that.
For a' ihal, and a" that,
Here's Heron yet for a that!
The independent commoner
Shall be the man for a' that.
Bui why should we to Nobles jouk.
And is't against the law, that:'
For why, a Lord may be a gowk,
POEMS AND SONXS 5^1
Wi* ribE^^^rid^ iiar and a* ihaC,
For i ihnti jnd a* ihaTj
Here's Ht;ron vei toT a' ibai!
A Lord may lie a lousy lotin,
Wr ribband^ siar and a' thai.
A l>eard]css boy tomes o*tr the hills,
Wr uncle's purse and a" that;
Bur we'll hae anc Irae Euang oursels^
A man we ken, jnd a that.
For a' ihaij and a' chat,
Heft'i Heron yci for a" ihai!
For we're not to be bought and sold.
Like naig5, and nowl^ and a' that*
Then let us drink — The Srewartryj
Kerroughifte's Uird^ and a" that^
Our represeniaiive to be.
For wecl he's worthy a^ that*
For a' that, and a* ihat^
Here^s Heron yet for a' rhat!
A House of Commons 5uch as he,
They waJ be blest that saw thai.
BALLAD SECOND— ELECTION DAY
Turjf — "Fi't l^i us i" ID the Br[diL"
FY| let us a" to Kirkcudbright,
For ihere will b*^ bickerm^ there;
For Murrav*$ lighi horse arc to muster.
And O how the heroes will swear!
And there will be Murray, Cornmander,
And Gordoci, ihe batde ro win;
Like brothers theyll stand by each other,
Sae knit in alliance and km.
And there w^ill be black-nebbit Johnie,
The tongue o' the Trump to ihem a';
An he get na Hell for his haddin'j
The Deil gets na ^usttee ava.
:i)t
»..
522
ROBERT BUENS
And there will be Kcmplecon'i birkie,
A boy no sae black at tlicr bane;
But ai lo his Hne Nabob fortune,
We'll e'en let the iubiecL alanc.
And ihere will be Wigion'^ new Sheriff;
Dam? Justice fu' brawly has sped*
She'$ !;otten the heart of a Bui^hby,
But, Lord! what^s become o' the head?
And there vidl be Caidoneis, Enquire,
Sae mij-hry in Cardoncss^ eyes:
A Wight Eiiat will weather damnation,
The Devil the prey will despite.
And there will be Douglasses doughty,
New chtr^ening towns far and near;
Abjuring rhelr dtmocrat doings,
By kisbin' the o' a Peer:
And there will be folk frae Saint Mary's
A house o' great merit and note;
The deil ane bur honours them highly —
The deil ane will gie them his totel
And there will be Kenmure sae gen'rous,
WhuMf honour is proof to the storm.
To save them tfoni stark reprobation.
He lent them his name in the Firm,
And there will be lads o' the gospel,
Muirhead wha's as gude as he^s true;
And there will be Buittle's Aposde,
Wha's mair o' liie black than the blue.
And there will be Logan M'DowaU*
Sculdudd'ry an' he will lie cherSf
And also ihe Wild Scot o' Gjjlloway,
Sogering. gunpowder Blair.
But we winna mention Rcdcasdc,
The body, e'en let him escape!
He'd venture the gallows for siller.
An 'twere na the cost o' the rape-
POEMS AND SONGS 523
But where IS ihc Doggcrbank hero.
Thai made ''Hogan Mogjn^' to skuJk?
Poor Kcilh's ganc to hell lo be fuel.
The auld rotien wreck, of a Hulk.
And where i? our Ranges Lord Lieutenant,
Sae fam'd ior his gratcfu^ relurn?
The birkie is geiiin" his Quesrions
To say in Saint Stephen's the morn.
Biu mark ve! there's irusEv KcrronghtreCp
Whose honor was ever his law;
!f the Virtues \yere pack'd in a parcel^
Mh wonh Irtish t be 5am pie for a*;
And :^ri"ang an* respctifu's his lacking,
1 hii insist Q" the lairds v/\ him stand;
Nae gipsy-like nominal b-irons,
Whas properfy's paper — not land*
AnJ [here, frae the Niddisdale borders^
The NLiXAvells will gather ]n droves*
Teugh lockie^ staunch Gcordie^ an" WcUwood,
"i'hat griens for the lishes and Umves;
And [here will be Htron, the Maior,
Wha'Jl ne'er be forgot in tht: Greys;
Oiif rtati^rj" well keep for some oilier,
HiMs only it*s justice lo praise.
And [hero will be maiden KiJkerran,
And also JSarskimmin^^s gudc Rnightj
And there will he ro^rin Biriwhisdc,
Yti luckily roars V ihe right.
And there'll he Siarnp Office Juhnie-
(Tak lenr how ye purchase a dram?)
And there wili be yay Cassencarry^
And there'll be gleg Colonel Tarn.
y
And iherell be wealthy young Richard,
Dame Fortune should hing by the neck, \
For prodigal, thrlftks? bestowing — ft
His merit had won him resptctn ^
-4.1
5^4 ROBERT BURNS
x\nd there will be rich brother Nabobs^
(Tho' Nabobs, yet men not the worst,)
And there will be Cotlieston's whiskers,
And Quinrlri — a lad o" the first-
Then heyf the chaste Interest o* Broiighlonj
And hey' for eIic Nessin's Will bring;
fi may send Balmaghie to ihe Cominons,
!n Sodom 'twould make him a king;
And hcyf for the sanciilicd Murrav,
Giir land wha wi^ chapels has stor'd;
He toiinder'd his horse among harlots^
But jjied the atdd naig to the Lord.
BALLAD TPIIRD
T^'^n Bushby's Lamentation*
T/^rvf — "Babc5 [ji tht Wmd^
*TwAS in the seventeen hunder year
O' grace, and ninety-five,
That year 1 was the wae^est man
Of ony man aUve^
In March the threc-an^twentietb rriorn.
The sun revise clear an^ brighi;
But okl I wa5 a waefu' man.
Ere to-fa' o' the night.
Yerl Galloway lang did rule this land*
Ws' equal right and tame^
And ihereio was his kinsmen [oin'd,
The Murray's noble name.
Yerl Ga!IoAvay*s man o' men was L
Ai^d chief o' Broughton^s host;
Ho tua blind beggars^ on a stringj
The faiihfu" lyte wilE trust*
But now Yerl Galloway's sceptre's broke^
And Broughton's wj' ihe dainn
And J my ancient craft mav try.
Sin' honesty is gane.
POEMS AND SONGS 525
'Twas by the banks o' bonic Dee,
Beside Kirkcudbright's towers*
The Siewarl and the Murray iheie,
Did muiter a' their poweis.
Then Murray on the auld grey yaud,
Wi' wing^ fiptifi did ride,
That auld grey yaud a' Nidsdale rade,
H^ 6taw u^n Nidside.
And there had na been the Ycrl himse^,
O Hiere had been nae play;
But Garlics was 10 London ganci,
And sac the kye might stray.
And there was Balmaghre* I ween,
In front rank he wad shine;
But Balmaghie had bettor been
Drinkin' Madeira wine.
And frae Glenkens cam to our aid
A chief 0' doughty deed;
In case that wortli should waniad be,
O' Kcnmure wc hid need.
And by our banners march'J Mnirhead,
And Buittle W3s na stack;
Whase haly priesthood nane could stain,
For wha could dye ihu black?
And there was firave squire Cardoness,
Look'd on till a' was done;
Ssc in the tower o" Cardoness
A howlel sitfi at noon.
And there led I the Bushby clan,
My gamesome biliie, Will, .
And [uy son Maitland, wi^e as brave, ^
My footsteps foUow'd still. -i
52^ ROBERT BURNS
The Douglas and ihe Heron^s name^
We set nought lo ihcir score;
The Douglas and the Heron^s namCj
Had felt our weiglit before.
But Douglasses o^ weight had we^
The pair o' lusty UirJst
For luailJing c^tJt-houses y.\G fam'd.
And chrisienia' kail-yards.
And there Rcdca$dc drew his swordj
Thai ne'er was stained wi' gore^
Save on a wandVer lame and blind^
To drive him frae his door^
And last cam creepin" CoUicston^
Was niair in fear than wrath;
Ae knave was constant in his mind —
To keep that knave frae scaiih.
• * * ■
INSCRIPTION FOR AN ALTAR OF INDEPENDENCE
At KerroughtreCj the Scar of Mr. Horoa, ^
Thou of an independent mind^
With soul resolv'd^ with soul resigned;
Pr^par'd Power's proudest frown to brave,
Wi^o wilt not bc^ nor have a slave;
Virtue alone who dost revere^
Tliy own reproach alone dost fear —
Approach this lihrine, and worship here.
THE CARDIN 0% THE SPINNIN OT
I conT a stane o' haslock woo\
To mak a wab to Johnie o*l;
For Johnie is my only ja,
I loe him best of ortie yet.
^
POEMS AND SONGS 527
Tht warpin' o'l, the winnin' o'l;
When itka dl cost me a gi'Oat,
The tailor staw the lynin' o't.
For tho' his locks be lyaft gfty.
And (ho* his brow be bcld aboou^
Yd I hae seen him on a day.
The pride oE a' llie parishen-
The cardin o\ Htc.
THE COOPER O' CUDDY
Tim^ — "Bab al the bo^vittr."
CfiorHi — ^WVII hide the Cooper behini d^e door^
Behlnr tht door^ b<:hinc ihc door^
\W1I hide the Cooper bchim iho door.
And cover him under a mauMj O.
The Cooper o* Cuddy c*imP here awa,
Hy ca'd the prr^ out ocr Ui a*;
An' our jjudi^wife has goircn a ca\
That'j; anger'd [he siily gndcirtan O.
Well hide ihe Cooper, S:c.
He sought (hem out, he sought them in^
Wi* dd! hae htr! an*, d^ii hac himl
But the body he was sac doited and Nin\
He wiit na where he was gaun O.
We'll hide the Cooper, SiC.
Tiicy coopered at *^Vn, ih*^y cooper'd at morn^
Till our gudtrman ha$ gouoii die scorn;
Oa ilka brow she's planted a horn^
And swears that [here they saJI stan' O.
We'll hide ihe Cooper, &c,
THE LASS THAT MADE THE BED TO ME
When Januat* wind wa$ Nawfnjj cauld^
As to the north I took my way.
The mirksome night did me enbuld^
I knew na where to lodge till day:
i
4^
528 KOBtRT BURNS
By my gudc luck a maid I met,
Jusi m ihc middle o' my care^
And kindly she did imi invite
To w^\k into 3 chamber fair«
r bow^d £11' low unto this maid^
And thank'd her for her couriesie;
I bow'd [u^ low unlo diis mdid,
An' bade her mjikc a bed to me;
She mnde the bed baith lar^e and wide,
Wr [wi wliEtG hsnd^ &he spread ir doun;
She put the Clip lo her rosy lips^
-And drank — 'Young man, now sleep y& sounV
Ch^f'Us — The bonie lass made the bed to me,
The braw lass made the bed 10 mc,
ril ne'er forget till the day I die.
The lass that made the bed to me.
She snatched the candle in her hand,
And frae my chamber went wi' speed;
But I cflird her quickly back ag^iin,
To lay some mair below my licad;
A cod she laid below my hejd.
And served me with due respect^
And, to salure her wi* a kiss,
I put my arn:^s alwut her neck.
The bonic lass^&c-
^'H^iid alf your h^nds, young manT' she said^
'*And dmna ^ae uncivil be;
Cif ye hae ony kive for me,
O wrrrng na my virginitie."
Her hair was like the links o' gowd.
Her teeth were like the ivorie,
Her cheeks like lilies dipt in wine^
The lass Thar made ihc bed to me;
The bonie lass, &c.
Her bosom was the tlriven snaWj
Twa drifted heaps sae fair to see;
POEMS AND SONGS 529
Her limbs the polished marble stane^
The ];iss that made ihe bed to me-
I ki^5*d her o'^r and oV again.
And aye she wi^i na \vhaC to say;
I laid her 'iwccn mc and the wa';
The lassie thocht na lang itll day^
The bonie lass^ &c-
Upon the morrow when we raise,
I thank'd her tor her courtesie;
But aye she blush 'd and aye she stgh^^
And Mid^ "Abs^ ye've ruisj'd me-"
I cbsp'd hor waist, and kis^t'd her syne^
While itie (ear stood twinkling in her fi*e;
I saidj my lassie^ diima cry^
For ye aye shall make the bi^d m me-
The bonie lasSj &^c.
She rook her mither's Holland sheets,
An' made tlicm a' in iirkii to mei
Blylke and m^rry may she be,
The Uis thyi made ihe bed to mc.
Chortu — The bonie la&s made ihe bed lo me,
The hraw lass made the lied m me.
I'll ne'er forgei till the day I die.
The lass thac made the bed to me.
HAD T THE WYTE? SHE BADE ME :
Had T Fhe tvyte^ had I the wyte, !
Had T the vvyie? ihe bade me; ;
She watch 'd mc by the hic-gate side.
And up the loan she shaw^ me.
And when I wadEia veniure tn,
A cowjrd loon slie ca'd me:
Had Kifk an* State been in the gate^
rd iightf^d wEien she bade ijte.
Sac craftilic she toot me ben^ j
And bade me mak nae clatter;
"For our ramgunshoch^ glum gudemaii
Is o'er ayont the waler.**
HI
530 ROBEET UURNS
Whae cr shjll say 1 wanted grace,
When I did kiss and dawte her,
Let him ]>c piaRted in my place,
Syne say, 1 wa$ the fauior.
Could I for ihame> could I far sKame^
Could 1 for shumc refused her;
And Wiidna manhood been to bEamei
Had 1 unkindly used her!
He claw'd lier wi' the ripptin-kame.
And bbe and b[utdy bruis'd her;
When sic a husband was frae hame,
What wife but wad excused her!
I dighipd aye her eVn sae blue.
An* b^nn^d the cruel randyt
And wecl f wat^ her willin' mou
Was swe« as sugar candie.
At j;[oam in-shot, il was I wot^
I hyhtcJ on the Monday;
Bui I cam thro' the Tyscday's clew,
To wanlon Willie's brandy,
DOES HAUGHTY GAUL INVASION THREAT?
Trjw^— "Push about the JoTHm/'
Does haughiy Gaul invasion threat?
Then fet the louns beware^ Sir;
There's wooden walls upon our scasj
And volunteers on shore. Sir:
The Niih shall run to Corsinconj
And CrifFel sink in Sotway,
Ere we permir a Foreign Foe
On British ground to rallyf
We'll ne'er permit a Foreijjn Foe
On British jjraund to rallyf
O let us notj like snarling curs.
In wraoglinjj be divided,
Till? slap! come in an unco loun^
And wi' a rung decide ill
POEMS AND SOxVGS 53I
Be Briuin Hill [o Brksin (ruc^
Amang ourselves united;
For never but by Bri[i:ih hands
Maun British wrang5 be riglitedf
tip] never but by British hands
Shall Briiisk wrangs be righted!
The Ketde 0' ihe Kirk and St^tc,
Perhaps 3 c\oiil may fail id'l;
But deil a foreign tinkler loun
Shall ever ca^ a nail in\.
Our faihcr's blude :he K^^ale bought,
And wha wad dare 10 spoil it;
By Hcav'nsi [he sacrilegious dog
Shall fuel be to boil iti
Bv Heav'ns! ihe sacrilegious dog
Shdll fuel be to bail itI
The wretch th:it would a tj^rant b^vn,
And (he wretch, his trut^-born brothefj
Who would set [he Mob aboon i!ie l^firone,
May they be damn'd together!
