Burns Poems

Classic Poetry Series
Robert Burns
- poems -
Publication Date:
2004
Publisher:
PoemHunter.Com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive
Robert Burns (1759-1796)
Burns,sometimesknownasthe'ploughmanpoet',wastheeldestsonofa
poverty-strickenfarmer.ThoughhisfatherhadmovedtoAyrshire,where
Burnswasborn,inordertoattempttoimprovehisfortunes,heeventually
diedasabankrupt-aftertakingonfirstonefarmandthen,unsuccessful,
movingtoanother-in1784.Robert,whohadbeentoschoolsincetheage
ofsix,andwasalsoeducatedathomebyateacher,had,bytheageof
fifteen,alreadybecomethefarm'schieflabourer.Hehadalsoacquireda
readingknowledgeofFrenchandLatinandhadreadShakespeare,Dryden,
MiltonandtheBible.Afterhisfather'sdeath,heandhisbrothercontinued
farmingtogether,workingnowatMossigiel.
ThepovertyofBurns'earlylife,thoughfarfrombeingovercome,had
producedinhimasupporteroftheFrenchRevolutionandarebelagainst
bothCalvinismandthesocialorderofhistime.Hisrebelliousnaturesoon
becameevidentinhisacts.Burns'firstillegitimatechildwasbornetohimby
ElizabethPatonin1785.Twosetsoftwinslaterfollowed,andvarious
amorousintrigues,fromJeanAmour,whomheafterwardmarried.
ItwasalsoduringthisperiodthatBurns'firstachievedliterarysuccess.
ThoughhehadthoughtofemigrationtoJamaicaasapossiblewaytoavoid
hismountingproblems,hepublishedhisPoemsChieflyintheScottish
DialectonJuly311786atKilmarnock.Thisvolumecontained,amongothers,
'TheCotter'sSaturdayNight','ToaMouse','ToaMountainDaisy'and'The
HolyFair',allofwhichwerewrittenatMossigiel.Thevolumebroughthim
immediatesuccess.
After1787Burns,marriedin1788andhavingmovedtoEllislandwithhis
bride,workedchieflyforJamesJohnson,whomhemetinEdinburgh,and,
later,forGeorgeThomson.ItwasforthesementhatBurnscompiledand
addedtothetwogreatcompilationsofScottishsongs:Thomson'sScott's
MusicalMuseumandJohnson'sSelectCollectionofOriginalScottishAirsfor
theVoice.Alongsidethiswork,whichBurnsdidonanunpaidbasis,healso
worked,from1791onward,asanExciseOfficer.Thisallowedhimtogiveup
farmingandmovetotheDumfries.Hediedfromrheumaticfeverjustfive
yearslater,havingalsopublished,againin1791,hislastmajorwork,a
narrativepoementitled'TomO'Shanter'.
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive
A Bard's Epitaph
Isthereawhim-inspiredfool,
Owrefastforthought,owrehotforrule,
Owreblatetoseek,owreproudtosnool,
Lethimdrawnear;
Andowrethisgrassyheapsingdool,
Anddrapatear.
Isthereabardofrusticsong,
Who,noteless,stealsthecrowdsamong,
Thatweeklythisareathrong,
O,passnotby!
But,withafrater-feelingstrong,
Here,heaveasigh.
Isthereaman,whosejudgmentclear
Canothersteachthecoursetosteer,
Yetruns,himself,life'smadcareer,
Wildasthewave,
Herepause-and,thro'thestartingtear,
Surveythisgrave.
Thepoorinhabitantbelow
Wasquicktolearnthewisetoknow,
Andkeenlyfeltthefriendlyglow,
Andsofterflame;
Butthoughtlessfollieslaidhimlow,
Andstain'dhisname!
Reader,attend!whetherthysoul
Soarsfancy'sflightsbeyondthepole,
Ordarklinggrubsthisearthlyhole,
Inlowpursuit:
Know,prudent,cautious,self-control
Iswisdom'sroot.
RobertBurns
A Bottle And Friend

There'snanethat'sblestofhumankind,
Butthecheerfulandthegay,man,
Fal,la,la,&c.
Here'sabottleandanhonestfriend!
Whatwadyewishformair,man?
Whakens,beforehislifemayend,
Whathissharemaybeo'care,man?
Thencatchthemomentsastheyfly,
Andusethemasyeought,man:
Believeme,happinessisshy,
Andcomesnotayewhensought,man.
RobertBurns
A Dedication
Expectna,sir,inthisnarration,
Afleechin,fleth'rinDedication,
Torooseyouup,an'ca'youguid,
An'sprungo'greatan'noblebluid,
Becauseye'resurnam'dlikeHisGracePerhapsrelatedtotherace:
Then,whenI'mtir'd-andsaeareye,
Wi'monyafulsome,sinfu'lie,
SetupafacehowIstopshort,
Forfearyourmodestybehurt.
Thismaydo-maundo,sir,wi'themwha
Maunpleasethegreatfolkforawamefou;
Forme!saelaighIneednabow,
For,Lordbethankit,Icanplough;
AndwhenIdownayokeanaig,
Then,Lordbethankit,Icanbeg;
SaeIshallsay-an'that'snaeflatt'rinIt'sjustsicPoetan'sicPatron.
ThePoet,someguidangelhelphim,
Orelse,Ifear,someillaneskelphim!
Hemaydoweelfora'he'sdoneyet,
Butonly-he'snojustbegunyet.
ThePatron(sir,yemaunforgieme;
Iwinnalie,comewhatwillo'me),
Onev'ryhanditwillallow'dbe,
He'sjust-naebetterthanheshouldbe.
Ireadilyandfreelygrant,
Hedownaseeapoormanwant;
What'snohisain,hewinnatakit;
Whatancehesays,hewinnabreakit;
Oughthecanlendhe'llnorefus't,
Tillafthisguidnessisabus'd;
Andrascalswhilesthatdohimwrang,
Ev'nthat,hedoesnaminditlang;
Asmaster,landlord,husband,father,
Hedoesnafailhispartineither.
Butthen,naethankstohimfora'that;
Naegodlysymptomyecanca'that;
It'snaethingbutamilderfeature
Ofourpoor,sinfu'corruptnature:
Ye'llgetthebesto'moralworks,
'MangblackGentoos,andpaganTurks,
OrhunterswildonPonotaxi,
Whaneverheardoforthodoxy.
Thathe'sthepoorman'sfriendinneed,
Thegentlemaninwordanddeed,
It'snothro'terrorofdamnation;
It'sjustacarnalinclination.
Morality,thoudeadlybane,
Thytenso'thousandsthouhastslain!
Vainishishope,whasestayan'trustis
Inmoralmercy,truth,andjustice!
No-stretchapointtocatchaplack:
Abuseabrothertohisback;
Stealthroughthewinnockfraeawhore,
Butpointtherakethattaksthedoor;
Betothepoorlikeonywhunstane,
Andhaudtheirnosestothegrunstane;
Plyev'ryarto'legalthieving;
Nomatter-sticktosoundbelieving.
Learnthree-milepray'rs,an'half-milegraces,
Wi'weel-spreadlooves,an'lang,wryfaces;
Gruntupasolemn,lengthen'dgroan,
Anddamna'partiesbutyourown;
I'llwarranttheyye'renaedeceiver,
Asteady,sturdy,staunchbeliever.
Oyewhaleavethespringso'Calvin,
Forgumliedubsofyouraindelvin!
YesonsofHeresyandError,
Ye'llsomedaysqueelinquakingterror,
WhenVengeancedrawstheswordinwrath.
Andinthefirethrowsthesheath;
WhenRuin,withhissweepingbesom,
JustfretstillHeav'ncommissiongieshim;
Whileo'ertheharppaleMiserymoans,
Andstrikestheever-deep'ningtones,
Stillloudershrieks,andheaviergroans!
Yourpardon,sir,forthisdigression:
ImaistforgatmyDedication;
Butwhendivinitycomes'crossme,
Myreadersstillaresuretoloseme.
So,sir,yousee'twasnaedaftvapour;
ButImaturelythoughtitproper,
Whena'myworksIdidreview,
Todedicatethem,sir,toyou:
Because(yeneednatakitill),
Ithoughtthemsomethinglikeyoursel'.
Thenpatronizethemwi'yourfavor,
AndyourpetitionershalleverIhadamaistsaid,everpray,
Butthat'sawordIneednasay;
Forprayin,Ihaelittleskillo't,
I'mbaithdead-sweer,an'wretchedillo't;
ButI'serepeateachpoorman'spray'r,
Thatkensorhearsaboutyou,sir"Mayne'erMisfortune'sgowlingbark,
Howlthro'thedwellingo'theclerk!
Mayne'erhisgenrous,honestheart,
Forthatsamegen'rousspiritsmart!
MayKennedy'sfar-honour'dname
Langbeethishymenealflame,
TillHamiltons,atleastadizzen,
Arefraetheirnuptiallaboursrisen:
Fivebonielassesroundtheirtable,
Andsev'nbrawfellows,stoutan'able,
Toservetheirkingan'countryweel,
Byword,orpen,orpointedsteel!
Mayhealthandpeace,withmutualrays,
Shineontheev'ningo'hisdays;
Tillhiswee,curlieJohn'sier-oe,
Whenebbinglifenaemairshallflow,
Thelast,sad,mournfulritesbestow!"
Iwillnotwindalangconclusion,
Withcomplimentaryeffusion;
But,whilstyourwishesandendeavours
AreblestwithFortune'ssmilesandfavours,
Iam,dearsir,withzealmostfervent,
Yourmuchindebted,humbleservant.
Butif(whichPow'rsaboveprevent)
Thatiron-heartedcarl,Want,
Attended,inhisgrimadvances,
Bysadmistakes,andblackmischances,
Whilehopes,andjoys,andpleasuresflyhim,
MakeyouaspooradogasIam,
Yourhumbleservantthennomore;
Forwhowouldhumblyservethepoor?
But,byapoorman'shopesinHeav'n!
Whilerecollection'spow'risgiv'nIf,inthevaleofhumblelife,
Thevictimsadoffortune'sstrife,
I,thro'thetender-gushingtear,
Shouldrecognisemymasterdear;
Iffriendless,low,wemeettogether,
Then,sir,yourhand-myFriendandBrother!
RobertBurns
A Dream
Guid-Mornin'toourMajesty!
MayHeavenaugmentyourblisses
Onev'rynewbirth-dayyesee,
Ahumblepoetwishes.
Mybardshiphere,atyourLevee
Onsicadayasthisis,
Issureanuncouthsighttosee,
Amangthaebirth-daydresses
Saefinethisday.
Iseeye'recomplimentedthrang,
Bymonyalordan'lady;
"GodsavetheKing"'sacuckoosang
That'suncoeasysaidaye:
Thepoets,too,avenalgang,
Wi'rhymesweel-turn'dan'ready,
Wadgaryoutrowyene'erdowrang,
Butayeunerringsteady,
Onsicaday.
Forme!beforeamonarch'sface
Ev'nthereIwinnaflatter;
Forneitherpension,post,norplace,
AmIyourhumbledebtor:
So,naereflectiononyourGrace,
YourKingshiptobespatter;
There'smonywaurbeeno'therace,
Andaiblinsanebeenbetter
Thanyouthisday.
'Tisverytrue,mysovereignKing,
Myskillmayweelbedoubted;
Butfactsarechielsthatwinnading,
An'downabedisputed:
Yourroyalnest,beneathyourwing,
Ise'enrightreftandclouted,
Andnowthethirdparto'thestring,
An'less,willgangabootit
Thandidaeday.^1
Farbe'tfraemethatIaspire
Toblameyourlegislation,
Orsay,yewisdomwant,orfire,
Torulethismightynation:
Butfaith!Imuckledoubt,mysire,
Ye'vetrustedministration
Tochapswhainbarnorbyre
Wadbetterfill'dtheirstation
Thancourtsyonday.
Andnowye'vegienauldBritainpeace,
Herbrokenshinstoplaister,
Yoursairtaxationdoesherfleece,
Tillshehasscarceatester:
Forme,thankGod,mylife'salease,
Naebargainwearin'faster,
Or,faith!Ifear,that,wi'thegeese,
Ishortlyboosttopasture
I'thecraftsomeday.
I'mnomistrustingWilliePitt,
Whentaxesheenlarges,
(An'Will'satrueguidfallow'sget,
Anamenotenvyspairges),
Thatheintendstopayyourdebt,
An'lessena'yourcharges;
But,God-sake!letnaesavingfit
Abridgeyourboniebarges
An'boatsthisday.
Adieu,myLiege;mayfreedomgeck
Beneathyourhighprotection;
An'mayyeraxCorruption'sneck,
Andgieherfordissection!
ButsinceI'mhere,I'llnoneglect,
Inloyal,trueaffection,
TopayyourQueen,wi'duerespect,
Mayfealtyan'subjection
Thisgreatbirth-day.
Hail,MajestymostExcellent!
Whilenoblesstrivetopleaseye,
Willyeacceptacompliment,
Asimplepoetgiesye?
Thaeboniebairntime,Heav'nhaslent,
Stillhighermaytheyheezeye
Inbliss,tillfatesomedayissent
Forevertoreleaseye
Fraecarethatday.
Foryou,youngPotentateo'Wales,
Itellyourhighnessfairly,
DownPleasure'sstream,wi'swellingsails,
I'mtauldye'redrivingrarely;
Butsomedayyemaygnawyournails,
An'curseyourfollysairly,
Thate'eryebrakDiana'spales,
Orrattl'ddicewi'Charlie
Bynightorday.
Yetaftaraggedcowt'sbeenknown,
Tomakanobleaiver;
So,yemaydoucelyfillthethrone,
Fora'theirclish-ma-claver:
There,him^2atAgincourtwhashone,
Fewbetterwereorbraver:
Andyet,wi'funny,queerSirJohn,^3
Hewasanuncoshaver
Formonyaday.
Foryou,rightrev'rendOsnaburg,
Nanesetsthelawn-sleevesweeter,
Altho'aribbonatyourlug
Wadbeenadresscompleter:
Asyedisownyonpaughtydog,
ThatbearsthekeysofPeter,
Thenswith!an'getawifetohug,
Ortrowth,ye'llstainthemitre
Somelucklessday!
Young,royalTarry-breeks,Ilearn,
Ye'velatelycomeathwartherAgloriousgalley,^4stemandstern,
Weelrigg'dforVenus'barter;
Butfirsthangout,thatshe'lldiscern,
Yourhymenealcharter;
Thenheaveaboardyourgrappleairn,
An'largeuponherquarter,
Comefullthatday.
Ye,lastly,bonieblossomsa',
Yeroyallassesdainty,
Heav'nmakyouguidaswellasbraw,
An'gieyouladsa-plenty!
ButsneernaBritishboysawa!
Forkingsareuncoscantaye,
An'Germangentlesarebutsma',
They'rebetterjustthanwantaye
Ononyday.
Gadblessyoua'!considernow,
Ye'reuncomuckledautit;
Buterethecourseo'lifebethrough,
Itmaybebittersautit:
An'Ihaeseentheircoggiefou,
Thatyethaetarrow'tatit.
Butorthedaywasdone,Itrow,
Thelaggentheyhaeclautit
Fu'cleanthatday.
RobertBurns
10
A Fiddler In The North

Amangthetrees,wherehummingbees,
Atbudsandflowerswerehinging,O,
AuldCaledondrewoutherdrone,
Andtoherpipewassinging,O:
'TwasPibroch,Sang,Strathspeys,andReels,
Shedirl'dthemafffu'clearly,O:
Whentherecam'ayello'foreignsqueels,
Thatdanghertapsalteerie,O.
Theircaponcrawsan'queer"ha,ha's,"
Theymadeourlugsgroweerie,O;
Thehungrybikedidscrapeandfyke,
Tillwewerewaeandweary,O:
Butaroyalghaist,whaancewascas'd,
Aprisoner,aughteenyearawa',
Hefir'daFiddlerintheNorth,
Thatdangthemtapsalteerie,O.
RobertBurns
11
A Fond Kiss
Afondkiss,andthenwesever;
Afarewell,andthenforever!
Deepinheart-wrungtearsI'llpledgethee,
WarringsighsandgroansI'llwagethee.
WhoshallsaythatFortunegrieveshim,
Whilethestarofhopesheleaveshim?
Me,naecheerfu'twinklelightsme;
Darkdespairaroundbenightsme.
I'llne'erblamemypartialfancy,
NothingcouldresistmyNancy;
Buttoseeherwastoloveher;
Lovebuther,andloveforever.
Hadweneverlov'dsaykindly,
Hadweneverlov'dsayblindly,
Nevermet--orneverparted-Wehadne'erbeenbroken-hearted.
Faretheewell,thoufirstandfairest!
Faretheewell,thoubestanddearest!
Thinebelikeajoyandtreasure,
Peace.enjoyment,love,andpleasure!
Afondkiss,andthenwesever;
Afarewell,alas,forever!
WarringsighsandgroansI'llwagethee!
RobertBurns
12
A Man's a Man for A' That

Isthereforhonestypoverty
Thathingshishead,an'a'that;
Thecowardslave-wepasshimby,
Wedarebepoorfora'that!
Fora'that,an'a'that,
Ourtoilsobscurean'a'that,
Therankisbuttheguinea'sstamp,
Theman'sthegowdfora'that.
Whatthoughonhamelyfarewedine,
Wearhoddingrey,an'a'that?
Giefoolstheirsilks,andknavestheirwine,
Aman'samanfora'that.
Theirtinselshow,an'a'that,
Thehonestman,tho'e'ersaepoor,
Iskingo'menfora'that.
Yeseeyonbirkieca'dalord,
Whastruts,an'stares,an'a'that;
Tho'hundredsworshipathisword,
He'sbutacooffora'that.
Hisribband,star,an'a'that,
Themano'independentmind
Helooksan'laughsata'that.
Apricecanmakabeltedknight,
Amarquise,duke,an'a'that;
Butanhonestman'saboonhismight,
Gudefaith,hemaunnafa'that!
Theirdignitiesan'a'that,
Thepitho'sense,an'prideo'worth,
Arehigherrankthana'that.
Thenletuspraythatcomeitmay,
(Ascomeitwillfora'that,)
ThatSenseandWorth,o'era'theearth,
Shallbearthegree,an'a'that.
Thatmantoman,theworldo'er,
Shallbrithersbefora'that.
RobertBurns
13
A Poets Welcome to His Love-Begotten Daughter

Thou'swelcome,wean;mishanterfa'me,
Ifthoughtso'thee,oryetthymammie,
Shalleverdauntonmeoraweme,
Mysweetweelady,
OrifIblushwhenthoushaltca'me
Tytaordaddie.
Tho'nowtheyca'mefornicator,
An'teasemynameincountraclatter,
Themairtheytalk,I'mkendthebetter,
E'enletthemclash;
Anauldwife'stongue'safecklessmatter
Togieanefash.
Welcome!mybonie,sweet,weedochter,
Tho'yecomehereaweeunsoughtfor,
Andtho'yourcomin'Ihaefoughtfor,
Baithkirkandqueir;
Yet,bymyfaith,ye'renounwroughtfor,
ThatIshallswear!
Sweetfruito'monieamerrydint,
Myfunnytoilisnoa'tint,
Tho'thoucamtothewarl'asklent,
Whichfoolsmayscoffat;
Inmylastplackthypart'sbein't
Thebetterha'fo't.
Tho'Ishouldbethewaurbestead,
Thou'sbeasbrawandbienlyclad,
Andthyyoungyearsasnicelybred
Wi'education,
Asoniebrato'wedlock'sbed,
Ina'thystation.
Weeimageo'mybonieBetty,
AsfatherlyIkissanddautthee,
AsdearandnearmyheartIsetthee
Wi'asgudewill
Asa'thepriestshadseenmegetthee
That'souto'hell.
Lordgrantthatthoumayayeinherit
Thymither'sperson,grace,an'merit,
An'thypoor,worthlessdaddy'sspirit,
Withouthisfailins,
'Twillpleasememairtoseetheeheirit,
Thanstockitmailens.
ForifthoubewhatIwadhaethee,
AndtakthecounselIshallgiethee,
I'llneverruemytroublewi'thee-
14
Thecostnorshameo't,
Butbealovingfathertothee,
Andbragthenameo't.
RobertBurns
15
A Poets's Welcome to His Love-Begotten Daughter

Thefirstinstancethatentitledhimtothevenerableappellationof
father.
Thou'swelcome,wean;mishanterfa'me,
Ifthoughtso'thee,oryetthymammie,
Shalleverdauntonmeoraweme,
Mysweetweelady,
OrifIblushwhenthoushaltca'me
Tytaordaddie.
Tho'nowtheyca'mefornicator,
An'teasemynameincountraclatter,
Themairtheytalk,I'mkendthebetter,
E'enletthemclash;
Anauldwife'stongue'safecklessmatter
Togieanefash.
Welcome!mybonie,sweet,weedochter,
Tho'yecomehereaweeunsoughtfor,
Andtho'yourcomin'Ihaefoughtfor,
Baithkirkandqueir;
Yet,bymyfaith,ye'renounwroughtfor,
ThatIshallswear!
Sweetfruito'monieamerrydint,
Myfunnytoilisnoa'tint,
Tho'thoucamtothewarl'asklent,
Whichfoolsmayscoffat;
Inmylastplackthypart'sbein't
Thebetterha'fo't.
Tho'Ishouldbethewaurbestead,
Thou'sbeasbrawandbienlyclad,
Andthyyoungyearsasnicelybred
Wi'education,
Asoniebrato'wedlock'sbed,
Ina'thystation.
Weeimageo'mybonieBetty,
AsfatherlyIkissanddautthee,
AsdearandnearmyheartIsetthee
Wi'asgudewill
Asa'thepriestshadseenmegetthee
That'souto'hell.
Lordgrantthatthoumayayeinherit
Thymither'sperson,grace,an'merit,
An'thypoor,worthlessdaddy'sspirit,
Withouthisfailins,
'Twillpleasememairtoseetheeheirit,
Thanstockitmailens.
16
ForifthoubewhatIwadhaethee,
AndtakthecounselIshallgiethee,
I'llneverruemytroublewi'theeThecostnorshameo't,
Butbealovingfathertothee,
Andbragthenameo't.
RobertBurns
17
A Red, Red Rose

Ohmyluveislikeared,redrose,
That'snewlysprunginJune:
Ohmyluveislikethemelodie,
That'ssweetlyplay'dintune.
Asfairartthou,mybonielass,
SodeepinluveamI;
AndIwillluvetheestill,mydear,
Tilla'theseasgangdry.
Tilla'theseasgangdry,mydear,
Andtherocksmeltwi'thesun;
Whilethesandso'lifeshallrun.
Andfaretheeweel,myonlyluve!
Andfaretheeweelawhile!
AndIwillcomeagain,myluve,
Tho'itweretenthousandmile!
RobertBurns
18
A Winter Night
1WhenbitingBoreas,fellanddoure,
2Sharpshiversthro'theleaflessbow'r;
3WhenPhbusgiesashort-liv'dglow'r,
4Farsouththelift,
5Dim-dark'ningthro'theflakyshow'r,
6Orwhirlingdrift:
7Aenightthestormthesteeplesrocked,
8PoorLaboursweetinsleepwaslocked,
9Whileburns,wi'snawywreethsupchoked,
10Wild-eddyingswirl,
11Orthro'theminingoutletbocked,
12Downheadlonghurl.
13List'ning,thedoorsan'winnocksrattle,
14Ithoughtmeontheouriecattle,
15Orsillysheep,whabidethisbrattle
16O'winterwar,
17Andthro'thedrift,deep-lairing,sprattle,
18Beneathascar.
19Ilkhappingbird,wee,helplessthing!
20That,inthemerrymonthso'spring,
21Delightedmetoheartheesing,
22Whatcomeso'thee?
23Wharewiltthoucow'rthychitteringwing
24An'closethye'e?
25Ev'nyouonmurd'ringerrandstoil'd,
26Lonefromyoursavagehomesexil'd,
27Theblood-stain'droost,andsheep-cotespoil'd
28Myheartforgets,
29Whilepitylessthetempestwild
30Soreonyoubeats.
RobertBurns
19
Address To A Haggis
Fairfa'yourhonest,sonsieface,
Greatchieftaino'thepuddin-race!
Aboonthema'yetakyourplace,
Painch,tripe,orthairm:
Weelareyewordyofagrace
Aslang'smyarm.
Thegroaningtrencherthereyefill,
Yourhurdieslikeadistanthill,
Yourpinwadhelptomendamill
Intimeo'need,
Whilethro'yourporesthedewsdistil
Likeamberbead.
HisknifeseerusticLabourdight,
An'cutyeupwi'readyslight,
Trenchingyourgushingentrailsbright
Likeonieditch;
Andthen,Owhataglorioussight,
Warm-reekin,rich!
Then,hornforhorn,theystrechan'strive:
Deiltakthehindmost!ontheydrive,
Tilla'theirweel-swall'dkytesbelyve,
Arebentlikedrums;
ThenauldGuidman,maistliketorive,
'Bethankit!'hums.
IstherethatowrehisFrenchragout
Oroliothatwadstawasow,
Orfricasseewadmakherspew
Wi'perfectsconner,
Looksdownwi'sneering,scornfu'view
Onsicadinner?
Poordevil!seehimowrehistrash,
Asfecklessasawither'drash,
Hisspindleshank,aguidwhip-lash,
Hisnieveanit;
Thro'bluidyfloodorfieldtodash,
Ohowunfit!
ButmarktheRustic,haggis-fed,
Thetremblingearthresoundshistread.
Clapinhiswalienieveablade,
He'llmakeitwhissle;
An'legs,an'arms,an'headswillsned,
Liketapso'thrissle.
YePow'rswhamakmankindyourcare,
Anddishthemouttheirbillo'fare,
AuldScotlandwantsnaeskinkingware
20
Thatjaupsinluggies;
But,ifyewishhergratefu'prayer,
GieheraHaggis!
RobertBurns
21
Address to the Devil

1Othou!whatevertitlesuitthee,-2AuldHornie,Satan,Nick,orClootie!
3Whainyoncavern,griman'sootie,
4Clos'dunderhatches,
5Spairgesaboutthebrunstanecootie
6Toscaudpoorwretches!
7Hearme,AuldHangie,forawee,
8An'letpoordamnedbodiesbe;
9I'msuresma'pleasureitcangie,
10E'entoadeil,
11Toskelpan'scaudpoordogslikeme,
12An'hearussqueel!
13Greatisthypow'r,an'greatthyfame;
14Farken'dan'notedisthyname;
15An'tho'yonlowinheugh'sthyhame,
16Thoutravelsfar;
17An'faith!thou'sneitherlagnorlame,
18Norblatenorscaur.
19Whyles,ranginglikearoarinlion,
20Forpreya'holesan'cornerstryin;
21Whyles,onthestrong-wing'dtempestflyin,
22Tirlin'thekirks;
23Whyles,inthehumanbosompryin,
24Unseenthoulurks.
25I'veheardmyrev'rendgrauniesay,
26Inlanelyglensyeliketostray;
27Orwhareauldruin'dcastlesgray
28Nodtothemoon,
29Yefrightthenightlywand'rer'sway
30Wi'eldritchcroon.
31Whentwilightdidmygrauniesummon
32Tosayherpray'rs,doucehonestwoman!
33Aftyontthedikeshe'sheardyoubummin,
34Wi'eeriedrone;
35Or,rustlinthro'theboortreescomin,
36Wi'heavygroan.
37Aedreary,windy,winternight,
38Thestarsshotdownwi'sklentinlight,
39Wi'youmyselIgatafright,
40Ayontthelough;
41Yelikearash-bussstoodinsight,
42Wi'wavingsugh.
43Thecudgelinmynievedidshake,
44Eachbristl'dhairstoodlikeastake,
45Whenwi'aneldritch,stoor'Quaick,quaick,'
22
46Amangthesprings,
47Awayesquatter'dlikeadrake,
48Onwhistlingwings.
49Letwarlocksgriman'wither'dhags
50Tellhowwi'youonragweednags
51Theyskimthemuirsan'dizzycrags
52Wi'wickedspeed;
53Andinkirk-yardsrenewtheirleagues,
54Owrehowketdead.
55Thence,countrawiveswi'toilan'pain
56Mayplungean'plungethekirninvain;
57Foroh!theyellowtreasure'staen
58Bywitchinskill;
59An'dawtet,twal-pinthawkie'sgaen
60Asyell'sthebill.
61Thence,mysticknotsmakgreatabuse,
62Onyoungguidmen,fond,keen,an'croose;
63Whenthebestwark-lumei'thehouse,
64Bycantraipwit,
65Isinstantmadenoworthalouse,
66Justatthebit.
67Whenthowesdissolvethesnawyhoord,
68An'floatthejinglinicy-boord,
69Thenwater-kelpieshauntthefoord
70Byyourdirection,
71An'nightedtrav'lersareallur'd
72Totheirdestruction.
73Andaftyourmoss-traversingspunkies
74Decoythewightthatlateandrunkis:
75Thebleezin,curst,mischievousmonkeys
76Deludehiseyes,
77Tillinsomemirysloughhesunkis,
78Ne'ermairtorise.
79WhenMasons'mysticwordangrip
80Instormsan'tempestsraiseyouup,
81Somecockorcatyourragemaunstop,
82Or,strangetotell!
83Theyoungestbritheryewadwhip
84Affstraughttohell!
85Langsyne,inEden'dbonieyard,
86Whenyouthfu'loversfirstwerepair'd,
87Anallthesouloflovetheyshar'd,
88Theraptur'dhour,
89Sweetonthefragrantflow'ryswaird,
90Inshadybow'r;
23
91Thenyou,yeauldsnick-drawindog!
92YecamtoParadiseincog,
93Andplay'donmanacursedbrogue,
94(Blackbeyourfa'!)
95Angiedtheinfantwarldashog,
96Maistruin'da'.
97D'yemindthatday,wheninabizz,
98Wi'reeketdudsanreestetgizz,
99Yedidpresentyoursmoutiephiz
100Mangbetterfolk,
101An'sklentedonthemanofUz
102Yourspitefu'joke?
103An'howyegathimi'yourthrall,
104An'brakhimouto'houseandhal',
105Whilescabsandblotchesdidhimgall,
106Wi'bitterclaw,
107An'lows'dhisill-tongued,wickedscaul,
108Waswarstava?
109Buta'yourdoingstorehearse,
110Yourwilysnaresan'fechtinfierce,
111Sin'thatdayMichaeldidyoupierce,
112Downtothistime,
113WaddingaLallantongue,orErse,
114Inproseorrhyme.
115An'now,AuldCloots,Ikenye'rethinkin,
116AcertainBardie'srantin,drinkin,
117Somelucklesshourwillsendhimlinkin,
118Toyourblackpit;
119Butfaith!he'llturnacornerjinkin,
120An'cheatyouyet.
121Butfareyouweel,AuldNickie-ben!
122Owadyetakathoughtan'men'!
123Yeaiblinsmight--Idinnaken-124Stillhaeastake:
125I'mwaetothinkupo'yonden,
126Ev'nforyoursake!
RobertBurns
24
Address To The Tooth-Ache

