Robert Burns 2004 9 PDF

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 2
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'dlikeHisGrace-
Perhapsrelatedtotherace:
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'rin-
It'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,
Andyourpetitionershallever-
Ihadamaistsaid,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'n-
If,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'velatelycomeathwarther-
Agloriousgalley,^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
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
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
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
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-
Thecostnorshameo't,
Butbealovingfathertothee,
Andbragthenameo't.
RobertBurns
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.
ForifthoubewhatIwadhaethee,
AndtakthecounselIshallgiethee,
I'llneverruemytroublewi'thee-
Thecostnorshameo't,
Butbealovingfathertothee,
Andbragthenameo't.
RobertBurns
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
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
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
Thatjaupsinluggies;
But,ifyewishhergratefu'prayer,
GieheraHaggis!
RobertBurns
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,'
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;
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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?
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,
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.
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
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
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
Asmucklegearasbuyasheep-
O,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'pets-
Toslinkthro'slaps,an'reavean'steal
Atstackso'pease,orstockso'kail!
Somaythey,liketheirgreatforbears,
Formonyayearcomethro'theshears:
Sowiveswillgiethembitso'bread,
Anbairnsgreetforthemwhenthey'redead.
"Mypoortoop-lamb,mysonan'heir,
O,bidhimbreedhimupwi'care!
An'ifhelivetobeabeast,
Topitsomehavinsinhisbreast!
An'warnhim-whatIwinnaname-
Tostaycontentwi'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
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,
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
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!'--
25Howitcomesletdoctorstell,
27Meggrewsickashegrewhale,
29Somethinginherbosomwrings,
30Forreliefasighshebrings;
31AndO!hereen,theyspaksicthings
33Duncanwasalado'grace,
35Maggie'swasapiteouscase,
37Duncancouldnabeherdeath,
38Swellingpitysmoor'dhiswrath;
39Nowthey'recrouseandcantiebaith;
RobertBurns
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
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
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
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
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
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;
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
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
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:
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:
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;
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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;
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:
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,
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
243Someitherday.
RobertBurns
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-
ThypardonIsincerelybeg;
O!may'tne'erbealivinplague
Tomydishonour,
An'I'llne'erliftalawlessleg
Againuponher.
Besides,Ifarthermaunallow,
Wi'Leezie'slass,threetimesItrow-
ButLord,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,
ButforThypeople'ssakedestroythem,
An'dinnaspare.
But,Lord,remembermean'mine
Wi'merciestemporalanddivine,
ThatIforgracean'gearmayshine,
Excell'dbynane,
Anda'thegloryshallbethine,
Amen,Amen!
RobertBurns
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'dme-
Shepromis'dfair,andperform'dbutill,
Ofmonyajoyandhopebereav'dme-
Ibearaheartshallsupportmestill.
RobertBurns
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!
Butthenmywifeandchildrendear-
O,witherwouldtheygo!
Owhither,OwhithershallIturn!
Allfriendless,forsaken,forlorn!
For,inthisworld,RestorPeace
Inevermoreshallknow!
RobertBurns
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
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
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
John Anderson My Jo
JohnAndersonmyjo,John,
Whenwewerefirstacquent,
Yourbonnybrowwasbrent;
Butnowyourbrowisbled,John,
Yourlocksarelikethestraw,
JohnAndersonmyjo!
JohnAndersonmyjo,John,
Weclambthehillthegither
Andmonieacantieday,John,
We'vehadwi'aneanither;
Andhandinhandwe'llgo,
JohnAndersonmyjo!
RobertBurns
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
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;
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
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;
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
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
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,
Rememberhimforme!
O!soon,tome,maySummersuns
Naemairlightupthemorn!
NaemairtometheAutumnwinds
Waveo'ertheyellowcorn?
And,inthenarrowhouseofdeath,
LetWinterroundmerave;
Andthenextflow'rsthatdecktheSpring,
Bloomonmypeacefulgrave!
RobertBurns
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,
Rememberhimforme!
O!soon,tome,maySummersuns
Naemairlightupthemorn!
NaemairtometheAutumnwinds
Waveo'ertheyellowcorn?
And,inthenarrowhouseofdeath,
LetWinterroundmerave;
Andthenextflow'rsthatdecktheSpring,
Bloomonmypeacefulgrave!
RobertBurns
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;
Herteetharelikeaflockofsheep,
Withfleecesnewlywashenclean,
Thatslowlymounttherisingsteep;
Herbreathislikethefragrantbreeze,
Thatgentlystirstheblossom'dbean,
WhenPhoebussinksbehindtheseas;
Hervoiceisliketheev'ningthrush,
ThatsingsonCessnockbanksunseen,
Whilehismatesitsnestlinginthebush;
Butit'snotherair,herform,herface,
Tho'matchingbeauty'sfabledqueen;
'Tisthemindthatshinesinev'rygrace,
An'chieflyinherroguisheen.