Who will not sing ''God save [he King/'
Shall hang as high'a [he steeple;
But whWc we 5ing '^God save die King/'
We'll ne'er forget The Pedple!
But while we sing ''God save the King,"
We']] ne'er forget Tht People!
ADDRESS TO THE WOODLARK
rcftt^— "Loili Errocli Side,"
O STAY, sweet warbling woodlark^ stay^
Nor quil for me the trembling spray>
A hapless lover courls ihy lay^
Thy soothing, fond complaining.
Again^ again that tender pari,
That 1 may catch ihy melting art;
For surely that wad touch her hear[
Wha kills me wi* disdaining.
532 ROBERT BURNS
Sjy» was thy little mate unkind,
And heard thee as il\e careless wind?
Oh^ nocht bul love and sorrow join'd,
Sic notes o' woe could waukcn!
Thou tells o' never-ending care;
O" speechkss griet> and dark, desplr:
For pity'i sake, siveei bird, nae mairE
Of my poor heart is broken.
SONG.— ON CHLORIS BEING ILL
Tunc — "Aye waukcrl 0-"
CAojj*J— Long^ long the nighi,
Heavy comes the morrow
While my soul's delight
Is on her bed of sorrow.
Can r cease to care? \
Can T ceaso to languish, |
While my darling Fair \
Js on the couch of anguish?
Long J long, ^c*
Ev*ry hope i? fledj
EvVy fear i5 rerror;
Slumber tv'n E dread^
EvVy dream is horror*
Long^ Icng^ &c*
Hear mt^p Powers Divine!
Ohj in piiy^ hear meT
Take aujjhl else of mincj
But my Chloris spare mel
Long, long, fee,
HOW CRUEL ARE THE PARENTS
Ttinr — "John Anderson^ my jo/^
How cruel are the parents
Who riches only piLZCj
And to rhe \vealthy booby
Poor Woman sacrifice!
POEMS AND SONGS 533
Mranwhile^ ihc hiiple^s Daughter
Hiiii but a choict of strife;
To shun a lyr^ni Father's hale-
Become a wreiched Wife.
The ravenmy; havik pursuingj
The trembling dove thus Hies,
To shun impelling ruinp
Awhile her pinions tries;
Tillp of escape despairing,
No shelter or retreat,
She (rusts the ruthkis Falconer^
And drops beneath his feel.
MARK YONDiiR POMF OF COSTLY FASHION
^;r— "Deil ak the wzirs/'
Mabk yandtr pomp of costly faiihion
Round the wtaUhy, tided brldei
But when compared with rtal p^5$ioil|
Poor is all that princely pride.
Mark yonder^ G;c. (four linc^ rcpfaud).
What are the showy treasures,
What are the noisy pleasures?
The gay^ gaudy glare of vanity and art;
The poJish^d jewels' bUze
May draw the wondering gaze;
And caurdy grandeur bright
The fancy may delight^
But never, nevei can come near the heart,
Eut did you see my dearest Chloris^
Jn simpliciiy's array;
Lovely as yonder sweet opening flower is^ i
Shrinking from the gaze of day.
But did you see^ &e.
O ihon, the heart alarming^ ^
And all resistless charming^
J
534
ROBEKT BURKS
In Love'i dcEighifiil feitcr^ she chains the witling eouI!
Ambirton would disown
The world's imperial crown,
Ev'n Avarice would deny,
Hii uorshippM deity,
And icti Ekro' every vein LovcV raptures rolL
TWAS NA HER BONIE BLUE FE
Tiw^ — 'Xiiddic, lie near cue/'
'TwAs na her bonie blue t'li was my ruinj
Fair tho* she be^ that was neVr my undoin';
'Twas the dear smilo when nae body did mind us,
'Twas the bewicchingj sweety ilown gbnte o' kindness:
^Twas [he bewitchingj sweel, slown glance o' ktndnesa^
S^iir do I fear (hat lo hope is denied me^
Sair do [ fear that despair maun abide me.
But tho' fell fortune should faic us to sever,
Queen shall she be in my bosom for ever:
Queen shall she be in my bosom for ever.
ChToriSj Tm thine wi' a passion aincerest^
And thou hast plighted me love o' the dearest!
And ihou'rt the angel that never can alter^
Sooner the sun in hfs motion would falter;
Sooner the sun in his motion would falcer,
THEIR GROVES O^ SWEET MYRTLE
Tunc — "Humouri Chf Clcnn^'
Their groves o^ sweet myrde let Foreign Lands reckon,
Where bright-beaming summers esah the perfume;
F*Tr dearer to me yon lone glen o' green breckan,
Wi* the burn steahiiy under die lang, yellow broom-
Far dearer to me are yon humble broom bowers
Where [he blue-bell and gowan lurk, lowly, unst^en;
For thertt ]i5;hdy irippin^,among the wild flowersj
A-tisfning the linnet, aft wanders my Jean«
POEMS AND SONGS 535
Tho' rich is xhc breeze in their gay, sunny valleys.
And cauid Caledonia s blast on the wavt;;
Their sweet-scented woodlands thai skirt the proud paTace,
What arc [hty?- — the haunt of the Tyrant and Sla^c.
The Slave's spicy foresis, and gold- bubbling founcainSj
The brave Caledonian views wi' di^cEain;
He wanders as free as ihe winds oi: his motmiains.
Save Lovc'i wiUing fetters— the chains of hia Jean.
FORLORN, MY LOVE, NO COMFORT NEAR
Air — "Lcl mc in ihis k ni^hT-"
FoKi-OPS, my Love, no comfon near,
Far, far from rlicts I wander hert:;
J'ar, f^r from thet, iIil fate severe,
Al i^hjch [ mosL repine. Love.
Cht)rui—C> iveri lliou. Lave, but near me!
Buc ncar^ near, ntai" me,
How kmcjly thou woulJ$T cheer me,
And mingle sighs wiih mine, Love,
Around mc scowls a wintry sky,
Bbsiing each bud o^ hope and joy;
And shelter, shade, nor home have I;
Save in ihese avms of ihine, Love.
O \verl ihou, kc
Cold, alter'd frienJship's cruel part,
To poison Foiiune's ruthless darc^
Lei me noi break ihy faiihful hearr,
And say thar face ii minej Love.
O wert thou, &c.
But, dreary tho' the moments fleet,
O let me ihink we yet shall meet;
That on ]y ray of solace sweet.
Can on thy Chloris shine, Lovef
O wert thou, &c.
i^
'
53^ ROBERT BURNS
FRAGMENT-WHY, WHY TELL THE LOVER
Why, why tell thy lover
Bli&5 h^ never musi enjoy?
Why, H hy undeceive him,
And give s\\ his hopes the lie?
O why, ivhile fancy, jflpiur'd clumbers,
Chloris, Chloiis all ihe iheme^
Why, wliy would'st thou, cruel^
Wake ihy lover from his dream.'
THE BRAW WOOER
7/irif— "T]ie fjiThian La^ie/'
Last May, a braw v^'oocr cam doun the lang glen.
And sair wi' his love he did deave me;
I said, there was naething I hated hke men —
The deuce gae wi'm, to believe me, believe me;
The dcuec ^ae wi'm to believe me.
He spak o' [he dam in my bonie black c'cn,
And sow'd for my love he was diein,
I saidf he might die when he liked for Jean —
The Lord fojgie me for liein, for jiein;
The Lord forgie me tor lieinl
A weel-stocked mailpo, himsel' for die bird.
And marii:i^e afT-hand, were liis proffers;
r never loor on ^hat 1 kcnn'd it. or car'd;
But thought 1 miijht hae waur offers, waur offers;
But thought I miHht hae waur oScrs.
But what wad ye think? — in a fortnight or less —
The deil tak his taste to gae newr her!
He up the Gate-slack to my black cousin, Be!*i —
Guess ye how, ihe jadi I could bear her, could bear her;
Guess ye how, the jad! I could bear her.
But a* the niest week, as 1 petted wi' care,
I E^ed to the tryst o' Daigarnocki
POEMS AND SONGS 537
Bui wha but my fine fickle wooer was iberc,
f ^^^lowr'd as Vd seen a wMriockp a wartock^
I glowf'd as I'd setn a warlock.
But owrc my Itlt shouihcr 1 gat him ^ bltnk^
Lc^l ncibaiirs rniyiil say 1 was saucy;
My wocjcr he cypcr'd as hcM been in drinks
And vow'd I was his dear lassie, dear laisiCj
And \ow"d I was his dear lassie-
I spicrd for my cousin iu couchy and sweec,
<Jin $]\c had rccover'd her hearing
And how her new shoon tit her auld schachTF feer,
lint heavcn&l how he fell li swcarin, a swcatin,
But heavens! how he fell a ^-rwcarin*
Hg beji^getlj for gudesake^ I ^vad be his wife^
Or else I wad kill hini wV sorrow;
So c^en lo preserve the poor body in Jife,
I think 1 maun wed him lo-morrow^ to-morrow;
1 think I maun wed him to-morrow.
THIS IS XO MY AIN LASSIE
Tiifi^ — ''TJiJi h no my hoiiso."
Cho7-r£S — -This is no my ain lassie^
Fair tho" the lassie be;
Wecl ken 1 my ain lassie^
Kind love is in her e'e^
i s£f 3 form, I see a face^
Ye weel may wV the fairest place;
If watuSj to me, ihe witchinj; jsrsice^
The kind love [halt's in htr e'e.
This is no my ain, &c-
She's bonic^ bloomings straight, and tyli,
And lang has had my hearf in thrall;
And aye it eharms my very laul^
The kind love that*s in her e*e.
This is no my ain, &c. ^V-
.irl
53^ EOBtRT BURNS
A ihicf sac pawkje is my Jejn,
To ^leal a bJInk, by a' unseen;
But gleg as light are lover's cen.
When kind love is in her e'e.
This h no my sin, &c.
Ir may escape the courily sparks^
It may (!iCa|>e the learned clerks;
But v,d\ ihe watching lover marks
The kind love that's in her ey^-
This is no my ain, SeC.
O BONIE WAS YON ROSY BRIER
O floNiE was yon row bricfj
That blooms sac far frae haunr o' man;
Antl honie shc^ and ah, hnw dcarl
It ^badcd frac [he e'^nin sun.
Yon rosobuJs in the morning dew.
How purcp amang ihe kave? sae green;
Bui purer was the lover's vow
They witnessed in their ihade yt^strten*
Aii in lis rude and prickly bower^
Thai crimson rose, how sweet and fair;
Bui love IS far a sweeter flDw<=r^
Amid lifc*5 thorny path o' cartz.
The pathless wild, and wimpling burn,
Wj' Chlorts in my arms, be mine;
And I the warfd nor wish nor scorn.
Its joys and griefs aiike resign*
SONG INSCRIBED TO ALEXANDER CUNNINGHAM
Now spring has dad the grove in green,
And stri?w'd the lea wi' flowers;
The furrow*dj waving corn ii seen
Rejoice in fosiering showers-
While ilka thing in nature join
Their sarrcsws to forego^
POEMS AND 50NGS 53$
O why thus all alone arc mine
The u'cary steps o* wou!
Tht irout in yonJcr wimpUng bum
Thar glides, a silver dan,
Aiidj iafi^ bent-Slh ihc shady ihofn^
Delics ihc angler's arl —
My life was ance ihat care!e^5 sirtjam,
Thai wanton irout was I;
Bui LovOj wi' unri^lcnitnj; hcant.
Has scorch 'J my fountains dry.
Thy[ Ulde floweret^s pcaccfiii loT^
In yonder ciifT ihat grows,
Whichj save tlie liniiet's Jlighip I wot,
Nae ruder visii knows,
Was mine, ull Lovi^ has o'er me pasl^
And bli!;iited a' my bloomj
And noWp Iwnpuih ihe withering blast,
My youth and joy consume.
The waken "d favVock warbling springs^
And dimbs ihc early sky^
Winnowing blyihe his dewy wings
In mtjrmng'% rosy eye;
As Eitdi^ rcck'd 1 sorrow's power^
Until the flowery snare
O' witching Love, in luckless hour.
Made me the thrall o' care.
O had my fare been GrecnUnd snows^
Or Afric's burning zonc^
Wi' man and nature leagued my foes,
So Peggy ne*er Td knownf
The wretch whose doom is '^Hope nae mair'^
What tonjjue his woes can reTl;
Within whase bosom^ save Despair^
Nae kinder spirits dwell.
^
I
'J
54^ ROBERT BURKS
O THATS THE LASSIE O' MY HEART
O WAT ye vvha that lo'ts me
And has my hc^rt :i-kf^epirig?
O sweet is she thai lo'es mCj
As df w£ o' summer weepings
In lears the rosebuds steeping!
Chortis — O that's the lassie o' my he^irt,
My lassie ever dearer;
O she^s ihe queen o' womankind,
And ne'er a ane to peer her*
If [hou sliali meet a lassie,
in grace and beauty charrrLtii);^
Tlt^i c'un iliy chosen lassie.
Ere while [hy breast sac^ warming.
Had ne'er sic powers alarniing;
O diat's [he Jasiic, fitc.
U ihou haJiC heard her talking^
And thy iltcniion's plighled,
That ilka body talking,
But her^ by thee is slij^hied^
And diou art aH-dehghted;
O that's ihe lassicj &c-
If thou hast met this Fair One^
When frac her ihou imst paried^
l£ every other Fair One
But her, thou hast deserted^
And thou an broken-he jrted;
O that's the lassie o' my heiri^
My lassie ever dearer;
O that^s the queen 6" womaiikind.
And ne*er a ane to peer her.
POEMS AND SOJfGS
541
INSCRIPTION
Wfititn on i\\^ bbnk leaf of a copy of ihe bst edition of my poems,
prescnied to tho Lady wliom, in so many ficrilious reveries of passion,
but with ihe most ardeni ieniimi^mi oi real friendship, 1 have so often
5ung under the name ot — "Chlons," '
Tis Friendship's pledge, my young, fair Piiendj
Nor ihou iho gift refuse^
Nor wilh unwilling ear attend
The mor^iUsing Muse.
Since thou J in all thy youth and charms,
Must bid ilic world adieu,
(A world 'gainst Peace in constant arms)
To join the Friendly Few,
Since* i^y gay morn of life oWcast,
Chill came the tempest*s lour;
(And ne'er Misfortune's castetn blast
Did nip a fairer flou^r-)
Since life's gay scenes must charm no more,
SceII much is left behind^
Still nobler wcahh hasL thou in stori^^
Thy cuinforts ot the niindl
Thine is the self-approving g^ow.
Of conscious Honour's pari;
And (dc^irosi gift of Heaven below)
Tbine Friendship's imcst heart.
The joys reEln'J of SensP and Taste,
Wiih every Muse to rove;
And doubly were the Poet blest,
These joys could he improve^
^Mits Lorimer.
R.B.
h .
54^ ROBERT BURNS
PRAGMt:Nl\^LEEZIE LINDSAY
Will ye go to the Hietands^ Lecxtc Lindsay^
Will jt go to the HieUnds \vV me?
Will ye go lo the Hitjbnds^l-reoiie Liiidsay,
My pride and my darling lo bcr.
FBAGMENT.^THE WRENS NEST
The Kobin to the Wren's nest
Cam keekin' in, tarn ket^kin' in^
O wccr^ mc on your auld pow^
Wad ye be in, wad ye be in?
