Chapter 1

POEMS AND SONGS OF ROBERT BURNS

by Robert Burns

Introductory Note

1771 - 1779

Song—Handsome Nell Song—O Tibbie, I Hae Seen The Day Song—I Dream’d I Lay Song—I Dream’d I Lay Song—In The Character Of A Ruined Farmer Tragic Fragment—All villain as I am The Tarbolton Lasses Ah, Woe Is Me, My Mother Dear Song—Montgomerie’s Peggy The Ploughman’s Life

1780

The Ronalds Of The Bennals Song—Here’s To Thy Health Song—The Lass Of Cessnock Banks Song—Bonie Peggy Alison Song—Mary Morison

1781

Winter: A Dirge A Prayer, Under The Pressure Of Violent Anguish Paraphrase Of The First Psalm The First Six Verses Of The Ninetieth Psalm Versified Prayer, In The Prospect Of Death Stanzas, On The Same Occasion

1782 Fickle Fortune: A Fragment Song—Raging Fortune—Fragment Of I’ll Go And Be A Sodger Song—“No Churchman Am I” My Father Was A Farmer John Barleycorn: A Ballad

1783

Death And Dying Words Of Poor Mailie Poor Mailie’s Elegy Song—The Rigs O’ Barley Song Composed In August Song—My Nanie, O! Song—Green Grow The Rashes Song—Wha Is That At My Bower-Door

1784

Remorse: A Fragment Epitaph On Wm. Hood, Senr., In Tarbolton Epitaph On James Grieve, Laird Of Boghead, Tarbolton Epitaph On My Own Friend And My Father’s Friend, Wm. Muir In Tarbolton Mill Epitaph On My Ever Honoured Father Ballad On The American War Reply To An Announcement By J. Rankine Epistle To John Rankine A Poet’s Welcome To His Love-Begotten Daughter^1 Song—O Leave Novels! The Mauchline Lady: A Fragment My Girl She’s Airy: A Fragment The Belles Of Mauchline Epitaph On A Noisy Polemic Epitaph On A Henpecked Country Squire Epigram On The Said Occasion Another On The said Occasion On Tam The Chapman Epitaph On John Rankine Lines On The Author’s Death Man Was Made To Mourn: A Dirge The Twa Herds; Or, The Holy Tulyie

1785

Epistle To Davie, A Brother Poet Holy Willie’s Prayer Epitaph On Holy Willie Death and Doctor Hornbook Epistle To J. Lapraik, An Old Scottish Bard Second Epistle To J. Lapraik Epistle To William Simson One Night As I Did Wander Tho’ Cruel Fate Should Bid Us Part Song—Rantin’, Rovin’ Robin Elegy On The Death Of Robert Ruisseaux Epistle To John Goldie, In Kilmarnock The Holy Fair Third Epistle To J. Lapraik Epistle To The Rev. John M’math Second Epistle to Davie Song—Young Peggy Blooms Song—Farewell To Ballochmyle Fragment—Her Flowing Locks Halloween To A Mouse Epitaph On John Dove, Innkeeper Epitaph For James Smith Adam Armour’s Prayer The Jolly Beggars: A Cantata Song—For A’ That Song—Merry Hae I Been Teethin A Heckle The Cotter’s Saturday Night Address To The Deil Scotch Drink