Mycurseuponyourvenom'dstang,
Thatshootsmytortur'dgumsalang;
Andthro'mylugsgiesmonyatwang,
Wi'gnawingvengeance;
Tearingmynerveswi'bitterpang,
Likerackingengines!
Whenfeversburn,oraguefreezes,
Rheumaticsgnaw,orcholicsqueezes;
Ourneighbors'sympathymayeaseus,
Wi'pityingmoan;
Butthee--thouhello'a'diseases-Theymockourgroan!
Adownmybeardtheslaverstrickle!
Ithrowtheweestoolso'erthemickle,
Asroundthefirethegigletskeckle,
Toseemeloup;
Whileravingmad,Iwishaheckle
Wereintheirdoup.
O'a'thenum'roushumandools,
Illhar'sts,daftbargains,cutty-stools,
Orworthyfriendsrak'di'themools,
Sadsighttosee!
Thetrickso'knaves,orfasho'fools,
Thoubear'stthegree.
Where'erthatplacebepriestsca'hell,
Whencea'thetoneso'mis'ryyell,
Andrankdplaguestheirnumberstell,
Indreadfu'raw,
Thou,Tooth-ache,surelybear'stthebell
Amangthema'!
Othougrim,mischief-makingchiel,
Thatgarsthenotesofdiscordsqueel,
Tilldaftmankiudaftdanceareel
Ingoreashoe-thick;-Giea'thefoeso'Scotland'sweal
Atowmond'sTooth-ache!
RobertBurns
25
Address to the Unco Child

MySon,thesemaximsmakearule,
An'lumpthemayethegither;
TheRigidRighteousisafool,
TheRigidWiseanither:
Thecleanestcornthaterewasdight
Mayhaesomepyleso'caffin;
Sone'erafellowcreatureslight
Forrandomfitso'daffin.
Solomon.--Eccles.ch.vii.verse16
Oyewhaaresaeguidyoursel',
Saepiousandsaeholy,
Ye'venoughttodobutmarkandtell
Yourneibours'fautsandfolly!
Whaselifeislikeaweel-gaunmill,
Suppliedwi'storeo'water;
Theheapdhapper'sebbingstill,
An'stilltheclapplaysclatter.
Hearme,yevenerablecore,
Ascounselforpoormortals
ThatfrequentpassdouceWisdom'sdoor
ForglaikitFolly'sportals:
I,fortheirthoughtless,carelesssakes,
Wouldhereproponedefences-Theirdonsietricks,theirblackmistakes,
Theirfailingsandmischances.
Yeseeyourstatewi'theirscompared,
Andshudderattheniffer;
Butcastamoment'sfairregard,
Whatmakesthemightydiffer?
Discountwhatscantoccassiongave,
Thatpurityyepridein;
And(what'saftmairthana'thelave)
Yourbetterarto'hidin.
Think,whenyourcastigatedpulse
Giesnowandthenawallop,
Whatragingsmusthisveinsconvulse,
Thatstilleternalgallop!
Wi'windandtidefairi'yourtail,
Rightonyescudyoursea-way;
Butintheteetho'baithtosail,
Itmaksauncolee-way.
SeeSocialLifeandGleesitdown,
Alljoyousandunthinking,
Till,quitetransmugrified,they'regrown
DebaucheryandDrinking:
Owouldtheystaytocalculate
26
Th'externalconsequences;
Oryourmoredreadedhelltostate
Damnationofexpenses!
Yehigh,exalted,virtuousdames,
Tiedupingodlylaces,
BeforeyegiepoorFrailtynames,
Supposeachangeo'cases;
Adear-lov'dlad,conveniencesnug,
Atreach'rousinclination-Butletmewhisperi'yourlug,
Ye'reaiblinsnaetemptation.
Thengentlyscanyourbrotherman,
Stillgentlersisterwoman;
Tho'theymaygangakenninwrang,
Tostepasideishuman;
Onepointmuststillbegreatlydark,-ThemovingWhytheydoit;
Andjustaslamelycanyemark,
Howfarperhapstheyrueit.
Whomadetheheart,'tisHealone
Decidedlycantryus;
Heknowseachchord,itsvarioustone,
Eachspring,itsvariousbias:
Thenatthebalancelet'sbemute,
Wenevercanadjustit;
What'sdonewepartlymaycompute,
Butknownotwhat'sresisted.
RobertBurns
27
Address to the Unco Guid

MySon,thesemaximsmakearule,
An'lumpthemayethegither;
TheRigidRighteousisafool,
TheRigidWiseanither:
Thecleanestcornthaterewasdight
Mayhaesomepyleso'caffin;
Sone'erafellowcreatureslight
Forrandomfitso'daffin.
Solomon.--Eccles.ch.vii.verse16
Oyewhaaresaeguidyoursel',
Saepiousandsaeholy,
Ye'venoughttodobutmarkandtell
Yourneibours'fautsandfolly!
Whaselifeislikeaweel-gaunmill,
Suppliedwi'storeo'water;
Theheapdhapper'sebbingstill,
An'stilltheclapplaysclatter.
Hearme,yevenerablecore,
Ascounselforpoormortals
ThatfrequentpassdouceWisdom'sdoor
ForglaikitFolly'sportals:
I,fortheirthoughtless,carelesssakes,
Wouldhereproponedefences-Theirdonsietricks,theirblackmistakes,
Theirfailingsandmischances.
Yeseeyourstatewi'theirscompared,
Andshudderattheniffer;
Butcastamoment'sfairregard,
Whatmakesthemightydiffer?
Discountwhatscantoccassiongave,
Thatpurityyepridein;
And(what'saftmairthana'thelave)
Yourbetterarto'hidin.
Think,whenyourcastigatedpulse
Giesnowandthenawallop,
Whatragingsmusthisveinsconvulse,
Thatstilleternalgallop!
Wi'windandtidefairi'yourtail,
Rightonyescudyoursea-way;
Butintheteetho'baithtosail,
Itmaksauncolee-way.
SeeSocialLifeandGleesitdown,
Alljoyousandunthinking,
Till,quitetransmugrified,they'regrown
DebaucheryandDrinking:
Owouldtheystaytocalculate
28
Th'externalconsequences;
Oryourmoredreadedhelltostate
Damnationofexpenses!
Yehigh,exalted,virtuousdames,
Tiedupingodlylaces,
BeforeyegiepoorFrailtynames,
Supposeachangeo'cases;
Adear-lov'dlad,conveniencesnug,
Atreach'rousinclination-Butletmewhisperi'yourlug,
Ye'reaiblinsnaetemptation.
Thengentlyscanyourbrotherman,
Stillgentlersisterwoman;
Tho'theymaygangakenninwrang,
Tostepasideishuman;
Onepointmuststillbegreatlydark,-ThemovingWhytheydoit;
Andjustaslamelycanyemark,
Howfarperhapstheyrueit.
Whomadetheheart,'tisHealone
Decidedlycantryus;
Heknowseachchord,itsvarioustone,
Eachspring,itsvariousbias:
Thenatthebalancelet'sbemute,
Wenevercanadjustit;
What'sdonewepartlymaycompute,
Butknownotwhat'sresisted.
RobertBurns
29
Ae Fond Kiss
1Aefondkiss,andthenwesever;
2Aefareweel,andthenforever!
3Deepinheart-wrungtearsI'llpledgethee,
4WarringsighsandgroansI'llwagethee.
5WhoshallsaythatFortunegrieveshim,
6Whilethestarofhopesheleaveshim?
7Me,naecheerfu'twinklelightsme;
8Darkdespairaroundbenightsme.
9I'llne'erblamemypartialfancy,
10NaethingcouldresistmyNancy;
11Buttoseeherwastoloveher;
12Lovebuther,andloveforever.
13Hadweneverlov'dsaekindly,
14Hadweneverlov'dsaeblindly,
15Nevermet--orneverparted-16Wehadne'erbeenbroken-hearted.
17Faretheeweel,thoufirstandfairest!
18Faretheeweel,thoubestanddearest!
19Thinebeilkajoyandtreasure,
20Peace.enjoyment,love,andpleasure!
21Aefondkiss,andthenwesever;
22Aefareweel,alas,forever!
23Deepinheart-wrungtearsI'llpledgethee,
24WarringsighsandgroansI'llwagethee!
RobertBurns
30
Ae Fond Kiss, And Then We Sever

Aefondkiss,andthenwesever;
Aefareweel,andthenforever!
WhoshallsaythatFortunegrieveshim
Whilethestarofhopesheleaveshim?
Me,naecheerfultwinklelightsme,
Darkdespairaroundbenightsme.
I'llne'erblamemypartialfancy;
NaethingcouldresistmyNancy;
Buttoseeherwastoloveher,
Lovebuther,andloveforever.
Hadweneverlovedsaekindly,
Hadweneverlovedsaeblindly,
Nevermet-orneverparted,
Wehadne'erbeenbroken-hearted.
Faretheeweel,thoufirstandfairest!
Faretheeweel,thoubestanddearest!
Thinebeilkajoyandtreasure,
Peace,enjoyment,love,andpleasure!
Aefondkiss,andthenwesever;
Aefareweel,alas,forever!
RobertBurns
31
Afton Water
1Flowgently,sweetAfton,amongthygreenbraes,
2Flowgently,I'llsingtheeasonginthypraise;
3MyMary'sasleepbythymurmuringstream,
4Flowgently,sweetAfton,disturbnotherdream.
5Thoustock-dove,whoseechoresoundsthro'theglen,
6Yewildwhistlingblackbirdsinyonthornyden,
7Thougreen-crestedlapwing,thyscreamingforbear,
8Ichargeyoudisturbnotmyslumberingfair.
9Howlofty,sweetAfton,thyneighbouringhills,
10Farmark'dwiththecoursesofclearwindingrills;
11TheredailyIwanderasnoonriseshigh,
12MyflocksandmyMary'ssweetcotinmyeye.
13Howpleasantthybanksandgreenvalleysbelow,
14Wherewildinthewoodlandstheprimrosesblow;
15Thereoft,asmildEv'ningsweepsoverthelea,
16Thesweet-scentedbirkshadesmyMaryandme.
17Thycrystalstream,Afton,howlovelyitglides,
18AndwindsbythecotwheremyMaryresides,
19Howwantonthywatershersnowyfeetlave,
20Asgatheringsweetflowretsshestemsthyclearwave.
21Flowgently,sweetAfton,amongthygreenbraes,
22Flowgently,sweetriver,thethemeofmylays;
23MyMary'sasleepbythymurmuringstream,
24Flowgently,sweetAfton,disturbnotherdream
RobertBurns
32
Again Rejoicing Nature Sees

Againrejoicingnaturesees
Herrobeassumeitsvernalhues,
Herleafylookswaveinthebreeze,
Allfreshlysteep'dinmorningdews.
AndmaunIstillonMeniedoat,
Andbearthescornthat'sinheree?
Forit'sjet,jetblack,an'it'slikeahawk,
An'itwinnaletabodybe!
Invaintomethecowslipsblaw,
Invaintomethevi'letsspring;
Invaintome,inglenorshaw,
Themavisandthelintwhitesing.
AndmaunIstill...
Themerryploughboycheershisteam,
Wi'joythetentieseedsmanstalks,
Butlifetome'sawearydream,
Adreamofanethatneverwauks.
AndmaunIstill...
Thewantoncootthewaterskims,
Amongthereedstheducklingscry,
Thestatelyswanmajesticswims,
AndeverythingisblestbutI.
AndmaunIstill...
Theshepherdsteekshisfauldingslap,
Andowrethemoorlandswhistlesshill,
Wi'wild,unequal,wand'ringstep,
Imeethimonthedewyhill.
AndmaunIstill...
Andwhenthelark,'tweenlightanddark,
Blythewaukensbythedaisy'sside,
Andmountsandsingsonflutteringwings,
Awoe-wornghaistIhamewardglide.
AndmaunIstill...
Come,Winter,withthineangryhowl,
Andragingbendthenakedtree;
Thygloomwillsoothemycheerlesssoul,
WhenNatureallissadlikeme!
AndmaunIstill...
RobertBurns
33
Ah, Woe Is Me, My Mother Dear

Ah,woeisme,mymotherdear!
Amanofstrifeye'vebornme:
ForsaircontentionImaunbear;
Theyhate,revile,andscornme.
Ine'ercouldlendonbillorband,
Thatfivepercent.mightblestme;
Andborrowing,onthetitherhand,
Thedeilaanewadtrustme.
YetI,acoin-deniedwight,
ByFortunequitediscarded;
YeseehowIam,dayandnight,
Byladandlassblackguarded!
RobertBurns
34
Anna
YestreenIhadapinto'wine,
Aplacewherebodysawna;
Yestreenlayonthisbreasto'mine
ThegowdenlocksofAnna.
ThehungryJewinwilderness
Rejoicingo'erhismanna
Wasnaethingtomyhineybliss
UponthelipsofAnna.
YeMonarchstaketheEastandWest
FraeIndustoSavannah:
Giemewithinmystraininggrasp
ThemeltingformofAnna!
ThereI'lldespiseImperialcharms,
Anempressorsultana,
Whiledyingrapturesinherarms,
Igivean'takewi'Anna!
Awa,thouflauntingGodofDay!
Awa,thoupaleDiana!
Ilkstar,gaehidethytwinklingray,
WhenI'mtomeetmyAnna!
Come,inthyravenplumage,Night
(Sun,Moon,andStars,withdrawna')
AndbringanAngel-pentowrite
MytransportswithmyAnna!
TheKirkanStatemayjoin,antell
TodosicthingsImaunna:
TheKirkanStatemaygaetoHell,
AndI'llgaetomyAnna.
Sheisthesunshineo'mye'e,
TolivebutherIcanna:
HadIonearthbutwishesthree,
ThefirstshouldbemyAnna.
RobertBurns
35
Anna, thy Charms

YestreenIhadapinto'wine,
Aplacewherebodysawna;
Yestreenlayonthisbreasto'mine
ThegowdenlocksofAnna.
ThehungryJewinwilderness
Rejoicingo'erhismanna
Wasnaethingtomyhineybliss
UponthelipsofAnna.
YeMonarchstaketheEastandWest
FraeIndustoSavannah:
Giemewithinmystraininggrasp
ThemeltingformofAnna!
ThereI'lldespiseImperialcharms,
Anempressorsultana,
Whiledyingrapturesinherarms,
Igivean'takewi'Anna!
Awa,thouflauntingGodofDay!
Awa,thoupaleDiana!
Ilkstar,gaehidethytwinklingray,
WhenI'mtomeetmyAnna!
Come,inthyravenplumage,Night
(Sun,Moon,andStars,withdrawna')
AndbringanAngel-pentowrite
MytransportswithmyAnna!
TheKirkanStatemayjoin,antell
TodosicthingsImaunna:
TheKirkanStatemaygaetoHell,
AndI'llgaetomyAnna.
Sheisthesunshineo'mye'e,
TolivebutherIcanna:
HadIonearthbutwishesthree,
ThefirstshouldbemyAnna.
RobertBurns
36
Auld Farmer's New-Year-Morning Salutation to His Auld Mare, Maggie On

giving her the accustomed ripp of corn to hansel in the New-Year, The
AGuideNew-yearIwishthee,Maggie!
Hae,there'saripptothyauldbaggie:
Tho'thou'showe-backitnow,an'knaggie,
I'veseentheday
Therecouldhaegaenlikeonystaggie,
Out-owrethelay.
Tho'nowthou'sdowie,stiffan'crazy,
An'thyauldhideaswhite'sadaisie,
I'veseenthedappl't,sleekan'glaizie,
Aboniegray:
Heshouldbeentightthatdaur'ttoraizethee,
Anceinaday.
Thouancewasi'theforemostrank,
Afillybuirdly,steevean'swank;
An'setweeldownashapelyshank,
Ase'ertreadyird;
An'couldhaeflownout-owreastank,
Likeonybird.
It'snowsomenine-an'-twentyyear,
Sin'thouwasmyguid-father'smear;
Hegiedmethee,o'tocherclear,
An'fiftymark;
Tho'itwassma','twasweel-wongear,
An'thouwasstark.
WhenfirstIgaedtowoomyJenny,
Yethenwastrottingwi'yourminnie:
Tho'yewastrickie,slee,anfunnie,
Yene'erwasdonsie;
Buthamely,tawie,quiet,an'cannie,
An'uncosonsie.
Thatday,yepranc'dwi'mucklepride,
Whenyeburehamemyboniebride:
An'sweetan'gracefu'shedidride,
Wi'maidenair!
Kyle-StewartIcouldbraggedwide
Forsicapair.
Tho'nowyedowbuthoyteandhobble,
An'wintlelikeasaumontcoble,
Thatday,yewasajinkernoble,
Forheelsan'win'!
An'ranthemtilltheya'didwauble,
Far,far,behin'!
Whenthouan'Iwereyoungan'skeigh
An'stable-mealsatfairsweredreigh,
Howthouwadprance,andsnore,an'skreigh
37
An'taktheroad!
Town's-bodiesran,an'stoodabeigh,
An'ca'ttheemad.
Whenthouwascorn't,an'Iwasmellow,
Wetooktheroadayelikeaswallow:
Atbroosesthouhadne'erafellow,
Forpithan'speed;
Butev'rytailthoupay'tthemhollow,
Whare'erthougaed.
Thesma',droop-rumpl't,huntercattle
Mightaiblinswaurttheeforabrattle;
ButsaxScotchmile,thoutry'ttheirmettle,
An'gar'tthemwhaizle:
Naewhipnorspur,butjustawattle
O'saughorhazel.
Thouwasanoblefittie-lan',
Ase'erintugortowwasdrawn!
Afttheean'I,inaughthours'gaun,
InguidMarch-weather,
Haeturn'dsaxroodbesideourhan',
Fordaysthegither.
Thouneverbraing't,an'fetch't,an'fliskit;
Butthyauldtailthouwadhaewhiskit,
An'spreadabreedthyweel-fill'dbrisket,
Wi'pithan'power;
Tillsprittieknoweswadrair'tan'riskit
An'slypetowre.
Whenfrostslaylang,an'snawsweredeep,
An'threaten'dlabourbacktokeep,
Igiedthycogaweebitheap
Aboonthetimmer:
Iken'dmyMaggiewadnasleep,
Forthat,orsimmer.
Incartorcarthouneverreestit;
Thesteyestbraethouwadhaefac'tit;
Thouneverlap,an'sten't,andbreastit,
Thenstoodtoblaw;
Butjustthystepaweethinghastit,
Thousnoov'tawa.
Mypleughisnowthybairn-timea',
Fourgallantbrutesase'erdiddraw;
ForbyesaxmaeI'vesell'tawa,
Thatthouhastnurst:
Theydrewmethretteenpundan'twa,
Theverawarst.
38
Monyasairdaurkwetwahaewrought,
An'wi'thewearywarl'fought!
An'monyananxiousday,Ithought
Wewadbebeat!
Yetheretocrazyagewe'rebrought,
Wi'somethingyet.
An'thinkna',myauldtrustyservan',
Thatnowperhapsthou'slessdeservin,
An'thyaulddaysmayendinstarvin;
Formylastfow,
Aheapitstimpart,I'llreserveane
Laidbyforyou.
We'veworntocrazyyearsthegither;
We'lltoyteaboutwi'aneanither;
Wi'tentiecareI'llflitthytether
Tosomehain'drig,
Whareyemaynoblyraxyourleather,
Wi'sma'fatigue.
RobertBurns
39
Auld Lang Syne

Shouldauldacquaintancebeforgot,
Andneverbroughttomind?
Shouldauldacquaintancebeforgot,
Andauldlangsyne!
Chorus-Forauldlandsyne,mydear,
Forauldlangsyne,
We'lltakacupo'kindnessyet,
Forauldlangsyne.
Andsurelyye'llbeyourpintstowp!
AndsurelyI'llbemine!
Andwe'lltakacupo'kindnessyet,
Forauldlangsyne.
Chorus...
Wetwahaerunaboutthebraes,
Andpou'dthegowansfine;
Butwe'vewander'dmonyawearyfit
Sin'auldlangsyne.
Chorus...
Wetwahaepaidl'dintheburn,
Fraemorningsuntilldine;
Butseasbetweenusbriadhaeroar'd
Sin'auldlangsyne.
Chorus...
Andthere'sahand,mytrustyfere!
Andgie'sahando'thine!
Andwe'lltak'arightgude-williewaught,
Forauldlangsyne.
Chorus...
RobertBurns
40
Banks O' Doon, The

Yebanksandbraeso'bonieDoon,
Howcanyebloomsaefreshandfair?
Howcanyechant,yelittlebirds,
AndIsaewearyfu'o'care!
Thou'llbreakmyheart,thouwarblingbird,
Thatwantonsthro'thefloweringthorn:
Thoumindsmeo'departedjoys,
Departednevertoreturn.
AftIrov'dbyBonieDoon,
Toseetheroseandwoodbinetwine:
Andilkabirdsango'itsluve,
AndfondlysaedidIo'mine.
Wi'lightsomeheartIpu'darose,
Fu'sweetuponitsthornytree!
Anymyfauseluverstawmyrose,
Butah!heleftthethornwi'me.
RobertBurns
41
Battle Of Sherramuir, The

"Ocamyeherethefighttoshun,
Orherdthesheepwi'me,man?
OrwereyeattheSherra-moor,
Ordidthebattlesee,man?"
"Isawthebattle,sairandteugh
Andreekin-redranmonieasheugh;
Myheart,forfear,gaesoughforsough,
Tohearthethuds,andseethecluds
Oclansfraewoodsintartanduds
Whaglaum'daticingdomsthree,man.
"Thered-coatladswi'blackcockauds,
Tomeetthemwerenaslaw,man;
Theyrush'dandpush'd,andbluidoutgush'd,
Andmonieaboukdidfa',man!
ThegreatArgyleledonhisfiles,
Iwattheyglanc'dfortwentymiles;
Theyhough'dtheclanslikenine-pinkyles,
Theyhack'dandhash'd,whilebraid-swordsclashed,
Andthrotheydash'd,andhew'dandsmash'd,
Tillfeymendiedawa,man.
"Buthadyeseenthephilibegs,
Andskyrintartantrews,man;
Whenintheteeththeydaur'dourWhigs,
AndCovenanttrueblues,man!
Inlinesextendedlangandlarge,
Whenbaig'netso'erpower'dthetarge,
Andthousandshasten'dtothecharge,
Wi'Highlandwrathandfracthesheath
Drewbladeso'death,till,outo'breath.
Theyfledlikefrighteneddows,man!"
"O,howDeil,Tam,canthatbetrue?
Thechasegaedfraethenorth,man!
Isawmysel,theydidpursue
ThehorsemanbacktoForth,man:
AndatDunblane,inmyainsight,
Theytookthebrigwia'theirmight
AndstraughttoStirlingwing'dtheirflight;
But,cursedlot!thegateswereshut,
Andmonieahuntitpoorred-coat,
Forfearamaistdidswarf,man!"
MysisterKatecameupthegate
Wi'crowdieuntome,man:
Sheswoorshesawsomerebelsrun
ToPerthandtoDundee,man!
Theirleft-handgeneralhadnaeskill;
TheAngusladshadnaegoodwill
Thatdaytheirneebors'bluidtospill;
Forfear,byfoes,thattheyshouldlose
42
Theircogsobrose;theyscar'datblows,
Andhamewardfastdidflee,man.
"They'velostsomegallantgentlemen,
AmangtheHighlandclans,man!
IfearmyLordPanmureisslain,
Orinhisen'mies'hands,man.
Nowwadyesingthisdoubleflight,
Somefellforwrang,andsomeforright,
Butmoniebadetheworldguid-night;
Say,pellandmell,wi'muskets'knell
HowToriesfeil,andWhigstoHell
Flewoffinfrightenedbands,man!"
RobertBurns
43
Birks Of Aberfeldie, The

Nowsimmerblinksonflow'rybraes,
Ando'erthecrystalstreamletplays,
Come,letusspendthelightsomedays
InthebirksofAberfeldie!
Bonnielassie,willyego,
Willyego,willyego,
Bonnielassie,willyego
TothebirksofAberfeldie?
Thelittlebirdiesblithelysing,
Whileo'ertheirheadsthehazelshing;
Orlightlyflitonwantonwing
InthebirksofAberfeldie!
Bonnielassie,willyego...
Thebraesascendlikeloftywa's,
Thefoamingstream,deep-roaring,fa's,
O'er-hungwi'fragrantspreadingshaws,
ThebirksofAberfeldie.
Thehoarycliffsarecrown'dwi'flowers,
Whiteo'erthelinnstheburniepours,
And,rising,weetswi'mistyshowers
ThebirksofAberfeldie.
LetFortune'sgiftsatrandomflee,
Theyne'ershalldrawawishfraeme,
Supremelyblestwi'loveandthee
InthebirksofAberfeldie.
RobertBurns
44
bonie Doon
Yeflowerybankso'bonieDoon,
Howcanyeblumesaefair?
AndIsaefu'o'care?
Thou'llbreakmyheart,thouboniebird,
Thatsingsuponthebough;
Thoumindsmeo'thehappydays,
Whenmyfauseluvewastrue.
Thatsingsbesidethymate;
ForsaeIsat,andsaeIsang,
Andwistnao'myfate.
AfthaeIrovedbybonieDoon
Toseethewoodbinetwine,
AndsaedidIo'mine.
Wi'lightsomeheartIpu'darose
Fraeaffitsthornytree;
Andmyfauseluverstawmyrose
Butleftthethornwi'me.
RobertBurns
45
Bonie Peggy Alison

Tune-"TheBraeso'Balquhidder."
Chor.-AndI'llkisstheeyet,yet,
AndI'llkisstheeo'eragain:
AndI'llkisstheeyet,yet,
MyboniePeggyAlison.
Ilkcareandfear,whenthouartnear
Ievermairdefythem,O!
Youngkingsupontheirhanselthrone
ArenosaeblestasIam,O!
AndI'llkisstheeyet,yet,&c.
Wheninmyarms,wi'a'thycharms,
Iclaspmycountlesstreasure,O!
Iseeknaemairo'Heaventoshare
Thansicamoment'spleasure,O!
Andbythyeensaebonieblue,
IswearI'mthineforever,O!
AndonthylipsIsealmyvow,
AndbreakitshallInever,O!
RobertBurns
46
Bonie Wee Thing, The

Chorus:-Bonieweething,cannieweething,
Lovelyweething,wertthoumine,
Iwadweartheeinmybosom,
Lestmyjewelitshouldtine.
WishfullyIlookandlanguish
Inthatboniefaceo'thine,
Andmyheartitsoundswi'anguish,
Lestmyweethingbenamine.
[Chorus]
WitandGrace,andLove,andBeauty,
Inaeconstellationshine;
Toadoretheeinmyduty,
Goddesso'thissoulo'mine!
[Chorus]
RobertBurns
47
Bonnie Lesley
OSAWyebonnieLesley
Asshegaedo'ertheBorder?
She'sgane,likeAlexander,
Tospreadherconquestsfarther.
Toseeheristoloveher,
Andlovebutherforever;
ForNaturemadeherwhatsheis,
Andne'ermadesicanither!
Thouartaqueen,fairLesley,
Thysubjectswe,beforethee:
Thouartdivine,fairLesley,
Theheartso'menadorethee.
TheDeilhecouldnascaiththee,
Oraughtthatwadbelangthee;
He'dlookintothybonnieface
Andsay,'Icannawrangthee!'
ThePowersaboonwilltentthee,
Misfortunesha'nasteerthee:
Thou'rtlikethemsel'saelovely,
Thatillthey'llne'erletnearthee.
Returnagain,fairLesley,
ReturntoCaledonie!
Thatwemaybragwehaealass
There'snaneagainsaebonnie!
RobertBurns
48
Ca' the Yowes to the Knowes

1Ca'theyowestotheknowes,
2Ca'themwheretheheathergrows
3Ca'themwheretheburnierows,
4Myboniedearie.
5Hark!themavis'eveningsang
6SoundingCluden'swoodsamang,
7Thena-fauldinletusgang,
8Myboniedearie.
9We'llgaedownbyCludenside,
10Thro'thehazelsspreadingwide,
11O'erthewavesthatsweetlyglide
12Tothemoonsaeclearly.
13YonderCluden'ssilenttowers,
14Whereatmoonshinemidnighthours,
15O'erthedewy-bendingflowers,
16Fairiesdancesaecheery.
17Ghaistnorbogleshaltthoufear;
18Thou'rttoloveandHeavensaedear,
19Nochtofillmaycometheenear,
20Myboniedearie.
21Fairandlovelyasthouart,
22Thouhaststownmyveryheart;
23Icandie--butcannapart,
24Myboniedearie.
RobertBurns
49
Carigieburn Wood
Sweetfa'stheeveonCraigieburn,
Andblytheawakensthemorrow,
Buta'theprideo'spring'sreturn
Canyieldmenochtbutsorrow.
Iseetheflowersandspreadingtrees,
Ihearthewildbirdssinging;
Butwhatawearywightcanplease,
Andcarehisbosomwringing?
Fain,fainwouldImygriefsimpart,
Yetdarenaforyouranger'
Butsecretlovewillbreakmyheart,
IfIconcealitlanger.
Ifthourefusetopityme,
Ifthoushaltloveanither,
Whenyongreenleavesfadefraethetree,
Aroundmygravethey'llwither.
RobertBurns
50
Comin Thro' The Rye

O,Jenny'sa'weet,poorbody,
Jenny'sseldomdry:
Shedraigl'ta'herpetticoatie,
Cominthro'therye!
Cominthro'therye,poorbody,
Cominthro'therye,
Shedraigl'ta'herpetticoatie,
Cominthro'therye!
Ginabodymeetabody
Cominthro'therye,
Ginabodykissabody,
Needabodycry?
Ginabodymeetabody
Cominthro'theglen,
Ginabodykissabody,
Needthewarl'ken?
Ginabodymeetabody
Cominthro'thegrain;
Ginabodykissabody,
Thething'sabody'sain.
RobertBurns
51
Coming Through The Rye

Comingthro'therye,poorbody,
Comingthro'therye,
Shedraigleta'herpetticoatie
Comingthro'therye.
O,Jenny'sa'wat,poorbody;
Jenny'sseldomdry;
Shedraigleta'herpetticoatie
Comingthro'therye.
Ginabodymeetabody
Comingthro'therye,
Ginabodykissabody—
Needabodycry?
Ginabodymeetabody
Comingthro'theglen,
Ginabodykissabody—
Needthewarldken?
RobertBurns
52
Cotter's Saturday Night, The