Thou '5 cie'cf gt[ leave to lie withoutj
And I within, and I within,
Satj hng's ! hae an auld douE
'I"o rowe ye in^ 10 rowe ye iOp
NEWS, LASSIES3 NEWS
There's ncws^ lassies, news,
Gude news Tve to tell!
There^s a boaifu' o* lads
Come lo oui town lo sell.
C/jOfHJ— The wcnn want? a cradle^
And ihe ^r:idit wants a cod:
ril no gting m my bedj
Until I get a nod^
Faihcr, <juo' she^ Mither, quo she,
Do whjqi yt^u can^
III no ijartg m my bed.
Until I £et a man-
The weaiij &c-
I hae as gude a craft rig
As made 0' yird and stane;
And waly fa' the ley-crap^
For I maun dll'd again.
The weaiij &c.
POLMS AND SONGS 543
CUOWDIE EVER MAIR
O THAT ] had ne'er been marrkdj
I W3ij never liatl ii^ie carc^
Now Tver yotcen wife an' weanSj
An thcry cry ''Crowdie'* evcfmair,
Cfiorui — Ante crowdiCj twice crowdie^
Three time* crouclie in a day
Gin ye crowdie ony mair^
Yi^ni crowd iti a' my meal away,
Wacfif Warn and HungLT fley ine,
Cilowrin' by iho hallan en^;
Sair ! fccht ihcm at ihc door^
But aye Tm ccrit they come ben*
Ance erowdki &c.
WALLY^S MEEK, MALLY'S SWEET
CAo>'H-f — Mally's mcck^ Mally*s sweet,
Mally's modest and disc feet;
Mally's rarcj Mally's fair*
Mally's every way complete*
As I wjis walkiiig up the slreet,
A barcfit maid I ch:inc*d to mcei;
Jiui O the Toad was very hard
For iha: fair maiden's tender feet.
Ma[ly's meek^ &c*
U were mair meet ihat those fine feet
Were weel laced up in silken shoon;
An' *iwere more fit thai she should $it
Within yon chariot gih aboon^
Mally's meek J ic.
Her yellow hair, beyond compare,
Comes irinklin down her swan-hke neck.
And h^r two eyes^ like stars in skies»
WouM keep a sinking ship frae wreck,
Mady's meek, &c.
^ip
544 HOBERT BURNS
JOCKEY'S TAEN THE PARTING KISS
^ir — "J'onii' la« Eak j ntan."
JocKifiY's tacn the parting kUs,
O'er the iiiouniains he is fiaiic.
And with him is a' my bliss^
Nought but griefs with me remain,
Spate my Love, yc winds (hat bkw,
PJashy sleets and beating rain!
Spare my Love, thou ferithVy snaw,
Drifimg o'er the froztu pljin!
When the shades of evening creep
O'er [lie day's fair, gladsome e'e,
Sound and safeJy may he sleep,
Sweetly bJythe his waukenin^; be.
He will think on her he loves.
Fondly he'ff repeat her name;
For wherever he distant roves,
Jockey's heart is still the same.
VERSLS TO C^OLLECTOR MITCHELL
Fkiend ot the Poet, tried and leal,
Wha, wanting thee, might beg or steal;
Alake, alake, the mcikle deif
Wi' a' his witches
Are at it skelpin jig and reel.
In my poor pouches?
I nnodesify fu' fain wad hint it,
That One-pound-omr^ I sairly want it;
It wi' the hi^rzie down ye sent it,
It would be kind;
And while my heart wi' life-blood dunted,
l*d bear*i in mind.
So may the Auld year gang out moanin'
To see riie New come laden, £roanin',
j
POEMS AND SONGS 545
Wj' doubEc plemy o'er the Ioanin\
To thee and ihinc;
Domestic peace and comforts crownin'
The hale desigEu
POSTSCRIPT
Ye'vG heatd i^is while how I've been llckif^
And hy fell Deaih was nearly nick.it;
Grim looni lie got me by the fecket^
And sair me sheuk;
Bui by fiude luck [ lap a wicket^
And inrn'd a neuk.
But by that heakh, Tve got a share o'e.
Hue by that life^ Tm promised mair o\
My hale and weel. Til lak a care o\
A lentiet wayi
Then larevi/ell folTy^ hide and hair o't^
Forance and aye]
THE DEAN OF FACULTY
A New Ballad
Tuf^e — "The Dragon €>t Wantfcy/
Dire was the hate al old Harlaw^
That Scot to Scot did carry;
And dire [he discord Langside saw
For beauteous^ hapless Mary:
But Scot to Scot ne'er met so hot,
Or were more in fury seen. Sir, !j
Than 'twixt Hal and Bob for the famous ^ob, jj
Wha should be die Faculty's Dean, Sir, 'I
This Hal for genius, wit and lore,
An^ong the first was numhery;
But pious Bob^ ^mid learning's store,
Commandment the tenth remember^:
Yet simple Bob the victory got,
And wan Ills heart's desire,
Which shews iha^ heaven can boiJ the pot,
Tho* the devil piss in the (ire.
. i>
54^ ROBERT BURNS
Squire HaJ, ijoiidcs, had in tliis case
Pretensions racE^t^f brassy;
For tatcncsp to deserve a place^
Are qualification^ saucy.
So iheir worships of the Faculty,
Quite sick of merit's ruJenesSp
Chost^ one who should owe it all^ d^yo iee.
To thdr ^^ratis grace and goodrtess.
As once on Pisgah purged was the sight
Of a son of Circumasionj
So may b^^ on this Pisgah height,
Uobs purblind mcnlial vision^
Nay, Bobby's mouth may be opened yet.
Till for eloquence you hail him,
And s^vear that he has the angel met
That met the ass of Balaam h
In your heretic sins may you live and diSj
Ye heretic Eighi-and'Thirty!
Bui accept, ye sublime Majority^
My congratulations hcarty,
With your honours, as with a certain king,
In your servants rhis 15 strikingj
The more incapacity they bringj
The more they're lo your liking.
EPISTLE TO COLONEL DE PEYSTER
My honorM Coloneh deep 1 feel
Your interest in the Poefs weal;
Ahf now sma* heart has I to speel
The steep Parnasius^
Surrounded thu5 by bolus pill.
And potion glasses.
O what a canty world were it|
Wouid pain and care and sickness E|jare it;
And Fortune favour worth and merit
As they deserve;
And aye rowth o' roast-beef and clareC^
Syne^ wha wad stance?
POEMS AND SONGS 54/
Dame Life, tho' fiction our may trick her,
And in paite gems and [rippcry deck her;
Oh? ffickeringp feeble, and unsickcr
I've found her sEiU,
Aye wavering; like ihe \^ i] low- wicker ^
Tween good and ill-
Then chat curst carmagnole, au!d Satan>
Watches like baudron^ by a ratton
Oui" 5cnl"u' saul to get a claut on,
Wi' felon ire;
SynCj whip! his tail ye'll ne*er cast saul on^
He^saffliki^fire-
Ah Nick] ah Nick! it is na fair,
Fjfsl ihowing us the tempting ware.
Bright wines, and bonie lasses rare^
To put us daft
Syne weave, unseen, thy spider snare
heirs damned rtatt-
Poor Man^ the flie^ aft bizze^ by^
And s,ky aa diEtnce he corner thee nighp
Thy damn'd auld elbow yeuks wi' joy
And heltish pleasure]
Already in thy fancy's eye,
Thy sicker Ereasure,
Soorij heels o^cr gowdie^ in he gangs,
And, hke a sheep-head on a tangs,
Thy girning laugh enpya his pangs.
And murdering wrestle,
ASj dangling in the wind, he hangs,
A gibbef s tassel*
But le^ you ihink 1 am uncivi!
To plague you with this draunting drivel,
Abjuring a' intentions evil,
1 quat my peu^
The Lord preserve us frae the dt^vQ!
Amen! Amen!
548 ROBERT BURNS
A LASS Wr A TOCHER
Trnif — "Jt^LllinaiiionA Ota/'
Awa' wi' your wiichcrafi o' Beauty's alarms^
1 he gltfiiiii^r bit Beauty you grasp rn your arm^,
O, gic mc rhc h^a ihat ha& acres o' chyrms,
O, gie me the bss wi' ;ht wed -stock it farms.
Chorui — Then hey, fur 3 Uss wi^ a tocher,
Then hey, for 3 laas wi' a locher;
Then hey, for a lass wi' a locher;
The nice yellow guineas for me.
Your iJeaury'^ a flower m the morning ihji blows.
And withers the faster, the faster it grows:
But ihe raptiirous diarm o' ihi? houie green knowes,
Ilk spring they're new deckit wi' bonie white yowes.
Then hey, for a Ijss, he.
And e'en when this Beauty your bosom halh blest
The brightest o" Bcauly may cloy when posse^s'd;
But the ^weet, yellow darlings wj' Geordie impress'd,
The fanger ye hae them, the mair diey're carest-
Then hey, for a lass, &c.
HERON ELECTION BALLAD, NO. IV,
The Trogger.
Taiu — "liu^' BriK)!]) BfiSDins."
Wiu will huy my trogjjin^ Rnc election ware,
Broken trade o' Bioughton, a' in hij^h repair?
C/iorus — Buy braw tro^jgin frae the Ijanks o' Dee;
Wha wants trog^in let him come m me.
There's a noble Earrs fame and high renown.
For an auld sung — ir's thou^jht the gudes were stown —
Buy braw iroggin, Stc.
i
POEMS AND SONGS 549
Here's ihe worth a' Bioughton in a needle's e'e;
Here 5 a repuiafion tint by Balmaghie,
Buy braw iroggin, &c*
Hcre*s its siulf and limnj;, CnrJoncss's head.
Fine for a loger, a' ihe wale o" lead.
Buy braw troggin^ &c.
Heres a linle wadsetp BuiuU's scrap o' truths
Pawn'd in a gin-shop^ quenching holy droulh-
Buy braw troggin^ &c.
Hcrc^s an honest conscJ.t;nce mighl a prince adornj
Frae ihe dtjwns o' Tinwald* so was never worn-
Buy braw trogginp Sec.
Here^s armorial bearings frae ihe manse o' Urr;
The crest, :i sour craWppkp roEKn a[ Eiic core.
Buy braw trogginp &c.
Here is Satan^s piciure, hke a bisc^ard gled^
Pouncing pQur Redcasdo^ sprnwlin' like a taed-
Buy braw troggin, &c.
Here's the font where Douglai stane and tnorOr names;
Lately used at Caily chfisiening Murray's crimes.
Buy braw iroggin, &c.
Here's the worth and wisdom CoHiesion can boast;
By a Hiievish midge [hty had been nearly Icsf-
Buy braw troggin, ftc.
Here is Murray's fragments o' the Wn commands;
Gifted by black Jock to get (hem afi his hands.
Bu) braw troggin, &c.
Saw ye e'er sic troggin? if to buy ye*re sk'ick,
Hornie's turnin chapman — he'!] buy a' the pack.
Buy braw iroggin, &c.
550 EOBTZRT BURNS
COMPLIMENTARY VEKSICLES TO JESSIE LEWARS
THE TOA5T
Fill mc with ihe rosy wincj
CaU a toastt a toast divine:
Give ihc Poef s darling Ibme,
Lovely Jestsie Iw W name;
Then thou mayesi frctjly boast,
Thou ha5[ given a peerless (oast.
THE MENAGERIE
Talk noi to mc ol savagcSj
From Afric's burning sun;
No savage e'er could rend my hcartj
As Jessie J ihou hasr done:
But Jessie's lovely hand In mine,
A mutual faith to plight,
Not even to view the heavenly chcifi
Would be 5o blest a sight*
Jessie'* jllness
Say^ sageSj what's the charm on earth
Can turn Death's dart asidcl
It is not purity and worth,
Else Jessie had ngt died^
ON ]IER RECOVERS
But rarely seen since Nature^s biith,
The natives of ihe sky;
Yet still one seraph^s left; on earthy
For Jessie did not die.
O LAY THY LOOF IN MINE, LASS
Chorus — O lay thy loof in mine^ UsSj
In mine^ lass, in mine, lass;
And sivear on thy white hand^ lasSj
That thou wilt he my ain.
■ i
POEMS ANT SONGS 55I
A ^u.wji [o Love*s unbounJeti sway^
He af[ has HTOughc me mcikle wae;
Bu^ now he is my deaJly fae,
LTnles? ihou be my ain.
O lay thy loof , &c.
There*s mony & la^s K^is broke my rest.
That for 3 blink 1 hai: lu'ed best;
But ihou arc Qaccn wichin my bwa$i.
For ever lo rem-Tin.
O lay lliy EooE, &c.
A HEALTH TO ANE I LOE DEAR
Choms — Here's a htakh to anc I l<5e dear,
Mere's a health lo ane 1 loe dear;
Thou an itveei as the smile wlieu fond lovers
meets J
And soft as iheir parting tear — Jessy. ^j
Altiio* iliou trmun never be mine,
Aliho' even hope is dented;
*Tis sw<:e!er for [hce dc$pairingj
Than flught in die world beside — Jessy-
Here's a health, flsc.
I mourn thro* the gay^ gaudy day,
A5 hopeless J rciuic on thy charms;
Bui welcome the dream 0^ sweei slunibcft
For [hen I am iockt iei thine arms — Jessy,
Here'jj a heakk, &c,
I gues5 by the dc^ir angel smile^
I guess by the love-rolljng e*e;
But why urge Fbe tender confesiion^
'Gainst Foriune^s fell, cruel decieo? — Je5sy^
Here's a health, &c*
^wt
55^ ROBERT BURNS
O WERT THOU IN THE CAULD BLAST
O w£RT ihou in the cauld blast,
Od yonder lea, on yonder lea,
My plaidk to the angry airt,
rd shelter ihce^ Id shelter [hee;
Or did Misfortune's bitter storms
Around thee bJaw, around ihec blawj
Thy bield stiould be my boiumj
To share il a\ to share it a\
Or were T in the wildest waste.
Sac black and bare, sae black, and bare,
The desert vcre a pLiradise,
If thou \vcrt thcrCj i£ ihou wert there;
Or were T Monarch o' iht globc^
Wi' [hee to reign, wi^ thee to reign^
The brighiesi: jewel in my Crown
Wad be my Queen^ wad be my Queen.
INSCRIPTION TO MISS JESSY LEWARS
On a copy o£ the Scots Musical Museum, in four volumes,
presented to her by Burns-^
Thtne be the volumes^ Jessy f^ir,
And with them take [he Poet's prayer,
Thar Fare may, in her fairest page.
With ev'ry kindliest, best presage
Of future biiss^ tnroU thy name:
With naiivc worth and spoiless fame:.
And wakeful eaution^ siill aware
Of ill— but chiefj Man's felon snare;
All blameless jovs on ear[h we find.
And all the treasures of the mind —
These bo thy guardian and reward;
So prays thy faidiful friend, the Bard«
DuMFAizs^ fane 3^5i 1769.
^WritTcn for music played by Mi^s Lewar;, who pureed hitri m hli last illness^
J
POEMS AND SONGS 553
FAIREST UAID ON DEVON BANKS
Tunc — ' ' Rj3thicn\ij re hie."
CAp;wj— rairest maid on Devon banks^
Crystal Devon^ ^vinding Dcvon>
Wilt iliou by that frown asidcj
And smile as thou wcrt wont lo do?
FctL well rhou know'si I [ovc rhee dear,
Couldst ihou \o m.ilice Send an ear!