1786

The Auld Farmer’s New-Year—Morning Salutation To His Auld Mare, Maggie The Twa Dogs The Author’s Earnest Cry And Prayer The Ordination Epistle To James Smith The Vision Suppressed Stanza’s Of “The Vision” The Rantin’ Dog, The Daddie O’t Here’s His Health In Water Address To The Unco Guid, Or The Rigidly Righteous The Inventory To John Kennedy, Dumfries House To Mr. M’Adam, Of Craigen-Gillan To A Louse Inscribed On A Work Of Hannah More’s Song, Composed In Spring To A Mountain Daisy, To Ruin The Lament Despondency: An Ode To Gavin Hamilton, Esq., Mauchline, Recommending a Boy. Versified Reply To An Invitation Song—Will Ye Go To The Indies, My Mary? My Highland Lassie, O Epistle To A Young Friend Address Of Beelzebub A Dream A Dedication To Gavin Hamilton, Esq. Versified Note To Dr. Mackenzie, Mauchline The Farewell To the Brethren of St. James’ Lodge, Tarbolton. On A Scotch Bard, Gone To The West Indies Song—Farewell To Eliza A Bard’s Epitaph Epitaph For Robert Aiken, Esq. Epitaph For Gavin Hamilton, Esq. Epitaph On “Wee Johnie” The Lass O’ Ballochmyle Lines To An Old Sweetheart Motto Prefixed To The Author’s First Publication Lines To Mr. John Kennedy Lines Written On A Banknote Stanzas On Naething The Farewell The Calf Nature’s Law—A Poem Song—Willie Chalmers Reply To A Trimming Epistle Received From A Tailor The Brigs Of Ayr Fragment Of Song Epigram On Rough Roads Prayer—O Thou Dread Power Song—Farewell To The Banks Of Ayr Address To The Toothache Lines On Meeting With Lord Daer Masonic Song Tam Samson’s Elegy Epistle To Major Logan Fragment On Sensibility A Winter Night Song—Yon Wild Mossy Mountains Address To Edinburgh Address To A Haggis

1787

To Miss Logan, With Beattie’s Poems, For A New-Year’s Gift, Jan. 1, 1787. Mr. William Smellie—A Sketch Rattlin’, Roarin’ Willie Song—Bonie Dundee Extempore In The Court Of Session Inscribed Under Fergusson’s Portrait Epistle To Mrs. Scott of Wauchope-House Verses Intended To Be Written Below A Noble Earl’s Picture^1 Prologue, Spoken by Mr. Woods at Edinburgh. Song—The Bonie Moor-Hen Song—My Lord A-Hunting he is gane Epigram At Roslin Inn The Book-Worms On Elphinstone’s Translation Of Martial’s Epigrams Song—A Bottle And Friend Lines Written Under The Picture Of The Celebrated Miss Burns Epitaph For William Nicol, Of The High School, Edinburgh Epitaph For Mr. William Michie Boat song—Hey, Ca’ Thro’ Address To Wm. Tytler, Esq., Of Woodhouselee Epigram To Miss Ainslie In Church Burlesque Lament For The Absence Of William Creech’ s Absence Note To Mr. Renton Of Lamerton Elegy On “Stella” The Bard At Inverary Epigram To Miss Jean Scott On The Death Of John M’Leod, Esq, Elegy On The Death Of Sir James Hunter Blair Impromptu On Carron Iron Works To Miss Ferrier Written By Somebody On The Window Of an Inn at Stirling The Poet’s Reply To The Threat Of A Censorious Critic The Libeller’s Self-Reproof Verses Written With A Pencil at the Inn at Kenmore Song—The Birks Of Aberfeldy The Humble Petition Of Bruar Water Lines On The Fall Of Fyers Near Loch-Ness. Epigram On Parting With A Kind Host In The Highlands Song—Strathallan’s Lament Verses on Castle Gordon Song—Lady Onlie, Honest Lucky Song—Theniel Menzies’ Bonie Mary The Bonie Lass Of Albany On Scaring Some Water-Fowl In Loch-Turit Song—Blythe Was She Song—A Rose—Bud By My Early Walk Epitaph For Mr. W. Cruikshank Song—The Banks Of The Devon

Song—Braving Angry Winter’s Storms Song—My Peggy’s Charms Song—The Young Highland Rover Birthday Ode For 31st December, 1787^1 On The Death Of Robert Dundas, Esq., Of Arniston, Sylvander To Clarinda