InscribedtoRobertAiken,Esq.
LetnotAmbitionmocktheirusefultoil,
Theirhomelyjoysanddestinyobscure;
NorGrandeurhearwithadisdainfulsmile,
Theshortandsimpleannalsofthepoor.
(Gray,"ElegyWritteninaCountryChurchyard")
Mylov'd,myhonour'd,muchrespectedfriend!
Nomercenarybardhishomagepays;
Withhonestpride,Iscorneachselfishend:
Mydearestmeedafriend'sesteemandpraise.
ToyouIsing,insimpleScottishlays,
Thelowlytraininlife'ssequester'dscene;
Thenativefeelingsstrong,theguilelessways;
WhatAikeninacottagewouldhavebeen;
Ah!tho'hisworthunknown,farhappierthere,Iween!
Novemberchillblawsloudwi'angrysugh,
Theshort'ningwinterdayisnearaclose;
Themirybeastsretreatingfraethepleugh,
Theblack'ningtrainso'crawstotheirrepose;
Thetoil-wornCotterfraehislabourgoes,-Thisnighthisweeklymoilisatanend,-Collectshisspades,hismattocksandhishoes,
Hopingthemornineaseandresttospend,
Andweary,o'erthemoor,hiscoursedoeshamewardbend.
Atlengthhislonelycotappearsinview,
Beneaththeshelterofanagedtree;
Th'expectantwee-things,toddlin,stacherthrough
Tomeettheirdad,wi'flichterinnoisean'glee.
Hisweebitingle,blinkinbonilie,
Hiscleanhearth-stane,histhriftywifie'ssmile,
Thelispinginfantprattlingonhisknee,
Doesa'hiswearykiaughandcarebeguile,
An'makeshimquiteforgethislabouran'histoil.
Belyve,theelderbairnscomedrappingin,
Atserviceout,amangthefarmersroun';
Someca'thepleugh,someherd,sometentierin
Acannieerrandtoaneibortoun:
Theireldesthope,theirJenny,woman-grown,
Inyouthfu'bloom,lovesparklinginhere'e,
Comeshame,perhaps,toshewabrawnewgown,
Ordepositehersair-wonpenny-fee,
Tohelpherparentsdear,iftheyinhardshipbe.
Withjoyunfeign'd,brothersandsistersmeet,
An'eachforother'sweelfarekindlyspiers:
Thesocialhours,swift-wing'd,unnotic'dfleet;
Eachtellstheuncosthatheseesorhears.
53
Theparentspartialeyetheirhopefulyears;
Anticipationforwardpointstheview;
Themother,wi'herneedlean'hersheers,
Garsauldclaeslookamaistasweel'sthenew;
Thefathermixesa'wi'admonitiondue.
Theirmaster'san'theirmistress'scommand
Theyounkersa'arewarnedtoobey;
An'mindtheirlabourswi'aneydenthand,
An'ne'ertho'outo'sight,tojaukorplay:
"An'O!besuretofeartheLordalway,
An'mindyourduty,duly,mornan'night!
Lestintemptation'spathyegangastray,
Implorehiscounselandassistingmight:
TheyneversoughtinvainthatsoughttheLordaright!"
Buthark!arapcomesgentlytothedoor.
Jenny,whakensthemeaningo'thesame,
Tellshowaneeborladcamo'erthemoor,
Todosomeerrands,andconvoyherhame.
Thewilymotherseestheconsciousflame
SparkleinJenny'se'e,andflushhercheek;
Wi'heart-struck,anxiouscare,inquireshisname,
WhileJennyhafflinsisafraidtospeak;
Weel-pleas'dthemotherhears,it'snaewild,worthlessrake.
Wi'kindlywelcomeJennybringshimben,
Astrappinyouth;hetakesthemother'seye;
BlytheJennyseesthevisit'snoilltaen;
Thefathercracksofhorses,pleughs,andkye.
Theyoungster'sartlesshearto'erflowswi'joy,
But,blateandlaithfu',scarcecanweelbehave;
Themotherwi'awoman'swilescanspy
Whatmakstheyouthsaebashfu'an'saegrave,
Weelpleas'dtothinkherbairn'srespectedlikethelave.
Ohappylove!wherelovelikethisisfound!
Oheart-feltraptures!blissbeyondcompare!
I'vepacedmuchthisweary,mortalround,
Andsageexperiencebidsmethisdeclare-"IfHeavenadraughtofheavenlypleasurespare,
Onecordialinthismelancholyvale,
'Tiswhenayouthful,loving,modestpair,
Inother'sarmsbreatheoutthetendertale,
Beneaththemilk-whitethornthatscentstheev'ninggale."
Isthere,inhumanform,thatbearsaheart,
Awretch!avillain!losttoloveandtruth!
Thatcanwithstudied,sly,ensnaringart
BetraysweetJenny'sunsuspectingyouth?
Curseonhisperjur'darts!dissemblingsmooth!
Arehonour,virtue,conscience,allexil'd?
54
Istherenopity,norelentingtruth,
Pointstotheparentsfondlingo'ertheirchild,
Thenpaintstheruin'dmaid,andtheirdistractionwild?
Butnowthesuppercrownstheirsimpleboard,
Thehalesomeparritch,chiefofScotia'sfood;
Thesoupetheironlyhawkiedoesafford,
Thatyontthehallansnuglychowshercud.
Thedamebringsforth,incomplimentalmood,
Togracethelad,herweel-hain'dkebbuckfell,
An'afthe'sprest,an'aftheca'sitguid;
Thefrugalwifie,garrulous,willtell,
How'twasatowmondauld,sin'lintwasi'thebell.
Thecheerfu'supperdone,wi'seriousface,
Theyroundtheingleformacirclewide;
Thesireturnso'er,withpatriarchalgrace,
Thebigha'-Bible,ancehisfather'spride;
Hisbonnetrev'rentlyislaidaside,
Hislyarthaffetswearingthinandbare;
ThosestrainsthatoncedidsweetinZionglide,
Hewalesaportionwithjudiciouscare;
And,"LetusworshipGod,"hesayswithsolemnair.
Theychanttheirartlessnotesinsimpleguise;
Theytunetheirhearts,byfarthenoblestaim:
PerhapsDundee'swild-warblingmeasuresrise,
OrplaintiveMartyrs,worthyofthename,
OrnobleElginbeetstheheaven-wardflame,
ThesweetestfarofScotia'sholylays.
Compar'dwiththese,Italiantrillsaretame;
Thetickl'dearnoheart-feltrapturesraise;
Naeunisonhaethey,withourCreator'spraise.
Thepriest-likefatherreadsthesacredpage,
HowAbramwasthefriendofGodonhigh;
OrMosesbadeeternalwarfarewage
WithAmalek'sungraciousprogeny;
Orhowtheroyalbarddidgroaninglie
BeneaththestrokeofHeaven'savengingire;
OrJob'spatheticplaint,andwailingcry;
OrraptIsaiah'swild,seraphicfire;
Orotherholyseersthattunethesacredlyre.
PerhapstheChristianvolumeisthetheme,
Howguiltlessbloodforguiltymanwasshed;
HowHe,whoboreinHeaventhesecondname
HadnotonearthwhereontolayHishead:
HowHisfirstfollowersandservantssped;
Thepreceptssagetheywrotetomanyaland:
Howhe,wholoneinPatmosbanished,
Sawinthesunamightyangelstand,
55
AndheardgreatBab'lon'sdoompronounc'dbyHeaven'scommand.
ThenkneelingdowntoHeaven'sEternalKing,
Thesaint,thefather,andthehusbandprays:
Hope"springsexultingontriumphantwing,"
Thatthustheyallshallmeetinfuturedays:
Thereeverbaskinuncreatedrays,
Nomoretosighorshedthebittertear,
TogetherhymningtheirCreator'spraise,
Insuchsociety,yetstillmoredear,
WhilecirclingTimemovesroundinaneternalsphere.
Compar'dwiththis,howpoorReligion'spride
Inallthepompofmethodandofart,
Whenmendisplaytocongregationswide
Devotion'sev'rygraceexcepttheheart!
ThePow'r,incens'd,thepageantwilldesert,
Thepompousstrain,thesacerdotalstole;
Buthaplyinsomecottagefarapart
Mayhear,wellpleas'd,thelanguageofthesoul,
AndinHisBookofLifetheinmatespoorenrol.
Thenhomewardalltakeofftheirsev'ralway;
Theyounglingcottagersretiretorest;
Theparent-pairtheirsecrethomagepay,
AndprofferuptoHeav'nthewarmrequest,
ThatHewhostillstheraven'sclam'rousnest,
Anddecksthelilyfairinflow'rypride,
Would,inthewayHiswisdomseesthebest,
Forthemandfortheirlittleonesprovide;
Butchiefly,intheirheartswithgracedivinepreside.
FromscenesliketheseoldScotia'sgrandeursprings,
Thatmakesherlov'dathome,rever'dabroad:
Princesandlordsarebutthebreathofkings,
"Anhonestman'sthenoblestworkofGod":
Andcertes,infairVirtue'sheavenlyroad,
Thecottageleavesthepalacefarbehind:
Whatisalordling'spomp?acumbrousload,
Disguisingoftthewretchofhumankind,
Studiedinartsofhell,inwickednessrefin'd!
OScotia!mydear,mynativesoil!
ForwhommywarmestwishtoHeavenissent!
Longmaythyhardysonsofrustictoil
Beblestwithhealth,andpeace,andsweetcontent!
And,oh!mayHeaventheirsimplelivesprevent
Fromluxury'scontagion,weakandvile!
Then,howe'ercrownsandcoronetsberent,
Avirtuouspopulacemayrisethewhile,
Andstandawalloffirearoundtheirmuch-lov'disle.
56
OThou!whopour'dthepatriotictide
Thatstream'dthro'Wallace'sundauntedheart,
Whodar'dtonoblystemtyrannicpride,
Ornoblydie,thesecondgloriouspart,-(Thepatriot'sGodpeculiarlythouart,
Hisfriend,inspirer,guardian,andreward!)
Onever,neverScotia'srealmdesert,
Butstillthepatriot,andthepatriot-bard,
Inbrightsuccessionraise,herornamentandguard!
RobertBurns
57
Craigieburn Wood
Sweetfa'stheeveonCraigieburn,
Andblytheawakensthemorrow,
Buta'theprideo'spring'sreturn
Canyieldmenochtbutsorrow.
Iseetheflowersandspreadingtrees,
Ihearthewildbirdssinging;
Butwhatawearywightcanplease,
Andcarehisbosomwringing?
Fain,fainwouldImygriefsimpart,
Yetdarenaforyouranger'
Butsecretlovewillbreakmyheart,
IfIconcealitlanger.
Ifthourefusetopityme,
Ifthoushaltloveanither,
Whenyongreenleavesfadefraethetree,
Aroundmygravethey'llwither.
RobertBurns
58
Death and Dying Words of Poor Mailie, The

TheAuthor'sOnlyPetYowe
AnUncoMournfu'Tale
AsMailie,an'herlambsthegither,
Wasaedaynibblingonthetether,
Uponherclootshecoostahitch,
Anowreshewarsl'dintheditch:
There,groaning,dying,shedidlie,
WhenHughochecamdoytinby.
Wi'glowrineen,andliftedhan's
PoorHughoclikeastatuestan's;
Hesawherdayswerenear-handended,
But,wae'smyheart!hecouldnamendit!
Hegapedwide,butnaethingspak,
AtlengthpoorMailiesilencebrak.
"Othou,whaselamentableface
Appearstomournmywoefu'case!
Mydyingwordsattentivehear,
An'bearthemtomyMasterdear.
"Tellhim,ife'eragainhekeep
AsmucklegearasbuyasheepO,bidhimnevertiethemmair,
Wi'wickedstringso'hemporhair!
Butca'themouttoparkorhill,
An'letthemwanderattheirwill:
Somayhisflockincrease,an'grow
Toscoreso'lambs,an'packso'woo'!
"Tellhim,hewasaMasterkin',
An'ayewasguidtomean'mine;
AnnowmydyingchargeIgiehim,
Myhelplesslambs,Itrustthemwi'him.
"O,bidhimsavetheirharmlesslives,
Fraedogs,an'tods,an'butchers'knives!
Butgiethemguidcow-milktheirfill,
Tilltheybefittofendthemsel';
An'tentthemduly,e'enan'morn,
Wi'taetso'hayan'rippso'corn.
"An'maytheyneverlearnthegates,
Ofithervile,wanrestfu'petsToslinkthro'slaps,an'reavean'steal
Atstackso'pease,orstockso'kail!
Somaythey,liketheirgreatforbears,
Formonyayearcomethro'theshears:
Sowiveswillgiethembitso'bread,
Anbairnsgreetforthemwhenthey'redead.
59
"Mypoortoop-lamb,mysonan'heir,
O,bidhimbreedhimupwi'care!
An'ifhelivetobeabeast,
Topitsomehavinsinhisbreast!
An'warnhim-whatIwinnanameTostaycontentwi'yowesathame;
An'notorinan'wearhiscloots,
Likeithermeseless,gracelessbrutes.
"An'neist,myyowie,sillything,
Gudekeeptheefraeatetherstring!
O,maythoune'erforgatherup,
Wi'onyblastit,moorlandtoop;
Butayekeepmindtomoopan'mell,
Wi'sheepo'creditlikethysel'!
"Andnow,mybairns,wi'mylastbreath,
Ilea'emyblessinwi'youbaith:
An'whenyouthinkupo'yourmither,
Mindtobekindtoaneanither.
"Now,honestHughoc,dinnafail,
Totellmymastera'mytale;
An'bidhimburnthiscursedtether,
An'forthypainsthou'segetmyblather."
Thissaid,poorMailieturn'dherhead,
An'closedhereenamangthedead!
RobertBurns
60
Despondency -- An Ode
Oppress'dwithgrief,oppress'dwithcare,
AburdenmorethanIcanbear,
Isetmedownandsigh:
Olife!thouartagallingload,
Alongarough,awearyroad,
TowretchessuchasI!
DimbackwardasIcastmyview,
Whatsick'ningscenesappear!
Whatsorrowsyetmaypiercemethro',
ToojustlyImayfear!
Stillcaring,despairing,
Mustbemybitterdoom;
Mywoeshereshallclosene'er
Butwiththeclosingtomb!
Happy,yesonsofbusylife,
Who,equaltothebustlingstrife,
Nootherviewregard!
Ev'nwhenthewishedend'sdenied,
Yetwhilethebusymeansareplied,
Theybringtheirownreward:
WhilstI,ahope-abandon'dwight,
Unfittedwithanaim,
Meetev'rysadreturningnight,
Andjoylessmornthesame;
You,bustling,andjustling,
Forgeteachgriefandpain;
I,listless,yetrestless,
Findeveryprospectvain.
HowblesttheSolitary'slot,
Who,all-forgetting,all-forgot,
Withinhishumblecell,
Thecavernwildwithtanglingroots,
Sitso'erhisnewly-gather'dfruits,
Besidehiscrystalwell!
Or,haply,tohisev'ningthought,
Byunfrequentedstream,
Thewaysofmenaredistantbrought,
Afaintcollecteddream:
Whilepraising,andraising
Histhoughtstoheav'nonhigh,
Aswand'ring,meand'ring,
Heviewsthesolemnsky.
ThanI,nolonelyhermitplac'd
Whereneverhumanfootsteptrac'd,
Lessfittoplaythepart;
Theluckymomenttoimprove,
Andjusttostop,andjusttomove,
Withself-respectingart:
Butah!thosepleasures,loves,andjoys,
61
WhichItookeenlytaste,
TheSolitarycandespise,
Canwant,andyetbeblest!
Heneedsnot,heheedsnot,
Orhumanloveorhate,
WhilstIheremustcryhere,
Atperfidyingrate!
Oh!enviable,earlydays,
Whendancingthoughtlesspleasure'smaze,
Tocare,toguiltunknown!
Howillexchang'dforripertimes,
Tofeelthefollies,orthecrimes
Ofothers,ormyown!
Yetinyelvesthatguiltlesssport
Likelinnetsinthebush,
Yelittleknowtheillsyecourt,
Whenmanhoodisyourwish!
Thelosses,thecrosses,
Thatactivemanengage
Thefearsall,thetearsall,
Ofdim-decliningage!
RobertBurns
62
Duncan Gray
1DuncanGraycameheretowoo,
2Ha,ha,thewooino't!
3OnblytheYulenightwhenwewerefou,
4Ha,ha,thewooino't!
5Maggiecoostherheadfuhigh,
6Look'dasklentanduncoskeigh,
7GartpoorDuncanstandabeigh;
8Ha,ha,thewooino't!
9Duncanfleech'd,andDuncanpray'd,
10Ha,ha,thewooino't!
11MegwasdeafasAilsaCraig,
13Duncansigh'dbaithoutandin,
14Grathiseenbaithbleer'tandblin',
15Spako'lowpinowrealinn;
17Timeandchancearebutatide,
19Slightedloveissairtobide,
21'ShallI,likeafool,'quothhe,
22'Forahaughtyhizziedie?
23Shemaygaeto--Franceforme!'-24Ha,ha,thewooino't!
25Howitcomesletdoctorstell,
27Meggrewsickashegrewhale,
29Somethinginherbosomwrings,
30Forreliefasighshebrings;
31AndO!hereen,theyspaksicthings
33Duncanwasalado'grace,
35Maggie'swasapiteouscase,
37Duncancouldnabeherdeath,
38Swellingpitysmoor'dhiswrath;
39Nowthey'recrouseandcantiebaith;
RobertBurns
63
Epistle to J. Lapraik (excerpt)

Iamnaepoet,inasense,
Butjustarhymerlikebychance,
An'haetolearningnaepretence;
Yetwhatthematter?
Whene'ermyMusedoesonmeglance,
Ijingleather.
Yourcritic-folkmaycocktheirnose,
Andsay,"Howcanyoue'erpropose,
Youwhakenhardlyversefraeprose,
Tomakasang?"
But,byyourleave,mylearnedfoes,
Ye'remaybewrang.
What'sa'yourjargono'yourschools,
YourLatinnamesforhornsan'stools?
Ifhonestnaturemadeyoufools,
Whatsairsyourgrammars?
Ye'dbettertaenupspadesandshools,
Orknappin-hammers.
Aseto'dull,conceitedhashes
Confusetheirbrainsincollegeclasses!
Theyganginstirksandcomeoutasses,
Plaintruthtospeak;
An'synetheythinktoclimbParnassus
Bydinto'Greek!
Giemeaesparko'Nature'sfire,
That'sa'thelearnin'Idesire;
Then,tho'Idrudgethro'duban'mire
Atpleughorcart,
MyMuse,thoughhamelyinattire,
Maytouchtheheart....
RobertBurns
64
Epitaph on Holy Willie

HereHolyWillie'ssairwornclay
Taksupitslastabode;
Hissaulhasta'ensomeotherway,
Ifear,theleft-handroad.
Stop!thereheis,assur'sagun,
Poor,sillybody,seehim;
Naewonderhe'sasblack'sthegrun,
Observewha'sstandingwi'him.
Yourbrunstanedevilship,Isee,
Hasgothimtherebeforeye;
Buthaudyournine-tailcatawee,
Tillanceyou'veheardmystory.
YourpityIwillnotimplore,
Forpityyehavenane;
Justice,alas!hasgi'enhimo'er,
Andmercy'sdayisgane.
Buthearme,Sir,deilasyeare,
Looksomethingtoyourcredit;
Acooflikehimwadstainyourname,
Ifitwerekentyedidit.
RobertBurns
65
Fareweel To A'Our Scottish Fame

Fareweeltoa'ourScottishfame,
Fareweelourancientglory;
Fareweelev'ntotheScottishname,
Saefamedinmartialstory!
NowSarkrinsoverSolwaysands,
AndTweedrinstotheocean,
TomarkwhereEngland'sprovincestands—
Suchaparcelofroguesinanation!
Whatforceorguilecouldnotsubdue
Thro'manywarlikeages,
Iswroughtnowbyacowardfew,
Forhirelingtraitor'swages.
TheEnglishsteelwecoulddisdain,
Secureinvalour'sstation;
ButEnglishgoldhasbeenourbane—
O,wouldorIhadseentheday
Thattreasonthuscouldsellus,
Myauldgreyheadhadlieninclay
Wi'BruceandloyalWallace!
Butpithandpower,tillmylasthour,
I'llmakthisdeclaration:
We'reboughtandsoldforEnglishgold—
RobertBurns
66
First Six Verses Of The Ninetieth Psalm Versified, The

OThou,thefirst,thegreatestfriend
Ofallthehumanrace!
Whosestrongrighthandhaseverbeen
Theirstayanddwellingplace!
Beforethemountainsheav'dtheirheads
BeneathThyforminghand,
Beforethisponderousglobeitself
AroseatThycommand;
ThatPow'rwhichrais'dandstillupholds
Thisuniversalframe,
Fromcountless,unbeginningtime
Waseverstillthesame.
Thosemightyperiodsofyears
Whichseemtoussovast,
AppearnomorebeforeThysight
Thanyesterdaythat'spast.
Thougiv'sttheword:Thycreature,man,
Istoexistencebrought;
AgainThousay'st,'Yesonsofmen,
Returnyeintonought!'
Thoulayestthem,withalltheircares,
Ineverlastingsleep;
AswithafloodThoutak'stthemoff
Withoverwhelmingsweep.
Theyflourishlikethemorningflow'r,
Inbeauty'spridearray'd;
Butlongerenightcutdownitlies
Allwither'danddecay'd.
RobertBurns
67
For a' That and a' That

1Isthere,forhonestpoverty,
2Thathingshishead,an'a'that?
3Thecowardslave,wepasshimby,
4Wedarebepoorfora'that!
5Fora'that,an'a'that,
6Ourtoilsobscure,an'a'that;
7Therankisbuttheguinea'sstamp;
8Theman'sthegowdfora'that,
9Whattho'onhamelyfarewedine,
10Wearhoddin-gray,an'a'that;
11Giefoolstheirsilks,andknavestheirwine,
12Aman'samanfora'that.
14Theirtinselshowan'a'that;
15Thehonestman,tho'e'ersaepoor,
16Iskingo'menfora'that.
17Yeseeyonbirkie,ca'dalord
18Whastruts,an'stares,an'a'that;
19Tho'hundredsworshipathisword,
20He'sbutacooffora'that:
22Hisriband,star,an'a'that,
23Themano'independentmind,
24Helooksandlaughsata'that.
25Aprincecanmakabeltedknight,
26Amarquis,duke,an'a'that;
27Butanhonestman'saboonhismight,
28Guidfaithhemaunafa'that!
30Theirdignities,an'a'that,
31Thepitho'sense,an'prideo'worth,
32Arehigherrankthana'that.
33Thenletuspraythatcomeitmay,
34Ascomeitwillfora'that,
35Thatsenseandworth,o'era'theearth,
36Maybearthegree,an'a'that.
38It'scomingyet,fora'that,
39Thatmantoman,thewarldo'er,
40Shallbrothersbefora'that.
RobertBurns
68
From Lines to William Simson

1AuldCoilanowmayfidgefu'fain,
2She'sgottenpoetso'herain-3Chielswhatheirchanterswinnahain,
4Buttunetheirlays,
5Tillechoesa'resoundagain
6Herweel-sungpraise.
7Naepoetthoughtherworthhiswhile
8Tosethernameinmeasur'dstyle:
9Shelaylikesomeunken'd-ofisle
10BesideNewHolland,
11Orwharewild-meetingoceansboil
12BesouthMagellan.
13RamsayandfamousFergusson
15YarrowandTweedtomonyatune
16OwreScotlandrings;
17WhileIrvin,Lugar,Ayran'Doon
18Naebodysings.
19Th'Ilissus,Tiber,Thames,an'Seine
20Glidesweetinmonyatunefu'line;
21But,Willie,setyourfittomine
22Andcockyourcrest,
23We'llgarourstreamsandburniesshine
24Upwi'thebest!
25We'llsingauldCoila'splainsan'fells,
26Hermoorsred-brownwi'heatherbells,
27Herbanksan'braes,herdensan'dells,
28WheregloriousWallace
29Aftburethegree,asstorytells,
30FraeSouthronbillies.
31AtWallace'namewhatScottishblood
32Butboilsupinaspring-tideflood!
33Ofthaveourfearlessfathersstrode
34ByWallace'side,
35Stillpressingonwardred-wat-shod,
36Orgloriousdy'd.
37OsweetareCoila'shaughsan'woods,.
38Whenlintwhiteschantamangthebuds,
39Andjinkinharesinamorouswhids
40Theirlovesenjoy,
41Whilethro'thebraesthecushatcroods
42Wi'wailfu'cry!
43Ev'nwinterbleakhascharmstome,
44Whenwindsravethro'thenakedtree;
45OrfrostsonhillsofOchiltree
46Arehoarygray;
69
47Orblindingdriftswild-furiousflee,
48Dark'ningtheday!
49ONature!a'thyshewsan'forms
50Tofeeling,pensiveheartshaecharms!
51Whetherthesummerkindlywarms
52Wi'lifean'light,
53Orwinterhowlsingustystorms
54Thelang,darknight!
55TheMuse,naepoeteverfandher,
56Tillbyhimselhelearn'dtowander
57Adounsometrottinburn'smeander,
58Andnothinklang;
59Osweettostrayandpensiveponder
60Aheart-feltsang!
61Thewarlyracemaydrudgeanddrive,
62Hog-shouther,jundie,stretchan'strive:
63Letmefairnature'sfacedescrive,
64AndIwi'pleasure
65Shallletthebusy,grumblinghive
66Bumowretheirtreasure.
RobertBurns
70
Green Grow The Rashes

Greengrowtherashes,O!
Greengrowtherashes,O!
Thesweetesthoursthate'erIspend,
Arespentamangthelasses,O!
There'snoughtbutcareoneveryhan'
Ineveryhourthatpasses,O;
Whatsignifiesthelifeo'man,
An'twerenaforthelasses,O?
Thewarl'lyracemayricheschase,
An'richesstillmayflythem,O;
An'thoughatlasttheycatchthemfast,
Theirheartscanne'erenjoythem,O.
Butgi'emeacannyhourate'en,
Myarmsaboutmydearie,O,
An'warl'lycaresan'warl'lymen
Maya'gaetapsalteerie,O!
Foryousaedouce,yesneeratthis,
Ye'renoughtbutsenselessasses,O;
Thewisestmanthewarl'e'ersaw,
Hedearlylovedthelasses,O.
AuldNatureswearsthelovelydears
Hernoblestworksheclasses,O;
Her'prenticehan'shetriedonman,
An'thenshemadethelasses,O.
RobertBurns
71
Halloween
Uponthatnight,whenfairieslight
OnCassilisDownansdance,
Orowrethelays,insplendidblaze,
Onsprightlycoursersprance;
OrforColeantherouteista'en,
Beneaththemoon'spalebeams;
There,upthecove,tostrayandrove,
Amongtherocksandstreams
Tosportthatnight.
Amongthebonnywindingbanks,
WhereDoonrins,wimplin'clear,
WhereBruceanceruledthemartialranks,
AndshookhisCarrickspear,
Somemerry,friendly,country-folks,
Togetherdidconvene,
Toburntheirnits,andpoutheirstocks,
AndhaudtheirHalloween
Fu'blithethatnight.
Thelassesfeat,andcleanlyneat,
Mairbrawthanwhenthey'refine;
Theirfacesblithe,fu'sweetlykythe,
Heartsleal,andwarm,andkin';
Theladssaetrig,wi'wooer-babs,
Weelknottedontheirgarten,
Someuncoblate,andsomewi'gabs,
Garlasses'heartsgangstartin'
Whilesfastatnight.
Then,firstandforemost,throughthekail,
Theirstocksmauna'besoughtance;
Theysteektheireen,andgraipandwale,
Formuckleanesandstraughtanes.
Poorhav'relWillfellaffthedrift,
Andwander'dthroughthebow-kail,
Andpou't,forwanto'bettershift,
Aruntwaslikeasow-tail,
Saebow'tthatnight.
Then,staughtorcrooked,yirdornane,
Theyroarandcrya'throu'ther;
Theveryweethings,todlin',rin,
Wi'stocksoutowretheirshouther;
Andgifthecustoc'ssweetorsour.
Wi'joctelegstheytastethem;
Synecozily,aboonthedoor,
Wicanniecare,they'veplacedthem
Toliethatnight.
Thelassesstawfrae'mangthema'
Topoutheirstalksofcorn:
72
ButRabslipsout,andjinksabout,
Behintthemucklethorn:
HegrippetNellyhardandfast;
Loudskirl'da'thelasses;
Buthertap-picklemaistwaslost,
Whenkitlin'inthefause-house
Wi'himthatnight.
Theauldguidwife'swell-hoorditnits,
Areroundandrounddivided,
Andmonielads'andlasses'fates
Aretherethatnightdecided:
Somekindlecoothie,sidebyside,
Andburnthegithertrimly;
Somestartawa,wi'saucypride,
Andjumpout-owrethechimlie
Fu'highthatnight.
Jeanslipsintwawi'tentieee;
Wha'twasshewadnatell;
ButthisisJock,andthisisme,
Shesaysintohersel:
Hebleezedowreher,andsheowrehim,
Astheywadnevermairpart;
Till,fuff!hestartedupthelum,
AndJeanhade'enasairheart
Tosee'tthatnight.
PoorWillie,wi'hisbow-kailrunt,
Wasbruntwi'primsieMallie;
AndMallie,naedoubt,tookthedrunt,
TobecomparedtoWillie;
Mall'snitlapoutwi'pridefu'fling,
Andherainfititbruntit;
WhileWillielap,andsworebyjing,
'Twasjustthewayhewanted
Tobethatnight.
Nellhadthefause-houseinhermin',
ShepitsherselandRobin;
Inlovingbleezetheysweetlyjoin,
Tillwhiteinasethey'resobbin';
Nell'sheartwasdancin'attheview,
Shewhisper'dRobtoleukfor't:
Rob,stowlins,prie'dherbonnymou',
Fu'cozieintheneukfor't,
Unseenthatnight.
ButMerransatbehinttheirbacks,
HerthoughtsonAndrewBell;
Shelea'esthemgashin'attheircracks,
Andslipsoutbyhersel:
73
Shethroughtheyardthenearesttaks,
Andtothekilngoesthen,
Anddarklinsgraipitforthebauks,
Andintheblue-cluethrowsthen,
Rightfear'tthatnight.
Andayeshewin't,andayesheswat,
Iwatshemadenaejaukin',
Tillsomethingheldwithinthepat,
GuidLord!butshewasquakin'!
Butwhether'wasthedeilhimsel,
Orwhether'twasabauk-en',
OrwhetheritwasAndrewBell,
Shedidnawaitontalkin'
Tospierthatnight.
WeeJennietohergranniesays,
"Willyegowi'me,grannie?
I'lleattheappleattheglass
IgatfraeUncleJohnnie:"
Shefuff'therpipewi'sicalunt,
Inwrathshewassaevap'rin',
Shenotice'tna,anaizlebrunt
Herbrawnewworsetapron
Outthroughthatnight.
"Yelittleskelpie-limmer'sface!
Idauryoutrysicsportin',
Asseekthefoulthiefonyplace,
Forhimtospaeyourfortune.
Naedoubtbutyemaygetasight!
Greatcauseyehaetofearit;
Formonyaanehasgottenafright,
Andlivedanddieddeleeret
Onsicanight.
"AehairstaforetheSherramoor,-Imind'tasweel'syestreen,
Iwasagilpeythen,I'msure
Iwasnapastfifteen;
Thesimmerhadbeencauldandwat,
Andstuffwasuncogreen;
Andayearantin'kirnwegat,
AndjustonHalloween
Itfellthatnight.
"Ourstibble-rigwasRabM'Graen,
Acleversturdyfallow:
HissongatEppieSimwi'wean,
ThatlivedinAchmacalla:
Hegathemp-seed,Iminditweel,
Andhemadeuncolighto't;
74
Butmonyadaywasbyhimsel,
Hewassaesairlyfrighted
Thatverynight."
Thenupgatfechtin'JamieFleck,
Andhesworebyhisconscience,
Thathecouldsawhemp-seedapeck;
Foritwasa'butnonsense.
Theauldguidmanraughtdownthepock,
Andoutahanfu'giedhim;
Synebadehimslipfrae'mangthefolk,
Sometimewhennaeanesee'dhim,
Andtry'tthatnight.
Hemarchesthroughamangthestacks,
Thoughhewassomethingsturtin;
Thegraipheforaharrowtaks.
Andhaurlsitathiscurpin;
Andeverynowandthenhesays,
"Hemp-seed,Isawthee,
Andherthatistobemylass,
Comeafterme,anddrawthee
Asfastthisnight."
HewhistledupLordLennox'march
Tokeephiscouragecheery;
Althoughhishairbegantoarch,
Hewassayfley'dandeerie:
Tillpresentlyhehearsasqueak,
Andthenagraneandgruntle;
Hebyhisshouthergaeakeek,
Andtumbledwi'awintle
Out-owrethatnight.
Heroar'dahorridmurder-shout,
Indreadfu'desperation!
Andyoungandauldcamerunnin'out
Tohearthesadnarration;
Heswore'twashilchinJeanM'Craw,
OrcrouchieMerranHumphie,
Till,stop!shetrottedthroughthem
Andwhawasitbutgrumphie
Asteerthatnight!
Megfainwadtothebarnhaegaen,
Towinthreewechtso'naething;
Butfortomeetthedeilherlane,
Shepatbutlittlefaithin:
Shegiestheherdapicklenits,
Andtwored-cheekitapples,
Towatch,whileforthebarnshesets,
InhopestoseeTamKipples
75
Thatverynicht.
Sheturnsthekeywicanniethraw,
Andowrethethresholdventures;
ButfirstonSawniegiesaca'
Synebauldlyinsheenters:
Arattonrattledupthewa',
Andshecried,Lord,preserveher!
Andranthroughmidden-holeanda',
Andpray'dwi'zealandfervour,
Fu'fastthatnight;
Theyhoy'toutWillwi'sairadvice;
Theyhechthimsomefinebrawane;
Itchancedthestackhefaddom'dthrice
Wastimmer-proptforthrawin';
Hetaksaswirlie,auldmoss-oak,
Forsomeblackgrousomecarlin;
Andlootawinze,anddrewastroke,
Tillskininblypescamhaurlin'
Aff'snievesthatnight.
AwantonwidowLeeziewas,
Ascantyasakittlin;
But,och!thatnightamangtheshaws,
Shegotafearfu'settlin'!
Shethroughthewhins,andbythecairn,
Andowrethehillgaedscrievin,
Wharethreelairds'landsmetataburn
Todipherleftsark-sleevein,
Wasbentthatnight.
Whylesowrealinntheburnieplays,
Asthroughtheglenitwimpl't;
Whylesroundarockyscauritstrays;
Whylesinawielitdimpl't;
Whylesglitter'dtothenightlyrays,
Wi'bickering,dancingdazzle;
Whylescookitunderneaththebraes,
Belowthespreadinghazel,
Unseenthatnight.
Amongthebrackens,onthebrae,
Betweenherandthemoon,
Thedeil,orelseanoutlerquey,
Gatupandgaeacroon:
PoorLeezie'sheartmaistlapthehool!
Nearlav'rock-heightshejumpit;
butmistafit,andinthepool
Out-owrethelugssheplumpit,
Wi'aplungethatnight.
76
Inorder,onthecleanhearth-stane,
Theluggiesthreeareranged,
Andeverytimegreatcareista'en',
Toseethemdulychanged:
AuldUncleJohn,whawedlockjoys
Sin'Mar'syeardiddesire,
Becausehegatthetoomdishthrice,
Heheavedthemonthefire
Inwraththatnight.
Wi'merrysangs,andfriendlycracks,
Iwattheydidnaweary;
Anduncotales,andfunnyjokes,
Theirsportswerecheapandcheery;
Tillbutter'dso'ns,wi'fragrantlunt,
Seta'theirgabsa-steerin';
Syne,wi'asocialglasso'strunt,
Theypartedaffcareerin'
Fu'blythethatnight.
RobertBurns
77
Handsome Nell
O,onceIlov'dabonnielass,
Aye,andIloveherstill;
Andwhilstthatvirtuewarmsmybreast
I'lllovemyhandsomeNell.
AsbonnielassesIhaeseen,
Andmonyfullasbraw,
Butforamodestgracefu'mien
ThelikeIneversaw.
Abonnielass,Iwillconfess,
Ispleasanttotheee,
Butwithoutsomeletterqualities
She'snoalassforme.
ButNellie'slooksareblitheandsweet,
Andwhatisbestofa'
Herreputationiscomplete,
Andfairwithoutaflaw.
Shedressesayesaecleanandneat,
Bothdecentandgenteel;
Andthenthere'ssomethinginhergait
Garsonydresslookweel.
Agaudydressandgentleair
Mayslightlytouchtheheart,
Butit'sinnocenceandmodesty
Thatpolishesthedart.
'TisthisinNellypleasesme,
'Tisthisenchantsmysoul
Forabsolutelyinmybreast
Shereignswithoutcontrol.
RobertBurns
78
Hark! the Mavis