O did not Love e>:claim: *'Forbearj
Nor use a faithful lovei so,"
Fairest maid^ &c*
Then come, ihou fairest of tho fair.
Those wonted smiles, O let rae share;
And by thy beauteous stll 1 swoar.
No love but thine my heart shall know*
Fairesl maidj fitc, I
I
i
i
GLOSSARY
i\ all.
/-Aiic^r Hchindn away.
il^oo/r, abovth tip*
1I^rct{l, in U^eadlil^
iJr^ one.
iff-tiu^i!, at once,
iif-^oof, cjrfhiiid^
■f/tpr-fj befcjf^*
i//^ji^ ofien-
^g/f^^ awry.
'JAjj;, b<;hlnd-
J?V/^f, Joul water,
Jji^p o:ik.
-/?n, own.
^Wf , e^irnKt money-
Jjff, direction,
tiff, Tt> diftti.
■Jj^fl, oathr
Jj^jp oal5.
fJA^jrTj an old hnrtc,
izzltr, 1 cinder.
^-f>j, a|ar; to one side,
^liii;^, alas.
Ai(i/}i^f ^lone.
H^bn^, alanjj.
.JttJti/^/, aliiioit.
Af2j lEr
/Z^\ and.
riwfj one.
■Jwfti/A, beneath^
Jwf J, ones.
.Jm/Af*", anoiber+
/St!u&-fo7tfh, sprlnjj \vater.
.^Jjfj ashes.
^Sf^icr^t, aikeiVp fis^ance,
yi^ffer, astir,
A'f/^srjji^A-^r, al toucher,
.ii/tor£, athwart.
Aiit'C£'I, jn uuth.
^Sughi, |JG?swwd n£,
/^(rfgA^fj2, ei^htiNjn,
j'Uis/xfihrs, at a!L
^rf/^. old.
/}itt^fiirrun, mtiJfarr^ffif, ^Jirc^vd, old-
E^i^hir^rtcdn ^a)^acioLJ$.
y/uW Kf£"^i>H tdiriburyh,
yiftlil-ivii^l^i^ nlil-^vorltL
/Jw;?j<^ffj"H alms,
yfe^^Jn at all.
j-lij^tf, aivay.
Ausiitd, huckw^y^ and doubled up.
AcL'fiiiitrn, awaken.
Jit/tf, owe;,
/fff^ffrr, i\vkiv:trd.
Afi^i^ic, hciJ-dcd,
A^riJ, beyond,
Btf\ a ball,
B^ariijJ, backcfl.
BiiciiIiri^'Com;r^, nronijns back,
Btii'fi'ycft, ^ate at the back.
Hl-j^i-, endured.
iicJiJCr J$k4:d.
/j^Ef £]>H ^loinach.
li^ff'fli^f^, bayonets-
Haif^ic, hony-
Bitirn, chiEd.
F^^irtfsiwf, brood.
£ijjj^/Jh bothr
!rdi(]«j biscuits.
Eallaft, ballads.
Bj^/of^H lullaby.
H
T
555
556
GLOSS.^Y
man).
Ei^rrc, bone.
ffjjj^gp an clfoit; 3 bSoiv; n Jarg^ rmmbcr.
HiJfr£, io thump.
flflffjif/, bonntL
i?Lijii}ori^, iifontiocli, 2 [hick oiiLrTieal cakv.
Cri^rfj^p dim. of bnrd.
Barcfii, bijrtfouTtd.
iSarUy-l^nc, (>[■ ^Jfr. harl^'-brcw — ale or
whiske>\
flarffjjV, yearly.
B^irnyurd, st.it: k J ar<l ,
a^r^tf, the litvil.
iScts^ijffg, jbu^hing,
Hj^ich, a nuiTihor.
Ri^y//, the bottiL thc^ colic.
li^iic/ii^'bir^, the bit.
U^I^telrotti^ Hc^Jjt^rjJII/, the cit.
Bjji^^ troji-bt-jjn.
flijjr^-f/j^ bnvin-Lrtd.
iitrajW, boltln
Bd.vWfjfx brjlilc5t-
BfStiidly, boldly,
tiniiviy^ balmy.
Brjfi^/?^^, a hal (-penny.
Sdxf^j^j a EJe]<! path.
Scar, iKcfley.
li^^fUCt diin_ uf bt^a^L
Bff^ fc^dh ]^indl^;*
Hf j/jr V, bid
Bth^g^ bc[on}j.
Bf/rf. baW,
Helium, assault.
Bf/^yjj btllowa.
Birfyv^f by and by.
flfWj a parlor (t. f.j [he inner apartment);
iitm [ht pirlur.
Brum c) J/, inmD&L
lic-nor/A^ la the nrtrcli^vjirtl oF_
flf-ji>(fr/j. tc] tliL- sijuth^^^jfd ofp
Bctf^ani^ilf ^racc a[itr mtat.
Bfi(j<;, a b<Kjk[ devirs [>tenir^d beuks —
playlnp-tards.
B(V^f?% a ivo™lcn cup+
Iifcl(cr^ a &hort runr
Bjf-^r^V <^ ^^5^ swiftly and with a slij^ht
nm^o.
Bicii^rw. ntHiV conteiiLEcmH
B^^fic^'iffg, hurryjnj;.
Bj//, to ask, t<f ^viJ^lH ^n ofler,
Sj"^/^, ;lbidiL-H t-ndurtr
Bid, i;Wf/p A sbtUtr: a shokered spot.
Bid, com(L:irt3hlc.
B^^Tjj com (or( able.
Bjrffn Ajtfjj/yn comfortably,
Big^ ta build,
fij^fij^'. building.
BiV/. fhc bull
Bfliic^ (dljsivL cnmradti brother.
Bi/^£f, heaps.
Bjr^jf, tlini. of bird; dsQ maid^aL
Bdr^r the binih.
Birj^rJj. birchen H
Birtii^, J felluv^'_
B^j'f> foi'iit^. v!^[]r.
Btrrwg, ivltirrinfir
if;fjrj, bristles.
^^^/j, berth.
£iVri %tiiall (f. j^., bit las&ic),
^, jiii;k of time>
Bffdi^ioit^ t:c>mpletety drunk*
BiVjj, a Hurry^
Bkz, buMi.
Bizz^rif, d^e buvi^jnl,
B/mVp buiiy,
BIi^/('^GMiicf, the Pr«h>tcj"ian «)dcr.
B/rtt'^-nrA/>Ur black -be^ikcrl.
B^tjf, bluo. Mvid.
Bh^tct^ f^txism, bla^u^.
fi/^imi-, a blasted t/. r.^ daj^ined) creature;
a littli: wren:h.
Bh/rc, nitJtlt.i,t. b^vhEuT.
i?/r;r/j^H bPadiltr.
B/^TNj/, a Ur^-e t|uafitit)-.
fl/^f/J, TO slap, ]>o3l
Btati'^ blow,
B/cjf^r to bra^r.
Bfuii'i^g, blowjDff.
Bhivn^ blown.
B/fc?'p to blear.
B^ffl-'^ bleared.
Bftezr, bhse-
Bfdi^fu, ^ babbli^r; a ratler; a blustem^
Bt^t/frr, blethers H non^en^e.
B^^/Afr^ TO ijik nuniiensc.
Bi^rAirrin\ utlkinj; nonsense.
B/pfl\ blind. '
Elinor a glanccp a mon^ent. J
4
J
GLOSSAKY
fl^in^jjj, bmick.3^S(T, lc€;rlnE,
Biittcr, thr sf]ipc.
£/ir^£c^^ff, the ihvery oE the licensee]
ir//iiV/. b!*>od.
jG^wjjjf, tcj hlcmm.
BitiTjsic, a 5tii]^td,
ftlypcj, shred Jr
Bofyb^d, curtslctl.
Boc/ii/i'f 3 Inrthinf,
S^/^Ch luoh fur
S^Jfiiti, t^ilor'^ ncedlt*
Bc^f/y^ bc^dic^ :i per:^fh.
Boggi^^^ Jim. o[ bo|r.
Bogf^, 3 boait.% a htib^ljlin,
Bo/fp a hole, or singll rcc^M ici the walL
Bom^^ /wJ2p?jVr |>rctty^ bcauufuL
Bomh^, prettily.
'BdOJ?, :lbftVtx
Board, b^MJ-d, surface.
Boi?i'd'cn\ board'end.
floerr, n^u%t ii«.Js.
Eoiif, payment to the hirgaiti,
Bor^H a chink, tkcssh
Boiihj an an^iry mrrif^r.
tioit/f, 3 huenHin Crunk; butk«
Boi^niiiA^ bounty,
'Boa/, :ib*]LJt
nffflfi^-^irff^fl'^H bandy-thifihcd-
Bafr-*(aj/. L.ibbige.
Bra^hc77i, firns,
Brjfp the slnpc oE a l^ill.
Breiid, broic]+
Bro&J'dGtfA, broad -cEcth.
Braiif, a haJ"^^^w,
BmiR^'lj p[un3^4^.
Brcj^'j, broke hii.
Brafl.^ic, gay^ fine.
ffrfftl/i;i, 1 ^vQodcll c^urbj a bridle,
Br^n'y, bfandy.
Brjj-A, shoa nttackr
J^rflf/^ sm:ill pic<;L^, faRs-
BraiS, SinaU chihircn.
liraijfc. a sc^itnpcr.
Braf:U, noisy onset,
BrAH^j bandsomCh tinc^ gjUy dn:sjcd+
557
Brait^lh^ fincl^p perfectly, heartily.
Brax^'c^, sbcep thit have died of braxic
(a disease).
Brcajjic, diTn. ckE brcasL
Brr^jJif, jprang fonvard,
Brceft^72, lerns.
Br^c/(j, breeches,
flir-ffj brj[^^
Brciti, brand,
Sr^ji/, siJ-aiphrn ssci^p (j. f.j itoc sloping
from baldness).
Brii^ V. baricy-brie.
Brief, wric.
Brif, bridgCn
BrjV^f^* breast,
Briihcr^ broihc^r^
Bro^i;, a badger*
Bro^iit^, a trjck.
B^'c^dx sc^LipH brad], wan^r; liquid tn which
^inytliini; is 4!uLiki^d.
B^oQic/, WL-ddinjf ract^ from The church
to the licainc of iht bride.
Brcsc, a thii;k mcsiurc of Jtical and warm
water; ^Ivj it jynanyan for porridge.
Bnu^jfcf H^itrV, alt wives.
Bruiifi, a burith,
Brtthir, &j ff/yrV, a brswh
Hritfi^/^fur, brimstoACh
BpErirj/n burned.
Hrzi^r, burst.
fiu^fi/if, dim. Chf buck; a smart younkeTT
fijfrjt^jTj a *:url.
Bfrc^^^^rt, Vifsinbn] ihc buckskin kye^
nec;roes.
Bi<df;^/, tinker's bag of toob*
BnJ. to bang, lo thucnp^
Bugtrjin, Euldinj;.
BtiirMy, sLilwact.
Bar^y, che buttEicks-
Bun^, TO h^tttr
Bjirp-f^Pt-^, bccitle. c<jckth^fer, Juncbug.
Bwwiffl^fj a Jront.% i usi^icst tE?]|otv«
B:in.^jrj a seat.
-Bufiit^'ff harlots,
Burdirj, dim. of bird cf btird (a lady);
in .^d ens.
ilNrf H bore-
Burn, a rLvuLct.
^Eriritf-^jfl^ d^i> blacksmith (i. ^rp burn the
wind).
Hiirtii^, dim_ of burn, a ri^^ultt
B^irr-^f&isfic, s|lea r- [ll I5 clt.
E/^^. to drcs^i tQ gji-hj ip dr«5 up; to
adorfi^
- f
i
1
558
GLOSSARY
Bmj, a bush.
Bu^tic, bustle.
Buf, ^vithf^ut.
Buf, ^un, in tht; klctilic^n (j_ i^, fho outer
by, ]j.i,siT a^ide,
/!v /jj/7]jf/p bcsific bimstlf.
^yf atfpur (j. f^H by bind atlnur), Ix-scde
and Gt [1 dlLUnifc.
By^c, 3 bec5' ntsf; a hive^ a .swarmi a
cro^vd.
Cj\ Call, knnck. dnvcr
CaJir, caddie, a fclLow.
tVtf, Cllnlff.
C^irdf 2 tirikcr.
cV(V^/-ffrf?v/p grazing plot for ulve^ (j. ir.^
t:hurchy-ird>.
Cattail, Ciilt^^f, 1 striplirt^r,
CcjJ/fJ. a trull,
.CtfffiV, cannir, sctiil^, tradable^ qukj^
prudcntn carj^ful.
Ctfw.^f'/f p crabbed-
Ciiftf^ii, can not*
C^ntiitTJi, qtikte^t.
Cnrp^rf, tT^trry sinrics, canters or sprees
or merrj' cloin^&r
(Tjpf-j/flJJCp coi?c6tone.
Ciipori, castralc.
C^ff nj fty, do not care-
C^r/, ca^'U, 2. maii> an old maiu
Cart'^fMp, male'henip.
Car/if^ J nianikm.
C^rlin, carlute, a niLddk-af^ctl^ of old*
woman; a beldam, a witcli,
Ci^rmiignolr, a violent Jacobin.
CiZriff^, playing-^Tards-
C/irfi^, dim. oE cart.
CAfcA'^/it^'piacfi^ t]te liunt £nr mone>',
Cnudro/i, a ealdron,
Castf, ealf
Catif'haffi^, calE-lujithcr.
Cj/f/t/, cold.
C^mifJi'<}ji, cgltlron.
Cij^^/^H i* ^v'ywlcn drinking vessel.
Cni7^j 5t htrt-coop.
CidJjary, f/jiinwfr, chai^bcFn
CA;w^c-Aouj^, taverri*
C*flj;/rr, baHpipei; tht pipe cjE che hog-
pipes wlilch pCLHlucts the inelody; song.
C/mp, a leliow^ a youn^ kibw.
CAap^ to $Lrikc+
CAi^pman, a |>cdlcr.
C^^i^up, cAap, a stroke, a bloiv+
CAjtjr, cheer.
C/!ci^riit\ cheet-ful.
C/jf jr/ff^, cheerless.
CAiwry, cheery.
dose beside).
Ci^^j^, P4.^p, squeak.
Chij^l, c/nrW {/* r,, ch'ildf. a fellou, a
>oLinH ^clloiv,
C/'iVrt/ii. chimney.
Chiffrririg, shiverint^.
Cfioi^j, chews,
C/turfi, a hen, a di-^r,
CAnc^/r, djjn- o{ ch^ckn but u^tjally sig-
nifkcs mother hcni an oJd dvar,
Chugic, f,it-faccd.
Chitsc, to choow.
CV/h the civet.
C7jIh 3 citizen, a merchant.
C^ffi-flrfrf^ i ^mall vilUyc ubout a diutxhn
ChcJifig, clodiing.
Ciiii't, r^rfjVf, ctachti.
Ctxiii/r, cloth.
Ciuiif^t^^H, clothing.
C^tfdj^j^, ;i severe knoek.
cVv;p, tht dapper o( a mi|[«
Ctarii, J clerk.
(TLrj^. clerkl/h schularl}'.
Clurliit^ clerkedp ivrote.
Chirpy, dirty.
Cli^sh, nn if lie tale; gossip.
Cfdt/i, to tJitde.