1788 Song—Love In The Guise Of Friendship Song—Go On, Sweet Bird, And Sooth My Care Song—Clarinda, Mistress Of My Soul Song—I’m O’er Young To Marry Yet Song—To The Weavers Gin Ye Go Song—M’Pherson’s Farewell Song—Stay My Charmer Song—My Hoggie Song—Raving Winds Around Her Blowing Song—Up In The Morning Early Song—How Long And Dreary Is The Night Song—Hey, The Dusty Miller Song—Duncan Davison Song—The Lad They Ca’Jumpin John Song—Talk Of Him That’s Far Awa Song—To Daunton Me Song—The Winter It Is Past Song—The Bonie Lad That’s Far Awa Verses To Clarinda, with Drinking Glasses Song—The Chevalier’s Lament Epistle To Hugh Parker Song—Of A’ The Airts The Wind Can Blaw Song—I Hae a Wife O’ My Ain Lines Written In Friars’-Carse Hermitage To Alex. Cunningham, ESQ., Writer, Edinburgh Song.—Anna, Thy Charms The Fete Champetre Epistle To Robert Graham, Esq., Of Fintry Song.—The Day Returns Song.—O, Were I On Parnassus Hill A Mother’s Lament Song—The Fall Of The Leaf Song—I Reign In Jeanie’s Bosom Song—It Is Na, Jean, Thy Bonie Face Song—Auld Lang Syne Song—My Bonie Mary Verses On Aa Parting Kiss Written In Friars Carse Hermitage (Second Version) The Poet’s Progress Elegy On The Year 1788 The Henpecked Husband Versicles On Sign-Posts

1789

Robin Shure In Hairst Ode, Sacred To The Memory Of Mrs. Oswald Of Auchencruive Pegasus At Wanlockhead Sappho Redivivus—A Fragment Song—She’s Fair And Fause Impromptu Lines To Captain Riddell Lines To John M’Murdo, Esq. Of Drumlanrig Rhyming Reply To A Note From Captain Riddell Caledonia—A Ballad Verses To Miss Cruickshank Beware O’ Bonie Ann Ode On The Departed Regency Bill Epistle To James Tennant Of Glenconner A New Psalm For The Chapel Of Kilmarnock Sketch In Verse Inscribed to the Right Hon. C. J. Fox. The Wounded Hare Delia, An Ode Song—The Gard’ner Wi’ His Paidle Song—On A Bank Of Flowers Song—Young Jockie Was The Blythest Lad Song—The Banks Of Nith Song—Jamie, Come Try Me Song—I Love My Love In Secret Song—Sweet Tibbie Dunbar Song—The Captain’s Lady Song—John Anderson, My Jo Song—My Love, She’s But A Lassie Yet Song—Tam Glen Song—Carle, An The King Come Song—The Laddie’s Dear Sel’ Song—Whistle O’er The Lave O’t Song—My Eppie Adair On The Late Captain Grose’s Peregrinations Thro’ Scotland Epigram On Francis Grose The Antiquary The Kirk Of Scotland’s Alarm Sonnet to Robert Graham, Esq., On Receiving A Favour Extemporaneous Effusion On being appointed to an Excise division. Song—Willie Brew’d A Peck O’ Maut^1 Song—Ca’ The Yowes To The Knowes Song—I Gaed A Waefu’ Gate Yestreen Song—Highland Harry Back Again Song—The Battle Of Sherramuir Song—The Braes O’ Killiecrankie Song—Awa’ Whigs, Awa’ Song—A Waukrife Minnie Song—The Captive Ribband Song—My Heart’s In The Highlands The Whistle—A Ballad Song—To Mary In Heaven Epistle To Dr. Blacklock The Five Carlins Election Ballad For Westerha’ Prologue Spoken At The Theatre Of Dumfries

1790

Sketch—New Year’s Day [1790] Scots’ Prologue For Mr. Sutherland Lines To A Gentleman, Elegy On Willie Nicol’s Mare Song—The Gowden Locks Of Anna Song—I Murder Hate Song—Gudewife, Count The Lawin Election Ballad At the close of the contest for representing the Dumfries Burghs, 1790. Elegy On Captain Matthew Henderson The Epitaphon Captain Matthew Henderson Verses On Captain Grose Tam O’ Shanter: A Tale On The Birth Of A Posthumous Child Elegy On The Late Miss Burnet Of Monboddo