CA'theyowestotheknowes,
Ca'themwheretheheathergrows,
Ca'themwheretheburnierows,
Mybonniedearie.
Hark!themavis'eveningsang
SoundingClouden'swoodsamang,
Thena-fauldingletusgang,
Mybonniedearie.
We'llgaedownbyCloudenside,
Throughthehazelsspreadingwide,
O'erthewavesthatsweetlyglide
Tothemoonsaeclearly.
YonderClouden'ssilenttowers,
Whereatmoonshinemidnighthours
O'erthedewybendingflowers
Fairiesdancesaecheery.
Ghaistnorbogleshaltthoufear;
Thou'rttoLoveandHeavensaedear,
Nochtofillmaycometheenear,
Mybonniedearie.
Fairandlovelyasthouart,
Thouhaststownmyveryheart;
Icandie--butcannapart,
Mybonniedearie.
Whilewaterswimpletothesea;
Whiledayblinksintheliftsaehie;
Tillclay-caulddeathshallblin'mye'e,
Yeshallbemydearie.
Ca'theyowestotheknowes...
RobertBurns
79
Here's A Health To Them That's Awa

Here'sahealthtothemthat'sawa,
Here'sahealthtothemthat'sawa
Andwhawinnawishguidlucktoourcause,
Mayneverguidluckbetheirfa'!
It'sguidtobemerryandwise,
It'sguidtobehonestandtrue,
It'sguidtosupportCaledonia'scause
Andbidebythebuffandtheblue.
Here'sahealthtothemthat'sawa!
Here'sahealthtoCharlie,thechiefo'theclan,
Althothathisbandbesma'!
MayLibertymeetwisuccess,
MayPrudenceprotectherfraeevil!
MaytyrantsandTyrannytinei'themist
AndwandertheirwaytotheDevil!
Here'sahealthtothemthat'sawa;
Here'sahealthtoTammie,theNorlan'laddie,
Thatlivesatthelugo'theLaw!
Here'sfreedomtothernthatwadread,
Here'sfreedomtothemthatwouldwrite!
There'snaneeverfear'dthatthetruthshouldbeheard,
Buttheywhomthetruthwouldindite!
Anhere'stothemthat'sawa!
Here'stoMaitlandandWycombe!letwhadoesnalike'em
Bebuiltinaholeinthewa'!
Here'stimmerthat'sredattheheart,
Here'sfruitthatissoundatthecore,
Andmayhethatwadturnthebuffandbluecoat
Beturn'dtothebacko'thedoor!
Here'sChieftainM'Leod,achieftainworthgowd,
Tho'bredamangmountainso'snaw!
Here'sfriendsonbaithsideso'theFirth,
Andfriendsonbaithsideso'theTweed,
AndwhawadbetrayoldAlbion'sright,
Maytheynevereatofherbread!
RobertBurns
80
Here's To Thy Health

Tune-"LagganBurn."
Here'stothyhealth,mybonielass,
Gudenichtandjoybewi'thee;
I'llcomenaemairtothybower-door,
TotelltheethatIlo'ethee.
Odinnathink,myprettypink,
ButIcanlivewithoutthee:
IvowandswearIdinnacare,
Howlangyelookaboutye.
Thou'rtayesaefreeinformingme,
Thouhastnaemindtomarry;
I'llbeasfreeinformingthee,
NaetimehaeItotarry:
Ikenthyfrien'stryilkameans
Fraewedlocktodelaythee;
Dependingonsomehigherchance,
Butfortunemaybetraythee.
Ikentheyscornmylowestate,
Butthatdoesnevergrieveme;
ForI'masfreeasanyhe;
Sma'sillerwillrelieveme.
I'llcountmyhealthmygreatestwealth,
SaelangasI'llenjoyit;
I'llfearnaescant,I'llbodenaewant,
Aslang'sIgetemployment.
Butfarofffowlshaefeathersfair,
And,ayeuntilyetrythem,
Tho'theyseemfair,stillhaveacare;
TheymayprovewaurthanIam.
Butattwal'atnight,whenthemoonshinesbright,
Mydear,I'llcomeandseethee;
Forthemanthatloveshismistressweel,
Naetravelmakeshimweary.
RobertBurns
81
Highland Mary
Yebanks,andbraes,andstreamsaround
Thecastleo'Montgomery,
Greenbeyourwoods,andfairyourflowers,
Yourwatersneverdrumlie!
ThereSimmerfirstunfaldherrobes,
Andtherethelangesttarry:
ForthereItookthelastFareweel
O'mysweetHighlandMary.
Howsweetlybloom'dthegay,greenbirk,
Howrichthehawthorn'sblossom;
Asunderneaththeirfragrantshade,
Iclasp'dhertomybosom!
ThegoldenHours,onangelwings,
Flewo'ermeandmyDearie;
Fordeartomeaslightandlife
WasmysweetHighlandMary.
Wi'monyavow,andlock'dembrace,
Ourpartingwasfu'tender;
Andpledgingafttomeetagain,
Wetoreourselsasunder:
ButOh,fellDeath'suntimelyfrost,
ThatniptmyFlowersaeearly!
Nowgreen'sthesod,andcauld'stheclay,
ThatwrapsmyHighlandMary!
Opale,palenow,thoserosylips
Iafthaekiss'dsaefondly!
Andclos'dforay,thesparklingglance,
Thatdwaltonmesaekindly!
Andmoulderingnowinsilentdust,
Thatheartthatlo'edmedearly!
Butstillwithinmybosom'score
ShalllivemyHighlandMary.
RobertBurns
82
Holy Fair, The

1UponasimmerSundaymorn,
2WhenNature'sfaceisfair,
3Iwalkedforthtoviewthecorn
4An'snuffthecallerair.
5Therisin'sunowreGalstonmuirs
6Wi'gloriouslightwasglintin,
7Thehareswerehirplindownthefurrs,
8Thelav'rockstheywerechantin
9Fu'sweetthatday.
10AslightsomelyIglowr'dabroad
11Toseeascenesaegay,
12Threehizzies,earlyattheroad,
13Camskelpinuptheway.
14Twahadmanteeleso'dolefu'black,
15Butanewi'lyartlinin;
16Thethird,thatgaedaweea-back,
17Wasinthefashionshining
18Fu'gaythatday.
19Thetwaappear'dlikesisterstwin
20Infeature,form,an'claes;
21Theirvisagewither'd,langan'thin,
22An'sourasonyslaes.
23Thethirdcamup,hap-step-an'-lowp,
24Aslightasonylambie,
25An'wi'acurchielowdidstoop,
26Assoonase'ershesawme,
27Fu'kindthatday.
28Wi'bonnetaff,quothI,"Sweetlass,
29Ithinkyeseemtokenme;
30I'msureI'veseenthatbonieface,
31ButyetIcannanameye."
32Quo'she,an'laughinasshespak,
33An'taksmebythehan's,
34"Ye,formysake,haegienthefeck
35Ofa'thetencomman's
36Ascreedsomeday.
37"MynameisFun--yourcroniedear,
38Thenearestfriendyehae;
39An'thisisSuperstitionhere,
40An'that'sHypocrisy.
41I'mgauntoMauchlineHolyFair,
42Tospendanhourindaffin:
43Ginye'llgothere,yourunkl'dpair,
44Wewillgetfamouslaughin
45Atthemthisday."
46QuothI,"Witha'myheart,I'lldo't:
47I'llgetmySunday'ssarkon,
83
48An'meetyouontheholyspot;
49Faith,we'sehaefineremarkin!"
50ThenIgaedhameatcrowdie-time
51An'soonImademeready;
52Forroadswerecladfraesidetoside
53Wi'monieaweariebody
54Indrovesthatday.
55Here,farmersgash,inridingraith,
56Gaedhoddinbytheircotters,
57Thereswankiesyoung,inbrawbraidclaith
58Arespringinowrethegutters.
59Thelasses,skelpinbarefit,thrang,
60Insilksan'scarletsglitter,
61Wi'sweet-milkcheeseinmonyawhang,
62An'farls,bak'dwi'butter,
63Fu'crumpthatday.
64Whenbytheplatewesetournose,
65Weelheapedupwi'ha'pence,
66AgreedyglowrBlackBonnetthrows,
67An'wemaundrawourtippence.
68Theninwegotoseetheshow:
69Onev'rysidethey'regath'rin,
70Somecarryindails,somechairsan'stools,
71An'somearebusybleth'rin
72Rightloudthatday.
...
82Heresomearethinkinontheirsins,
83An'someupo'theirclaes;
84Anecursesfeetthatfyl'dhisshins,
85Anithersighsan'prays:
86Onthishandsitsachosenswatch,
87Wi'screw'd-upgrace-proudfaces;
88Onthataseto'chapsatwatch,
89Thrangwinkinonthelasses
90Tochairsthatday.
91Ohappyisthatmanandblest!
92Naewonderthatitpridehim!
93Whaseaindearlassthathelikesbest,
94Comesclinkindownbesidehim!
95Wi'armrepos'donthechairback,
96Hesweetlydoescomposehim;
97Whichbydegreesslipsroundherneck,
98An'sloofuponherbosom,
99Unken'dthatday.
100Nowa'thecongregationo'er
101Issilentexpectation;
84
102ForMoodiespeelstheholydoor,
103Wi'tidingso'salvation.
104ShouldHornie,asinancientdays,
105'Mangsonso'Godpresenthim,
106Theverasighto'Moodie'sface
107To'sainhethamehadsenthim
108Wi'frightthatday.
109Hearhowheclearsthepointso'faith
110Wi'rattlinan'wi'thumpin!
111Nowmeeklycalm,nowwildinwrath
112He'sstampin,an'he'sjumpin!
113Hislengthen'dchin,histurn'd-upsnout,
114Hiseldritchsquealandgestures,
115Oh,howtheyfiretheheartdevout
116Likecantharidianplaisters,
117Onsicaday!
118Buthark!thetenthaschang'ditsvoice:
119There'speaceandrestnaelanger;
120Fora'therealjudgesrise,
121Theycannasitforanger.
122Smithopensouthiscauldharangues,
123Onpracticeandonmorals;
124An'affthegodlypourinthrangs,
125Togiethejarsan'barrels
126Aliftthatday.
127Whatsignifieshisbarrenshine
128Ofmoralpow'rsandreason?
129HisEnglishstylean'gesturefine
130Area'cleanouto'season.
131LikeSocratesorAntonine
132Orsomeauldpaganheathen,
133Themoralmanhedoesdefine,
134Butne'erawordo'faithin
135That'srightthatday.
136Inguidtimecomesanantidote
137Againstsicpoison'dnostrum;
138ForPeebles,fraethewater-fit,
139Ascendstheholyrostrum:
140See,uphe'sgotthewordo'God
141An'meekan'mimhasview'dit,
142WhileCommonSensehasta'entheroad,
143An'saff,an'uptheCowgate
144Fast,fastthatday.
145WeeMillerniesttheGuardrelieves,
146An'Orthodoxyraibles,
147Tho'inhisheartheweelbelieves
148An'thinksitauldwives'fables:
85
149Butfaith!thebirkiewantsaManse,
150Socanniliehehumsthem;
151Altho'hiscarnalwitan'sense
152Likehafflins-wiseo'ercomeshim
153Attimesthatday.
154Nowbuttan'benthechange-housefills
155Wi'yill-caupcommentators:
156Here'scryinoutforbakesangills,
157An'therethepint-stowpclatters;
158Whilethickan'thrang,an'loudan'lang,
159Wi'logican'wi'Scripture,
160Theyraiseadin,thatintheend
161Isliketobreedarupture
162O'wraththatday.
163Leezemeondrink!itgiesusmair
164Thaneitherschoolorcollege
165Itkindleswit,itwaukenslear,
166Itpangsusfouo'knowledge.
167Be'twhisky-gillorpenny-wheep,
168Oronystrongerpotion,
169Itneverfails,ondrinkindeep,
170Tokittleupournotion
171Bynightorday.
172Theladsan'lasses,blythelybent
173Tomindbaithsaulan'body,
174Sitroundthetableweelcontent,
175An'steeraboutthetoddy,
176Onthisane'sdressan'thatane'sleuk
177They'remakinobservations;
178Whilesomearecoziei'theneuk,
179An'formingassignations
180Tomeetsomeday.
181ButnowtheLord'saintrumpettouts,
182Tilla'thehillsraerairin,
183An'echoesbackreturntheshouts-184BlackRussellisnasparin.
185Hispiercingwords,likehighlan'swords,
186Dividethejointsan'marrow;
187Histalko'hell,wharedevilsdwell,
188Ourvera"saulsdoesharrow"
189Wi'frightthatday.
190Avast,unbottom'd,boundlesspit,
191Fill'dfouo'lowinbrunstane,
192Whaseraginflame,an'scorchingheat
193Wadmeltthehardestwhun-stane!
194Thehalf-asleepstartupwi'fear
195An'thinktheyhearitroarin,
86
196Whenpresentlyitdoesappear
197'Twasbutsomeneiborsnorin,
198Asleepthatday.
199'Twadbeowrelangataletotell,
200Howmonystoriespast,
201An'howtheycroudedtotheyill,
202Whentheywerea'dismist:
203Howdrinkgaedroundincogsan'caups
204Amangthefurmsan'benches:
205An'cheeseandbredfraewomen'slaps
206Wasdealtaboutinlunches
207An'daudsthatday.
208Incomesagausie,gashguidwife
209An'sitsdownbythefire,
210Synedrawsherkebbuckan'herknife;
211Thelassestheyareshyer:
212Theauldguidmen,aboutthegrace
213Fraesidetosidetheybother,
214Tillsomeanebyhisbonnetlays,
215Andgi'esthem'tlikeatether
216Fu'langthatday.
217Waesucks!forhimthatgetsnaelass,
218Orlassesthathaenaething!
219Sma'needhashetosayagrace,
220Ormelviehisbrawclathing!
221Owives,bemindfu'anceyoursel
222Howbonieladsyewanted,
223An'dinnaforakebbuck-heel
224Letlassesbeaffronted
225Onsicaday!
226NowClinkumbell,wi'rattlintow,
227Beginstojowan'croon;
228Someswaggerhamethebesttheydow,
229Somewaittheafternoon.
230Atslapsthebillieshaltablink,
231Tilllassesstriptheirshoon:
232Wi'faithan'hope,an'lovean'drink,
233They'rea'infamoustune
234Forcrackthatday.
235Howmonieheartsthisdayconverts
236O'sinnersando'lasses
237Theirheartso'stane,ginnight,aregane
238Assaftasonyfleshis.
239There'ssomearefouo'lovedivine,
240There'ssomearefouo'brandy;
241An'moniejobsthatdaybegin,
242Mayendinhoughmagandie
87
243Someitherday.
RobertBurns
88
Holy Willie's Prayer

'Andsendthegodlyinapettopray.'-Pope
OThou,thatintheheavensdoesdwell,
Wha,asitpleasesbestThysel',
Sendsanetoheavenan'tentohell,
A'forThyglory,
Andnoforonieguidorill
They'vedoneaforeThee!
IblessandpraiseThymatchlessmight,
WhenthousandsThouhastleftinnight,
ThatIamhereaforeThysight,
Forgiftsan'grace
Aburningandashininglight
Toa'thisplace.
WhatwasI,ormygeneration,
ThatIshouldgetsicexaltation,
Iwhadeserv'dmostjustdamnation
Forbrokenlaws,
Saxthousandyearseremycreation,
Thro'Adam'scause.
Whenfrommymither'swombIfell,
Thoumighthaeplung'dmedeepinhell,
Tognashmygooms,andweepandwail,
Inburninlakes,
Wheredaneddevilsroarandyell,
Chain'dtotheirstakes.
YetIamhereachosensample,
Toshowthygraceisgreatandample;
I'mhereapillaro'Thytemple,
Strongasarock,
Aguide,abuckler,andexample,
Toa'Thyflock.
OLord,ThoukenswhatzealIbear,
Whendrinkersdrink,an'swearersswear,
An'sininghere,an'dancinthere,
Wigreatandsma';
ForIamkeepitbyThyfear
Freefraethema'.
Butyet,OLord!confessImust,
AttimesI'mfash'dwi'fleshlylust:
An'sometimes,too,inwarldlytrust,
Vileselfgetsin;
ButThourememberswearedust,
Defil'dwi'sin.
OLord!yestreen,Thoukens,wi'Meg-
89
ThypardonIsincerelybeg;
O!may'tne'erbealivinplague
Tomydishonour,
An'I'llne'erliftalawlessleg
Againuponher.
Besides,Ifarthermaunallow,
Wi'Leezie'slass,threetimesItrowButLord,thatFridayIwasfou,
WhenIcamnearher;
Orelse,Thoukens,Thyservanttrue
Wadneversteerher.
MaybeThouletsthisfleshlythorn
BuffetThyservante'enandmorn,
Lestheowreproudandhighshou'dturn,
Thathe'ssaegifted:
Ifsae,Thyhan'maune'enbeborne,
UntilThouliftit.
Lord,mindGaw'nHamilton'sdeserts;
Hedrinks,an'swears,an'playsatcartes,
Yethassaemonytakinarts,
Wi'greatandsma',
FraeGod'sainpriestthepeople'shearts
Hestealsawa.
An'whenwechasten'dhimtherefor,
Thoukenshowhebredsicasplore,
An'setthewarldinaroar
O'laughingatus;CurseThouhisbasketandhisstore,
Kailan'potatoes.
Lord,hearmyearnestcryandpray'r,
AgainstthatPresbyt'ryo'Ayr;
Thystrongrighthand,Lordmakeitbare
Upo'theirheads;
Lordvisitthem,an'dinnaspare,
Fortheirmisdeeds.
OLord,myGod!thatglib-tongu'dAiken,
Myveraheartandflesharequakin,
Tothinkhowwestoodsweatin,shakin,
An'p-'dwi'dread,
Whilehe,wi'hinginlipan'snakin,
Helduphishead.
Lord,inThydayo'vengeancetryhim,
Lord,visitthemwhadidemployhim,
AndpassnotinThymercybythem,
Norhearthemtheirpray'r,
90
ButforThypeople'ssakedestroythem,
An'dinnaspare.
But,Lord,remembermean'mine
Wi'merciestemporalanddivine,
ThatIforgracean'gearmayshine,
Excell'dbynane,
Anda'thegloryshallbethine,
Amen,Amen!
RobertBurns
91
I Dream'd I Lay
Idream'dIlaywhereflowerswerespringing
Gailyinthesunnybeam;
List'ningtothewildbirdssinging,
Byafallingcrystalstream:
Straighttheskygrewblackanddaring;
Thro'thewoodsthewhirlwindsrave;
Tresswithagedarmswerewarring,
O'ertheswellingdrumliewave.
Suchwasmylife'sdeceitfulmorning,
SuchthepleasuresIenjoyed:
Butlangornoon,loudtempestsstorming
A'myfloweryblissdestroy'd.
Tho'ficklefortunehasdeceiv'dmeShepromis'dfair,andperform'dbutill,
Ofmonyajoyandhopebereav'dmeIbearaheartshallsupportmestill.
RobertBurns
92
In The Character Of A Ruined Farmer

Tune-"Gofrommywindow,Love,do."
Thesunheissunkinthewest,
Allcreaturesretiredtorest,
WhilehereIsit,allsorebeset,
Withsorrow,grief,andwoe:
Andit'sO,fickleFortune,O!
Theprosperousmanisasleep,
Norhearshowthewhirlwindssweep;
ButMiseryandImustwatch
Thesurlytempestblow:
Thereliesthedearpartnerofmybreast;
Hercaresforamomentatrest:
MustIseethee,myyouthfulpride,
Thusbroughtsoverylow!
Thereliemysweetbabiesinherarms;
Noanxiousfeartheirlittleheartsalarms;
Butfortheirsakemyheartdoesache,
Withmanyabitterthroe:
IoncewasbyFortunecarest:
Ioncecouldrelievethedistrest:
Nowlife'spoorsupport,hardlyearn'd
Myfatewillscarcebestow:
Nocomfort,nocomfortIhave!
Howwelcometomewerethegrave!
ButthenmywifeandchildrendearO,witherwouldtheygo!
Owhither,OwhithershallIturn!
Allfriendless,forsaken,forlorn!
For,inthisworld,RestorPeace
Inevermoreshallknow!
RobertBurns
93
It was a' for our Rightful King

1Itwasa'forourrightfulking
2ThatweleftfairScotland'sstrand;
3Itwasa'forourrightfulking
4Wee'ersawIrishland,
5Mydear,
6Wee'ersawIrishland.
7Nowa'isdonethatmencando,
8Anda'isdoneinvain!
9Mylove,andnativeland,fareweel!
10ForImauncrossthemain,
11Mydear,
12ForImauncrossthemain.
13Heturn'dhimrightandroundabout,
14UpontheIrishshore,
15Hegavehisbridle-reinsashake,
16With,Adieuforevermore,
17Mydear!
18Andadieuforevermore!
19Thesoldierfraethewarreturns,
20Andthemerchantfraethemain.
21ButIhaepartedfraemylove,
22Nevertomeetagain,
23Mydear,
24Nevertomeetagain.
25Whendayisgoneandnightiscome,
26Anda'folkboundtosleep,
27Ithinkonhimthat'sfarawa
28Thelee-langnight,andweep,
29Mydear,
30Thelee-langnight,andweep.
RobertBurns
94
Jean
OFa'theairtsthewindcanblaw,
Idearlylikethewest,
Fortherethebonnielassielives,
ThelassieIlo'ebest:
Therewildwoodsgrow,andriversrow,
Andmonieahillbetween;
Butdayandnightmyfancy'sflight
Iseverwi'myJean.
Iseeherinthedewyflowers,
Iseehersweetandfair:
Ihearherinthetunefu'birds,
Ihearhercharmtheair:
There'snotabonnieflowerthatsprings
Byfountain,shaw,orgreen;
There'snotabonniebirdthatsings,
Butmindsmeo'myJean.
RobertBurns
95
John Anderson
JohnAnderson,myjoJohn,
Whenwewerefirstacquent
Yourlockswereliketheraven,
Yourbonniebrowwasbrent;
Butnowyourbrowisbald,John,
Yourlocksarelikethesnow;
Butblessingsonyourfrostypow,
JohnAndersonmyjo!
JohnAnderson,myjoJohn,
Weclambthehillthegither,
Andmonyacantyday,John,
We'vehadwi'aneanither:
Nowwemauntotterdown,John,
Buthandinhandwe'llgo,
Andsleepthegitheratthefoot,
JohnAndersonmyjo.
RobertBurns
96
John Anderson My Jo
JohnAndersonmyjo,John,
Whenwewerefirstacquent,
Yourbonnybrowwasbrent;
Butnowyourbrowisbled,John,
Yourlocksarelikethestraw,
JohnAndersonmyjo!
JohnAndersonmyjo,John,
Weclambthehillthegither
Andmonieacantieday,John,
We'vehadwi'aneanither;
Andhandinhandwe'llgo,
JohnAndersonmyjo!
RobertBurns
97
John Anderson, My Jo
JohnAnderson,myjo,John,
Whenwewerefirstacquent;
Yourboniebrowwasbrent;
Butnowyourbrowisbeld,John,
Yourlocksarelikethesnow,
JohnAnderson,myjo.
JohnAnderson,myjo,John,
Weclambthehillthegither;
Andmonyacantieday,John,
We'vehadwi'aneanither:
Andhandinhandwe'llgo,
JohnAnderson,myjo.
RobertBurns
98
John Barleycorn
Therewerethreekingsintotheeast,
Threekingsbothgreatandhigh,
An'theyhaeswornasolemnoath
JohnBarleycornshoulddie.
Theytookaploughandploughedhimdown,
Putclodsuponhishead;
An'theyhaeswornasolemnoath
JohnBarleycornwasdead.
Butthecheerfu'springcamekindlyon,
Andshow'rsbegantofall;
JohnBarleycorngotupagain,
Andsoresurprisedthemall.
Thesultrysunsofsummercame,
Andhegrewthickandstrong;
Hisheadweelarmedwi'pointedspears,
Thatnooneshouldhimwrong.
Thesoberautumnenteredmild,
Whenhegrewwanandpale;
Hisbendingjointsanddroopinghead
Showedhebegantofail.
Hiscoloursickenedmoreandmore,
Hefadedintoage;
Andthenhisenemiesbegan
Toshowtheirdeadlyrage.
They'veta'enaweaponlongandsharp,
Andcuthimbytheknee;
Thentiedhimfastuponacart,
Likearogueforforgerie.
Theylaidhimdownuponhisback,
Andcudgelledhimfullsore;
Theyhunghimupbeforethestorm,
Andturnedhimo'erando'er.
Theyfilledupadarksomepit
Withwatertothebrim;
TheyheavedinJohnBarleycorn,
Therelethimsinkorswim.
Theylaidhimoutuponthefloor,
Toworkhimfartherwoe,
Andstill,assignsoflifeappeared,
Theytossedhimtoandfro.
Theywasted,o'erascorchingflame,
Themarrowofhisbones;
99
Butamillerusedhimworstofall,
Forhecrushedhim'tweentwostones.
Andtheyhaeta'enhisveryheart'sblood,
Anddrankitroundandround;
Andstillthemoreandmoretheydrank,
Theirjoydidmoreabound.
JohnBarleycornwasaherobold,
Ofnobleenterprise;
Forifyoudobuttastehisblood,
'Twillmakeyourcouragerise;
'Twillmakeamanforgethiswoe;
'Twillheightenallhisjoy:
'Twillmakethewidow'shearttosing,
Tho'thetearwereinhereye.
ThenletustoastJohnBarleycorn,
Eachmanaglassinhand;
Andmayhisgreatposterity
Ne'erfailinoldScotland!
RobertBurns
100
John Barleycorn: A Ballad