Ociif^r^ noise, tattle, talkn dL5j?uL:ationp
Cfafirr, to make a noise by strikin^^ to
babble^ to prattle.
duiighf, clul<:htdf sei?.ed_
ChfigAfin, dure hilly, gr.i-iping,
Chtit, a clutch, a h^i^dfiiL
CUui, to sc^Ai^e.
Ciavcr, clover,
(T/jtrrfj ;^^usstp. nonsense,
Clciu/r a £crateh, a blo^v.
Ciat^, to ^ratch^ to strike.
1(
GLOSSARY
559
Ci^ymvr^, a twtj-hjxidtnl Ilit^hlm^l sword.
Cicciijrr^ a browl.
Ciccdf ti3 clothe.
C/^^i^^ tft snstiijh.
Ct^C^ii, firtfcL'd arms.
Dffi. Bidfly,
C/frt,^, a slorp EUokc] iin^le*
C/in.^, moncyn coin.
<r/in.^p to chjiik.
(T/iHi^H to rhjnie.
CUnk^tiy wjTh j1 ?mirt moLiunH
C/ffli^"pj, cfi^^ui^^ilr t'l*^ btadlc, the
bellman.
C^/f Vp theaif,
Chc^in-iim^^ ducking- (in f.> lijubir^-)
dme.
C/m?h the hoof.
Ch^Tijft cio^iJf hoofie, hoofs (a iiicknutTte
<jE Ihc Devil).
Chuft a bump or $^vclling alter a bioiv,
Clouf^ a clo^^^H a pai4:h,
Cioiiff to palchn
C/nc^, a cloud.
C!unf(,r to in^^kc a IioUovv ^und.
C(}/^r, ^ bto.id and Jiat boat.
Cflc^H tbe rjiJirk (m curling).
Coc^ic, dim* &E CfHik (at>p!hc:d to ao o]d
man).
C^^-^Jt fello^vsj good Ecltcjws,
Codf a |nL]ow.
Ci^ft, bouyEit.
Cog, a wtjodtn ddnkmg vchcU a por-
ridge dishp a curn mLJiure lor hors*.-5.
Consir^ dim, ^f co^t 3 liiilo dish.
Cpi"^> Ct^a/ti^ KyU l^jJle of th*^ ancicni dis^
iricti ol .Vyrshire),
ColfirsA^^S^t!, a squabble.
CwJ, cud.
C<w/, V. ^liif*
Co<}k^X hid-
Ccfor, cover.
Coosffr^ a courser, a sCallLon*
CMjr (i\ jf-H castji iMiied, chrc^v off,
to$sedp chucked.
Cpoti^y a smal] pail.
CoQihy leg-plumed.
Corbicf, ravL^ntp crows,
Cfl^n PiO", corri hi^ap.
Corn't, feci with corn.
Cr/r^C, cor^jse,
Cont^ cjoss.
Cou'd^a, couldrfff, couldft't
Cyffjj^?'tf, Countri'-
Coitp, to capiize,
C^ti/Aii^f ipuii/Jiyf lovingi allablep co^y^
Coti'f, to scarC] to daunt.
CVfPf . [O lopn
Oaf*, Crib; achnt; (jlk,
Oflr^p ^0 chala to talk*
Cr^ift, croJtx
Cniff'n^f cr^^li-ridgc.
Cj^j'S, die ^hfc],HH
Crffjfi, a cngr
Cr^igir, <Ji]ii. of craigh the throat.
Cr^igy^ craH^ry.
Cj'rff.t, ilic cc^rrt-crafctn the land^rail.
Cj'^jfrjAc?-fJijjj^, rSyioe.
Cptfmi<i-;/jjg/c, rb>'rtiinj;_
Ci'tiflp the support tor a pdt af kccde.
Cjtfni^tfrfj^ fretfuK
C^^Hi^A creak inys.
^j'flji?ti((rA, ho^r-lro^t,
Cp'^Pp cfnpi tQpH
C?'ijfrH crow,
C^'^^/h an o^icr basket
C7rf rfrV-c^irti'r^ stoo] of repenuince.
Cf'omi', inTimatc frtcnJn
(TrrJCrrfc-ni, cooed.
Croods, coos.
CpOc^^i moan, Ioivh
C^oaii, tu [{^IL
CrfliJjJi'jJg, humminj;.
Croojr, ^^iifc, cod^^ure, £et^ proud, cheer-
ful.
CrD"^Aj'c> hunchthacked,
Oojr/f^y, Cf>nfidi:ndv.
C^oW;>, mii^il and cold water* meal 3tid
milk, porridge.
Cp^^^jf'fifflfp porridgc-iim& (j. ;■-, brcak-
TaiL-time).
Crfjff^/jj, crawhnff.
Crj(F>jnit^p a horned cow.
crooked staff*
Crump, crisp,
(r?Hn/, a blow.
CiiddU, to fondle.
Cmf, coof, a dok, a ninny; a dastard.
Cit7c^, a kerchief for the head,
Cunrhi^^ a curtjy.
Cr^j/ffj an*.' wha play^ at curling.
560
Csfrph^, ilsc crupper nt a llorsc.
Curfic, tilt cnippcr (V. r,, buttt>ck5>H
CMiocfi;, the i>iili rjf rhe cttltwort.
Cfii/y-stc/itis^ stoofs tj( TctKnCmcc,
Off J, daddic, falter,
JJti/f^ mad, Edolifh.
AjjVj, planks.
D^jm^fj /f^-fr, an odd lmc rtf corn.
Oj/w, pcAMij3 water, urijiL\
iJaw/f, tfam, of danit-v
Dtfj^nff, dare nm,
Ujjrg, ];iboj-H i3sk, a day's work.
ZJvir^^Hy, in tht dark.
Di2S4dt a Jgrgepitce.
U^{£fi7orjf to djLix^t.
iJtff^r, dar*.^
DtJitrnn, dar4; not.
Dafir'f, da fed.
i>ifw^, dattir, ir\ fondle.
Dai'ii^y^ spiritless*
Drif*^, to da^vn.
/JffW.s-, lLini|>s.
Dua^un^fy, prtuilj, caressingly*
Dri^^, duattin
Dra^-tu^^^y cvlj-enltl/ rt?!u*.cantr
Driit'^, to doofcn,
Df/Y. dciil,
Dt-il'/}j£'i. ^<^t!]Enu {Devil have il),
PciI-77iiK£frr, Dcvl! may cire.
Df/cY^f^, dulirioLUp madi
jUf^i^jw, diTj'^inK-
Pfrjj rf, hid,
D^fcriic, lo describtn
Dfff^p duck.
Dfi^L a stiinnln^^ blnw.
&"^rf/f, to niovi^ qu]t:k|y.
Di^fff, to w:]?e.
Dfsf/if^ ivinnowvdj sifted.
D/jj, dujiT niudd>^ of coiiipfe>:ion+
Di^g, to beat, to ^iir(>^s;.
Di^k' trim.
fjiijifd> do nr]L
hPj>/, to vibraicp lo ring,
Ai'tt, dis:z<^fi, dti^^^vn.
GLOSSARY
;?^fV^-J, mtiddled, tlyiing; stupid, bc-
^vildcrctf,
Dousi^j viciousj bad^enipered; restive i
tejty,
iW/r wOt sorrnw.
Doo/fji\ dok-fti^ woful.
D{irfy^ pctiijsh.
D{/ftcCf Joii^c, sedate, ^ohcr^ prudcfi[p
OoKfiT, d^ii^cfy, doujt'ly, seditel/p pfu-
deiitty,
Doifdi'J, dandli^d,
Dou£Af (pret. of doiv), could*
Doiifirdr diicki:^L
Doftp^ the boccf^n.
Dai^p.til^rlfm'^ bottotVL-stnacker.
fJoffr, rftjwr^^ stubborn, ob&tinatc; cfciitjjigr
D^i^, dou/Cy ntn (is at arc) able^ can.
Ooi^, a dov?,
fJoftr/p ^CP^^, dull,
Dou^i^, ^Iroopin^^H moumfuL
Dauffiic, droopin[[.
Doit^Tta, can noL
Di?i^na-do (can not do), lack of power-
l^oylf, stupid, siupelred.
DoyJin^ doddering.
Do::ffr}'d, mrjjitln
Do^iriy tflrpidn
Dnsi^l'f, df3.gsled.
D^'iiuf, |>rosillg.
Draf, drop.
Di^jtr?tir}g, tedious.
Drcr, endure, r^urfer,
DriMiffy dr]z?Jc.
Driiidf^, lo toddb^
Dre^£/i, [[^if^u^p dull.
Droddurtj, ^hc breech.
Ur^Tic, paft nf the ba;!pjpt.
iy}Qc?p-rsiniptU, short- ruanf led,
Drojti;, to svetp to drc^nch.
Drouf;itr wetted.
DroitrAy [liir^L
DroifiAy, [hirsty.
Oriiiicn, Jr/jc-^r Fir drunken.
Dyi^mlic, ;Tmdd>% turbid.
Dn^Piffjof^p ra^v meal and cold water*
Drurrr, the huff.
Dry^ thirsty.
Dufy, puddle^ ^^lush,
Dffddi^, rjg&td.
Oiiddici, dim, af dudsn rags-
Diid^^ rH£5i clothes.
/JfrnWp throbbed, beat.
GLOSSARY
561
DftfAff pushed or thrown dawn ij^Nfc-ntly,
Dyi^c, i fence <f>f iiMc ot Curf), 1 avliI].
i^ywr^ ^ bankrupt.
F^^r% curly,
EartK ta^lc.
E>j ^
fVjjj even.
iiVn^ evcnjnp.
!i'^ii77\ evening.
£Vr, ever.
Cfrt>, apprehensive; inspiring yhoitly ftar-
EiYJ, eld.
t'/^wf-^p elbflw.
Eldntcfr, unenirrlilyn ligunTcdn fcarsomt.
iVrV- elected,
EHiT, e]dtr.
£u'p end,
Eri^^^gfi, enough-
Erf^^itif, infuld.
E/^^f r aim,
fjvffwjflj'r, evermore.
Ec'ff fiowM, downright p pouds^
Izy^rni, dili^enr.
fa', lotn fK^rtlcann
ftj'. To geif suici claim.
Fxitfdonj'dr lalbojncd.
Ftff, foe.
Farm^ foam.
fai^ct, let ofln excused.
Ftfin> fondh glad.
faifin^jf, fondness.
>'^/r /fl', £CH>d bcfdlll wekonie!
Fairirt, a present iron^ a iair.
F/tllou/f fcUoiTp
f^'ft, lallen.
fund, found.
fur-iiff, far-off,
Ftfr/^H Oal-cakes*
Fash, aonny^incOn
FfljA, (0 irfHtblc; worry.
fosh'J, fasA'r, bodiercd; irked-
Fs:jMofiS, traubfcjnjnOn
F^jttf^-r'rn, F.i%ten"b Hicn ((he i^t-^nmg
licfnri: Lcni).
lumid, the ihcep-fold.
fffrt/t/. folded.
Ft^idding, sheep-ioldjng*
Z'dWflH fa'len.
F^u^^^ fjl\e.
i-fl«,fr-icj/j/^^ hole in a eomst^ek.
/^fljW, fault
FflirJor, Tr:inp£rt5™r.
FaiiJ'sorjf^ KiemJy, vvell-doin^; jood-Iook-
F^j/, spruce,
Fcc/tr, fij^hc.
i^ff^r iht biiikh rhe nioii part.
Pff.^, vatuen r^^urn.
Ft'c^tt, wasstcoat; ileeve w^!$icoaE (used
by fji^m^servGnC^ Js liod^ vl^e and
jat:t:eO-
ft^'ifl^sif weakp pJd^[c^$H ftebit*
Fc^ijy, niDsdyp
/^rfi. a Sk-
/Vif. faith I
fndc, lend,
i'cirrjc. lu^ty.
FfW, kecnp cnit-lp dr<i,idfulj deadJy^ pun-
Fr^/, the cutk'c Under the &k[n.
Ff//y, i"elrnd«s,
fw'p a shifL
fcr?^'^ /c"n(/, io look after; lo care for;
keep off.
frf^cd^js, defcnsclwSF
fV7-/j>H /■"'^Vr 3 ivojider,
FcrlU, TO marvel.
Fcfc^cJ, cauzht^, gur^^les.
F^ich't, 5topjx^ suddenly.
Firy> fatid to de^iih-
ffdgr, Co ficigeCp to wryrple.
Ftdsi^i-f^ir^, [in^ling-wiEd.
f(Wp welL
f ifw/, fic^d, a petty oath.
FiViif fjp not a. devjt a.
Fi>ff^ /wcrn nothing ((iJind hasc ii),
Firji^ Affff <?\ not ojic of.
Fif7rt-ma<ffrc, the liend may care (I
don't!).
Ftrtf fifTC, companioD,
fi^f EDund, active.
Tp'ri', To find.
Fiiflr. tingkf fid^t iviih delight,
Fif, fooL
1
Ji
562
GLOSSARY
fiffir-IU7j\ the ntiar Iiorsf of the hirtt!-
tnoii pair in ihi^ plou^K.
Wjif, a flea.
Ha/n/ffj /7d;j/;fw> fljnncL
flang, flung.
f/ct. to fiy,
Fli^^sA^ fleece.
f/rg-, ^^rc, blow, jerk.
Ficsk'rm, EJaUerJnjj.
Flcfi^it, a sh^rp lasU,
F/fy, Co scare.
Ffidferin, flucrcfing,
Ftindn-x, slircrdsj broken pjtires.
Fiw^i^g, kicking cnH in ilancin^;; captring.
/'A/igj;j-/rff^ a jsiccL^ of luiibcr huEi;; by
^vay of partitii>n bccw^^cn two Jiortes
in a stabJL^; i flail,
Fiis^^if luiiiuil, cjptTtd-
/■Yi/^ i[] ihjfi,
Fh^Jcring, fluttering-
flysc, scold.
Pm.^x /orjfjn folk-
Fcdiit!, dumfjyn
F^mr^ fai'erl (j. f ., went)*
FM/'j'f/uy, Thurit]ay+
For^firf, forebcarjiT foc^fathers.
Forl^y^ iorhfiiy t^^ldef.
Forftiirti, \v^rn "Ui: forlorn-
F^rgatiicr^ Co mci^t with.
Forgic, lo foriiivc-
Forjrs/(ctr (adi^d.
FflrnV. ftjrwardp
Foi/tcr^ f^^lJer.
Fof^H /t^«^. ful] f^- c,x druok)-
Ft>rf^A/^H, troubled,
^^flFfTUflr^, n pfjiecitr
i^<j(frjpj?if , a quartcl.
FQutA, iuln^s^ abundan^Cn
Foi^, V. foil.
Fou^, a bushel.
fftWp Irom.
Frfd^An to froth.
Fr^mi/^ e^trin^ed, hostile.
Fy/, fulL
Pu'-han't, Eu 11 handed.
Fu^, a short tail (af a rabbit or hare)^
Fuff'/, pujTccf,
Fur^ /"rr, a furrnw,
fpfj^-ffijp, the hindmost plough-horse in
the furrow.
Furdcr, suf C«5.
Furd^r^ to ^uccc^d.
Twppj, a wmden form.
Ffi^onlrss, pithless, s.iples!;^ tasC^Tesi,
Fy^c, frei.
FytiCy tofus:^: fldfiec.
(7dZf, cln2 mouth,
Cfl^r to latk.
Ga&s, talk.
Cffr> ^avL-,
Cfj^> to go*
Gtiff/^ went,
6jfY^ SofLc.