1791

Lament Of Mary, Queen Of Scots, On The Approach Of Spring There’ll Never Be Peace Till Jamie Comes Hame Song—Out Over The Forth The Banks O’ Doon (First Version) The Banks O’ Doon (Second Version) The Banks O’ Doon (Third Version) Lament For James, Earl Of Glencairn Lines Sent To Sir John Whiteford, Bart Song—Craigieburn Wood Song—The Bonie Wee Thing Epigram On Miss Davies Song—The Charms Of Lovely Davies Song—What Can A Young Lassie Do Wi’ An Auld Man Song—The Posie On Glenriddell’s Fox Breaking His Chain Poem On Pastoral Poetry Verses On The Destruction Of The Woods Near Drumlanrig Song—The Gallant Weaver Epigram At Brownhill Inn^1 Song—You’re Welcome, Willie Stewart Song—Lovely Polly Stewart Song—Fragment,—Damon And Sylvia Song—Fragment—Johnie Lad, Cock Up Your Beaver Song—My Eppie Macnab Song—Fragment—Altho’ He Has Left Me Song—O For Ane An’ Twenty, Tam Song—Thou Fair Eliza Song—My Bonie Bell Song—Sweet Afton Address To The Shade Of Thomson Song—Nithsdale’s Welcome Hame Song—Frae The Friends And Land I Love Song—Such A Parcel Of Rogues In A Nation Song—Ye Jacobites By Name Song—I Hae Been At Crookieden Epistle To John Maxwell, ESQ., Of Terraughty Second Epistle To Robert Graham, ESQ., Of Fintry The Song Of Death Poem On Sensibility Epigram—The Toadeater Epigram—Divine Service In The Kirk Of Lamington Epigram—The Keekin’-Glass A Grace Before Dinner A Grace After Dinner Song—O May, Thy Morn Song—Ae Fond Kiss, And Then We Sever Song—Behold The Hour, The Boat, Arrive Song—Thou Gloomy December Song—My Native Land Sae Far Awa

1792

Song—I do Confess Thou Art Sae Fair Lines On Fergusson, The Poet Song—The Weary Pund O’ Tow Song—When She Cam’ Ben She Bobbed Song—Scroggam, My Dearie Song—My Collier Laddie Song—Sic A Wife As Willie Had Song—Lady Mary Ann Song—Kellyburn Braes Song—The Slave’s Lament Song—O Can Ye Labour Lea? Song—The Deuks Dang O’er My Daddie Song—The Deil’s Awa Wi’ The Exciseman Song—The Country Lass Song—Bessy And Her Spinnin’ Wheel Song—Fragment—Love For Love Song—Saw Ye Bonie Lesley Song—Fragment Of Song Song—I’ll Meet Thee On The Lea Rig Song—My Wife’s A Winsome Wee Thing Song—Highland Mary Song—Auld Rob Morris The Rights Of Woman—Spoken by Miss Fontenelle Epigram On Miss Fontenelle Extempore On Some Commemorations Of Thomson Song—Duncan Gray Song—A Health To Them That’s Awa A Tippling Ballad—When Princes and Prelates

1793

Song—Poortith Cauld And Restless Love Epigram On Politics Song—Braw Lads O’ Galla Water Sonnet Written On The Author’s Birthday, Song—Wandering Willie Wandering Willie (Revised Version) Lord Gregory: A Ballad Song—Open The Door To Me, Oh Song—Lovely Young Jessie Song—Meg O’ The Mill Song—Meg O’ The Mill (Another Version) The Soldier’s Return: A Ballad Epigram—The True Loyal Natives Epigram—On Commissary Goldie’s Brains Lines Inscribed In A Lady’s Pocket Almanac Epigram—Thanksgiving For A National Victory Epigram—The Raptures Of Folly Epigram—Kirk and State Excisemen Extempore Reply To An Invitation A Grace After Meat Grace Before And After Meat Impromptu On General Dumourier’s Desertion From The French Republican Army Song—The Last Time I Came O’er The Moor Song—Logan Braes Song—Blythe Hae I been On Yon Hill Song—O Were My Love Yon Lilac Fair Bonie Jean—A Ballad Lines On John M’Murdo, ESQ. Epitaph On A Lap-Dog Epigrams Against The Earl Of Galloway Epigram On The Laird Of Laggan Song—Phillis The Fair Song—Had I A Cave Song.—By Allan Stream Song—Whistle, And I’ll Come To You, My Lad Song—Phillis The Queen O’ The Fair Song—Come, Let Me Take Thee To My Breast Song—Dainty Davie Song—Robert Bruce’s March To Bannockburn Song—Behold The Hour, The Boat Arrive Song—Down The Burn, Davie Song—Thou Hast Left Me Ever, Jamie Song—Where Are The Joys I have Met? Song—Deluded Swain, The Pleasure Song—Thine Am I, My Faithful Fair Impromptu On Mrs. Riddell’s Birthday Song—My Spouse Nancy Address Spoken by Miss Fontenelle Complimentary Epigram On Maria Riddell