Therewasthreekingsuntotheeast,
Threekingsbothgreatandhigh,
Andtheyhaeswornasolemnoath
JohnBarleycornshoulddie.
Theytookaploughandplough'dhimdown,
Putclodsuponhishead,
Andtheyhaeswornasolemnoath
JohnBarleycornwasdead.
ButthecheerfulSpringcamekindlyon,
Andshow'rsbegantofall;
JohnBarleycorngotupagain,
Andsoresurpris'dthemall.
ThesultrysunsofSummercame,
Andhegrewthickandstrong;
Hisheadweelarm'dwi'pointedspears,
Thatnooneshouldhimwrong.
ThesoberAutumnenter'dmild,
Whenhegrewwanandpale;
Hisbendingjointsanddroopinghead
Show'dhebagantofail.
Hiscoloursicken'dmoreandmore,
Hefadedintoage;
Andthenhisenemiesbegan
Toshowtheirdeadlyrage.
They'vetaenaweapon,longandsharp,
Andcuthimbytheknee;
Thentiedhimfastuponacart,
Likearogueforforgerie.
Theylaidhimdownuponhisback,
Andcudgell'dhimfullsore;
Theyhunghimupbeforethestorm,
Andturn'dhimo'erando'er.
Theyfilledupadarksomepit
Withwatertothebrim;
TheyheavedinJohnBarleycorn,
Therelethimsinkorswim.
Theylaidhimoutuponthefloor,
Toworkhimfurtherwoe;
Andstill,assignsoflifeappear'd,
Theytoss'dhimtoandfro.
Theywasted,o'erascorchingflame,
Themarrowofhisbones;
101
Butamillerus'dhimworstofall,
Forhecrush'dhimbetweentwostones.
Andtheyhaetaenhisveryheart'sblood,
Anddrankitroundandround;
Andstillthemoreandmoretheydrank,
Theirjoydidmoreabound.
JohnBarleycornwasaherobold,
Ofnobleenterprise;
Forifyoudobuttastehisblood,
'Twillmakeyourcouragerise.
'Twillmakeamanforgethiswoe;
'Twillheightenallhisjoy;
'Twillmakethewidow'shearttosing,
Tho'thetearwereinhereye.
ThenletustoastJohnBarleycorn,
Eachmanaglassinhand;
Andmayhisgreatposterity
Ne'erfailinoldScotland!
RobertBurns
102
Lament for Culloden

THElovelylasso'Inverness,
Naejoynorpleasurecanshesee;
Fore'enandmornshecries,'Alas!'
Andayethesauttearblin'shere'e:
'Drumossiemoor,Drumossieday,
Awaefu'dayitwastome!
ForthereIlostmyfatherdear,
Myfatherdearandbrethrenthree.
'Theirwinding-sheetthebluidyclay,
Theirgravesaregrowinggreentosee;
Andbythemliesthedearestlad
Thateverblestawoman'se'e!
Nowwaetothee,thoucruellord,
AbluidymanItrowthoube;
Formonieaheartthouhastmadesair,
Thatne'erdidwrangtothineorthee.'
RobertBurns
103
Lament of Mary, Queen of Scots, On the Apporch of Spring

NowNaturehangshermantlegreen
Oneverybloomingtree,
Andspreadshersheetso'daiseswhite
Outo'erthegrassylea
NowPheebuscheersthecrystalstreams,
Andgladstheazureskies;
Butnoughtcangladthewearywight
Thatfastindurancelies.
Nowlaverockswakethemerrymorn
Aloftondewywing;
Themerle,inhisnoontidebow'r,
Makeswoodlandechoesring;
Themaviswildai'monyanote,
Singsdrowsydaytoreast
Inloveandfreedomtheyrejoice,
Wi'carenorthrallopprest.
Nowbloomsthelilybythebank,
Theprimrosedownthebrae;
Thehawthorn'sbuddingintheglen,
Andmilk-whiteistheslae:
ThemeanesthindinfairScotland
Mayrovetheirsweetsamang;
ButI,theQueenofa'Scotland,
Maunlieinprisonstrang.
IwastheQueeno'bonieFrance,
WherehappyIhaebeen;
Fu'lightlyraiseIinthemorn,
Asblythelaydownate'en:
AndI'mthesov'reignofScotland,
Andmonyatraitorthere;
YethereIlieinforeignbands,
Andnever-endingcare.
Butasforthee,thoufalsewoman,
Mysisterandmyfae,
GrimVengeanceyetshallwhetasword
Thatthro'thysoulshallgae;
Theweepingbloodinwoman'sbreast
Wasneverknowntothee;
North'balmthatdrapsonwoundsofwoe
Fraewoman'spityinge'e.
Myson!myson!maykinderstars
Uponthyfortuneshine;
Andmaythosepleasuresgildthyreign,
Thatne'erwadblinkonmine!
Godkeeptheefraemymother'sfaes,
Orturntheirheartstothee:
Andwherethoumeet'stthymother'sfriend,
104
Rememberhimforme!
O!soon,tome,maySummersuns
Naemairlightupthemorn!
NaemairtometheAutumnwinds
Waveo'ertheyellowcorn?
And,inthenarrowhouseofdeath,
LetWinterroundmerave;
Andthenextflow'rsthatdecktheSpring,
Bloomonmypeacefulgrave!
RobertBurns
105
Lament of Mary, Queen of Scots, On the Approach of Spring

NowNaturehangshermantlegreen
Oneverybloomingtree,
Andspreadshersheetso'daiseswhite
Outo'erthegrassylea
NowPheebuscheersthecrystalstreams,
Andgladstheazureskies;
Butnoughtcangladthewearywight
Thatfastindurancelies.
Nowlaverockswakethemerrymorn
Aloftondewywing;
Themerle,inhisnoontidebow'r,
Makeswoodlandechoesring;
Themaviswildai'monyanote,
Singsdrowsydaytoreast
Inloveandfreedomtheyrejoice,
Wi'carenorthrallopprest.
Nowbloomsthelilybythebank,
Theprimrosedownthebrae;
Thehawthorn'sbuddingintheglen,
Andmilk-whiteistheslae:
ThemeanesthindinfairScotland
Mayrovetheirsweetsamang;
ButI,theQueenofa'Scotland,
Maunlieinprisonstrang.
IwastheQueeno'bonieFrance,
WherehappyIhaebeen;
Fu'lightlyraiseIinthemorn,
Asblythelaydownate'en:
AndI'mthesov'reignofScotland,
Andmonyatraitorthere;
YethereIlieinforeignbands,
Andnever-endingcare.
Butasforthee,thoufalsewoman,
Mysisterandmyfae,
GrimVengeanceyetshallwhetasword
Thatthro'thysoulshallgae;
Theweepingbloodinwoman'sbreast
Wasneverknowntothee;
North'balmthatdrapsonwoundsofwoe
Fraewoman'spityinge'e.
Myson!myson!maykinderstars
Uponthyfortuneshine;
Andmaythosepleasuresgildthyreign,
Thatne'erwadblinkonmine!
Godkeeptheefraemymother'sfaes,
Orturntheirheartstothee:
Andwherethoumeet'stthymother'sfriend,
106
Rememberhimforme!
O!soon,tome,maySummersuns
Naemairlightupthemorn!
NaemairtometheAutumnwinds
Waveo'ertheyellowcorn?
And,inthenarrowhouseofdeath,
LetWinterroundmerave;
Andthenextflow'rsthatdecktheSpring,
Bloomonmypeacefulgrave!
RobertBurns
107
Lass Of Cessnock Banks, The

ASongofSimiles
Tune-'IfhebeaButcherneatandtrim.'
OnCessnockbanksalassiedwells;
CouldIdescribehershapeandmein;
Ourlassesa'shefarexcels,
An'shehastwasparklingroguisheen.
She'ssweeterthanthemorningdawn,
WhenrisingPhoebusfirstisseen,
Anddew-dropstwinkleo'erthelawn;
She'sstatelylikeyonyouthfulash,
Thatgrowsthecowslipbraesbetween,
Anddrinksthestreamwithvigourfresh;
She'sspotlessliketheflow'ringthorn,
Withflow'rssowhiteandleavessogreen,
Whenpurestinthedewymorn;
HerlooksarelikethevernalMay,
Whenev'ningPhoebusshinesserene,
Whilebirdsrejoiceoneveryspray;
Herhairislikethecurlingmist,
Thatclimbsthemountain-sidesate'en,
Whenflow'r-revivingrainsarepast;
Herforehead'sliketheshow'rybow,
Whengleamingsunbeamsintervene
Andgildthedistantmountain'sbrow;
Hercheeksarelikeyoncrimsongem,
Theprideofallthefloweryscene,
Justopeningonitsthornystem;
Herbosom'slikethenightlysnow,
Whenpalethemorningriseskeen,
Whilehidthemurm'ringstreamletsflow;
Herlipsarelikeyoncherriesripe,
ThatsunnywallsfromBoreasscreen;
Theytemptthetasteandcharmthesight;
108
Herteetharelikeaflockofsheep,
Withfleecesnewlywashenclean,
Thatslowlymounttherisingsteep;
Herbreathislikethefragrantbreeze,
Thatgentlystirstheblossom'dbean,
WhenPhoebussinksbehindtheseas;
Hervoiceisliketheev'ningthrush,
ThatsingsonCessnockbanksunseen,
Whilehismatesitsnestlinginthebush;
Butit'snotherair,herform,herface,
Tho'matchingbeauty'sfabledqueen;
'Tisthemindthatshinesinev'rygrace,
An'chieflyinherroguisheen.
RobertBurns
109
Lass That Made the Bed to Me, The

WhenJanuar'windwasblawingcauld,
AstothenorthItookmyway,
Themirksomenightdidmeenfauld,
Iknewnawharetolodgetillday:
BymygudeluckamaidImet,
Justinthemiddleo'mycare,
AndKindlyshedidmeinvite
Towalkintoachamberfair.
Ibow'dfu'lowuntothismaid,
Andthank'dherforhercourtesie;
Anbadehermakeabedtome;
Shemadethebedbaithlargeandwide,
Wi'twawhitehandsshespreaditdoun;
Sheputthecuptoherrosylips,
Anddrank-"Youngman,nowsleepyesoun'."
Chorus-Thebonielassmadethebedtome,
Thebrawlassmadethebedtome,
I'llne'erforgettillthedayIdie,
Thelassthatmadethebedtome.
Shesnatch'dthecandleinherhand,
Andfraemychamberwentwi'speed;
ButIcall'dherquicklybackagain,
Tolaysomemairbelowmyhead:
Acodshelaidbelowmyhead,
Andservedmewithduerespect,
And,tosaluteherwi'akis,
Iputmyarmsaboutherneck.
Chorus:-...
"Haudaffyourhands,youngman!shesaid,
"Anddinnasaeuncivilbe;
Gifyehaeonyluveforme,
Owrangmamyvirginitie."
Herhairwaslikethelinkso'gowd,
Herteethwereliketheivorie,
Hercheekslikeliliesdiptinwine,
Chorus:-...
Herbosomwasthedrivensnaw,
Twadriftedheapssaefairtosee;
Herlimbsthepolish'dmarblestane,
Ikiss'dhero'erando'eragain,
Andayeshewistnawhattosay:
Ilaidher'tweenmeandthewa';
110
Thelassiethochtnalangtillday.
Chorus:-...
Uponthemorrowwhenweraise,
Ithank'dherforhercourtesie;
Butayesheblush'dandayeshesigh'd,
Andsaid,"Alas,ye'veruin'dme."
Iclasp'dherwaist,andkiss'dhersyne,
Whilethetearstoodtwinklin'inhere'e;
Isaid,"Mylassie,dinnacry,
Foryeayeshallmakethebedtome."
Chorus:-...
Shetookhermither'shollandsheets,
An'madethema'insarkstome;
Blytheandmerrymayshebe,
Chorus:-...
RobertBurns
111
Last May a Braw Wooer

LastMayabrawwooercamdownthelangglen,
Andsairwi'hislovehediddeaveme;
IsaidtherewasnaethingIhatedlikemen:
Thedeucegaewi'mtobelieveme,believeme,
Thedeucegaewi'mtobelieveme.
Hespako'thedartsinmybonieblackeen,
Andvow'dformylovehewasdiein;
IsaidhemightdiewhenhelikedforJean:
TheLordforgiemeforliein,forliein,
TheLordforgiemeforliein!
Aweel-stockedmailen,himselforthelaird,
Andmarriageaff-hand,werehisproffers:
IneverlootonthatIken'dit,orcar'd,
ButthoughtImighthaewauroffers,wauroffers,
ButthoughtImighthaewauroffers.
Butwhatwadyethink?inafortnightorless,
(Thedeiltakhistastetogaenearher!)
HeupthelangloantomyblackcousinBess,
Guessyehow,thejad!Icouldbearher,couldbearher
Guessyehow,thejad!Icouldbearher.
Buta'theniestweekIfrettedwi'care,
Igaedtothetrysteo'Dalgarnock,
Andwhabutmyfinefickleloverwasthere,
Iglowr'dasI'dseenawarlock,awarlock.
Iglowr'dasI'dseenawarlock.
ButowremyleftshoulderIgaehimablink,
LestneiborsmightsayIwassaucy;
Mywooerhecaper'dashe'dbeenindrink,
Andvow'dIwashisdearlassie,dearlassie,
Andvow'dIwashisdearlassie.
Ispier'dformycousinfu'couthyandsweet,
Ginshehadrecover'dherhearin,
Andhowhernewshoonfitherauldshachl'tfeet-But,heavens!howhefellaswearin,aswearin,
But,heavens!howhefellaswearin.
Hebegg'd,forgudesake,Iwadbehiswife,
OrelseIwadkillhimwi'sorrow:
Soe'entopreservethepoorbodyinlife,
IthinkImaunwedhimto-morrow,to-morrow,
IthinkImaunwedhimto-morrow.
RobertBurns
112
Lines on the Fall of Fyers Near Loch Ness

Amongtheheathyhillsandraggedwoods
TheroaringFyerspourshismossyfloods;
Tillfullhedashesontherockymounds,
Where,thro'ashapelessbreach,hisstreamresounds.
Ashighinairtheburstingtorrentsflow,
Asdeeprecoilingsurgesfoambelow,
Pronedowntherockthewhiteningsheetdescends,
AndviewlessEcho'sear,astonished,rends.
Dim-seen,throughrisingmistsandceaselessshow'rs,
Thehoarycavern,widesurrounding,lours:
Stillthro'thegapthestrugglingrivertoils,
Andstill,below,thehorridcauldronboilsRobertBurns
113
Love in the Guise of Friendship

Talknotoflove,itgivesmepain,
Forlovehasbeenmyfoe;
Heboundmeinanironchain,
Andplung'dmedeepinwoe.
Butfriendship'spureandlastingjoys,
Myheartwasform'dtoprove;
There,welcomewinandweartheprize,
Butnevertalkoflove.
Yourfriendshipmuchcanmakemeblest,
Owhythatblissdestroy?
Whyurgetheonly,onerequest
YouknowIwilldeny?
Yourthought,ifLovemustharbourthere,
Concealitinthatthought;
Norcausemefrommybosomtear
TheveryfriendIsought.
RobertBurns
114
Love in the Guise of Frindship

Talknotoflove,itgivesmepain,
Forlovehasbeenmyfoe;
Heboundmeinanironchain,
Andplung'dmedeepinwoe.
Butfriendship'spureandlastingjoys,
Myheartwasform'dtoprove;
There,welcomewinandweartheprize,
Butnevertalkoflove.
Yourfriendshipmuchcanmakemeblest,
Owhythatblissdestroy?
Whyurgetheonly,onerequest
YouknowIwilldeny?
Yourthought,ifLovemustharbourthere,
Concealitinthatthought;
Norcauseitinthatthought;
Norcausemefrommybosomtear
TheveryfriendIsought.
RobertBurns
115
Mary Morison
OMary,atthywindowbe!
Itisthewish'dthetrystedhour.
Thosesmilesandglancesletmesee,
Thatmakesthemiser'streasurepoor.
HowblythelywadIbidethestoure,
Awearyslavefraesuntosun,
CouldItherichrewardsecure-ThelovelyMaryMorison!
Yestreen,whentothetremblingstring
Thedancegaedthrothelightedha',
Totheemyfancytookitswing,
Isat,butneitherheardorsaw:
Tho'thiswasfair,andthatwasbraw,
Andyonthetoastofa'thetown,
Isigh'd,andsaidamangthema'-"YearenaMaryMorison!"
O,Mary,canstthouwreckhispeace
Whaforthysakewadgladlydie?
Orcanstthoubreakthatheartofhis
Whaseonlyfautislovingthee?
Ifloveforlovethouwiltnagie,
Atleastbepitytomeshown:
Athoughtungentlecannabe
Thethoughto'MaryMorison.
RobertBurns
116
Montgomerie's Peggy
Tune-"GallaWater."
Altho'mybedwereinyonmuir,
Amangtheheather,inmyplaidie;
Yethappy,happywouldIbe,
HadImydearMontgomerie'sPeggy.
Wheno'erthehillbeatsurlystorms,
Andwinternightsweredarkandrainy;
I'dseeksomedell,andinmyarms
I'dshelterdearMontgomerie'sPeggy.
WereIabaronproudandhigh,
Andhorseandservantswaitingready;
Thena''twadgieo'joytome,Thesharin'twithMontgomerie'sPeggy.
RobertBurns
117
My Bonnie Mary
GOfetchtomeapinto'wine,
An'fillitinasilvertassie,
ThatImaydrink,beforeIgo,
Aservicetomybonnielassie.
Theboatrocksatthepiero'Leith,
Fu'loudthewindblawsfraetheferry,
TheshipridesbytheBerwick-law,
AndImaunleavemybonnieMary.
Thetrumpetssound,thebannersfly,
Theglitteringspearsarerankedready;
Theshoutso'warareheardafar,
Thebattleclosesthickandbloody;
Butit'snotheroaro'seaorshore
Wadmakmelangerwishtotarry;
Norshouto'warthat'sheardafar-It'sleavingthee,mybonnieMary!
RobertBurns
118
My Heart's In The Highlands

FarewelltotheHighlands,farewelltotheNorth,
Thebirth-placeofValour,thecountryofWorth;
WhereverIwander,whereverIrove,
ThehillsoftheHighlandsforeverIlove.
Myheart'sintheHighlands,myheartisnothere;
Myheart'sintheHighlandsa-chasingthedeer;
A-chasingthewild-deer,andfollowingtheroe,
Myheart'sintheHighlandswhereverIgo.
Farewelltothemountainshighcoveredwithsnow;
Farewelltothestrathsandgreenvalleysbelow;
Farewelltotheforestsandwild-hangingwoods;
Farewelltothetorrentsandloud-pouringfloods.
Myheart'sintheHighlands,myheartisnothere;
Myheart'sintheHighlandsa-chasingthedeer;
A-chasingthewild-deer,andfollowingtheroe,
Myheart'sintheHighlandswhereverIgo.
RobertBurns
119
My Highland Lassie, O
Naegentledames,tho'e'ersaefair,
Shalleverbemymuse'scare;
Theirtitlesa'areemptyshow;
GiememyHighlandLassie,O.
Withintheglensaebushy,O,
Aboontheplainsaerushy,O,
Isitmedownwi'rightgoodwill,
TosingmyHighlandLassie,O.
Oh,wereyonhillsandvalleysmine,
Yonpalaceandyongardensfine!
Theworldthentheloveshouldknow
IbearmyHighlandLassie,O.
Withintheglen...
Butficklefortunefrownsonme,
AndImauncrosstheragingsea;
Butwhilemycrimsoncurrentsflow
I'lllovemyhighlandLassie,O.
Withintheglen...
Altho'thro'foreignclimesIrange,
Iknowherheartwillneverchange,
Forherbosomburnswithhonor'sglow,
MyfaithfulhighlandLassie,O.
Withintheglen...
ForherI'lldarethebillows'roar,
ForherI'lltraceadistantshore,
ThatIndianwealthmaylustrethrow
AroundmyHighlandLassie,O.
Withintheglen...
Shehasmyheart,shehasmyhand,
Bysacredtrothandhonor'sband!
Tillthemortalstrokeshalllaymelow,
I'mthine,myhighlandLassie,O.
Farewelltheglensaebushy,O!
Farewelltheplainsaerushy,O!
TootherlandsInowmustgo,
TosingmyHighlandLassie,O!
RobertBurns
120
My Nannie, O
Behindyonhills,whereLugarflows,
'Mangmoorsan'mossesmany,O,
Thewintrysunthedayhasclos'd,
AndI'llawatoNannie,O.
Thewestlinwindblawsloudandshill;
Thenight'sbaithmirkan'rainy,O;
ButI'llgetmyplaid,an'outI'llsteal,
An'owrethehillstoNannie,O.
MyNannie'scharming,sweet,an'young:
Naeartfu'wilestoWillye,O:
Mayillbefa'theflatteringtongue
ThatwadbeguilemyNannie,O.
Herfaceisfair,herheartistrue,
She'sspotlessasshe'sbonnie,O:
Theop'ninggowan,wetwi'dew,
NaepureristhanNannie,O.
Acountryladismydegree,
Andfewtherebethatkenme,O;
ButwhatcareIhowfewtheybe
I'mwelcomeayetoNannie,O.
Myrichesa''smypenny-fee,
An'Imaunguideitcannie,O;
Butwarl'sgearne'ertroublesme,
Mythoughtsarea'myNannie,O.
Ourauldguidmandelightstoview
Hissheepandkyethrivebonnie,O;
ButI'masblythethathaudshispleugh,
An'hasnaecarebutNannie,O.
Comeweel,comewoe,Icarenaby,
I'lltak'whatHeav'nwillsen'me,O;
NaeithercareinlifehaveI,
Butlive,an'lovemyNannie,O.
RobertBurns
121
Now Spring Has Clad The Grove In Green

Nowspringhascladthegroveingreen,
Andstrew'dtheleawi'flowers;
Thefurrow'd,wavingcornisseen
Rejoiceinfosteringshowers:
Whileilkathinginnaturejoin
Theirsorrowstoforego,
Owhythusallalonearemine
Thewearystepsofwoe?
Thetroutinyonderwimplingburn
Thatglides,asilverdart,
Andsafebeneaththeshadythorn
Defiestheangler'sart-Mylifewasancethatcarelessstream,
ThatwantontroutwasI;
Butlove,wi'unrelentingbeam,
Hasscorch'dmyfountainsdry.
Thelittleflow'ret'speacefullot,
Inyondercliffthatgrows,
Which,savethelinnet'sflight,Iwot,
Naerudervisitknows,
Wasmine;tilllovehaso'ermepast,
Andblighteda'mybloom,
Andnowbeneaththewith'ringblast
Myyouthandjoyconsume.
Thewaken'dlav'rockwarblingsprings,
Andclimbstheearlysky,
Winnowingblytheherdewywings
Inmorning'srosyeye:
AslittlerecktIsorrow'spower,
Untiltheflowerysnare
O'witchinglove,inlucklesshour,
Mademethethrallo'care.
OhadmyfatebeenGreenlandsnows,
OrAfric'sburningzone,
Wi'manandnatureleagu'dmyfoes,
SoPeggyne'erI'dknown!
Thewretchwhasedoomis,"hopenaemair,"
Whattonguehiswoescantell!
Withinwhasebosom,savedespair,
Naekinderspiritsdwell.
RobertBurns
122
Ny Nannie, O
Behindyonhills,whereLugarflows,
'Mangmoorsan'mossesmany,O,
Thewintrysunthedayhasclos'd,
AndI'llawatoNannie,O.
Thewestlinwindblawsloudandshill;
Thenight'sbaithmirkan'rainy,O;
ButI'llgetmyplaid,an'outI'llsteal,
An'owrethehillstoNannie,O.
MyNannie'scharming,sweet,an'young:
Naeartfu'wilestoWillye,O:
Mayillbefa'theflatteringtongue
ThatwadbeguilemyNannie,O.
Herfaceisfair,herheartistrue,
She'sspotlessasshe'sbonnie,O:
Theop'ninggowan,wetwi'dew,
NaepureristhanNannie,O.
Acountryladismydegree,
Andfewtherebethatkenme,O;
ButwhatcareIhowfewtheybe
I'mwelcomeayetoNannie,O.
Myrichesa''smypenny-fee,
An'Imaunguideitcannie,O;
Butwarl'sgearne'ertroublesme,
Mythoughtsarea'myNannie,O.
Ourauldguidmandelightstoview
Hissheepandkyethrivebonnie,O;
ButI'masblythethathaudshispleugh,
An'hasnaecarebutNannie,O.
Comeweel,comewoe,Icarenaby,
I'lltak'whatHeav'nwillsen'me,O;
NaeithercareinlifehaveI,
Butlive,an'lovemyNannie,O.
RobertBurns
123
O Thou Dread Power

OThoudreadPower,whoreign'stabove,
Iknowthouwiltmehear,
Whenforthissceneofpeaceandlove
Imakethisprayersincere.
ThehoarySire-themortalstroke,
Long,longbepleas'dtospare;
Toblesshislittlefilialflock,
Andshowwhatgoodmenare.
She,whoherlovelyoffspringeyes
Withtenderhopesandfears,
Oblessherwithamother'sjoys,
Butspareamother'stears!
Theirhope,theirstay,theirdarlingyouth,
Inmanhood'sdawningblush,
Blesshim,ThouGodofloveandtruth,
Uptoaparent'swish.
Theseauteous,seraphsister-bandWithearnesttearsIprayThouknow'stthesnaresonev'ryhand,
GuideThoutheirstepsalway.
When,soonorlate,theyreachthatcoast,
O'erLife'sroughoceandriven,
Maytheyrejoice,nowand'rerlost,
AfamilyinHeaven
RobertBurns
124
O Tibbie, I Hae Seen The Day

Tune-"Invercauld'sReel,orStrathspey."
Choir.-OTibbie,Ihaeseentheday,
Yewadnabeensaeshy;
Forlaiko'gearyelightlyme,
But,trowth,Icarenaby.
YestreenImetyouonthemoor,
Yespakna,butgaedbylikestour;
YegeckatmebecauseI'mpoor,
ButfientahaircareI.
OTibbie,Ihaeseentheday,&c.
WhencominghameonSundaylast,
UpontheroadasIcampast,
Yesnufftandga'eyourheadacastButtrowthIcare'tnaby.
Idoubtna,lass,butyemaythink,
Becauseyehaethenameo'clink,
Thatyecanpleasemeatawink,
Whene'eryeliketotry.
Butsorrowtak'himthat'ssaemean,
Altho'hispoucho'coinwereclean,
Whafollowsonysaucyquean,
Thatlookssaeproudandhigh.
Altho'aladweree'ersaesmart,
Ifthathewanttheyellowdirt,
Ye'llcastyourheadanitherairt,
Andanswerhimfu'dry.
But,ifhehaethenameo'gear,
Ye'llfastentohimlikeabrier,
Tho'hardlyhe,forsenseorlear,
Bebetterthanthekye.
But,Tibbie,lass,tak'myadvice:
Yourdaddie'sgearmaksyousaenice;
Thedeilaanewadspeiryourprice,
WereyeaspoorasI.
Therelivesalassbesideyonpark,
I'dratherhaeherinhersark,
Thanyouwi'a'yourthousandmark;
125
Thatgarsyoulooksaehigh.
RobertBurns
126
O were my Love yon Lilac fair

OWEREmyLoveyonlilacfair,
Wi'purpleblossomstothespring,
AndIabirdtoshelterthere,
Whenweariedonmylittlewing;
HowIwadmournwhenitwastorn
Byautumnwildandwinterrude!
ButIwadsingonwantonwing
Whenyouthfu'Mayitsbloomrenew'd.
OginmyLovewereyonredrose
Thatgrowsuponthecastlewa',
AndImyseladrapo'dew,
Intoherbonniebreasttofa';
Othere,beyondexpressionblest,
I'dfeastonbeautya'thenight;
Seal'donhersilk-saftfauldstorest,
Tillfley'dawa'byPhoebus'light.
RobertBurns
127
O, Were My Love
O,weremyloveyonlilacfair
Wi'purpleblossomstothespring,
AndIabirdtoshelterthere,
Whenweariedonmylittlewing.
HowIwadmournwhenitwastorn
ByAutumnwildandWinterrude!
ButIwadsingonwantonwing
WhenyouthfuMayitsbloomrenew'd.
O,ginmylovewereyonredrose,
Thatgrowsuponthecastlewa',
AndImyseladrapo'dew
Intoherboniebreasttofa',
O,there,beyondexpressionblest,
I'dfeastonbeautya'thenight,
Seal'donhersilk-saftfauldstorest,
Tillfley'dawabyPhoebus'light!
RobertBurns
128
O, Were My Love Yon Lilac Fair

HiThere!Iseeyou'reenjoyingthesite,andjustwantedtoextendaninvitiationto
registerforourfreesite.Themembersofoldpoetrystrivetomakethisafunplaceto
learnandshare-hopeyoujoinus!-Kevin
RobertBurns
129
Of a' the Airts

Ofa'theairtsthewindcanblaw
Idearlylikethewest,
Fortherethebonielassielives,
ThelassieIlo'ebest.
Therewildwoodsgrowandriversrow,
Andmonieahillbetween;
Butdayandnightmyfancy'sflight
Iseverwi'myJean.
Iseeherinthedewyflowers;
Iseehersweetandfair:
Ihearherinthetunefu'birds;
Ihearhercharmtheair.
There'snotabonieflowerthatsprings
Byfountain,shaw,orgreen;
There'snotaboniebirdthatsings,
Butmindsmeo'myJean.
RobertBurns
130
Oh Wert Thou In The Cauld Blast

Ohwertthouinthecauldblast,
Onyonderlea,onyonderlea,
Myplaidietotheangryairt,
I'dshelterthee,I'dshelterthee;
Ordidmisfortune'sbitterstorms
Aroundtheeblaw,aroundtheeblaw,
Thybieldshouldbemybosom,
Toshareita',toshareita'.
OrwereIinthewildestwaste,
Saeblackandbare,saeblackandbare,
Thedesartwereaparadise,
Ifthouwertthere,ifthouwertthere.
OrwereImonarcho'theglobe,
Wi'theetoreign,wi'theetoreign,
Thebrightestjewelinmycrown
Wadbemyqueen,wadbemyqueen.
RobertBurns
131
On A Bank Of Flowers
Onabankofflowersinasummerday
Forsummerlightlydrest,
Theyouthful,bloomingNellylay,
Withloveandsleepopprest;
WhenWillie,wand'ringthrothewood
Whoforherfavourofthadsued
Hegaz'd,hewish'dHefear'd,heblush'd
Andtrembledwherehestood.
Herclosdeyes,likeweaponssheath'd,
Weresealedinsoftrepose;
Herlips,stillasshefragrantbreath'd,
Itricherdyedtherose.
Thespringinglilies,sweetlyCrest,
Wild-wantonkissedherrivalbreast:
Hegaz'd,hewish'd,Hefear'dheblush'd
Hisbosomillatrest.
Herrobes,light-wavinginthebreeze,
Hertenderlimbsembrace;
Herlovelyform,hernativeease,
Allharmonyandgrace.
Tumultuoustideshispulsesroll,
Afaltering,ardentkisshestole;
Hegaz'd,hewish'd,Hefear'd,heblush'd,
Andsigh'dhisverysoul.
Asfliesthepartridgefromthebrake
Onfear-inspiredwings
SoNellystarting,half-awake
Awayaffrightedsprings.
ButWillie,follow'd---asheshould
Heovertookherinthewood;
Hevow'd,hepray'd,Hefoundthemaid
Forgivingall,andgood.
RobertBurns
132
Paraphrase Of The First Psalm