Gatf^, w^ijSa manners.
Cdir^, goreSr
Cff^i\ to RO.
Gur^^rtrl, vagrant.
Gar^ to c^iULG, to m:^kf], to comj>i^l.
Giireoc^, the moorcwrk.
Gftrr^^i, Sorter.
Cflf/jp. ivLWi self-complacent (impl^inij
pnidenijjii jnd pro3|Hrii> ) s talkative.
Gii^At^^i;, talking, gabbmg,
Giii, got.
Giifc, ivity-foadp manner.
Gpt/y, enervated.
Guitcic, V. Gau^st^.
CahJ, a ^oad.
Gs{idji77tir}f £o^iIiii^i^fi^ driver oE the
plough- team.
Gufi'^. yivin,
^tifti^, gt^iftgx
GanriscJ, gaped, yawnpd-
Cau^fiy, a ffHotjiih woman or lad.
Gt^wfry^ foolish.
G^iu^s^c, buxom i jolly.
Gaylmf JjaitVi rather.
cVc^tff, money, wcalih; jioods: stuff.
C^r.^, to ^port^ [au tht! head.
Cff/r ii plkcn
G^r^ihs, gcnttyr
CfJT^H Trim and ele^[i3tit_
GrordU^ dim, of GL-orgt:^ a gtiiim,
GiT/, issuen offspiingj bcecd*
GAiiisf, ghosEd
(7j^f to fiive..
Cird^ gave.
Girrix given,
Ci/, if.
Ci/jVfx dim* of giftn
Gt&Uts, giggling youngsters or maid^H
Cdtir, dim. of ^:ill {gljss ot whiskey)*
Giii^, young giri.
Cfnimcr^ a youJi^ ewe.
I
J
GLOSSARY
563
Gin, if, ihoutJ, whether: b^'r
Gir^K Id ycinh 1^ iwi&c chi? face (buL frum
puin or ra^Cn not joy^i ^Jipci; ifiijrL.
G/^^f/fp F^lc^'^y? shiny^
C/jJYJjj'^, gr.ispeJn
(iVi^, J hawki a kite.
Ct/£^iic, u Glowlnj; coal.
Cleg, iniartly.
Gy^Pffm;!?, twjliirlm g/ort/iFiij'j/jdF;, sunsiil.
G^OH/ >, atare.
G/w^^r4> frown H Rrtawf.
Coavhif lotikin^ dii;4:dlyj moaning;.
<j"£f/£'djt, th<= wilik or innuntain. ti,i]sv.
C&ic^-jny, Cos'erccJ with wild dniisios.
CoH^f/;>, ihc? head.
GQU'ff'J, (LTLJe^k. 15 in die ^^acaii: of gnlf-
Cfi^^i^H lJic: L:uc:k^to, a duh.
Gctvling^ bmtfliirtK f^& a dog in n-'"Je(j.
Gruin'd, groancil.
Grflip, a dun^'^^rk.
Cri;j'r/ji;ji\ j^^caring, vt$LJiients_
Gn^pt, i^roiic.
Gr^r, rllt prkc fdtyCcc),
G?rfp Co a^i^cc.
Grff/p to ^titp,
Cr<7jij.vn mNirff. grc^aniiu; inaUn brewed for
a Ljinj^^in.
Groz^f, 2 ;;o<^Lcbcrry-
Grufnpfiic, the pjft.
Grnn\ the ^ruund.
Cr^flrfif, the fjce.
Grem^/i^H di]ii. [^f ^rui^lp
Grunzi^, growing.
Crtiif^n, wepr.
Gif'/^H Grain
GiJJi^- ff't J^-, aocidn
Gfiid-c'^rri, good evening,
tjtiid-fffi/xcr, fathcf-ln-1 a iv,
Ctiiff-nz^n^ hu^h^Ji*!-
O^tsi/'iirifcr mistress *^f ihL- h^uH.
Gitul-friflU, heartVn full of good-wilJ.
Gjy'AVj ff(f//yH a l=ir^^ knile.
(sSfin^rAtj^r, riotuu^ p'^y.
GwjJi/^^j muddy.
f^w/Tjy>noWj wiscioEn^
Cw/ry, tJsty,
Gufchcr, i^podiix^^ grandfather^
Htf\ hall.
//rf' /<^/^j the servants.
Hif^/fZ/pa, holduigj inheiJcqn^icH
Huf. fiave.
Wjif.', a ihjni;.
Hiiffcr, h^uff^i, t\K towj^lcj [he side ol
the head,
//jj^c^jj nde-fcK;I=s-
Hi^fjiifi^, li^lf, piAttly-
//dif, n niQsi, a brokf^n bo;;.
Htis^it, ^ st^eci^il Sci^ts puddinjTj ti^nlde of
ihetp's lurigii ii^c^r ant[ hearty onions
ancl oaunealj boileU in a ^hcerp'^
slorriach.
f/ijj>H to -^pare, fo save-
Hilii'^f, Ai/f'sl, linirvesC-
;j£fj?A, biili (ail oith^
Niihrr^, V. Aa^rrf.
H<d\ A*i/(/> h<>klJnL;> iKJs^^icvu
Htf/f, haifn the whole.
Hair, health.
Hulc, haiL, wholtn healthy,
Hu^rfOT^ie, whuilf-soiiie.
HuUiifj, 1 parutiocL woUj A porch^ outct
door.
WiE/ZoflJcrn, All Sftints^ Eve (jisl of
Hafioxt^nius, A\\ Sjint;' Uaj" (ist of No-
vcmber)-
Hoiy. holy.
Hamt, hojTie-
Haft\ ^lOHii^ handf
Har^^iiir£r v. -/d?H.
Hxirid'iirui'^, !iuid-i]lckcrl (p\ f., choietsc),
Hxm^ir^ hjngmati (nickcuuc o£ ibt
Duvtl).
Hiir^sci, the fir^t gift; earnest
Hfl/3, 1 wrapn a eavehciy againit cold.
H^P, to ih^lter*
Hafi^ tD hop.
Htjpp^', happer (oi 3 mill),
f Ixip'^f^p'iiTj '-loii^p, hop-stcp-and - j u mp,
l-liirf^ff, tieark^ncfl.
ffofn, coicw cloth,
//jij/jp an oaf.
Huj/of^ K/^M?, (he wool on tiie riL^^k of
El shi^ep.
i
i
564
GLOSSARY
ffaud, to holdp to kft-^p.
fliiNg/if, low-ly]iiE ficL Idi^ds by a fiver.
thitri, tfN [rail,
H^/^if, cud^ilch embrace,
fftjiTr^l, Afri>>(?/r one who uLks nonscrksCh
Wtrijnjj manners, coticTucI.
Htiiiffii^, 3 whtic-Iaccd cow; a mw,
Hrc/if, to |iroitiisc; threaten.
Wrr^r, To boisC-
WfiVfip bciftJiT hiah.
Hcm-fMn\I, crcwkcd-^iil'dd
H^rdj [I herd-boy*
H^rc awa, hercabotit.
flrrry, to harry,
WirrrywfHfH sjNjliaLLon,
H^rj:ffif herself.
H^^ hot.
H^u^/i^ a holbw or pkl * i^r^fip a ^fwp
bjnk,
//i7ri, to hobble,
HjVrjr-j^r//fr, hcltef-skclttr.
Wj;j;j"f/j himbirlf.
Hin^y, Ahny, honey.
Hing^ lo han^;.
Hirpi^y to move unevenly^ Lo limp.
Hissch, ;o many ciidc a:^ 0114^ person can
aitL-nd (H, B.).
Hiff/f, bare,
Hnzit, a hussyp a ^^^cnch,
H^aff, cou^h.
Hoddii^, the motion of 1 saj^ countc'ynun
Tiding on a cart^horie (A, }^?.
Hodifm-£rry, coarse pray ^vooJen,
WogfiJf, dim. of hofii a lamb,
W^fi-jrt>rjj a line on thi^ curling link
Hog'jAoutArr, a kind of horse-play b>'
josElinp ^vith the shouULer^ to jo^di^.
Iio£X£lic'cri7ii^f the hooded croiv^ tht car^
ritin cr€]W.
Huoii^^cJf, ^ra^pin^^p vulturish.
ftupfi^cifr t^jii^hc.
f/oc^^p che ouicr [^a$ep ihc fhi-^di.
/;<?cJ;r^ 5oEe|>',
HuQrd, hoard.
Hj^ordct, hoarded-
/■/orjj, a horn spooti^ a comb of horn.
Hornif, the DcvS1+
ierkcdr
Hctighm/igtindirf fornication.
Hoiipr, hope.
Horr, i^vcIL
H^ti^'dic, hoii^dy^ n tnidivitr^
Hou'r, hoi In w.
Hofi^ii, to diy.
Hituflrff tin* owl-
Hoyj^H a hoistn
W^l-'fj urfied <R. B.).
Woj-jr, To ambEe cra/ily (W. B.).
Wir^Aofn dim. 0/ Huj^h^
Huilwj^jy ^loven^-
Himdcr, a luindrL-dn
>/wrt'/jrtjflfc the iicci^eb^k^H
Itan/ii^}, urchin^
Hurdifjf rho loin?, iht? L-fuj»|H:r (R, Br)
(i\ f., tfio buttocks)*
//frr/, t(> irundle.
fiiis/iion, a Eoodess s^ockinj^*
//>/^p furious*
I\ in*
/f .^fp'. an par of corn,
irr'Off, a K^^^^'JE^^tidsrhild.
lifi, iffta, eachp every.
Ifl oV, b.id at it,
lli'fa^n, i]t^[jkortH
IfffAi^f, the DtviL
Ul-u/iilit, ill-naturL^H Jitygaidly,
fiidcnfi^, indencunnS'
Ingitic, eeniui^, ingenuity; wifn
Ir^S^ar, the (irtn the firesi<!e.
Inslf'cAftff, Ei reside (properly tlte jamb
of the fireplace).
iugl^'ioiiyc, iftgU-hw, Hame of the Urc^
Iff. I shilLor wiJL
Irtfi', itself,
^fifj', otherj another-
tiid, a jade.
i^nfi^ar^ Jantjarj".
fau^. To trifle^ to (lally,
i^itinfr, gabber.
laiif^^if^ di[ii. of jaunt,
/c/rf^, £])[ash,
/citf^ talk, impudence,
/.^^p to throWp to dash,
i^^S, to jog,
filled, a jilt,
^mf, srjialU slendcfx
Jitnply, ncatlj'r
-1
i
GLOSSARY
565
//wj^j the 5lJp.
fir/, a j<]4~k.
//^, a WL^^ _
/cj^ a ^wccihtjrr.
foa^Irs. a clajp-bnlfp.
/ow-^j to rfuckp (o ca^f^fi Cf» dcdged
/ou/^ lo powi 3 verb ^hkli Jni:li]iJcrl Imih
ilhe swin}!]n>r motion ^nd pc:iLin^ ^annJ
rtE a lirgt bell (R. B.J-
jzimfJtrfy jumpiTt iumpod.
fiiTtdic, Co jojclcd
/«^T, a servant ^%'eni;hH
K^, a jackdaw.
KjjY, ^-ti/f, the cokworl: cabh^sc: 5^ou"
heath.
Ki^fl-i^Iad^^ the Itaf ot the cdewortr
KiUl-giilii^, a ^ahbage knife.
Kail-ruisi, The iccni cjf [he colewort.
k'j(/'ii^*iW/r, a caljh^KL' kiij^t.
Kxiii-y^rrd, \^ kicchm R^rdta^
ft!*;^^, i^ijnf, rents in kioJh
A^d/n^, a comb.
^rirffjj raEler^-
Kcf^f^ur^, a cheese^ a kebbuok heel=t]ie
bsl crujE of a c^hec^ie.
^Vf^/^, to cii^lile, [*i giHfile.
Kffjt^'n-p/tfj/p the Looking-glasSF
f^^c^/j red chalk,
KeipiiTS, river demooj.
?\f tt, to knoWp
/iVnnjj, know not.
Krp^fij^p li vcrj- li^le (merely as muLh as
can 1^ ptrteiv^d).
Kcp^ to c;ii*:h.
Kc-r, the fleece on a shtep*s bodjr.
Kry, quay.
KiiiM^A, anxiety.
Kf/f r f^ t^ck up.
Kiniwrt", a wcnch^ a jwsiip; a wife-
Kjh\ kli^d.
King's^/rooJ, rh? -id src^mach in a run^i*
nant (equivocal for tht st:rntum).
Kinfra^ country.
/^jV^j church.
Ki'rfl, 1 4:hurn+
WiVhh harvesT bome+
Ki'rs^tty Co chd^^cn.
KiS^^ fhc&t^ counter.
Ki/cAf Jj. to reliih.
A.'^fr/fH dilTtcult, tickli&h, delicate, fickk
Kiuf^^ to tickle.
Ki/ilw, kitCLFi.
K^Etilin, cuddlinir.
Kf^dSgi^, keiol]b>'*
Knappin'ham/Hcri, h[iTT]iricrs lov breaking
stones.
Kfjoii'ry knolt.
Knurff .^nfrr/jflp divarl,
Kyt, mivs-
Kytcf, hillit^,
JCyl^^, i{} Shovp-.
I^uldie, chm. oE lad.
Lj^^r, a load.
L^j^, backward.
L(^}[S^r^' the bottoL^i an^li^ oi a woodeq
LiU^A, lov/.
Lfw^, lack.
Lfl/r^ tftfCp karning^
/jjj>J. landov^ncr.
L^^rr;]g^ sEhcking or linking in mo^s or
mud.
Lftit/r, loath.
LtiiiAju', loathfuEp sheepish.
hallan, lowli^nd
LJinnf^ a:ot5 Lowland vcrrtacul^r.
Ljjffliw^f, dim. of l&o^b,
L^Tn\ landr
Ldft'-ajorr, the foremost hor^u on th{± tlo-
plowcd Land side.
Lcrn'^fzA^'nH the hindmosl hor^e on the un-
pEoTved land side,
Lrffl^j lont+
Li^rig^ hmg.
fjit7g jyfir. Ions since, lonji SKO.
Lt/^r leapt.
fjair. tbi: TL-sr.
Ljii'£T£^'Jt. /ffi^'rorj^, the l:irk_
Ir^iviTi^ ihu rcckoftiflf^H
lu'ii, grujj, Lintilk-d hud.
ij-flr, ^orc^ tcarmng.
LfiSdy, Irtdy.
Lrf -/fljjgp tive-loilK-
/^I'jwmc", lawful.
L^^^c me on, dear is to mc^^ blessin;;^ ori;
commend me to,
L^iifcr, a lish-spcar*
L.rn\ to knd.
L^i^f>, laugh'd.
Lcfi/ff Ickok.
l^yCTi^Py lea-crop.
i^i'^A^f, ca^tr^tcd.
566
GLOSSARY
Urn, binh
Liff, The sky.
Lifi, h1 load.
Ljg'jf/y, to dispjrige^ tft scorn.
Uii, So sing.
JjjKfNcr, to jjde; misiross-
Zin, V. /tnn.
Lit7f7f a wijtcrf^ll.
Ujji'iiJAitr, flflz^-cnbrK].
LifUii^httr, The linncL
t^ppi^, diiTiH q[ lip,
Lo^rt, ;l l,in4?,
f^jicj'rt, the private road Icadiri;^ to a
farnir
Lo'cd, loved.
Lojr'flPp London.