1794

Remorseful Apology Song—Wilt Thou Be My Dearie? Song—A Fiddler In The North The Minstrel At Lincluden A Vision Song—A Red, Red Rose Song—Young Jamie, Pride Of A’ The Plain Song—The Flowery Banks Of Cree Monody On a lady famed for her Caprice. The Epitaph On the Same Epigram Pinned To Mrs. Walter Riddell’s Carriage Epitaph For Mr. Walter Riddell Epistle From Esopus To Maria Epitaph On A Noted Coxcomb Epitaph On Capt. Lascelles Epitaph On Wm. Graham, Esq., Of Mossknowe Epitaph On John Bushby, Esq., Tinwald Downs Sonnet On The Death Of Robert Riddell Song—The Lovely Lass O’ Inverness Song—Charlie, He’s My Darling Song—Bannocks O’ Bear Meal Song—The Highland Balou The Highland Widow’s Lament Song—It Was A’ For Our Rightfu’ King Ode For General Washington’s Birthday Inscription To Miss Graham Of Fintry Song—On The Seas And Far Away Song—Ca’ The Yowes To The Knowes Song—She Says She Loes Me Best Of A’ Epigram—On Miss Jessy Staig’s recovery. To The Beautiful Miss Eliza J-N On her Principles of Liberty and Equality. On Chloris Requesting me to give her a Spring of Blossomed Thorn. On Seeing Mrs. Kemble In Yarico Epigram On A Country Laird (Cardoness) Epigram on the Same Laird’s Country Seat Epigram on Dr. Babinton’s Looks Epigram On A Suicide Epigram On A Swearing Coxcomb Epigram On An Innkeeper Nicknamed (The Marquis) Epigram On Andrew Turner Song—Pretty Peg Esteem For Chloris Song—Saw Ye My Dear, My Philly Song—How Lang And Dreary Is The Night Song—Inconstancy In Love The Lover’s Morning Salute To His Mistress Song—The Winter Of Life Song—Behold, My Love, How Green The Groves Song—The Charming Month Of May Song—Lassie Wi’ The Lint-White Locks Dialogue song—Philly And Willy Song—Contented Wi’ Little And Cantie Wi’ Mair Song—Farewell Thou Stream Song—Canst Thou Leave Me Thus, My Katie Song—My Nanie’s Awa Song—The Tear-Drop—Wae is my heart Song—For The Sake O’ Somebody

1795

Song—A Man’s A Man For A’ That The Solemn League And Covenant Lines to John Syme with a Dozen of Porter. Inscription On Mr. Syme’s Crystal Goblet Apology To Mr. Syme For Not Dining with him Epitaph For Mr. Gabriel Richardson Epigram On Mr. James Gracie Song—Bonie Peg-a-Ramsay Inscription At Friars’ Carse Hermitage Song—Fragment—There Was A Bonie Lass Song—Fragment—Wee Willie Gray Song—O Aye My Wife She Dang Me Song—Gude Ale Keeps The Heart Aboon Song—O Steer Her Up An’ Haud Her Gaun Song—The Lass O’ Ecclefechan Song—O Let Me In Thes Ae Night Song—I’ll Aye Ca’ In By Yon Town Ballads on Mr. Heron’s Election—Ballad First Ballads on Mr. Heron’s Election—Ballad Second Ballads on Mr. Heron’s Election—Ballad Third Inscription For An Altar Of Independence Song—The Cardin O’t, The Spinnin O’t Song—The Cooper O’ Cuddy Song—The Lass That Made The Bed To Me Song—Had I The Wyte? She Bade Me Song—Does Haughty Gaul Invasion Threat? Song—Address To The Woodlark Song.—On Chloris Being Ill Song—How Cruel Are The Parents Song—Yonder Pomp Of Costly Fashion Song—’Twas Na Her Bonie Blue E’e Song—Their Groves O’Sweet Myrtle Song—Forlorn, My Love, No Comfort Near Song—Fragment,—Why, Why Tell The Lover Song—The Braw Wooer Song—This Is No My Ain Lassie Song—O Bonie Was Yon Rosy Brier Song—Song Inscribed To Alexander Cunningham Song—O That’s The Lassie O’ My Heart