Theman,inlifewhereverplac'd,
Hathhappinessinstore,
Whowalksnotinthewicked'sway,
Norlearnstheirguiltylore!
Norfromtheseatofscornfulpride
Castsforthhiseyesabroad,
Butwithhumilityandawe
StillwalksbeforehisGod.
Thatmanshallflourishlikethetrees,
Whichbythestreamletsgrow;
Thefruitfultopisspreadonhigh,
Andfirmtherootbelow.
Buthewhoseblossombudsinguilt
Shalltothegroundbecast,
And,liketherootlessstubble,tost
Beforethesweepingblast.
Forwhy?thatGodthegoodadore,
Hathgiv'nthempeaceandrest,
Buthathdecreedthatwickedmen
Shallne'erbetrulyblest.
RobertBurns
133
Peggy
Nowwestlinwindsandslaught'ringguns
Bringautumn'spleasantweather;
Andthemoorcocksprings,onwhirringwings,
Amangthebloomingheather;
Nowwavinggrain,wideo'ertheplain,
Delightsthewearyfarmer;
Andthemoonshinesbright,whenIroveatnight.
Tomuseupoumycharmer.
Thepartridgelovesthefruitfulfells;
Theploverlovesthemountains;
Thewoodcockhauntstbelonelydell;
Thesoaringhernthefountains:
Thro'loftygrovesthecushatroves,
Thepathofmantoshunit;
Thehazelbusho'erhangsthethrush,
Thespreadingthornthelinnet.
Thusev'rykindtheirpleasurefind,
Thesavageandthetender;
Somesocialjoin,andleaguescombine
Somesolitarywander:
Avaunt,away,thecruelsway!
Tyrannicman'sdominion;
Thesportsman'sjoy,themurd'ringcry,
Theflutt'ring,gorypinion!
ButPeggydear,theevening'sclear,
Thickfliestheskimmingswallow;
Theskyisblue,thefieldsinview,
Allfading-greenandyellow:
Comeletusstrayourgladsomeway,
Andviewthecharmsofnature;
Therustlingcorn,thefruitedthorn,
Andeveryhappycreature.
We'llgentlywalk,andsweetlytalk,
Tillthesilentmoonshineclearly;
I'llgraspthywaist,and,fondlyprest,
SwearhowIlovetheedearly:
Notvernalshow'rstobuddingflow'rs,
Notautumntothefarmer,
Sodearcanbeasthoutome,
Myfair,mylovelycharmer!
MyLoveisLikeaRed,RedRose
O,myluveislikeared,redrose,
That'snewlysprunginJune.
O,myloveislikeamelodie,
That'ssweetlyplay'dintune.
134
Asfairthouart,mybonnielass,
SodeepinluveamI,
Tilla'theseasgangdry.
Tilla'theseasgangdry,mydear,
Andtherocksmeltwi'thesun!
Whilethesandsoflifeshallrun.
Andfaretheweel,myonlyluve!
Andfarethewellawhile!
AndIwillcomeagain,mylove.
Tho'itweretenthousandmile!
RobertBurns
135
Ploughman's Life, The

AsIwasa-wand'ringaemorninginspring,
Iheardayoungploughmansaesweetlytosing;
Andashewassingin',thirwordshedidsay,There'snaelifeliketheploughman'sinthemontho'sweetMay.
Thelav'rockinthemorningshe'llrisefraehernest,
Andmounti'theairwi'thedewonherbreast,
Andwi'themerryploughmanshe'llwhistleandsing,
Andatnightshe'llreturntohernestbackagain.
RobertBurns
136
Poor Mailie's Elegy

Lamentinrhyme,lamentinprose,
Wi'sauttearstricklindownyournose;
Ourbardie'sfateisataclose,
Pasta'remead!
Thelast,sadcape-staneo'hiswoes;
PoorMailie'sdead!
It'snothelosso'warl'sgear,
Thatcouldsaebitterdrawthetear,
Ormakourbardie,dowie,wear
Themourningweed:
He'slostafriendan'neebordear
InMailiedead.
Thro'a'thetownshetrottedbyhim;
Alanghalf-mileshecoulddescryhim;
Wikindlybleat,whenshedidspyhim,
Sheranwi'speed:
Afriendmairfaithfu'ne'ercamnighhim,
ThanMailiedead.
Iwatshewasasheepo'sense,
An'couldbehavehersel'wi'mense:
I'llsay't,sheneverbrakafence,
Thro'thievishgreed.
Ourbardie,lanely,keepsthespence
Sin'Mailie'sdead.
Or,ifhewandersupthehowe,
Herlivinimageinheryowe
Comesbleatingtillhim,owretheknowe,
Forbitso'bread;
An'downthebrinypearlsrowe
ForMailiedead.
Shewasnaegeto'moorlandtips,
Wi'tautedket,an'hairyhips;
Forherforbearswerebroughtinships,
Frae'yonttheTweed.
Abonierfleeshne'ercross'dtheclips
ThanMailie'sdead.
Waeworththemanwhafirstdidshape
Thatvile,wanchanciething-araip!
Itmaksguidfellowsgirnan'gape,
Wi'chokindread;
An'Robin'sbonnetwavewi'crape
ForMailiedead.
O,a'yebardsonbonieDoon!
An'whaonAyryourchanterstune!
Come,jointhemelancholiouscroon
137
O'Robin'sreed!
HisheartwillnevergetaboonHisMailie'sdead!
RobertBurns
138
Prayer, Under The Pressure Of Violent Anguish

OThouGreatBeing!whatThouart,
Surpassesmetoknow;
YetsureIam,thatknowntoThee
AreallThyworksbelow.
ThycreatureherebeforeTheestands,
Allwretchedanddistrest;
Yetsurethoseillsthatwringmysoul
ObeyThyhighbehest.
Sure,Thou,Almighty,canstnotact
Fromcrueltyorwrath!
O,freemywearyeyesfromtears,
Orclosethemfastindeath!
But,ifImustafflictedbe,
Tosuitsomewisedesign,
Thenmanmysoulwithfirmresolves,
Tobearandnotrepine!
RobertBurns
139
Rigs O' Barley, The

ItwasuponaLammasnight,
Whencornrigsarebonnie,
Beneaththemoon'suncloudedlight,
IheldawaytoAnnie:
Thetimeflewbywi'tentlessheed
Till'tweenthelateandearly,
Wi'sma'persuasion,sheagreed
Toseemethro'thebarley.
Cornrigs,an'barleyrigs,
An'cornrigsarebonnie:
I'llne'erforgetthathappynight,
Amangtherigswi'Annie.
Theskywasblue,thewindwasstill,
Themoonwasshiningclearly:
Isetherdown,wi'rightgoodwill,
Amangtherigso'barley:
Iken'therheartwasa'myain:
Ilov'dhermostsincerely;
Ikiss'dherowreandowreagain,
Amangtherigso'barley.
Cornrigs...
Ilock'dherinmyfondembrace;
Herheartwasbeatingrarely:
Myblessingsonthathappyplace,
Amangtherigso'barley!
Butbythemoonandstarssobright,
Thatshonethathoursoclearly!
Sheayeshallblessthathappynight,
Cornrigs...
Iha'ebeenblythewi'comradesdear;
Iha'ebeenmerrydrinkin';
Iha'ebeenjoyfu'gatherin'gear;
Iha'ebeenhappythinkin':
Buta'thepleasurese'erIsaw,
Tho'threetimesdoubledfairly,
Thathappynightwasworththena',
Cornrigs...
RobertBurns
140
Ronalds Of The Bennals, The

InTarbolton,yeken,thereareproperyoungmen,
Andproperyounglassesanda',man;
ButkenyetheRonaldsthatliveintheBennals,
Theycarrythegreefraethema',man.
Theirfather'slaird,andweelhecanspare't,
Braidmoneytotocherthema',man;
Toproperyoungmen,he'llclinkinthehand
Gowdguineasahunderortwa,man.
There'sanetheyca'Jean,I'llwarrantye'veseen
Asboniealassorasbraw,man;
Butforsenseandguidtasteshe'llviewi'thebest,
Andaconductthatbeautifiesa',man.
Thecharmso'themin',thelangertheyshine,
Themairadmirationtheydraw,man;
Whilepeachesandcherries,androsesandlilies,
Theyfadeandtheywitherawa,man,
IfyebeforMissJean,takthisfraeafrien',
Ahinto'arivalortwa,man;
TheLairdo'Blackbyrewadgangthroughthefire,
Ifthatwadenticeherawa,man.
TheLairdo'Braeheadhasbeenonhisspeed,
Formairthanatowmondortwa,man;
TheLairdo'theFordwillstraughtonaboard,
Ifhecannagetherata',man.
ThenAnnacomesin,theprideo'herkin,
Theboastofourbachelorsa',man:
Saesonsyandsweet,saefullycomplete,
Shestealsouraffectionsawa,man.
IfIshoulddetailthepickandthewale
O'lassesthatlivehereawa,man,
Thefau'twadbemineiftheydidnashine
Thesweetestandbesto'thema',man.
Ilo'ehermysel,butdarenaweeltell,
Mypovertykeepsmeinawe,man;
Formakingo'rhymes,andworkingattimes,
Doeslittleornaethingata',man.
YetIwadnachoosetoletherrefuse,
Norhae'tinherpowertosayna,man:
ForthoughIbepoor,unnoticed,obscure,
Mystomach'sasproudasthema',man.
ThoughIcannarideinweel-bootedpride,
Andfleeo'erthehillslikeacraw,man,
141
Icanhaudupmyheadwi'thebesto'thebreed,
Thoughflutteringeversobraw,man.
Mycoatandmyvest,theyareScotcho'thebest,
O'pairso'guidbreeksIhaetwa,man;
Andstockingsandpumpstoputonmystumps,
Andne'erawrangsteekinthema',man.
Mysarkstheyarefew,butfiveo'themnew,
Twal'hundred,aswhiteasthesnaw,man,
Aten-shillingshat,aHollandcravat;
Therearenomonypoetssaebraw,man.
Ineverhadfrien'sweelstockitinmeans,
Toleavemeahundredortwa,man;
Naeweel-tocher'daunts,towaitontheirdrants,
Andwishtheminhellforita',man.
Ineverwascannieforhoardingo'money,
Orclaughtin'ttogetherata',man;
I'velittletospend,andnaethingtolend,
ButdeevilashillingIawe,man.
RobertBurns
142
Scotch Drink
Letotherpoetsraiseafracas
Boutvines,andwines,andruckenBacchus,
Ancrabbitnamesanstorieswrackus,
Angrateourlug:
IsingthejuiceScotchbearcanmakus,
InglassorJug.
Othou,myMuse!guidauldScotchdrink!
Whetherthro'wimplinwormsthoujink,
Or,richlybrown,reamowrethebrink,
Ingloriousfaem
Inspireme,tillIlispanwink,
Tosingthyname!
Lethuskywheatthehaughsadorn,
Anaitssetuptheirawniehorn,
AnPeaseandbeans,ate'enormorn,
Perfumetheplain:
Leezemeonthee,JohnBarleycorn,
Thoukingo'grain!
OntheeaftScotlandchowshercood,
Insouplescones,thewaleo'food!
Ortumblingintheboilingflood
Wi'kailanbeef;
Butwhenthoupoursthystrongheart'sblood
Therethoushineschief.
Foodfillsthewame,ankeepsuslivin;
Tholife'sagiftnoworthreceivin
Whenheavy-dragg'dwipineangrievin;
Butoil'dbythee
Thewheelso'lifegaedown-hill,scrievin,
Wi'rattlinglee.
Thouclearstheheado'doitedLear,
Thoucheersthehearto'droopingCare;
Thoustringsthenerveso'Laboursair,
At'swearytoil;
Thouev'nbrightensdarkDespair
Wi'gloomysmile.
Aft,cladinmassysillerweed,
Wigentlesthouersctsthyhead;
Yethumblykindintimeo'need,
Thepoorman'swine:
Hisweedrapparritch,orhisbread,
Thoukitchensfine.
Thouartthelifeo'publichaunts;
Butthee,whatwereourfairsandrants?
Ev'ngodlymeetingso'thesaunts,
143
Bytheeinspir'd,
When,gaping,theybesiegethetents,
Aredoublyfir'd.
Thatmerrynightwegetthecornin,
Osweetly,then,thoureamsthehorn
OrreekinonaNew-Yearmornin
Incogorbicker,
Anjustaweedrapsp'ritualburnin,
Angustysucker!
WhenVulcangieshisbellowsbreath,
Anploughmengatherwitheirgraith,
Orare!toseetheefizzanfreath
I'th'luggetcaup!
ThenBurnewincomesonlikedeath
Ateverychaup.
Naemercy,then,forairnorsteel:
Thebrawnie,bainie,ploughmanchiel,
Bringshardowrehip,wisturdywheel,
Thestrongforehammer,
Tillblockanstuddieringanreel,
Widinsomeclamour.
Whenskirlin'weaniesseethelight,
Thoumaksthegossipsclatterbright,
Howfumblincoofstheirdeariesslight;
Waeworththename!
Naehowdiegetsasocialnight,
Orplackfraethem.
Whenneeborsangerataplea,
Anjustaswudaswudcanbe,
Howeasycanthebarley-brie
Cementthequarrel!
It'sayethecheapestlawyer'sfee,
Totastethebarrel.
Alake!thate'ermyMusehasreason,
Towytehercountrymenwi'treason!
Butmoniedailyweettheirweason
Wi'liquorsnice,
Anhardly,inawinterseason,
E'erspierherprice.
Waeworththatbrandy,burnintrash!
Fellsourceo'monieapainanbrash!
Twinsmonieapoor,doylt,druckenhash
O'halfhisdays;
Ansends,beside,auldScotland'scash
Toherwarstfaes.
144
YeScots,whawishauldScotlandwell!
Yechief,toyoumytaleItell,
Poor,placklessdevilslikemysel!
Itsetsyouill
Wi'bitter,dearthfu'winestomell,
Orforeigngill.
Maygravelsroundhisblatherwrench,
Angoutstormenthim,inchbyinch,
Whatwistshisgruntlewi'aglunch
O'sourdisdain
Outowreaglasso'whisky-punch
Wihonestmen!
OWhisky!soulo'playsanpranks!
AcceptaBardie'sgratefuthanks!
Whenwantingthee,whattunelesscranks
Aremypoorverses!
Thoucomes---theyrattlei'theirranks,
Atither'sarses!
Thee,Ferintosh!Osadlylost!
Scotlandlamentfraecoasttocoast!
Nowcolicgrips,anbarkinhoast
Maykillusa';
ForloyalEorbes'charter'dboast
Istaenawa!
Theycursthorse-leecheso'th'Excise,
Whamakthewhiskystellstheirprize!
Haudupthyhan',Deil!ance,twice,thrice!
There,seizetheblinkers!
Anbakethemupinbrunstanepies
Forpoordamn'ddrinkers.
Fortune!ifthou'llbutgiemestill
Halebreeks,ascone,anwhiskygill,
Anrowtho'rhymetoraveatwill,
Taka'therest,
Andeal'taboutasthyblindskill
Directstheebest.
RobertBurns
145
Scots Wha Hae

Scots,whahaewiWallacebled,
Scots,whamBrucehasaftenled,
Welcometoyourgorybed
Ortovictorie!
Now'stheday,andnow'sthehour:
Seethefronto'battlelour,
SeeapproachproudEdward'spower--Chainsandslaverie!
Whawillbeatraitorknave?
Whacanfillacoward'sgrave?
Whasaebaseasbeaslave?--Lethimturn,andflee!
WhaforScotland'sKingandLaw
Freedom'sswordwillstronglydraw,
Freemanstand,orFreemanfa',
Lethimfollowme!
ByOppression'swoesandpains,
Byyoursonsinservilechains,
Wewilldrainyourdearestveins,
Buttheyshallbefree!
Laytheproudusurperslow!
Tyrantsfallineveryfoe!
Liberty'sineveryblow!--Letusdo,ordie!
RobertBurns
146
Scots, Wha Hae Wi' Wallace Bled

Scots,whahaewi'Wallacebled,
Scots,whamBrucehasaftenled,
Welcometoyourgorybed,
Ortovictory!
Now'stheday,andnow'sthehour;
Seethefronto'battlelour,
SeeapproachproudEdward'spower—
Chainsandslavery!
Whawillbeatraitor-knave?
Whacanfillacoward'sgrave?
Whasaebaseasbeaslave?
Lethimturnandflee!
WhaforScotland'skingandlaw
Freedom'sswordwillstronglydraw,
Freemanstandorfreemanfa',
Lethimfollowme!
Byoppression'swoesandpains,
Byyoursonsinservilechains,
Wewilldrainourdearestveins,
Buttheyshallbefree!
Laytheproudusurperslow!
Tyrantsfallinev'ryfoe!
Liberty'sinev'ryblow!
Letusdoordie!
RobertBurns
147
Tam Glen
1Myheartisa-breaking,dearTittie,
2Somecounseluntomecomelen';
3Toangerthema'isapity,
4ButwhatwillIdowi'TamGlen?
5I'mthinking,wi'sicabrawfellow,
6InpoortithImightmakafen':
7WhatcareIinrichestowallow,
8IfImaunamarryTamGlen?
9There'sLowrie,thelairdo'Dumeller,
10"Guid-daytoyou,"--brute!hecomesben:
11Hebragsandheblawso'hissiller,
12ButwhenwillhedancelikeTamGlen?
13Myminniedoesconstantlydeaveme,
14Andbidsmebewareo'youngmen;
15Theyflatter,shesays,todeceiveme;
16Butwhacanthinksaeo'TamGlen?
17Mydaddiesays,ginI'llforsakehim,
18He'llgiemeguidhundermarksten:
19But,ifit'sordain'dImauntakehim,
20OwhawillIgetbutTamGlen?
21Yestreenatthevalentines'dealing,
22Myhearttomymougiedasten:
23ForthriceIdrewanewithoutfailing,
24Andthriceitwaswritten,"TamGlen"!
25ThelastHalloweenIwaswaukin
26Mydroukitsark-sleeve,asyeken:
27Hislikenesscamupthehousestaukin,
28Andtheverygraybreekso'TamGlen!
29Comecounsel,dearTittie,don'ttarry;
30I'llgieyemybonieblackhen,
31Gifyewilladvisemetomarry
32TheladIlo'edearly,TamGlen.
RobertBurns
148
Tam O' Shanter

ATale
"OfBrownyisandofBogillisfullisthisBuke."
GawinDouglas.
Whenchapmanbilliesleavethestreet,
Anddrouthyneiborsneiborsmeet;
Asmarketdaysarewearinglate,
Andfolkbegintotakthegate,
Whilewesitbousingatthenappy,
An'gettingfouanduncohappy,
WethinknaonthelangScotsmiles,
Themosses,waters,slapsandstiles,
Thatliebetweenusandourhame,
Wheresitsoursulky,sullendame,
Gatheringherbrowslikegatheringstorm,
Nursingherwrathtokeepitwarm.
ThistruthfandhonestTamo'Shanter,
AshefraeAyraenightdidcanter:
(AuldAyr,whamne'eratownsurpasses,
Forhonestmenandbonielasses).
OTam!had'stthoubutbeensaewise,
AstaenthyainwifeKate'sadvice!
Shetauldtheeweelthouwasaskellum,
Ablethering,blustering,drunkenblellum;
ThatfraeNovembertillOctober,
Aemarket-daythouwasnasober;
Thatilkamelderwi'theMiller,
Thousataslangasthouhadsiller;
Thatev'rynaigwasca'dashoeon
TheSmithandtheegatroarinfouon;
ThatattheLord'shouse,ev'nonSunday,
Thoudrankwi'KirktonJeantillMonday;
Sheprophesiedthatlateorsoon,
Thouwadbefound,deepdrown'dinDoon,
Orcatch'dwi'warlocksinthemirk,
ByAlloway'sauld,hauntedkirk.
Ah,gentledames!itgarsmegreet,
Tothinkhowmonycounselssweet,
Howmonylengthen'd,sageadvices,
Thehusbandfraethewifedespises!
Buttoourtale:-Aemarketnight,
Tamhadgotplanteduncoright,
Fastbytheingle,bleezingfinely,
Wi'reamingswatsthatdrankdivinely;
Andathiselbow,SouterJohnie,
Hisancient,trusty,drouthycrony:
Tamlo'edhimlikeaverybrither;
Theyhadbeenfouforweeksthegither.
149
Thenightdraveonwi'sangsan'clatter;
Andayethealewasgrowingbetter:
TheLandladyandTamgrewgracious,
Wi'favourssecret,sweetandprecious:
TheSoutertauldhisqueereststories;
TheLandlord'slaughwasreadychorus:
Thestormwithoutmightrairandrustle,
Tamdidnamindthestormawhistle.
Care,madtoseeamansaehappy,
E'endrown'dhimselamangthenappy.
Asbeesfleehamewi'ladeso'treasure,
Theminuteswing'dtheirwaywi'pleasure:
Kingsmaybeblest,butTamwasglorious,
O'era'theillso'lifevictorious!
Butpleasuresarelikepoppiesspread,
Youseizetheflow'r,itsbloomisshed;
Orlikethesnowfallsintheriver,
Amomentwhite-thenmeltsforever;
OrliketheBorealisrace,
Thatflitereyoucanpointtheirplace;
OrliketheRainbow'slovelyform
Evanishingamidthestorm.-
NaemancantectherTimenorTide,
ThehourapproachesTammaunride;
Thathour,o'night'sblackarchthekey-stane,
Thatdrearyhourhemountshisbeastin;
Andsicanighthetakstheroadin,
Asne'erpoorsinnerwasabroadin.
Thewindblewas'twadblawnitslast;
Therattlingshowersroseontheblast;
Thespeedygleamsthedarknessswallow'd;
Loud,deep,andlangthethunderbellow'd:
Thatnight,achildmightunderstand,
Thedeilhadbusinessonhishand.
Weel-mountedonhisgreymareMeg,
Abetterneverleg,
Tamskelpitonthro'dubandmire,
Despisingwind,andrain,andfire;
Whilesholdingfasthisgudebluebonnett,
Whilescrooningo'ersomeauldScotssonnet,
Whilesglow'rinroundwi'prudentcares,
Lestboglescatchhimunawares;
Kirk-Allowaywasdrawingnigh,
Whereghaistsandhouletsnightlycry.
Bythistimehewascrosstheford,
Whereinthesnawthechapmansmoor'd;
150
Andpastthebirksandmeiklestane,
WheredrunkenCharliebrak'sneck-bane;
Andthro'thewhins,andbythecairn,
Wherehuntersfandthemurder'dbairn;
Andnearthethorn,aboonthewell,
WhereMungo'smitherhang'dhersel'.
BeforehimDoonpoursallhisfloods,
Thedoublingstormroarsthro'thewoods,
Thelightningsflashfrompoletopole,
Nearandmorenearthethundersroll,
When,glimmeringthro'thegroaningtrees,
Kirk-Allowayseem'dinableeze,
Thro'ilkaborethebeamswereglancing,
Andloudresoundedmirthanddancing.
InspiringboldJohnBarleycorn!
Whatdangersthoucanstmakeusscorn!
Wi'tippeny,wefearnaeevil;
Wi'usquabae,we'llfacethedevil!
Theswatssaeream'dinTammie'snoddle,
Fairplay,hecar'dnadeilsaboddle,
ButMaggiestood,rightsairastonish'd,
Till,bytheheelandhandadmonish'd,
Sheventur'dforwardonthelight;
Andwow!Tamsawanuncosight!
Warlocksandwitchesinadance:
Naecotillon,brentnewfraeFrance,
Buthornpipes,jigs,strathspeys,andreels,
Putlifeandmettleintheirheels.
Awinnock-bunkerintheeast,
TheresatauldNick,inshapeo'beast;
Atousietyke,black,grim,andlarge,
Togiethemmusicwashischarge.
Hescrew'dthepipesandgartthemskirl,
Tillroofandraftersa'diddirl.Coffinsstoodround,likeopenpresses,
Thatshaw'dtheDeadintheirlastdresses;
And(bysomedevilishcantraipsleight)
Eachinitscauldhandheldalight.
BywhichheroicTamwasable
Tonoteuponthehalytable,
Amurderer'sbanes,ingibbet-airns;
Twaspan-lang,wee,unchristenedbairns;
Athief,new-cuttedfraearape,
Wi'hislastgasphisgabdidgape;
Fivetomahawks,wi'bludered-rusted:
Fivescimitars,wi'murdercrusted;
Agarterwhichababehadstrangled:
Aknife,afather'sthroathadmangled,
Whomhisainsonoflifebereft,
Thegreyhairsyetstacktotheheft;
151
Wi'mairofhorribleandawfu',
Whicheventonamewasbeunlawfu'.
AsTammieglowr'd,amaz'd,andcurious,
Themirthandfungrewfastandfurious;
ThePiperloudandlouderblew,
Thedancersquickandquickerflew,
Theyreel'd,theyset,theycross'd,theycleekit,
Tillilkacarlinswatandreekit,
Andcoostherduddiestothewark,
Andlinkitatitinhersark!
NowTam,OTam!hadtheybeenqueans,
A'plumpandstrappingintheirteens!
Theirsarks,insteado'creeshieflainen,
Beensnaw-whiteseventeen-hunderlinen!Thirbreekso'mine,myonlypair,
Thataincewereplush,o'guidbluehair,
Iwudhaegienthemoffmyhurdies,
Foraeblinko'thebonieburdies!
Butwither'dbeldams,auldanddroll,
Rigwoodiehagswadspeanafoal,
Loupingan'flingingonacrummock,
Iwonderdidnaturnthystomach.
ButTamkentwhatwaswhatfu'brawlie:
Therewasaewinsomewenchandwaulie
Thatnightenlistedinthecore,
Langafterken'donCarrickshore
(Formonyabeasttodeadsheshot,
Andperish'dmonyabonieboat,
Andshookbaithmeiklecornandbear,
Andkeptthecountry-sideinfear);
Hercuttysark,o'Paisleyharn,
Thatwhilealassieshehadworn,
Inlongitudetho'sorelyscanty,
Itwasherbest,andshewasvauntie.
Ah!littleken'dthyreverendgrannie,
ThatsarkshecoftforherweeNannie,
Wi'twapundScots('twasa'herriches),
Wadevergrac'dadanceofwitches!
ButheremyMuseherwingmauncour,
Sicflightsarefarbeyondherpower;
TosinghowNannielapandflang
(Asouplejadeshewasandstrang),
AndhowTamstood,likeanebewitch'd,
Andthoughthisveryeenenrich'd:
EvenSatanglowr'd,andfidg'dfu'fain,
Andhotch'dandblewwi'mightandmain:
Tillfirstaecaper,syneanither,
Tamtinthisreasona'thegither,
152
Androarsout,"Weeldone,Cutty-sark!"
Andinaninstantallwasdark:
AndscarcelyhadheMaggierallied,
Whenoutthehellishlegionsallied.
Asbeesbizzoutwi'angryfyke,
Whenplunderingherdsassailtheirbyke;
Asopenpussie'smortalfoes,
When,pop!shestartsbeforetheirnose;
Aseagerrunsthemarket-crowd,
When"Catchthethief!"resoundsaloud;
SoMaggieruns,thewitchesfollow,
Wi'monyaneldritchskreichandhollo.
Ah,Tam!Ah,Tam!thou'llgetthyfairin!
Inhellthey'llroasttheelikeaherrin!
InvainthyKateawaitsthycomin!
Katesoonwillbeawoefu'woman!
Now,dothyspeedyutmost,Meg,
Andwinthekey-staneo'thebrig;
There,atthemthouthytailmaytoss,
Arunningstreamtheydarenecross.
Buterethekey-staneshecouldmake,
Thefientatailshehadtoshake!
ForNannie,farbeforetherest,
HarduponnobleMaggieprest,
AndflewatTamwi'furiousettle;
ButlittlewistsheMaggie'smettle!
Aespringbroughtoffhermasterhale,
Butleftbehindheraingreytale:
Thecarlinclaughtherbytherump,
AndleftpoorMaggiescarceastump.
Now,whathistaleo'truthshallread,
Ilkman,andmother'sson,takeheed:
Whene'ertoDrinkyouareinclin'd,
OrCutty-sarksrininyourmind,
Thinkyemaybuythejoyso'erdear;
RememberTamo'Shanter'smare.
RobertBurns
153
Tam O'Shanter
Whenchapmanbilliesleavethestreet,
Anddrouthyneeborsneeborsmeet,
Asmarket-daysarewearinglate,
Andfolkbegintotakthegate;
Whilewesitbousin,atthenappy,
Andgettinfouanduncohappy,
WethinknaonthelangScotsmiles,
Themosses,waters,slaps,andstiles,
Thatliebetweenusandourhame,
Wharesitsoursulky,sullendame,
Gatheringherbrowslikegatheringstorm,
Nursingherwrathtokeepitwarm.
ThistruthfandhonestTamo'Shanter,
AshefraeAyraenightdidcanter:
(AuldAyr,whamne'eratownsurpasses,
Forhonestmenandbonielasses.)
OTam!had'stthoubutbeensaewise
AstaenthyainwifeKate'sadvice!
Shetauldtheeweelthouwasaskellum,
Abletherin,blusterin,drunkenblellum;
ThatfraeNovembertillOctober,
Aemarket-daythouwasnasober;
Thatilkamelderwi'themiller,
Thousataslangasthouhadsiller;
Thatev'rynaigwasca'dashoeon,
Thesmithandtheegatroarinfouon;
ThatattheLord'shouse,ev'nonSunday,
Thoudrankwi'KirktonJeantillMonday.
Sheprophesied,that,lateorsoon,
Thouwouldbefounddeepdrown'dinDoon;
Otcatch'dwi'warlocksinthemirk,
ByAlloway'sauldhauntedkirk.
Ah,gentledames!itgarsmegreet,
Tothinkhowmonycounselssweet,
Howmonylengthen'dsageadvices,
Thehusbandfraethewifedespises!
Buttoourtale:-Aemarketnight,
Tamhadgotplanteduncoright,
Fastbyaningle,bleezingfinely,
Wi'reamingswatsthatdrankdivinely;
Andathiselbow,SouterJohnie,
Hisancient,trusty,drouthycrony:
Tamlo'edhimlikeaverabrither;
Theyhadbeenfouforweeksthegither.
Thenightdraveonwi'sangsandclatter;
Andaythealewasgrowingbetter:
ThelandladyandTamgrewgracious
Wi'secretfavours,sweet,andprecious:
Thesoutertauldhisqueereststories;
154
Thelandlord'slaughwasreadychorus:
Thestormwithoutmightrairandrustle,
Tamdidnamindthestormawhistle.
Care,madtoseeamansaehappy,
E'endrown'dhimselamangthenappy:
Asbeesfleehamewi'ladeso'treasure,
Theminuteswing'dtheirwaywi'pleasure;
Kingsmaybeblest,butTamwasglorious,
O'era'theillso'lifevictorious!
Butpleasuresarelikepoppiesspread,
Youseizetheflow'r,itsbloomisshed;
Orlikethesnowfallsintheriver,
Amomentwhite--thenmeltsforever;
Orliketheborealisrace,
Thatflitereyoucanpointtheirplace;
Orliketherainbow'slovelyform
Evanishingamidthestorm.
Naemancantethertimeortide:
ThehourapproachesTammaunride,Thathour,o'night'sblackarchthekey-stane
Thatdrearyhourhemountshisbeastin;
Andsicanighthetakstheroadin,
Asne'erpoorsinnerwasabroadin.
Thewindblewas'twadblawnitslast;
Therattlingshow'rsroseontheblast;
Thespeedygleamsthedarknessswallow'd;
Loud,deep,andlangthethunderbellow'd:
Thatnight,achildmightunderstand,
TheDeilhadbusinessonhishand.
Weelmountedonhisgreymare,Meg,Abetterneverliftedleg,Tamskelpitonthro'dubandmire,
Despisingwindandrainandfire;
Whilesholdingfasthisguidbluebonnet,
Whilescrooningo'ersomeauldScotssonnet,
Whilesglowrinroundwi'prudentcares,
Lestboglescatchhimunawares.
Kirk-Allowaywasdrawingnigh,
Whareghaistsandhouletsnightlycry.
Bythistimehewascrosstheford,
Whareinthesnawthechapmansmoor'd;
Andpastthebirksandmeiklestane,
WharedruckenCharliebrak'sneckbane:
Andthro'thewhins,andbythecairn,
Wharehuntersfandthemurder'dbairn;
Andnearthethorn,aboonthewell,
WhareMungo'smitherhang'dhersel.
155
BeforehimDoonpoursallhisfloods;
Thedoublingstormroarsthro'thewoods;
Thelightningsflashfrompoletopole,
Nearandmorenearthethundersroll;
When,glimmeringthro'thegroaningtrees,
Kirk-Allowayseem'dinableeze:
Thro'ilkaborethebeamswereglancing,
Andloudresoundedmirthanddancing.
InspiringboldJohnBarleycorn!
Whatdangersthoucan'stmakeusscorn!
Wi'tippennywefearnaeevil;
Wi'usquebaewe'llfacethedevil!
Theswatssaeream'dinTammie'snoddle,
Fairplay,hecar'dnadeilsaboddle.
ButMaggiestoodrightsairastonish'd,
Till,bytheheelandhandadmonish'd,
Sheventur'dforwardonthelight;
And,wow!Tamsawanuncosight!
Warlocksandwitchesinadance;
Naecotillionbrent-newfraeFrance,
Buthornpipes,jigs,strathspeys,andreels
Putlifeandmettleintheirheels.
Awinnockbunkerintheeast,
TheresatAuldNickinshapeo'beast:
Atowzietyke,black,grim,andlarge,
Togiethemmusicwashischarge;
Hescrew'dthepipesandgartthemskirl,
Tillroofandraftersa'diddirl.Coffinsstoodroundlikeopenpresses,
Thatshaw'dthedeadintheirlastdresses;
Andbysomedevilishcantraipsleight
Eachinitscauldhandheldalight,
BywhichheroicTamwasable
Tonoteuponthehalytable
Amurderer'sbanesingibbetairns;
Twaspan-lang,wee,unchristen'dbairns;
Athief,new-cuttedfraetherape-Wi'hislastgasphisgabdidgape;
Fivetomahawks,wi'bludered-rusted;
Fivescimitars,wi'murdercrusted;
Agarter,whichababehadstrangled;
Aknife,afather'sthroathadmangled,
Whomhisainsono'lifebereftThegreyhairsyetstacktotheheft;
Wi'mairo'horribleandawfu',
Whichev'ntonamewadbeunlawfu'.
AsTammieglowr'd,amaz'dandcurious,
Themirthandfungrewfastandfurious:
Thepiperloudandlouderblew,
156
Thedancersquickandquickerflew;
Theyreel'd,theyset,theycross'd,theycleekit
Tillilkacarlinswatandreekit
Andcoostherduddiestothewark
Andlinketatitinhersark!
NowTam,OTam!hadthaebeenqueans,
A'plumpandstrappingintheirteens!
Theirsarks,insteado'creeshieflannen,
Beensnaw-whiteseventeenhunderlinen!Thirbreekso'mine,myonlypair,
Thatancewereplush,o'gudebluehair,
Iwadhaegienthemaffyhurdies,
Foraeblinko'thebonieburdies!
Butwither'dbeldams,auldanddroll,
Rigwoodiehagswadspeanafoal,
Lowpingandflingingonacrummock.
Iwonderdidnaturnthystomach.
ButTamken'dwhatwaswhatfu'brawlie;
Therewasaewinsomwenchandwalie,
Thatnightenlistedinthecore
(Langafterken'donCarrickshore.
Formonyabeasttodeadsheshot,
Andperish'dmonyabonieboat,
Andshookbaithmeiklecornandbear
Andkeptthecountry-sideinfear);
Hercuttysarko'Paisleyharn,
Thatwhilealassieshehadworn,
Inlongitudetho'sorelyscanty,
Itwasherbest,andshewasvauntie.
Ah!littleken'dthyreverendgrannie,
ThatsarkshecoftforherweeNannie,
Wi'twapundScots('twasa'herriches),
Wadevergrac'dadanceofwitches!
ButheremyMuseherwingmauncow'r,
Sicflightsarefarbeyondherpow'r;
TosinghowNannielapandflang,
(Asouplejadshewasandstrang),
AndhowTamstoodlikeanebewitch'd,
Andthoughthisveryeenenrich'd;
EvenSatanglowr'dandfidg'dfu'fain,
Andhotch'dandblewwi'mightandmain:
Tillfirstaecaper,syneanither,
Tamtinthisreasona'thegither,
Androarsout,"Weeldone,Cutty-sark!"
Andinaninstantallwasdark:
AndscarcelyhadheMaggierallied,
Whenoutthehellishlegionsallied.
157
Asbeesbizzoutwi'angryfyke,
Whenplunderingherdsassailtheirbyke;
Asopenpussie'smortalfoes,
When,pop!shestartsbeforetheirnose;
Aseagerrunsthemarket-crowd,
When"Catchthethief!"resoundsaloud;
SoMaggieruns,thewitchesfollow,
Wi'monyaneldritchskriechandhollo.
Ah,Tam!ah,Tam!thou'llgetthyfairin!
Inhellthey'llroasttheelikeaherrin!
InvainthyKateawaitsthycomin!
Katesoonwillbeawoefu'woman!
Now,dothyspeedyutmost,Meg,
Andwinthekey-staneofthebrig:
Thereatthemthouthytailmaytoss,
Arunningstreamtheydarenacross.
Buterethekey-staneshecouldmake,
Thefientatailshehadtoshake!
ForNanniefarbeforetherest,
HarduponnobleMaggieprest,
AndflewatTamwi'furiousettle;
ButlittlewistsheMaggie'smettleAespringbroughtaffhermasterhale
Butleftbehindheraingreytail:
Thecarlinclaughtherbytherump,
AndleftpoorMaggiescarceastump.
Now,whathistaleo'truthshallread,
Ilkmanandmother'sson,takeheed,
Whene'ertodrinkyouareinclin'd,
Orcutty-sarksruninyourmind,
Think,yemaybuythejoyso'erdear,
RememberTamo'Shanter'smear.
RobertBurns
158
Tarbolton Lasses, The