Log! (pi. /otJL'fj), tht palm of the h^ndr
Lootf^ l^uTi, hwrj^ a fallow, a varlc[.
Z-H?tJJOrt;fp lovabk.
Looj, letr
Loaifc, love.
Lo^t'Cf, V. /ofl/.
L<?j^, a miiaccd Dni^h^
Loug/j, a j>om], i Iskc.
Lewp, tcu'Pf i€^ Ic^ip,
Lortf^ /oK/^H 3 flam*,
LoufiNy ioii/hij^^ fl^tmEr^gh burning.
Lot^J7, V. /c^fJh
Lowsf^ hfis^, to ^JIldc^ IcT Imsc-
L^fc^^/r a Kr^i^^Jniochcfj an uld w^^tnaft: an
ak wi£e.
Lnf J die car,
Lwfiif ^ havinc e.irs-
Lw/M^, a lonm.
LtxxttjyJi^ a ball4>on bonnet^
Lwjjrfitjp full portions.
L^u/^ a column of ^uii>bc or steam.
Li^niin, smoking.
Lifvc, love.
Ll'?^^ il"y Jn gtncrali discoCored b}r de-
cay or old agCh
Lynifjf linln^^.
^tw, more,
A/tfjYrtip meifirr, a fiinT].
.IftfiVjf, Molly*
hVjj^j", more.
Mass:, almost.
.WhT^h [nak{].
■Utf^ o\ wid^^ o'h to pcti to fortdlo.
A/rt//,Ma]fy.
MaMtc^lr, a mantle.
Mtfr^, jsarr-^, an oJd ScMs coin (13 T-_?d.
sterling).
AfasAIiim, of mi^cd meal,
.l/jf^i'rj-pflf, the teapot*
Mofi^iTr, a hare,
^VfT^diTH mij$t.
Maaf, male,
Mill^i^y ihe thrush.
.Mjijtjj. a large b[3sker,
iVfflfp a mare.
jlfr/^^r, miV^/fp niuc^i^, inu&ihp gccctt.
M^/ttrr, a ^rindin|y of coni-
j^ff//, to nieddlc.
Mcit'i^y to powder wiih mcal-dusL
jl/c^ij\ laiend.
■Wjfjij^. tacti discrcccQA, paLitcness.
^tcnicI£'s^, Unmannerly.
^fr^l^, the hbt-kblrdr
jl/rrrjji, Ma nan,
jl/ffX ^oAn, Wflff /p/;3T, the parish prjcst>
the minister,
Mcfjin, a cur, a mon^reL
_^/iVd/fn, a dunphill.
Sfidd^ff'iTrfij, manure -baskets.
Mi{f^tf2 diif^, niidd4:n puddle.
Mii^d^n'Aoiff, a gutter at the bottom of
the dunghil].
^{d^in£ j'fti'fA the mJkinjT shed.
j\tim, primt aJJectedly mtek.
AMim'Moit'd, prjm -lipped.
A/jh^ mind, remembrance.
jUja/Zh IQ remeinlier> to bear in mind,
.Ifjffn/Cn mother.
Mirii, dark-
Misird\ t[] ml^callp lo abuse.
H^fij^tfn/fF', mishap.
\f!sli^£ir'£iy mlschievouii unmannerly.
MUhcTy annthtr-
Mixfic-^axtitr^ confused.
flft^^J>, many.
rtJcp/y, crni^blini! f>arth, pravfl-
Mm;?, to nibhlLn to ketp close company,
to mcd^lEc^
W^/ji>, dtJslys j
JVfc?u^ die moudL 1
i
GLOSSARY
567
Muf^Aii^ji, an Englirih j^-int,
.Vtj, fljjf , noi not.
y^r^^ing, flfiflAfffi^, noLliine-
Wj/^p a nagr
A'jjn^j none.
\'appy^ altn liquor
^■a/^/^ a notchm^ iniplcrticnn abuse,
T^'^c^or, jTrtV^r, neiglibprd
A'ffi^ffjJi riccdii't.
jWjjf^ next.
jVfirfi^p flrti^.^, a Eook, a corn*.'r_
Nruf<ii'4, ntwly drtvcn.
NicJ( (AnM)p Mc^x^-^M, a, nune o* t'l'^
D*.^vJl.
MVj^, to wveri if> slit; 10 nail tc^ ^eize
s^^^ay.
jVjVj^-wjjf-^iflj, curicfSili*:?.
^7^J^J, cuts; the ring^ on a cow'i KornSn
jVi'tiJc'^ [he fist.
jVrfrf-^/p fistful.
jV;^j^p c.M:hange.
;^^f, a ntit.
Wo, nfiin
Noc^f. nrtthing^
Norijjiii, tianhtrn,
A'oH/r, flouts, izatde.
o^ of.
OVrt^^j tin: refrain; catchword.
Ort/r, my.
Or, ert, bcfcsrep
O'l, oi it.
Ofiglifiins, fihgftiliJij^ aught in ihe Jea^t;
at all. . .
OifW^^ shtvcrlnp, dtoopinfi-
Oufiirr, unhoui^.
Ou^r^f over, too.
Ofrj£^jj, oxen-
Ou^^Aor, author.
Oxt^r'd^ held np under the arms*
Ffici/^ ati' t/ii^^, confidential.
P{}idic, lo p^cMl^p [£] ^^adc; to wL^Tk wich
a weak Hi^cion,
Fffid/c, nntl^bag.
Paifjch, the paunch.
Pxtitrk^, a partridge; Used equivocally ol
a ^vantaa girl.
/^[ii/Vi^f;ip the parish.
P^^n'ifcf^, |>orrideer
PiirritcA-l^fs, porridge-pots*
P^r^ pot,
Piittte, p^fd£, a pIow-sta(T-
P^itg/i^y, haufihty.
P;i{^\ic, p^iitP^yr pxiu^^irr ^tffti}^ sly,
/Vf/wo, the itomach.
^Vf^n, panting, blowing.
P^iu^yu^f^etp, small bcci",
PtfilifpcgM (h^ Highlanders kilt
PArrfjjjj;, flattcringi wheedling.
P/jNw, to flaueri to wheedle,
;Vc^j^/^, a lew. a liidc-
rjjjf (ScQti), three imperial pinis.
Fir, put.
Pia^sif^, prcHziitnationSd
P^ffc^, four i^cnnie^ (Scots),
Pl&rl^icsf, penniless.
FIi}ideff, coarse ^voolen cloth.
WrtWfTp plaster.
PiemsA'd, stocked.
P/(^U{;/if pi^fi^, a plow-
Flisk^r, a trickn
PJjjTf /*, a plover.
Pock,, a pokcj a baR> a ^vallet.
P^/jji^, to sei?-ei CO diitrainn to impound,
Foorfuh, poverty.
Pan, tti pull.
Poitrfi, pockfht.
Potiff^, ley poke.
Poupii, pul|>ii.
Foitsc, a pysh,
Poii^jfr, a hnTfe (also a cat).
rtJfj^/jff, poii'iAiT^ pcjwdtc,
Poif//, chicks,
Potf', ihe poJln the head.
fo/i'mVp a pony.
Pou/'f, pulled.
/^rrf'rf, pried (proved)p tfksced.
Pntn, a jiin-
/'rrfi/, print.
Prj>, to Uste^
Pn>/r praof.
Prrfijv/;, hnigglinBH
Piz/^jj^V, dim. oE prlmn predse.
Pr&t^rjifjf provosts.
Pi/, ^a pull,
Pfiddxii-stooh, toadstooUp mushrooms,
Pmr, poor.
Pnw', pundj poundr
m
568
GLOSSARY
F^i^fic, a harCr
Pycr, a magpie.
Py^i:. to p]c;kr
Py/fjn grains.
Q^*ilf, quic quitted.
Qucffn, a youn;; woman, a iiss*
Q:i^irf choir.
Prjjfj", a ynunt^ cow.
Qui^tlin-ti/ifc, tjuactly*
^irf^VqUodj qiifrthr
Ptf*, rob.
Ptfrff, rode,
/fdi>> r& roar.
J^jTjVijs, roarin;;,
Rsiir'f, roarod.
Rair^y rjiCj rtise.
fitf/M, to cKciK, ang^r,
Fandic, lawless, obifrcpcroui.
Fiff^djc, randy, a scoundri^l, u rjsClE,
i^^i3/p to rollick p Co rui^ELf.
J^dnrjj mcjTj' mci^tinys: n^i^-^.
RupIarA, hnmcipun,
A'dM, a rush.
Paifi-huif, a clump of ni^K^j,
Rafiarj, raffcn, 2. rat.
Ratto7r'f(ty, the r.ii-quay.
Riiitci^f rough, bittei-f sturdv.
Rau^At, ranched.
Etfit', a row.
i^, lo srrctchh lo extend-
Rc^n2, creaiTip foam.
Rcar^^ lo creacn^ to Edam.
Rf fli'f, to rob.
fif^tf^f, rebuff,
Ji^d, aJ vised, afraid,
tied, rcdf, to ad^is*?, lo coujiseL
Jitd'Wai-iAod, red-wci-shod.
J?cJ-rrYi^r starL mad.
J^fCJ^F smoke.
Re^siitf scorched.
Rcfsiitf ^cfus^^d to go,
R^if, ihii^vin^,
R^mjTiid^ remedy*
ffif^/fj^ small siacb of corn in [he fieldi,
Rj>/+ plundtT.
J^j^, a ridge.
RjfiE^n. the roo(-lrK^ the rwf.
Rigwoodie, Icart-
R/;Ih to run,
fipj^H 3 hnifldful of c&rn from ihc she^,
RipfJin-l^anfr, tht \vool or l!a\ comb,
Rff!fjf, cracked.
Rtvc, to splitn to tear, to fug, td burst,
Km*, a distall.
fior^/rt, a social mcctingn
Rooii, round H shred.
Roofc, lo praise, to flatter^
Rf?Gf^^ reputation^
Rooffy, rusty,
RoitQ77, a tnit,
R^u7r\ round.
Rou/^ff exhausted En voice.
RotifAf V. fOtf^rAn
RoiiiAi^, WL-ll-5C<>ck«i.
/to^p rofvc, to roJIj to flow^ ai a riveri to
wrap^
Hofi^fc^ to loWp to belloWn
RowfA^ plenty, 3 store.
Ros^rt^ resin.
Hun-dciU, downrifihi dnils-
/■^/^flg, ft cudgel,
RurjfiJ'd, ^vrinkled.
R^in/p a cabbage or eolexvort stalkn
Ryk^f to reach,
Sa6^ to sobp
5*a/f, tofln
Sidrf sorCh hard± sevf>re> strong.
5jj>, to serve.
5ffj->, sairiy, sorely.
Sa^ri^, jorrowEul, sorry.
Sail, shall.
Sandy^ S^nn^c/i, dim, uf Alexander.
Sur^, A shict,
JdfigA, the willow.
^^rf/p soul.
5£!r^;t^on/, sau/mofit, the salmon.
Saurrtf ^aint.
ifii«/, salt.
Saut'ba^i^effy v. ijj;j^«;.
Jd^H [Q sow,
Jdit^rijT^ V. jMdy^
SaXj siK,
Jcir, to scare.
5f(irp V. jffljir.
Scafhe, jcsifh, damage; v* j-^ffi'rA.
Sfdiff^^ to £cald^
GLOSSARY
569
JfbWp scold.
S^ifiitd^ to scold .
Strtiur, afriitlj jipt t^^ bt scaroil.
Scai^Fj a JLJtCLng rock or bank of i^ardi.
Sr/jt?x she.
Scorrc, 2. joft flour c^kCn
Sirtnc/izt^^ calling hcKirwly.
.^tri-r^, a rip. a rent.
Sc^c^, to repeat rapidly, Eo mde.
Scxi^i/jix^ cjireerina-
Sctimjrit, scanty.
^fra^gjV, jfnsfjji, scrubby.
S^itidiuld'ryy bj^vdry.
Ji^rVj saw,
Jr/. Jf/\ jW^, self,
J-:WV. jfWV. sold.
S^pjph^ siinple.
5f;i\ $cnd.
5^1. to set offi to iHrt.
S^^itrArd, shapcl4?ss.
5A*ijW, shred, shard.
SAan^safif a cleEi stick'
54crn^^. .^hall noL
5*ffrfr, a fjrtny Eclloiv*
L?/jfii'ff, Tritkr
Shauf, a \vo4>J.
Shuu^, to show.
Shearer, a reaper.
M^n-t irfji<-=a p^^rson of no small
imp^^nancc.
S^fc^iy, wholly.
5frftT^j scissors.
SA^r.^'moor^ ihtrliTmuir.
5/j«^S^- ^ ditthj a furruw; jjutier.
i^^Yd^r shoo^^
jAjWp a sh?d, cottage.
5A|V^ shrJiJ,
^Ac^f, a shake.
Shool, a shovel.
54o^/?, lihoo^.
SAoTi^f Xo olTer^ to threaten.
5fl^r^ jyMf, a tiEtlt whlli; i*Ho.
,yA(?fff firr, j-Aowvfin-. shc]ulderH
Jij^rr, jAorf (did shear).
JjCx such.
J^ffjTFJ, such Qh
Sk^cr, steady, {:ertain; jjVj^^r JfOF'f =strLct
eonditions.
5ii/^/fVjjfc tidi!wayf«
Silhr, siKer; money in ficnera].
Jdj^^jFjfjj suinmer-
^riVr, son.
Siri'f sifiec-
Sitfd7'y, sundry,
S^ffjict, ^ingeil. shrivf]]ed.
JjVijJj the sun.
S^7if}y, tunny-
J^fTi/A. diimapc.
Sfc^cigA, J^j>g/j, i^kitdsh,
Sfii^lttim, ,1 good -for-noih ins.
S^^Ip^ a s^1J^ a smack-
i^f/p, to 5.pank; s^f^rit^hi ^f jr=drivin«
at it.
^^eipie'Ihumcr'f-fticc^ a t^Kihnical iL^nn in
f4:n]Ei|e scolding (R. Br).
J^f/rj'. shelvy.
SA;kgf^, V. j-^«j^-
Sfrjr^^^ris, watery*
Siitf^tjw, flittering,
J^ri7, ^t> cry t]r soufld sbrilly*
siflcnf, a alanCn a tilrnr
5^/tfnr, to slant> to squint, to cheit.
^■^^owfA^ scope.
J^p/ff/;^ a screain.
Sf;ricg/t, to scrc^jn, to whinny*
J^yrjji^ tlariny.
S^f^, itinircn lashn
Sfsdc, slidr
h7^j?p the sloe.
h^^jjj^j a breach in a fence; a |:ate.
Sliiu^f slow.
J^ifnf p slyn in^^nious.
J^-ff^a>. sltekp crafty,
Sh'ffd'ry, slippery*
J/o^riJx to slake.
Slyp^f, slipped,
Jwz^\ smalt.
Stticddum, a po^vder,
Sif}^rA.f smoke.
Smiddy, smithy.
^mi}{?r'd, ^loihered.
J/7Stjrf/j>, smutty.
Smyfric, a sn]gll eullection: a litter.
Snaiiin^ snetringx
JjSfl^, smart,
Sfjappcr, ro stumble
5fT£T-f4p abuje.
Sjiau/, snow.
SnuW't^ro^, snn^t'-brtw (melted snow).
Sncd^ to lopp to pr unt-
I
570
GLOSSARY
St^iT^sAin mill, ^ snuff-box-
ijii?//, biTTtif. biunp,
Jfli>^, a latch; ■f;?j*rj^-f^JVJK^jnj= scheming;
aT chc::lUJlg.