RobertBurns
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';
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
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
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,thehorridcauldronboils-
RobertBurns
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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-band-
WithearnesttearsIpray-
Thouknow'stthesnaresonev'ryhand,
GuideThoutheirstepsalway.
When,soonorlate,theyreachthatcoast,
O'erLife'sroughoceandriven,
Maytheyrejoice,nowand'rerlost,
AfamilyinHeaven
RobertBurns
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'eyourheadacast-
ButtrowthIcare'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;
Thatgarsyoulooksaehigh.
RobertBurns
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
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
O, Were My Love Yon Lilac Fair
HiThere!Iseeyou'reenjoyingthesite,andjustwantedtoextendaninvitiationto
registerforourfreesite.Themembersofoldpoetrystrivetomakethisafunplaceto
learnandshare-hopeyoujoinus!-Kevin
RobertBurns
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
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
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
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
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.
Asfairthouart,mybonnielass,
SodeepinluveamI,
Tilla'theseasgangdry.
Tilla'theseasgangdry,mydear,
Andtherocksmeltwi'thesun!
Whilethesandsoflifeshallrun.
Andfaretheweel,myonlyluve!
Andfarethewellawhile!
AndIwillcomeagain,mylove.
Tho'itweretenthousandmile!
RobertBurns
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
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
O'Robin'sreed!
Hisheartwillnevergetaboon-
HisMailie'sdead!
RobertBurns
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
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
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,
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
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,
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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;
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;
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,
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
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;
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.
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'lifebereft-
Thegreyhairsyetstacktotheheft;
Wi'mairo'horribleandawfu',
Whichev'ntonamewadbeunlawfu'.
AsTammieglowr'd,amaz'dandcurious,
Themirthandfungrewfastandfurious:
Thepiperloudandlouderblew,
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.
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'smettle-
Aespringbroughtaffhermasterhale
Butleftbehindheraingreytail:
Thecarlinclaughtherbytherump,
AndleftpoorMaggiescarceastump.
Now,whathistaleo'truthshallread,
Ilkmanandmother'sson,takeheed,
Whene'ertodrinkyouareinclin'd,
Orcutty-sarksruninyourmind,
Think,yemaybuythejoyso'erdear,
RememberTamo'Shanter'smear.
RobertBurns
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'sense-
Shekensherselshe'sbonie.
Asyegaeupbyyonhillside,
SpeirinforbonieBessy;
She'llgieyeabeck,andbidyelight,
Andhandsomelyaddressye.
There'sfewsaebonie,nanesaeguid,
Ina'KingGeorge'dominion;
Ifyeshoulddoubtthetrutho'this-
It'sBessy'sainopinion!
RobertBurns
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-wherehappyIhaebeen-
Downbyyonstream,andyonboniecastle-green;
Forthereheiswand'ringandmusingonme,
WhawadsoondrythetearfraehisPhillis'e'e
RobertBurns
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
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.
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
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
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
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
The Birks Of Aberfeldy
HiThere!Iseeyou'reenjoyingthesite,andjustwantedtoextendaninvitiationto
registerforourfreesite.Themembersofoldpoetrystrivetomakethisafunplaceto
learnandshare-hopeyoujoinus!-Kevin
RobertBurns
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
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.
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?
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,
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.
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
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
Asmucklegearasbuyasheep-
O,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'pets-
Toslinkthro'slaps,an'reavean'steal
Atstackso'pease,orstockso'kail!
Somaythey,liketheirgreatforbears,
Formonyayearcomethro'theshears:
Sowiveswillgiethembitso'bread,
Anbairnsgreetforthemwhenthey'redead.
"Mypoortoop-lamb,mysonan'heir,
O,bidhimbreedhimupwi'care!
An'ifhelivetobeabeast,
Topitsomehavinsinhisbreast!
An'warnhim-whatIwinnaname-
Tostaycontentwi'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
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
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
The Lass Of Cessnock Banks
OnCessnockbanksalassiedwells,
CouldIdescribehershapeandmien!
Ourlassesa'shefarexcels---
Anshehastwasparkling,rogueisheen!