Ifyegaeuptoyonhill-tap,
Ye'llthereseeboniePeggy;
Shekensherfatherisalaird,
Andsheforsooth'saleddy.
ThereSophytight,alassiebright,
Besidesahandsomefortune:
Whacannawinherinanight,
Haslittleartincourtin'.
GaedownbyFaile,andtastetheale,
Andtakalooko'Mysie;
She'sdouranddin,adeilwithin,
Butaiblinsshemaypleaseye.
Ifshebeshy,hersistertry,
Ye'llmaybefancyJenny;
Ifye'lldispensewi'wanto'senseShekensherselshe'sbonie.
Asyegaeupbyyonhillside,
SpeirinforbonieBessy;
She'llgieyeabeck,andbidyelight,
Andhandsomelyaddressye.
There'sfewsaebonie,nanesaeguid,
Ina'KingGeorge'dominion;
Ifyeshoulddoubtthetrutho'thisIt'sBessy'sainopinion!
RobertBurns
159
Tear-drop, The
Waeismyheart,andthetear'sinmye'e;
LanglangJoy'sbeenastrangertome:
Forsakenandfriendless,myburdenIbear,
Andthesweetvoiceo'Pityne'ersoundsinmyear.
Lovethouhastpleasures,anddeephaeIlov'd;
Love,thouhastsorrows,andsairhaeIprov'd;
Butthisbruisedheartthatnowbleedsinmybreast,
Icanfeelbyitsthrobbings,willsoonbeatrest.
Of,ifIwere-wherehappyIhaebeenDownbyyonstream,andyonboniecastle-green;
Forthereheiswand'ringandmusingonme,
WhawadsoondrythetearfraehisPhillis'e'e
RobertBurns
160
The Auld Farmer's New-Year-Morning Salutation to His Auld Mare , Maggie

AGuideNew-yearIwishthee,Maggie!
Hae,there'saripptothyauldbaggie:
Tho'thou'showe-backitnow,an'knaggie,
I'veseentheday
Therecouldhaegaenlikeonystaggie,
Out-owrethelay.
Tho'nowthou'sdowie,stiffan'crazy,
An'thyauldhideaswhite'sadaisie,
I'veseenthedappl't,sleekan'glaizie,
Aboniegray:
Heshouldbeentightthatdaur'ttoraizethee,
Anceinaday.
Thouancewasi'theforemostrank,
Afillybuirdly,steevean'swank;
An'setweeldownashapelyshank,
Ase'ertreadyird;
An'couldhaeflownout-owreastank,
Likeonybird.
It'snowsomenine-an'-twentyyear,
Sin'thouwasmyguid-father'smear;
Hegiedmethee,o'tocherclear,
An'fiftymark;
Tho'itwassma','twasweel-wongear,
An'thouwasstark.
WhenfirstIgaedtowoomyJenny,
Yethenwastrottingwi'yourminnie:
Tho'yewastrickie,slee,anfunnie,
Yene'erwasdonsie;
Buthamely,tawie,quiet,an'cannie,
An'uncosonsie.
Thatday,yepranc'dwi'mucklepride,
Whenyeburehamemyboniebride:
An'sweetan'gracefu'shedidride,
Wi'maidenair!
Kyle-StewartIcouldbraggedwide
Forsicapair.
Tho'nowyedowbuthoyteandhobble,
An'wintlelikeasaumontcoble,
Thatday,yewasajinkernoble,
Forheelsan'win'!
An'ranthemtilltheya'didwauble,
Far,far,behin'!
Whenthouan'Iwereyoungan'skeigh
An'stable-mealsatfairsweredreigh,
Howthouwadprance,andsnore,an'skreigh
161
An'taktheroad!
Town's-bodiesran,an'stoodabeigh,
An'ca'ttheemad.
Whenthouwascorn't,an'Iwasmellow,
Wetooktheroadayelikeaswallow:
Atbroosesthouhadne'erafellow,
Forpithan'speed;
Butev'rytailthoupay'tthemhollow,
Whare'erthougaed.
Thesma',droop-rumpl't,huntercattle
Mightaiblinswaurttheeforabrattle;
ButsaxScotchmile,thoutry'ttheirmettle,
An'gar'tthemwhaizle:
Naewhipnorspur,butjustawattle
O'saughorhazel.
Thouwasanoblefittie-lan',
Ase'erintugortowwasdrawn!
Afttheean'I,inaughthours'gaun,
InguidMarch-weather,
Haeturn'dsaxroodbesideourhan',
Fordaysthegither.
Thouneverbraing't,an'fetch't,an'fliskit;
Butthyauldtailthouwadhaewhiskit,
An'spreadabreedthyweel-fill'dbrisket,
Wi'pithan'power;
Tillsprittieknoweswadrair'tan'riskit
An'slypetowre.
Whenfrostslaylang,an'snawsweredeep,
An'threaten'dlabourbacktokeep,
Igiedthycogaweebitheap
Aboonthetimmer:
Iken'dmyMaggiewadnasleep,
Forthat,orsimmer.
Incartorcarthouneverreestit;
Thesteyestbraethouwadhaefac'tit;
Thouneverlap,an'sten't,andbreastit,
Thenstoodtoblaw;
Butjustthystepaweethinghastit,
Thousnoov'tawa.
Mypleughisnowthybairn-timea',
Fourgallantbrutesase'erdiddraw;
ForbyesaxmaeI'vesell'tawa,
Thatthouhastnurst:
Theydrewmethretteenpundan'twa,
Theverawarst.
162
Monyasairdaurkwetwahaewrought,
An'wi'thewearywarl'fought!
An'monyananxiousday,Ithought
Wewadbebeat!
Yetheretocrazyagewe'rebrought,
Wi'somethingyet.
An'thinkna',myauldtrustyservan',
Thatnowperhapsthou'slessdeservin,
An'thyaulddaysmayendinstarvin;
Formylastfow,
Aheapitstimpart,I'llreserveane
Laidbyforyou.
We'veworntocrazyyearsthegither;
We'lltoyteaboutwi'aneanither;
Wi'tentiecareI'llflitthytether
Tosomehain'drig,
Whareyemaynoblyraxyourleather,
Wi'sma'fatigue.
RobertBurns
163
The Banks o' Doon

YEflowerybankso'bonnieDoon,
Howcanyeblumesaefair!
AndIsaefu'o'care!
Thou'llbreakmyheart,thoubonniebird,
Thoumindsmeo'thehappydays
Whenmyfauseluvewastrue.
Andwistnao'myfate.
AfthaeIrovedbybonnieDoon,
Toseethewoodbinetwine;
AndsaedidIo'mine.
UponamorninJune;
AndsaeIflourish'donthemorn,
Andsaewaspu'dor'noon.
Uponitsthornytree;
Butmyfauseluverstawmyrose,
Andleftthethornwi'me.
RobertBurns
164
The Battle Of Sherramuir

"Ocamyeherethefighttoshun,
Orherdthesheepwi'me,man?
OrwereyeattheSherra-moor,
Ordidthebattlesee,man?"
"Isawthebattle,sairandteugh
Andreekin-redranmonieasheugh;
Myheart,forfear,gaesoughforsough,
Tohearthethuds,andseethecluds
Oclansfraewoodsintartanduds
Whaglaum'daticingdomsthree,man.
"Thered-coatladswi'blackcockauds,
Tomeetthemwerenaslaw,man;
Theyrush'dandpush'd,andbluidoutgush'd,
Andmonieaboukdidfa',man!
ThegreatArgyleledonhisfiles,
Iwattheyglanc'dfortwentymiles;
Theyhough'dtheclanslikenine-pinkyles,
Theyhack'dandhash'd,whilebraid-swordsclashed,
Andthrotheydash'd,andhew'dandsmash'd,
Tillfeymendiedawa,man.
"Buthadyeseenthephilibegs,
Andskyrintartantrews,man;
Whenintheteeththeydaur'dourWhigs,
AndCovenanttrueblues,man!
Inlinesextendedlangandlarge,
Whenbaig'netso'erpower'dthetarge,
Andthousandshasten'dtothecharge,
Wi'Highlandwrathandfracthesheath
Drewbladeso'death,till,outo'breath.
Theyfledlikefrighteneddows,man!"
"O,howDeil,Tam,canthatbetrue?
Thechasegaedfraethenorth,man!
Isawmysel,theydidpursue
ThehorsemanbacktoForth,man:
AndatDunblane,inmyainsight,
Theytookthebrigwia'theirmight
AndstraughttoStirlingwing'dtheirflight;
But,cursedlot!thegateswereshut,
Andmonieahuntitpoorred-coat,
Forfearamaistdidswarf,man!"
MysisterKatecameupthegate
Wi'crowdieuntome,man:
Sheswoorshesawsomerebelsrun
ToPerthandtoDundee,man!
Theirleft-handgeneralhadnaeskill;
TheAngusladshadnaegoodwill
Thatdaytheirneebors'bluidtospill;
Forfear,byfoes,thattheyshouldlose
165
Theircogsobrose;theyscar'datblows,
Andhamewardfastdidflee,man.
"They'velostsomegallantgentlemen,
AmangtheHighlandclans,man!
IfearmyLordPanmureisslain,
Orinhisen'mies'hands,man.
Nowwadyesingthisdoubleflight,
Somefellforwrang,andsomeforright,
Butmoniebadetheworldguid-night;
Say,pellandmell,wi'muskets'knell
HowToriesfeil,andWhigstoHell
Flewoffinfrightenedbands,man!"
RobertBurns
166
The Birks Of Aberfeldy

HiThere!Iseeyou'reenjoyingthesite,andjustwantedtoextendaninvitiationto
registerforourfreesite.Themembersofoldpoetrystrivetomakethisafunplaceto
learnandshare-hopeyoujoinus!-Kevin
RobertBurns
167
The Bonie Wee Thing

WishfullyIlookandlanguish
Inthatboniefaceo'thine,
Andmyheartitsoundswi'anguish,
Lestmyweethingbenamine.
[Chorus]Bonieweething,cannieweething,
Lovelyweething,wertthoumine,
Iwadweartheeinmybosom,
Lestmyjewelitshouldtine.
WitandGrace,andLove,andBeauty,
Inaeconstellationshine;
Toadoretheeinmyduty,
Goddesso'thissoulo'mine!
[Chorus]
RobertBurns
168
The Cotter's Saturday Night

InscribedtoRobertAiken,Esq.
LetnotAmbitionmocktheirusefultoil,
Theirhomelyjoysanddestinyobscure;
NorGrandeurhearwithadisdainfulsmile,
Theshortandsimpleannalsofthepoor.
(Gray,"ElegyWritteninaCountryChurchyard")
Mylov'd,myhonour'd,muchrespectedfriend!
Nomercenarybardhishomagepays;
Withhonestpride,Iscorneachselfishend:
Mydearestmeedafriend'sesteemandpraise.
ToyouIsing,insimpleScottishlays,
Thelowlytraininlife'ssequester'dscene;
Thenativefeelingsstrong,theguilelessways;
WhatAikeninacottagewouldhavebeen;
Ah!tho'hisworthunknown,farhappierthere,Iween!
Novemberchillblawsloudwi'angrysugh,
Theshort'ningwinterdayisnearaclose;
Themirybeastsretreatingfraethepleugh,
Theblack'ningtrainso'crawstotheirrepose;
Thetoil-wornCotterfraehislabourgoes,-Thisnighthisweeklymoilisatanend,-Collectshisspades,hismattocksandhishoes,
Hopingthemornineaseandresttospend,
Andweary,o'erthemoor,hiscoursedoeshamewardbend.
Atlengthhislonelycotappearsinview,
Beneaththeshelterofanagedtree;
Th'expectantwee-things,toddlin,stacherthrough
Tomeettheirdad,wi'flichterinnoisean'glee.
Hisweebitingle,blinkinbonilie,
Hiscleanhearth-stane,histhriftywifie'ssmile,
Thelispinginfantprattlingonhisknee,
Doesa'hiswearykiaughandcarebeguile,
An'makeshimquiteforgethislabouran'histoil.
Belyve,theelderbairnscomedrappingin,
Atserviceout,amangthefarmersroun';
Someca'thepleugh,someherd,sometentierin
Acannieerrandtoaneibortoun:
Theireldesthope,theirJenny,woman-grown,
Inyouthfu'bloom,lovesparklinginhere'e,
Comeshame,perhaps,toshewabrawnewgown,
Ordepositehersair-wonpenny-fee,
Tohelpherparentsdear,iftheyinhardshipbe.
Withjoyunfeign'd,brothersandsistersmeet,
An'eachforother'sweelfarekindlyspiers:
Thesocialhours,swift-wing'd,unnotic'dfleet;
Eachtellstheuncosthatheseesorhears.
169
Theparentspartialeyetheirhopefulyears;
Anticipationforwardpointstheview;
Themother,wi'herneedlean'hersheers,
Garsauldclaeslookamaistasweel'sthenew;
Thefathermixesa'wi'admonitiondue.
Theirmaster'san'theirmistress'scommand
Theyounkersa'arewarnedtoobey;
An'mindtheirlabourswi'aneydenthand,
An'ne'ertho'outo'sight,tojaukorplay:
"An'O!besuretofeartheLordalway,
An'mindyourduty,duly,mornan'night!
Lestintemptation'spathyegangastray,
Implorehiscounselandassistingmight:
TheyneversoughtinvainthatsoughttheLordaright!"
Buthark!arapcomesgentlytothedoor.
Jenny,whakensthemeaningo'thesame,
Tellshowaneeborladcamo'erthemoor,
Todosomeerrands,andconvoyherhame.
Thewilymotherseestheconsciousflame
SparkleinJenny'se'e,andflushhercheek;
Wi'heart-struck,anxiouscare,inquireshisname,
WhileJennyhafflinsisafraidtospeak;
Weel-pleas'dthemotherhears,it'snaewild,worthlessrake.
Wi'kindlywelcomeJennybringshimben,
Astrappinyouth;hetakesthemother'seye;
BlytheJennyseesthevisit'snoilltaen;
Thefathercracksofhorses,pleughs,andkye.
Theyoungster'sartlesshearto'erflowswi'joy,
But,blateandlaithfu',scarcecanweelbehave;
Themotherwi'awoman'swilescanspy
Whatmakstheyouthsaebashfu'an'saegrave,
Weelpleas'dtothinkherbairn'srespectedlikethelave.
Ohappylove!wherelovelikethisisfound!
Oheart-feltraptures!blissbeyondcompare!
I'vepacedmuchthisweary,mortalround,
Andsageexperiencebidsmethisdeclare-"IfHeavenadraughtofheavenlypleasurespare,
Onecordialinthismelancholyvale,
'Tiswhenayouthful,loving,modestpair,
Inother'sarmsbreatheoutthetendertale,
Beneaththemilk-whitethornthatscentstheev'ninggale."
Isthere,inhumanform,thatbearsaheart,
Awretch!avillain!losttoloveandtruth!
Thatcanwithstudied,sly,ensnaringart
BetraysweetJenny'sunsuspectingyouth?
Curseonhisperjur'darts!dissemblingsmooth!
Arehonour,virtue,conscience,allexil'd?
170
Istherenopity,norelentingtruth,
Pointstotheparentsfondlingo'ertheirchild,
Thenpaintstheruin'dmaid,andtheirdistractionwild?
Butnowthesuppercrownstheirsimpleboard,
Thehalesomeparritch,chiefofScotia'sfood;
Thesoupetheironlyhawkiedoesafford,
Thatyontthehallansnuglychowshercud.
Thedamebringsforth,incomplimentalmood,
Togracethelad,herweel-hain'dkebbuckfell,
An'afthe'sprest,an'aftheca'sitguid;
Thefrugalwifie,garrulous,willtell,
How'twasatowmondauld,sin'lintwasi'thebell.
Thecheerfu'supperdone,wi'seriousface,
Theyroundtheingleformacirclewide;
Thesireturnso'er,withpatriarchalgrace,
Thebigha'-Bible,ancehisfather'spride;
Hisbonnetrev'rentlyislaidaside,
Hislyarthaffetswearingthinandbare;
ThosestrainsthatoncedidsweetinZionglide,
Hewalesaportionwithjudiciouscare;
And,"LetusworshipGod,"hesayswithsolemnair.
Theychanttheirartlessnotesinsimpleguise;
Theytunetheirhearts,byfarthenoblestaim:
PerhapsDundee'swild-warblingmeasuresrise,
OrplaintiveMartyrs,worthyofthename,
OrnobleElginbeetstheheaven-wardflame,
ThesweetestfarofScotia'sholylays.
Compar'dwiththese,Italiantrillsaretame;
Thetickl'dearnoheart-feltrapturesraise;
Naeunisonhaethey,withourCreator'spraise.
Thepriest-likefatherreadsthesacredpage,
HowAbramwasthefriendofGodonhigh;
OrMosesbadeeternalwarfarewage
WithAmalek'sungraciousprogeny;
Orhowtheroyalbarddidgroaninglie
BeneaththestrokeofHeaven'savengingire;
OrJob'spatheticplaint,andwailingcry;
OrraptIsaiah'swild,seraphicfire;
Orotherholyseersthattunethesacredlyre.
PerhapstheChristianvolumeisthetheme,
Howguiltlessbloodforguiltymanwasshed;
HowHe,whoboreinHeaventhesecondname
HadnotonearthwhereontolayHishead:
HowHisfirstfollowersandservantssped;
Thepreceptssagetheywrotetomanyaland:
Howhe,wholoneinPatmosbanished,
Sawinthesunamightyangelstand,
171
AndheardgreatBab'lon'sdoompronounc'dbyHeaven'scommand.
ThenkneelingdowntoHeaven'sEternalKing,
Thesaint,thefather,andthehusbandprays:
Hope"springsexultingontriumphantwing,"
Thatthustheyallshallmeetinfuturedays:
Thereeverbaskinuncreatedrays,
Nomoretosighorshedthebittertear,
TogetherhymningtheirCreator'spraise,
Insuchsociety,yetstillmoredear,
WhilecirclingTimemovesroundinaneternalsphere.
Compar'dwiththis,howpoorReligion'spride
Inallthepompofmethodandofart,
Whenmendisplaytocongregationswide
Devotion'sev'rygraceexcepttheheart!
ThePow'r,incens'd,thepageantwilldesert,
Thepompousstrain,thesacerdotalstole;
Buthaplyinsomecottagefarapart
Mayhear,wellpleas'd,thelanguageofthesoul,
AndinHisBookofLifetheinmatespoorenrol.
Thenhomewardalltakeofftheirsev'ralway;
Theyounglingcottagersretiretorest;
Theparent-pairtheirsecrethomagepay,
AndprofferuptoHeav'nthewarmrequest,
ThatHewhostillstheraven'sclam'rousnest,
Anddecksthelilyfairinflow'rypride,
Would,inthewayHiswisdomseesthebest,
Forthemandfortheirlittleonesprovide;
Butchiefly,intheirheartswithgracedivinepreside.
FromscenesliketheseoldScotia'sgrandeursprings,
Thatmakesherlov'dathome,rever'dabroad:
Princesandlordsarebutthebreathofkings,
"Anhonestman'sthenoblestworkofGod":
Andcertes,infairVirtue'sheavenlyroad,
Thecottageleavesthepalacefarbehind:
Whatisalordling'spomp?acumbrousload,
Disguisingoftthewretchofhumankind,
Studiedinartsofhell,inwickednessrefin'd!
OScotia!mydear,mynativesoil!
ForwhommywarmestwishtoHeavenissent!
Longmaythyhardysonsofrustictoil
Beblestwithhealth,andpeace,andsweetcontent!
And,oh!mayHeaventheirsimplelivesprevent
Fromluxury'scontagion,weakandvile!
Then,howe'ercrownsandcoronetsberent,
Avirtuouspopulacemayrisethewhile,
Andstandawalloffirearoundtheirmuch-lov'disle.
172
OThou!whopour'dthepatriotictide
Thatstream'dthro'Wallace'sundauntedheart,
Whodar'dtonoblystemtyrannicpride,
Ornoblydie,thesecondgloriouspart,-(Thepatriot'sGodpeculiarlythouart,
Hisfriend,inspirer,guardian,andreward!)
Onever,neverScotia'srealmdesert,
Butstillthepatriot,andthepatriot-bard,
Inbrightsuccessionraise,herornamentandguard!
RobertBurns
173
The Death and Dying Words of Poor Mailie

TheAuthor'sOnlyPetYowe
AnUncoMournfu'Tale
AsMailie,an'herlambsthegither,
Wasaedaynibblingonthetether,
Uponherclootshecoostahitch,
Anowreshewarsl'dintheditch:
There,groaning,dying,shedidlie,
WhenHughochecamdoytinby.
Wi'glowrineen,andliftedhan's
PoorHughoclikeastatuestan's;
Hesawherdayswerenear-handended,
But,wae'smyheart!hecouldnamendit!
Hegapedwide,butnaethingspak,
AtlengthpoorMailiesilencebrak.
"Othou,whaselamentableface
Appearstomournmywoefu'case!
Mydyingwordsattentivehear,
An'bearthemtomyMasterdear.
"Tellhim,ife'eragainhekeep
AsmucklegearasbuyasheepO,bidhimnevertiethemmair,
Wi'wickedstringso'hemporhair!
Butca'themouttoparkorhill,
An'letthemwanderattheirwill:
Somayhisflockincrease,an'grow
Toscoreso'lambs,an'packso'woo'!
"Tellhim,hewasaMasterkin',
An'ayewasguidtomean'mine;
AnnowmydyingchargeIgiehim,
Myhelplesslambs,Itrustthemwi'him.
"O,bidhimsavetheirharmlesslives,
Fraedogs,an'tods,an'butchers'knives!
Butgiethemguidcow-milktheirfill,
Tilltheybefittofendthemsel';
An'tentthemduly,e'enan'morn,
Wi'taetso'hayan'rippso'corn.
"An'maytheyneverlearnthegates,
Ofithervile,wanrestfu'petsToslinkthro'slaps,an'reavean'steal
Atstackso'pease,orstockso'kail!
Somaythey,liketheirgreatforbears,
Formonyayearcomethro'theshears:
Sowiveswillgiethembitso'bread,
Anbairnsgreetforthemwhenthey'redead.
174
"Mypoortoop-lamb,mysonan'heir,
O,bidhimbreedhimupwi'care!
An'ifhelivetobeabeast,
Topitsomehavinsinhisbreast!
An'warnhim-whatIwinnanameTostaycontentwi'yowesathame;
An'notorinan'wearhiscloots,
Likeithermeseless,gracelessbrutes.
"An'neist,myyowie,sillything,
Gudekeeptheefraeatetherstring!
O,maythoune'erforgatherup,
Wi'onyblastit,moorlandtoop;
Butayekeepmindtomoopan'mell,
Wi'sheepo'creditlikethysel'!
"Andnow,mybairns,wi'mylastbreath,
Ilea'emyblessinwi'youbaith:
An'whenyouthinkupo'yourmither,
Mindtobekindtoaneanither.
"Now,honestHughoc,dinnafail,
Totellmymastera'mytale;
An'bidhimburnthiscursedtether,
An'forthypainsthou'segetmyblather."
Thissaid,poorMailieturn'dherhead,
An'closedhereenamangthedead!
RobertBurns
175
The Farewell
ITwasa'forourrightfu'King
WeleftfairScotland'sstrand;
Itwasa'forourrightfu'King
Wee'ersawIrishland,
Mydear-Wee'ersawIrishland.
Nowa'isdonethatmencando,
Anda'isdoneinvain;
Myloveandnativeland,farewell,
ForImauncrossthemain,
Mydear-ForImauncrossthemain.
Heturn'dhimrightandroundabout
UpontheIrishshore;
Andgaehisbridle-reinsashake,
With,Adieuforevermore,
Mydear-With,Adieuforevermore!
Thesodgerfraethewarsreturns,
Thesailorfraethemain;
ButIhaepartedfraemylove,
Nevertomeetagain,
Mydear-Nevertomeetagain.
Whendayisgane,andnightiscome,
Anda'folkboundtosleep,
Ithinkonhimthat'sfarawa',
Thelee-langnight,andweep,
Mydear-Thelee-langnight,andweep.
RobertBurns
176
The Gloomy Night Is Gath'ring Fast