Snonds, fillets worn by maid^F
Sn^ya!, to crJn^T to timh,
lolty.
Joom, to swim.
5pff.^, suck.
SoTfpc, jftp, liquid.
Sofip/^, supple.
ioufcr, cohblcr.
^ai£^c7if, porridge of oat Rour.
Sowfiy (0 hum <>r wJiistlt in a low lunt.
^otiih^r, iQ solder.
J^^H to for4:ti:ll.
Sf^dirgf, lo siila^h; To spaiier,
Spj^. hpoke.
Sf Lj/^j, [loods.
i^rjf^ the itpaviq.
i^tfi^/, to climb.
Spc^r, jpjf p to ash.
Sprcf, Lo spit.
Spi'trcc, tbc parlw,
SpIrti^hffTA, pqiiuh.
Spiorr, a Ircilic: a carousal.
Sprach/'d, claniberctE.
^pmi^fr, scramblfTn
Spr^f^I^d, spoizkkd.
Spring, a qu]t!k Tunei a dance.
SpntiifT, full of roots or sprouu (a i^ind
of rtish)*
Sputif(, a match; a spark; fire^ spinL
Spunf(ic^ full of spirit.
S^rfffi^fV. liquor, s-pirtt-^.
SpKu^j'fj, pack-o'-larLitrnE. willro'-wkps.
Spurtfr-blailc, ti]c pnt-stLck.
S^uaff^^ to flrtp.
Sgualth, to scruat; To Mllle.
S/w*ff H To cotter.
Sisif;gi^j dim. of j^-rj^ .
i.'jjj^, d >'nijnfl hor^c^
i/tfpj'p stand.
i'Yflnf, stone,
s^/flffV, stood.
Sia^ffj ^tJn;;.
iV/j^?^, J hioai; a pond.
i"7jp, Co Slop.
Sfffpplc, 3. 5.Enpp*r,
Sforff, iitrojit^r
Sf^tfti^j, dinir of WKrjj;^ fJw^
ir^f-flj, siars.
Sf^rtfc, To course.
5/flf^o^rf/f h:^lf-wittcd.
J^/d«/, CO surfeit; to stckeOp
.V/jiJtJ^ stole.
Sic^^hi, cmmniifi^+
S^^c^, a stLi4:h.
i/^c^^, to ihut; to close.
Jfj?£^r. tri j-tir; to touch, mcddlt wilb-
J^ff f^r, compact.
5?f //, a sTill.
AVf^, a leaps a spring*
.5/mV, iprang.
Si^tifcd, crccce<]L set on high.
Sicf2fi; asKs^mcDtSp dues.
Si^ycsi, steepcsf.
Sffi^M^, fituhblc-
Siibf^f^-ng, chief reaper.
5w^-flJT*Wflii^r> completely.
5^//?H limp (^vith ihe aid o^ ^ei1[^)+
Sfw^pnTlr n cjuairer pe4:k.
ifwi^, a youn^ bullnckr
sSrfinT^H a pLint of c^ibba^e; colewort.
Sfoif^yf, stumbled.
Sioi^^^'d, sta^ijered.
Sfoor, harsh, ^tern.
S£oufi\ pangp throb-
Siotxr^^ dujCn
Siountf du5Ty,
S/oi^n^ stolen.
Sioii^nthjf, by stealth.
Sfoyfe, to sTafiger.
Sirfi^ rffj^/i, dejih tn htdn (fn tf^ ^A straw)*
Jrdr^H to strake-
J/rflngj sccnng.
Sfrtiughf, straijjht.
Sir^tiS^ii, to stretch.
Sir^^{if, stretched.
SJriddf^, to j^iraddle^
Str^n'i, 1 anted.
Jfrrfrtr, liquor.
S^riiTif, to swagger.
GLOSSARY
SfNfMpic, (]im. of jfUv7p^ q V;&rn quill,
i"^WJ/, til fr*.^[T to VOK*
Sturrit^, tuffhi^d. Rt,ij,';;ercd.
SitcSfcr, su;r2r,
h^r/i^, should. .
Slight s^^fifiA, sighj moan, wEiil^ swish.
SmnpAj chtirlr
Jw;;fp soofir
ii^fi//V, swelled.
iiii'iw/,;, liinlx'r.
ixi^jpr ts*:lianirt^r
S^'^ppcdj sivoppcdn exchanged.
Sfi^arJ, to swoon.
^/i^u^H swt^attd,
SwtiwA, ^imjitg,
iVt^ti^/^ new ale.
^jt^i'Wj curl.
Sioirfic, iwislccV Inaflgs",
s?i^i7^r h-i&te; olT jnd a^va^^
SiC'iy/icTj doubt, hesiLition.
Sii^iK^r*, swor?.
Jy^c^Wj a jouna union.
ij'n^^ since, then.
Tti^i^f/, shoc^nfiil.
7'tfj?p to.
Ttf-f'rf, toed.
Tuf tfp toad.
Trj^jjj taken.
TjJ^^ smill quanuty.
l^tfif'g^f to tarjj'cti
Tff^, taktn
Tn/t/. ft}ld.
TiTflfj one in eontra&t to other*
Ta7}gs, tf^ngs.
Tap, top.
Tapctfctf, sensefess.
Tapmosf, topmojL
Tappct^Avn, a erected hen-jih;i]>cd hotdc
hold mi! threi^ qu^ri% <^ claret.
Tiip'pfck.i^^ tlic grqiti at the top of ih*;
Topjfl^^ftfnf, top&y-tur?y-
Tfrrf^^ Id examine.
571
ruluctant, to
TiJiroti^f lo tarry; lo be
iiauFjrLur; ta w&ar^.
Tui^ic, a goblct.
Tiwt talk.
Tdw/rf, told.
Tdwi^f tra4!tali!c.
T\SivpiCf ^ itK^li^]1 woman.
r^hVp sn^all CF^^'^^ti'^^^
7wnp vexation.
TjWV, told.
T^wpi^'pin, a fiddle-pe;^: the regulatinj;
pin of ih^ spinning -wheel.
7Vjif, heed.
Tcfffy 10 rend; co hted; to observe,
Tt-wJi-tn watchful, car^uli heedful.
Tf'nfxrr, nifNft^ ^vatchful.
Tcf^fi^s^, careless.
Trjffr, an old iilvcr *:om abgiii si^j^ncf
in vaJue.
Tffl^p Look.
ritftfjt^ thateh; f/uici;^ ^n^J ntptf^ thi; cover*
iny of a house, ^nd t<^ home ncecssiries.
T^^rc, tho-'^e.
T/i^irm, j^jnaH yuts; Catgut (a Iiddle-
Th^c^it, thatched.
T/i^sifh^, together.
Tfitiri;, V. ^JCit fJ'j' ffifc^*
T^irt'clcj^^ (orbtddirte, spileftil.
y/j^r, thtsc.
T/jY>^U thrilled,
TAoI^, to endure^ to $uf^r,
T/iuii'sr, thuu i^halt-
7"icJitVf ihjw.
T^owi^^^y hz\ ^ uwle».
T/^pffpJg", hupjs thronginji! in crowds.
T/jia^ig, a (hrong-
TArivppiff, the windpipe.
Thr^t^, t^venty-four shelves nf corn.
T/jFVKf H a t^vist.
7A^iJff^ i€i twibt; to turn; to thwart*
T/;Fffi^jp ihrops.
TArenpr maintaini ar^uCn
TA?rrjYJT?jifj trio.
TAr^//^^m, thirteen.
TAr^tJ^, thirty,
rA™/f, chistfer
T^ristrd, thirsced,
TAfougA, mi7^ ro jfljt?/jgA=;make ^ood.
T/irou'ihrr (through oihtr)* pell-melL
!r/j(rm/wjvr/f polei:at.
Thy /^tic, alone.
L J
■I
572
^'5*^1 fiSrTp prepared.
Tip, CO i^
Tifni^ifrr, Liii]ber, niAteria],
Tine, to l<ise; Lo be ioit.
Tir^lit^r, tinker.
Tjn/. loit,
Tippir}2cc, iwopMrt.
TfWn to stnp-
TirL to knock for enhance.
7ifA^\ tho oihpr*
Tfttiiti, whispcrinp.
Torft^, to jjivc a dowrr't
Toi/p thci foK.
7^-/^'. thculL
TftJTJi, cmpiy-
T<K?^p tup. ram.
To^f, the tca^t.
Toun, n^^^'n^ farm stcidins.
Tf^w^t shaggy^
Tc^Y^j-, blaar.
TflWx Jtax, a rope.
Tou^MOjjJ, tQwmont, ^ Lwe^vemc^nth^
Tou^jing, rumpling (equivocal).
Toyif^, lo TOTcer.
TrarjfT^^grify^ change.
Trjthtri^, ^n]j]] traih,
Tfftt'j, tj-c^users.
Trig, cuz&c, trim.
Trinf^IiTj, flnwinp.
Tri7}'ic, the wheel of a barrow.
Trogg^, packinan.
TroajiVj^ warc£.
Tro^e, to barter.
Tf(^i^fc^ troU5Cr^rs.
Trof^^h, in Truth.
Tr/ffflp^ a lew's harp.
Trj'J/f H a f 3tri a cjitle'in^rkct^
Try^fr^l, Appoiniedr
TryUiT^g, mttiing.
Tuiyic, iuhfc, a sqUabbFe; a tussle.
T^i^J^ twci_
Tiv^hti(J, twofold, dfjublq-
Tti^ai Twelve; r^r rittf/=?t%vclve at night.
TkJ'oipcnmc i^yoriA, j penny worth (En^-
li^h mojiey).
Tu/ti^S' tivinye.
Tti/^'i/ir^i^f two or thrtc^
Tu^in^ iwsTtc^ Ed rob^ to deprive^ bereave.
GLOSSARY
Tii^istfcj a i^vLst; a sprain.
Tyke, a doj;.
Tyrje, V. n"n^.
TysJay, Tutsday,
/7/3^>. oi(.
Ur^chnf2i:y, dangtrous.
^>™. rtmftfkjblyt Uncommonly^ exces-
slv-^ly.
furop rcmarkiblej uneammorit Wrrible
(sarcs^LLc).
f/fffojp neivs, stranjje thin^^> wtrndcr^-
Unf(^f7d^ unkno^n-
Unsit^ffHT, uficcrtjsn-
Un^ifaifAcd, unhurt.
Ftfj^uriVH proud.
l^«y, veryn
Virif, rin^Sr
|^ff//f, vitcyalj Bfaiflh food.
VogiCf vaiii^
[J^iiAr ^ ^vcb.
Jf^ffJ, to w&gcr.
IVad^ to wed,
H^ad, would p would liase.
il'iid'a, would ha^T,
iV^Jfia, wou\d not.
tVaJ^c/, a inDftKigc-
l[-"<if, woful. aoffoWtuL
IVae, wo; ft'fffV T?j(f^ tvo \i to nic-
ii'iiejiic^^, alasF
|[^£?r j('Orj4> wo bcEall.
iVfiir, V, wtlrc.
iVifi^, to choose.
iViiic, c]ioi*:t.
iValtr, HTJw/jf, choictf amplcp Ijffie.
iVaihp^ To kicki to dangle^ to galloj); to
dmce.
Il'j/y /d', i]] befall!
Jl'umc-H the belly,
\Vuf7}^ou, bcLlylul.
iVan^ wan-
iytf?3i-Atfrt«>H dangerous.
[f^jj-f , w/fl;/-, to jpcfid; btstow.
K'flfHf H worn*
IftiP'.^, work.
ll' sir f('ium^, tool.
}^dfl\ u^arii^, world.
H^jr/otj^, a wizardn P-il
TTflr/y^ ft^fl^W/y* worldly, \^1
.^
GLOSSARY
573
H^jrjCp worsUr
iVdfj/if, fi^arsfiCt wrcitle^
irflfjj^rFi, awakcn
K'dwj^if (wilh cc>it). horny,
Waufic, lolly.
li^UYfTj lo w&t&t.
Tl^d/trV. worsted H bcJlJ-
U'tarj {^L^ c^ne)p a chiLd^
ri^^flWpWp habits*
iVcr/>t, 3 meosLire far corn.
JiVf, A htdci tf ^■"=^ ^liort space or
time»
li>f thif^ffs, chilJftn.
H^ff/. well,
Wfrl-fijurid^ \\vl I -favored.
J^ffffJV, niourniiiKS (on the sleeve or
hai).
iVcfcn^f wcTC noth
I^"f/J^jjt, wtiiern-
irAtf, ^vho.
IVhaiiic, wIicvMf
WAatfurl, whtl]*cd*
It^j^a/n^ whoDi.
il^Affrt, when,
ii^AffPffx a Ehivc.
It'Ajrp wharr, where,
It^AaV, who 13.
Wha^ for, u^&iiifoi'^, wherefore.
i^Ajrndp what.
What rrc^^ wh^t matter; ntvtrthelKs.
Whai/, whittled.
iVf^aup, ttic curlew.
Whaur, where.
WA^rp, V. pcnny-w^rrp.
jr/ijgjjjWrirrj^jp crot^hes^
Lj^/jj'|7^'i'Hh whinmg.
L^Ainj. lurze,
It^'t^iyiygigurtl^, fioUCJhhti.
H^Aajf p silence.
II^AjW^, whi^lle,
Ij'AjV/rr, a draft.
It^/'p with.
^KiVjt j2 J^cjfi', hit a curling-sione ohlitjUfly
and sericl ti ihrou^h an opening.
K^r'j, vvich hi&-
iriVp wifh it.
tl' icti/ifti'. Pill] C5WS -worthy*
Widdl^. wriggle.
Wight, strong-, stnut,
WigAfirr, more iiiHucnibl.
IVitlcat, wildcat.
Witlyurt, dLi&rdcrtd.
iVimpIc, To meander.
Win, won.
iVi^iii, to winnoiv,
ircjT/?d^ will not.
WsjiTTV^^, window-
tVin't, did wind,
[t'inf/r, a somersault'
Winric, to (tag^jcr; to s^^infis to wrifislc*
[t inrf. a curje.
Il^/Wp wish-
H^ortp to dwell,
Wc^n^r^ a wondirr
ir^Ji^'r wool.
\Vood!r, ujocdyy a rope (ortgifLallj" ol
wLthe^); a Rallowt rope.
iVo^dir^y twi^i, withes.
lyoocrr-Z^^Jn love-knots.
iL^orrfy, wcarihy,
It^tjrjfY, worsTcdt
[['prj/j, V. a^ac (TwfS*
[rrjjjA, gho^t.
ItVdffg, wrong.
lE^/^fT, wildn tnJld*
H^pjrtti/iTp wimble.
irjJi>^ofl^ undervcsL
iVyfr (we]ftht)> blaine.
tVyff^ ta blaitici to reproach.
Ytjrd^ a Harden; a stackyards
1
1^ I
574
Yclf, dry (tniiklrts)-
YcrJ, canhr
Yct/j earl.
Vtfjfr^^ffj [ait night-
GLOSSARY
Ydi, ale-
Yifl-Caiip, ak--^LnuLK
y^j^jflj yoking; 3 i|x4L a day'* work.
ypji, y^ncfLTt
Ton/, beyond,
You/e, ewe.
Vf^m^j dim. of ewe; a pet eWt
-^
■m
m
m
'Ba
■1
:^
m-
■^^*
^E^^Hfrlk
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