She'ssweeterthanthemorningdawn,
WhenrisingPhoebusfirstisseen,
Anddew-dropstwinkleo'erthelawn---
She'sstatelylikeyonyouthfulash,
Thatgrowsthecowslipbraesbetween,
Anddrinksthestreamwithvigourfresh---
She'sspotlessliketheflow'ringthorn,
Withflow'rssowhiteandleavessogreen,
Whenpurestinthedewymorn---
HerlooksarelikethevernalMay,
Whenev'ningPhoebusshinesserene,
Whilebirdsrejoiceoneveryspray---
Herhairislikethecurlingmist,
Thatclimbsthemountain-sidesate'en,
Whenflower-revivingrainsarepast---
Herforehead'sliketheshow'rybow,
Whengleamingsunbeamsintervene,
Andgildthedistantmountain'sbrow---
Hercheeksarelikeyoncrimsongem,
Theprideofallthefloweryscene,
Justopeningonitsthornystem---
Herbosom'slikethenightlysnow,
Whenpalethemorningriseskeen,
Whilehidthemurm'ringstreamletsflow---
Herlipsarelikeyoncherriesripe,
ThatsunnywallsfromBoreasscreen:
Theytemptthetasteandcharmthesight
Herteetharelikeaflockofsheep,
Withfleecesnewlywashenclean,
Thatslowlymounttherisingsteep---
Herbreathislikethefragrantbreeze,
Thatgentlystirstheblossom'dbean,
WhenPhoebussinksbehindtheseas---
Hervoiceisliketheev'ningthrush,
ThatsingsonCessnockbanksunseen,
Whilehismatesitsnestlinginthebush---
Butit'snotherair,herform,herface,
ThomatchingBeauty'sfabledQueen:
'Tisthemindthatshinesinev'rygrace---
Anchieflyinherrogueisheen!
RobertBurns
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';
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
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
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'sense-
Shekensherselshe'sbonie.
Asyegaeupbyyonhillside,
SpeirinforbonieBessy;
She'llgieyeabeck,andbidyelight,
Andhandsomelyaddressye.
There'sfewsaebonie,nanesaeguid,
Ina'KingGeorge'dominion;
Ifyeshoulddoubtthetrutho'this-
It'sBessy'sainopinion!
RobertBurns
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-wherehappyIhaebeen-
Downbyyonstream,andyonboniecastle-green;
Forthereheiswand'ringandmusingonme,
WhawadsoondrythetearfraehisPhillis'e'e
RobertBurns
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
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
Tibbie Dunbar
O,wiltthougowi'me,
SweetTibbieDunbar?
O,wiltthougowi'me,
SweetTibbieDunbar?
Wiltthourideonahorse,
Orbedrawninacar,
Orwalkbymyside,
OsweetTibbieDunbar?
Icarenathydaddie,
Hislandsandhismoney,
Icarenathykin
Saehighandsaelordly;
Butsaythouwiltha'eme
Forbetterforwaur—
Andcomeinthycoatie,
SweetTibbieDunbar!
RobertBurns
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
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
Toseeourselsasithersseeus!
Itwadfraemonieablunderfreeus
Anfoolishnotion:
Whatairsindressangaitwadlea'esus,
Anev'ndevotion!
RobertBurns
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,
An'foolishnotion:
Whatairsindressan'gaitwadlea'eus,
Andev'nDevotion!
RobertBurns
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
Tomis'ry'sbrink;
Till,wrench'dofev'rystaybutHeav'n,
Heruin'dsink!
Ev'nthouwhomourn'sttheDaisy'sfate,
Thatfateisthine--nodistantdate;
SternRuin'sploughsharedriveselate,
Fullonthybloom,
Tillcrush'dbeneaththefurrow'sweight
Shallbethydoom.
RobertBurns
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,
Thouthoughttodwell-
Tillcrash!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,
Onprospectsdreaer!
An'forward,tho'Icannasee,
Iguessan'fear!
RobertBurns
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
Onprospectsdrear!
An'forward,tho'Icannasee,
Iguessan'fear!
RobertBurns
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
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,
WhichIinjustproportionhaveabused-
Asfarsurpassingothercommonvillains
AsThouinnaturalpartshasgivenmemore.
RobertBurns
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
Verses to Clarinda
FairEmpressofthepoet'ssoul,
AndQueenofpoetesses;
Clarinda,takethislittleboon,
Thishumblepairofglasses:
Andfillthemupwithgenerousjuice,
Asgenerousasyourmind;
Andpledgethemtothegeneroustoast,
"Thewholeofhumankind!"
"Tothosenwholoveus!"secondfill;
Butnottothosewhomwelove;
Lestwelovethosewholovenotus-
Athird-"Totheeandme,love!"
RobertBurns
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
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
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
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
Ye Flowery Banks
Yeflowerybankso'bonnieDoon,
AndIsaefu'o'care?
Whenmyfalselovewastrue.
Andwistnao'myfate.
Toseethewood-binetwine,
AndsaedidIo'mine.
Wi'lightsomeheartIpulledarose
Andmyfalseluverstolemyrose
RobertBurns
Ye Flowery Banks (Bonie Doon)
Yeflowerybankso'bonnieDoon,
AndIsaefu'o'care?
Whenmyfalselovewastrue.
Andwistnao'myfate.
Toseethewood-binetwine,
AndsaedidIo'mine.
Wi'lightsomeheartIpulledarose
Andmyfalseluverstolemyrose
RobertBurns

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