Thegloomynightisgath'ringfast,
Loudroarsthewildinconstantblast;
Yonmurkycloudisfilledwithrain,
Iseeitdrivingo'ertheplain;
Thehunternowhasleftthemoor,
Thescatt'redcoveysmeetsecure;
WhilehereIwander,prestwithcare,
AlongthelonelybanksofAyr.
TheAutumnmournsherrip'ningcorn
ByearlyWinter'sravagetorn;
Acrossherplacid,azuresky,
Sheseesthescowlingtempestfly;
Chillrunsmybloodtohearitrave:
Ithinkuponthestormywave,
WheremanyadangerImustdare,
FarfromtheboniebanksofAyr.
'Tisnotthesurgingbillows'roar,
'Tisnotthefatal,deadlyshore;
Tho'deathinev'ryshapeappear,
Thewretchedhavenomoretofear:
Butroundmyheartthetiesarebound,
Thathearttranspierc'dwithmanyawound;
Thesebleedafresh,thosetiesItear,
ToleavetheboniebanksofAyr.
Farewell,oldCoila'shillsanddales,
Herheathymoorsandwindingvales;
ThesceneswherewretchedFancyroves,
Pursuingpast,unhappyloves!
Farewellmyfriends!Farewellmyfoes!
Mypeacewiththese,mylovewiththose-Theburstingtearsmyheartdeclare,
Farewell,myboniebanksofAyr.
RobertBurns
177
The Lass Of Cessnock Banks

OnCessnockbanksalassiedwells,
CouldIdescribehershapeandmien!
Ourlassesa'shefarexcels--Anshehastwasparkling,rogueisheen!
She'ssweeterthanthemorningdawn,
WhenrisingPhoebusfirstisseen,
Anddew-dropstwinkleo'erthelawn--Anshehastwasparkling,rogueisheen!
She'sstatelylikeyonyouthfulash,
Thatgrowsthecowslipbraesbetween,
Anddrinksthestreamwithvigourfresh--Anshehastwasparkling,rogueisheen!
She'sspotlessliketheflow'ringthorn,
Withflow'rssowhiteandleavessogreen,
Whenpurestinthedewymorn--Anshehastwasparkling,rogueisheen!
HerlooksarelikethevernalMay,
Whenev'ningPhoebusshinesserene,
Whilebirdsrejoiceoneveryspray--Anshehastwasparkling,rogueisheen!
Herhairislikethecurlingmist,
Thatclimbsthemountain-sidesate'en,
Whenflower-revivingrainsarepast--Anshehastwasparkling,rogueisheen!
Herforehead'sliketheshow'rybow,
Whengleamingsunbeamsintervene,
Andgildthedistantmountain'sbrow--Anshehastwasparkling,rogueisheen!
Hercheeksarelikeyoncrimsongem,
Theprideofallthefloweryscene,
Justopeningonitsthornystem--Anshehastwasparkling,rogueisheen!
Herbosom'slikethenightlysnow,
Whenpalethemorningriseskeen,
Whilehidthemurm'ringstreamletsflow--Anshehastwasparkling,rogueisheen!
Herlipsarelikeyoncherriesripe,
ThatsunnywallsfromBoreasscreen:
Theytemptthetasteandcharmthesight
Anshehastwasparkling,rogueisheen!
Herteetharelikeaflockofsheep,
Withfleecesnewlywashenclean,
178
Thatslowlymounttherisingsteep--Anshehastwasparkling,rogueisheen!
Herbreathislikethefragrantbreeze,
Thatgentlystirstheblossom'dbean,
WhenPhoebussinksbehindtheseas--Anshehastwasparkling,rogueisheen!
Hervoiceisliketheev'ningthrush,
ThatsingsonCessnockbanksunseen,
Whilehismatesitsnestlinginthebush--Anshehastwasparkling,rogueisheen!
Butit'snotherair,herform,herface,
ThomatchingBeauty'sfabledQueen:
'Tisthemindthatshinesinev'rygrace--Anchieflyinherrogueisheen!
RobertBurns
179
The Lass That Made the Bed to Me

WhenJanuar'windwasblawingcauld,
AstothenorthItookmyway,
Themirksomenightdidmeenfauld,
Iknewnawharetolodgetillday:
BymygudeluckamaidImet,
Justinthemiddleo'mycare,
AndKindlyshedidmeinvite
Towalkintoachamberfair.
Andthank'dherforhercourtesie;
Anbadehermakeabedtome;
Shemadethebedbaithlargeandwide,
Wi'twawhitehandsshespreaditdoun;
Sheputthecuptoherrosylips,
Anddrank-"Youngman,nowsleepyesoun'."
Chorus-Thebonielassmadethebedtome,
Thebrawlassmadethebedtome,
I'llne'erforgettillthedayIdie,
Shesnatch'dthecandleinherhand,
Andfraemychamberwentwi'speed;
ButIcall'dherquicklybackagain,
Tolaysomemairbelowmyhead:
Acodshelaidbelowmyhead,
Andservedmewithduerespect,
And,tosaluteherwi'akis,
Iputmyarmsaboutherneck.
Chorus:-...
"Haudaffyourhands,youngman!shesaid,
"Anddinnasaeuncivilbe;
Gifyehaeonyluveforme,
Owrangmamyvirginitie."
Herhairwaslikethelinkso'gowd,
Herteethwereliketheivorie,
Hercheekslikeliliesdiptinwine,
Chorus:-...
Herbosomwasthedrivensnaw,
Twadriftedheapssaefairtosee;
Herlimbsthepolish'dmarblestane,
Ikiss'dhero'erando'eragain,
Andayeshewistnawhattosay:
Ilaidher'tweenmeandthewa';
180
Thelassiethochtnalangtillday.
Chorus:-...
Uponthemorrowwhenweraise,
Ithank'dherforhercourtesie;
Butayesheblush'dandayeshesigh'd,
Andsaid,"Alas,ye'veruin'dme."
Iclasp'dherwaist,andkiss'dhersyne,
Whilethetearstoodtwinklin'inhere'e;
Isaid,"Mylassie,dinnacry,
Foryeayeshallmakethebedtome."
Chorus:-...
Shetookhermither'shollandsheets,
An'madethema'insarkstome;
Blytheandmerrymayshebe,
Chorus:-...
RobertBurns
181
The Rigs O' Barley

ItwasuponaLammasnight,
Whencornrigsarebonnie,
Beneaththemoon'suncloudedlight,
IheldawaytoAnnie:
Thetimeflewbywi'tentlessheed
Till'tweenthelateandearly,
Wi'sma'persuasion,sheagreed
Toseemethro'thebarley.
Cornrigs,an'barleyrigs,
An'cornrigsarebonnie:
I'llne'erforgetthathappynight,
Amangtherigswi'Annie.
Theskywasblue,thewindwasstill,
Themoonwasshiningclearly:
Isetherdown,wi'rightgoodwill,
Amangtherigso'barley:
Iken'therheartwasa'myain:
Ilov'dhermostsincerely;
Ikiss'dherowreandowreagain,
Cornrigs...
Ilock'dherinmyfondembrace;
Herheartwasbeatingrarely:
Myblessingsonthathappyplace,
Amangtherigso'barley!
Butbythemoonandstarssobright,
Thatshonethathoursoclearly!
Sheayeshallblessthathappynight,
Cornrigs...
Iha'ebeenblythewi'comradesdear;
Iha'ebeenmerrydrinkin';
Iha'ebeenjoyfu'gatherin'gear;
Iha'ebeenhappythinkin':
Buta'thepleasurese'erIsaw,
Tho'threetimesdoubledfairly,
Thathappynightwasworththena',
Cornrigs...
RobertBurns
182
The Tarbolton Lasses

Ifyegaeuptoyonhill-tap,
Ye'llthereseeboniePeggy;
Shekensherfatherisalaird,
Andsheforsooth'saleddy.
ThereSophytight,alassiebright,
Besidesahandsomefortune:
Whacannawinherinanight,
Haslittleartincourtin'.
GaedownbyFaile,andtastetheale,
Andtakalooko'Mysie;
She'sdouranddin,adeilwithin,
Butaiblinsshemaypleaseye.
Ifshebeshy,hersistertry,
Ye'llmaybefancyJenny;
Ifye'lldispensewi'wanto'senseShekensherselshe'sbonie.
Asyegaeupbyyonhillside,
SpeirinforbonieBessy;
She'llgieyeabeck,andbidyelight,
Andhandsomelyaddressye.
There'sfewsaebonie,nanesaeguid,
Ina'KingGeorge'dominion;
Ifyeshoulddoubtthetrutho'thisIt'sBessy'sainopinion!
RobertBurns
183
The Tear-drop
Waeismyheart,andthetear'sinmye'e;
LanglangJoy'sbeenastrangertome:
Forsakenandfriendless,myburdenIbear,
Andthesweetvoiceo'Pityne'ersoundsinmyear.
Lovethouhastpleasures,anddeephaeIlov'd;
Love,thouhastsorrows,andsairhaeIprov'd;
Butthisbruisedheartthatnowbleedsinmybreast,
Icanfeelbyitsthrobbings,willsoonbeatrest.
Of,ifIwere-wherehappyIhaebeenDownbyyonstream,andyonboniecastle-green;
Forthereheiswand'ringandmusingonme,
WhawadsoondrythetearfraehisPhillis'e'e
RobertBurns
184
The Wounded Hare

Inhumanman!curseonthybarb'rousart,
Andblastedbythymurder-aimingeye;
Mayneverpitysoothetheewithasigh,
Norneverpleasuregladthycruelheart!
Golive,poorwandererofthewoodandfield,
Thebitterlittleoflifethatremains!
Nomorethethickeningbrakesandverdantplains
Totheeshallhome,orfood,orpastimeyield.
Seek,mangledwretch,someplaceofwontedrest,
Nomoreofrest,butnowofdyingbed!
Theshelteringrusheswhistlingo'erthyhead,
ThecoldearthwiththybloodybosomCrest.
OftasbywindingNithI,musing,wait
Thesobereve,orhailthecheerfuldawn,
I'llmisstheesportingo'erthedewylawn,
Andcursetheruffian'saim,andmournthyhaplessfate.
RobertBurns
185
Thou Lingering Star

Thoulingeringstar,withless'ningray,
Thatlov'sttogreettheearlymorn,
Againthouusherastintheday
MyMaryfrommysoulwastorn.
OMary,deardepartedshade
Whereisthyplaceofblissfulrest?
See'stthouthyloverlowlylaid?
Hear'stthouthegroansthatrendhisbreast?
ThatsacredhourcanIforget?
CanIforgetthehallow'dgrove
Where,bythewindingAyr,wemet,
Toliveonedayofpartinglove?
Eternitycannotefface
Thoserecordsdearoftransportspast,
Thyimageatourlastembrace--Ah!littlethoughtwe'twasourlast!
Ayr,gurgling,kiss'dhispebbledshore,
O'erhungwithwild-woods,thickeninggreen;
Thefragrantbirchandhawthornhoar,
Twin'damorousroundtheraptur'dscene;
Theflowerssprangwantontobeprest
Thebirdssangloveoneveryspray
Tilltoo,toosoon,theglowingwest,
Proclaim'dthespeedofwingedday.
Stillo'erthesescenesmymem'rywakes,
Andfondlybroodswithmiser-care;
Timebutth'impressionstrongermakes,
Asstreamstheirchannelsdeeperwear.
OMary!deardepartedshade!
Whereisthyplaceofblissfulrest?
See'stthouthyloverlowlylaid?
Hear'stthouthegroansthatrendhisbreast?
RobertBurns
186
Tibbie Dunbar
O,wiltthougowi'me,
SweetTibbieDunbar?
O,wiltthougowi'me,
SweetTibbieDunbar?
Wiltthourideonahorse,
Orbedrawninacar,
Orwalkbymyside,
OsweetTibbieDunbar?
Icarenathydaddie,
Hislandsandhismoney,
Icarenathykin
Saehighandsaelordly;
Butsaythouwiltha'eme
Forbetterforwaur—
Andcomeinthycoatie,
SweetTibbieDunbar!
RobertBurns
187
To A Kiss
Humidsealofsoftaffections,
Tend'restpledgeoffuturebliss,
Dearesttieofyoungconnections,
Love'sfirstsnow-drop,virginkiss.
Speakingsilence,dumbconfession,
Passion'sbirth,andinfants'play,
Dove-likefondness,chasteconcession,
Glowingdawnofbrighterday.
Sorrowingjoy,adieu'slastaction,
Ling'ringlips,--nomoretojoin!
Whatwordscaneverspeakaffection
Thrillingandsincereasthine!
RobertBurns
188
To A Louse
OnSeeingOneonaLady'sBonnetatChurch
Ha!whareyegaun'yecrowlinferlie?
Yourimpudenceprotectsyousairly;
Icannasaybutyestruntrarely
Owregauzeandlace,
Thofaith!Ifearyedinebutsparely
Onsicaplace.
Yeugly,creepin,blastitwonner,
Detested,shunn'dbysauntansinner,
Howdauryesetyourfituponher--Saefinealady!
Gaesomewhereelseandseekyourdinner
Onsomepoorbody.
Swith!insomebeggar'shauffetsquattle;
Thereyemaycreep,andsprawl,andsprattle;
Wi'itherkindred,jumpingcattle;
Inshoalsandnations;
Wharehornnorbanene'erdaurunsettle
Yourthickplantations.
Nowhaudyouthere!ye'reouto'sight,
Belowthefatt'rils,snugantight,
Na,faithyeyet!ye'llnoberight,
Tillye'vegotonit--Theveratapmost,tow'rinheight
O'Miss'sbonnet.
Mysooth!rightbauldyesetyournoseout,
Asplumpangreyasoniegrozet:
Oforsomerank,mercurialrozet,
Orfell,redsmeddum,
I'dgieyousicaheartydoseo't,
Waddressyourdroddum!
Iwadnabeensurpris'dtospy
Youonanauldwife'sflainentoy
Oraiblinssomebitduddieboy,
On'swyliecoat;
ButMiss'sfineLunardi!fye!
Howdauryedo't?
OJeany,dinnatossyourhead,
Ansetyourbeautiesa'abread!
Yelittlekenwhatcursedspeed
Theblastie'smakin!
Thaewinksanfinger-ends,Idread,
Arenoticetakin!
OwadsomePowerthegiftiegieus
189
Toseeourselsasithersseeus!
Itwadfraemonieablunderfreeus
Anfoolishnotion:
Whatairsindressangaitwadlea'esus,
Anev'ndevotion!
RobertBurns
190
To a Louse, On Seeing one on a Lady's Bonnet at Church

Ha!whareyegaun,yecrowlanferlie!
Yourimpudenceprotectsyousairly;
Icannasaybutyestruntrarely,
Owregauzeandlace;
Tho',faith!Ifearyedinebutsparely
Onsicaplace.
Yeugly,creepan,blastitwonner,
Detested,shunn'dbysauntan'sinner,
Howdauryesetyourfituponher,
SaefineaLady!
Gaesomewhereelseandseekyourdinner
Onsomepoorbody.
Swith!insomebeggar'shaffetsquattle;
Thereyemaycreep,andsprawl,andsprattle,
Wi'itherkindred,jumpingcattle,
Inshoalsandnations;
Wharehornnorbanene'erdaurunsettle
Yourthickplantations.
Nowhaudyouthere,ye'reouto'sight,
Belowthefatt'rels,snugandtight,
Na,faithyeyet!ye'llnoberight,
Tillye'vegotonit,
Theverratapmost,towrinheight
O'Miss'sbonnet.
Mysooth!rightbauldyesetyournoseout,
Asplumpan'greyasoniegrozet:
Oforsomerank,mercurialrozet,
Orfell,redsmeddum,
I'dgieyousicaheartydoseo't,
Waddressyourdroddum!
Iwadnabeensurpriz'dtospy
Youonanauldwife'sflainentoy;
Oraiblinssomebitduddieboy,
On'swylecoat;
ButMiss'sfineLunardi,fye!
Howdauryedo't?
OJenny,dinnatossyourhead,
An'setyourbeautiesa'abread!
Yelittlekenwhatcursedspeed
Theblastie'smakin!
Thaewinksandfinger-ends,Idread,
Arenoticetakin!
OwadsomePow'rthegiftiegieus
Toseeourselsasothersseeus!
Itwadfraemonieablunderfreeus,
191
An'foolishnotion:
Whatairsindressan'gaitwadlea'eus,
Andev'nDevotion!
RobertBurns
192
To a Mountain Daisy
Wee,modest,crimson-tippdflow'r,
Thou'smetmeinanevilhour;
ForImauncrushamangthestoure
Thyslenderstem:
Tosparetheenowispastmypow'r,
Thouboniegem.
Alas!it'snothyneiborsweet,
Thebonielark,companionmeet,
Bendingthee'mangthedewyweet
Wi'spreck'dbreast,
Whenupward-springing,blythe,togreet
Thepurplingeast.
Cauldblewthebitter-bitingnorth
Uponthyearly,humblebirth;
Yetcheerfullythouglintedforth
Amidthestorm,
Scarcerear'dabovetheparent-earth
Thytenderform.
Theflauntingflowersourgardensyield
Highshelt'ringwoodsan'wa'smaunshield:
Butthou,beneaththerandombield
O'clodorstane,
Adornsthehistiestibble-field
Unseen,alane.
There,inthyscantymantleclad,
Thysnawie-bosomsun-wardspread,
Thouliftsthyunassuminghead
Inhumbleguise;
Butnowtheshareuptearsthybed,
Andlowthoulies!
Suchisthefateofartlessmaid,
Sweetflow'retoftheruralshade!
Bylove'ssimplicitybetray'd
Andguilelesstrust;
Tillshe,likethee,allsoil'd,islaid
Lowi'thedust.
Suchisthefateofsimplebard,
Onlife'sroughoceanlucklessstarr'd!
Unskilfulhetonotethecard
Ofprudentlore,
Tillbillowsrageandgalesblowhard,
Andwhelmhimo'er!
SuchfatetosufferingWorthisgiv'n,
Wholongwithwantsandwoeshasstriv'n,
Byhumanprideorcunningdriv'n
193
Tomis'ry'sbrink;
Till,wrench'dofev'rystaybutHeav'n,
Heruin'dsink!
Ev'nthouwhomourn'sttheDaisy'sfate,
Thatfateisthine--nodistantdate;
SternRuin'sploughsharedriveselate,
Fullonthybloom,
Tillcrush'dbeneaththefurrow'sweight
Shallbethydoom.
RobertBurns
194
To A Mouse
Wee,sleekit,cowrin,tim'rousbeastie,
O,whatapanic'sinthybreastie!
Thouneednastartawasaehasty,
Wi'bickeringbrattle!
Iwadbelaithtorinan'chasethee
Wi'murd'ringpattle!
I'mtrulysorryman'sdominion,
Hasbrokennature'ssocialunion,
An'justifiesthatillopinion,
Whatmakestheestartle
Atme,thypoor,earth-borncompanion,
An'fellow-mortal!
Idoubtna,whiles,butthoumaythieve;
Whatthen?poorbeastie,thoumaunlive!
Adaimenickerinathrave
'Sasma'request;
I'llgetablessinwi'thelave,
An'nevermiss't!
Thyweebithousie,too,inruin!
It'ssillywa'sthewin'sarestrewin!
An'naething,now,tobiganewane,
O'foggagegreen!
An'bleakDecember'swindsensuin,
Baithsnellan'keen!
Thousawthefieldslaidbarean'waste,
An'wearywintercominfast,
An'coziehere,beneaththeblast,
ThouthoughttodwellTillcrash!thecruelcoulterpast
Outthro'thycell.
Thatweebitheapo'leavesan'stibble,
Hascosttheemonyawearynibble!
Nowthou'sturn'dout,fora'thytrouble,
Buthouseorhald,
Totholethewinter'ssleetydribble,
An'cranreuchcauld!
ButMousie,thouartnothylane,
Inprovingforesightmaybevain;
Thebest-laidschemeso'micean'men
Gangaftagley,
An'lea'eusnoughtbutgriefan'pain,
Forpromis'djoy!
Stillthouartblest,compar'dwi'me;
Thepresentonlytoucheththee:
Butoch!Ibackwardcastmye'e,
195
Onprospectsdreaer!
An'forward,tho'Icannasee,
Iguessan'fear!
RobertBurns
196
To a Mouse, on Turning Up Her Nest With the Plough

Wee,sleeket,cowrin,tim'rousbeastie,
Oh,whatapanic'sinthybreastie!
Thouneednastartawasaehasty
Wi'bickerinbrattle!
Iwadbelaithtorinan'chasethee
Wi'murd'ringpattle!
I'mtrulysorryman'sdominion
HasbrokenNature'ssocialunion,
An'justifiesthatillopinion
Whichmakestheestartle
Atme,thypoorearth-borncompanion,
An'fellow-mortal!
Idoubtna,whyles,butthoumaythieve:
Whatthen?poorbeastie,thoumaunlive!
Adaimenickerinathrave
'Sasma'request;
I'llgetablessinwi'thelave,
An'nevermiss't!
Thyweebithousie,too,inruin!
Itssillywa'sthewin'sarestrewin!
An'naething,now,tobiganewane,
O'foggagegreen!
An'bleakDecember'swindsensuin
Baithsnellan'keen!
Thousawthefieldslaidbarean'wast,
An'wearywintercominfast,
An'cozieherebeneaththeblast
Thouthoughttodwell,
Tillcrash!thecruelcoulterpast
Outthro'thycell.
Thatweebitheapo'leavesan'stibble
Hascosttheemonieawearynibble!
Nowthou'sturn'doutfora'thytrouble,
Buthouseorhald,
Totholethewinter'ssleetydribble
An'cranreuchcauld!
But,Mousie,thouartnothylane
Inprovingforesightmaybevain:
Thebestlaidschemeso'micean'men
Gangaftagley,
An'lea'eusnoughtbutgriefan'pain
Forpromis'djoy.
Stillthouartblest,compar'dwi'me!
Thepresentonlytoucheththee:
But,och!Ibackwardcastmye'e
197
Onprospectsdrear!
An'forward,tho'Icannasee,
Iguessan'fear!
RobertBurns
198
To The Wood-Lark
Ostay,sweetwarblingwood-lark,stay,
Norquitformethetremblingspray,
Ahaplesslovercourtsthylay,
Thysoothingfondcomplaining.
Again,againthattenderpart,
ThatImaycatchthymeltingart,
Forsurelythatwadtouchherheart,
Whakillsmewi'disdaining.
Say,wasthylittlemateunkind,
Andheardtheeasthecarelesswind?
Oh,nochtbutlobveandsorrowjoin'd,
Sicnoteso'woecouldwauken.
Thoutellso'never-endingcare;
O'speechlessgrief,anddarkdespair;
Forpity'ssake,sweetbird,naemair!
Ormypoorheartisbroken!
RobertBurns
199
Tragic Fragment
AlldevilasIam-adamnedwretch,
Ahardened,stubborn,unrepentingvillain,
Stillmyheartmeltsathumanwretchedness;
Andwithsincerebutunavailingsighs
Iviewthehelplesschildrenofdistress:
WithtearsindignantIbeholdtheoppressor
Rejoicinginthehonestman'sdestruction,
Whoseunsubmittingheartwasallhiscrime.Ev'nyou,yehaplesscrew!Ipityyou;
Ye,whomtheseeminggoodthinksintopity;
Yepoor,despised,abandonedvagabonds,
WhomVice,asusual,hasturn'do'ertoruin.
Oh!butforfriendsandinterposingHeaven,
Ihadbeendrivenforthlikeyouforlorn,
Themostdetested,worthlesswretchamongyou!
OinjuredGod!Thygoodnesshasendow'dme
Withtalentspassingmostofmycompeers,
WhichIinjustproportionhaveabusedAsfarsurpassingothercommonvillains
AsThouinnaturalpartshasgivenmemore.
RobertBurns
200
Up in the Morning Early

Cauldblawsthewindfraeeasttowest,
Thedriftisdrivingsairly;
Saeloudshrill`sIheartheblast,
I`msureit`swintersfairly.
CHORUS:Upinthemorning`snoforme,
Upinthemorningsearly;
Whena`thehillsarecover`dwi`snaw,
I`msureit`swinterfairly.
Thebirdssitchitteringonthethethorn,
A`daytheyfarebutsparely;
Andlang`sthenightfraee`entomorn,
CHORUS:Upinthemorning`snoforme,
Upinthemorningsearly;
Whena`thehillsarecover`dwi`snaw,
RobertBurns
201
Verses to Clarinda
FairEmpressofthepoet'ssoul,
AndQueenofpoetesses;
Clarinda,takethislittleboon,
Thishumblepairofglasses:
Andfillthemupwithgenerousjuice,
Asgenerousasyourmind;
Andpledgethemtothegeneroustoast,
"Thewholeofhumankind!"
"Tothosenwholoveus!"secondfill;
Butnottothosewhomwelove;
LestwelovethosewholovenotusAthird-"Totheeandme,love!"
RobertBurns
202
Willie Wastle
WillieWastledwaltonTweed,
Thespottheyca'ditLinkumdoddie.
Williewasawabsterguid
Couldstownacluewioniebody.
Hehadawifewasdouranddin,
O,TinklerMaidgiewashermither!
SicawifeasWilliehad,
Iwadnagieabuttonforher.
Shehasane'e(shehasbutane),
Thecathastwatheverycolour,
Fiverustyteeth,forbyeastump,
Aclapper-tounguewaddeaveamiller;
Awhiskinbeardabouthermou,
Hernoseandchintheythreatenither:
She'sbow-hough'd,she'shem-shin'd,
Aelimpinlegahand-breedshorter;
She'stwistedright,she'stwistedleft,
Tobalancefairinilkaquarter;
Shehasahumpuponherbreast,
Thetwinothatuponhershouther:
Auldbaudransbytheinglesits,
Anwiherloofherfacea-washin;
ButWillie'swifeisnaesaetrig,
Shedightsherfrunziewiahushion;
Herwalienieveslikemidden-creels,
HerfacewadfyletheLoganWater:
RobertBurns
203
Winter: A Dirge
Thewintrywestextendshisblast,
Andhailandraindoesblaw;
Orthestormynorthsendsdrivingforth
Theblindingsleetandsnaw:
While,tumblingbrown,theburncomesdown,
Androarsfraebanktobrae;
Andbirdandbeastincovertrest,
Andpasstheheartlessday.
"Thesweepingblast,theskyo'ercast,"
Thejoylesswinterday
Letothersfear,tomemoredear
ThanalltheprideofMay:
Thetempest'showl,itsoothesmysoul,
Mygriefsitseemstojoin;
Theleaflesstreesmyfancyplease,
Theirfateresemblesmine!
ThouPowerSupreme,whosemightyscheme
Thesewoesofminefulfil,
HerefirmIrest;theymustbebest,
BecausetheyareThywill!
ThenallIwant-OdoThougrant
Thisonerequestofmine!SincetoenjoyThoudostdeny,
Assistmetoresign.
RobertBurns
204
Wounded Hare, The

Inhumanman!curseonthybarb'rousart,
Andblastedbythymurder-aimingeye;
Mayneverpitysoothetheewithasigh,
Norneverpleasuregladthycruelheart!
Golive,poorwandererofthewoodandfield,
Thebitterlittleoflifethatremains!
Nomorethethickeningbrakesandverdantplains
Totheeshallhome,orfood,orpastimeyield.
Seek,mangledwretch,someplaceofwontedrest,
Nomoreofrest,butnowofdyingbed!
Theshelteringrusheswhistlingo'erthyhead,
ThecoldearthwiththybloodybosomCrest.
OftasbywindingNithI,musing,wait
Thesobereve,orhailthecheerfuldawn,
I'llmisstheesportingo'erthedewylawn,
Andcursetheruffian'saim,andmournthyhaplessfate.
RobertBurns
205
Ye Banks And Braes O'Bonnie Doon

Yebanksandbraeso'bonnieDoon,
Howcanyebloomsaefair!
AndIsaefu'o'care!
Thou'llbreakmyheart,thoubonniebird
Thoumindsmeo'thehappydays
WhenmyfauseLuvewastrue.
Thou'llbreakmyheart,thoubonniebird
Andwistnao'myfate.
AfthaeIrovedbybonnieDoon
Toseethewoodbinetwine,
Andilkabirdsango'itslove;
AndsaedidIo'mine.
Andmyfauseluverstawtherose,
RobertBurns
206
Ye Flowery Banks
Yeflowerybankso'bonnieDoon,
AndIsaefu'o'care?
Whenmyfalselovewastrue.
Andwistnao'myfate.
Toseethewood-binetwine,
AndsaedidIo'mine.
Wi'lightsomeheartIpulledarose
Andmyfalseluverstolemyrose
RobertBurns
207
Ye Flowery Banks (Bonie Doon)

Yeflowerybankso'bonnieDoon,
AndIsaefu'o'care?
Whenmyfalselovewastrue.
Andwistnao'myfate.
Toseethewood-binetwine,
AndsaedidIo'mine.
Wi'lightsomeheartIpulledarose
Andmyfalseluverstolemyrose
RobertBurns
208

Burns Poems

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Burns Poems

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Classic Poetry Series

Robert Burns (1759-1796)

A Bottle And Friend

A Fiddler In The North

A Man's a Man for A' That

A Poets Welcome to His Love-Begotten Daughter

A Poets's Welcome to His Love-Begotten Daughter

A Red, Red Rose

Address to the Devil

Address To The Tooth-Ache

Address to the Unco Child

Address to the Unco Guid

Ae Fond Kiss, And Then We Sever

Again Rejoicing Nature Sees

Ah, Woe Is Me, My Mother Dear

Anna, thy Charms

Auld Farmer's New-Year-Morning Salutation to His Auld Mare, Maggie On

Auld Lang Syne

Banks O' Doon, The

Battle Of Sherramuir, The

Birks Of Aberfeldie, The

Bonie Peggy Alison

Bonie Wee Thing, The

Ca' the Yowes to the Knowes

Comin Thro' The Rye

Coming Through The Rye

Cotter's Saturday Night, The

Death and Dying Words of Poor Mailie, The

Epistle to J. Lapraik (excerpt)

Epitaph on Holy Willie

Fareweel To A'Our Scottish Fame

First Six Verses Of The Ninetieth Psalm Versified, The

For a' That and a' That

From Lines to William Simson

Green Grow The Rashes

Hark! the Mavis

Here's A Health To Them That's Awa

Here's To Thy Health

Holy Fair, The

Holy Willie's Prayer

In The Character Of A Ruined Farmer

It was a' for our Rightful King

John Barleycorn: A Ballad

Lament for Culloden

Lament of Mary, Queen of Scots, On the Apporch of Spring

Lament of Mary, Queen of Scots, On the Approach of Spring

Lass Of Cessnock Banks, The

Lass That Made the Bed to Me, The

Last May a Braw Wooer

Lines on the Fall of Fyers Near Loch Ness

Love in the Guise of Friendship

Love in the Guise of Frindship

My Heart's In The Highlands

Now Spring Has Clad The Grove In Green

O Thou Dread Power

O Tibbie, I Hae Seen The Day

O were my Love yon Lilac fair

O, Were My Love Yon Lilac Fair

Of a' the Airts

Oh Wert Thou In The Cauld Blast

Paraphrase Of The First Psalm

Ploughman's Life, The

Poor Mailie's Elegy

Prayer, Under The Pressure Of Violent Anguish