Inscription to Chloris Song—Fragment.—The Wren’s Nest Song—News, Lassies, News Song—Crowdie Ever Mair Song—Mally’s Meek, Mally’s Sweet Song—Jockey’s Taen The Parting Kiss Verses To Collector Mitchell

1796

The Dean Of Faculty Epistle To Colonel De Peyster Song—A Lass Wi’ A Tocher Song—The Trogger. Complimentary Versicles To Jessie Lewars 1. The Toast 2. The Menagerie 3. Jessie’s illness 4. On Her Recovery Song—O Lay Thy Loof In Mine, Lass Song—A Health To Ane I Loe Dear Song—O Wert Thou In The Cauld Blast Inscription To Miss Jessy Lewars Song—Fairest Maid On Devon Banks Glossary

POEMS AND SONGS OF ROBERT BURNS

Preface

Robert Burns was born near Ayr, Scotland, 25th of January, 1759. He was the son of William Burnes, or Burness, at the time of the poet’s birth a nurseryman on the banks of the Doon in Ayrshire. His father, though always extremely poor, attempted to give his children a fair education, and Robert, who was the eldest, went to school for three years in a neighboring village, and later, for shorter periods, to three other schools in the vicinity. But it was to his father and to his own reading that he owed the more important part of his education; and by the time that he had reached manhood he had a good knowledge of English, a reading knowledge of French, and a fairly wide acquaintance with the masterpieces of English literature from the time of Shakespeare to his own day. In 1766 William Burness rented on borrowed money the farm of Mount Oliphant, and in taking his share in the effort to make this undertaking succeed, the future poet seems to have seriously overstrained his physique. In 1771 the family move to Lochlea, and Burns went to the neighboring town of Irvine to learn flax-dressing. The only result of this experiment, however, was the formation of an acquaintance with a dissipated sailor, whom he afterward blamed as the prompter of his first licentious adventures. His father died in 1784, and with his brother Gilbert the poet rented the farm of Mossgiel; but this venture was as unsuccessful as the others. He had meantime formed an irregular intimacy with Jean Armour, for which he was censured by the Kirk-session. As a result of his farming misfortunes, and the attempts of his father-in-law to overthrow his irregular marriage with Jean, he resolved to emigrate; and in order to raise money for the passage he published (Kilmarnock, 1786) a volume of the poems which he had been composing from time to time for some years. This volume was unexpectedly successful, so that, instead of sailing for the West Indies, he went up to Edinburgh, and during that winter he was the chief literary celebrity of the season. An enlarged edition of his poems was published there in 1787, and the money derived from this enabled him to aid his brother in Mossgiel, and to take and stock for himself the farm of Ellisland in Dumfriesshire. His fame as poet had reconciled the Armours to the connection, and having now regularly married Jean, he brought her to Ellisland, and once more tried farming for three years. Continued ill-success, however, led him, in 1791, to abandon Ellisland, and he moved to Dumfries, where he had obtained a position in the Excise. But he was now thoroughly discouraged; his work was mere drudgery; his tendency to take his relaxation in debauchery increased the weakness of a constitution early undermined; and he died at Dumfries in his thirty-eighth year.

[See Burns’ Birthplace: The living room in the Burns birthplace cottage.]

It is not necessary here to attempt to disentangle or explain away the numerous amours in which he was engaged through the greater part of his life. It is evident that Burns was a man of extremely passionate nature and fond of conviviality; and the misfortunes of his lot combined with his natural tendencies to drive him to frequent excesses of self-indulgence. He was often remorseful, and he strove painfully, if intermittently, after better things. But the story of his life must be admitted to be in its externals a painful and somewhat sordid chronicle. That it contained, however, many moments of joy and exaltation is proved by the poems here printed.