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Poetry on Friday – Robbie Burns

Posted on 22. Jan, 2010 by Rachael in Books, Poetry

On 25th January, Scotland and many Scots around the world will be celebrating the life and works of national Bard, Robert Burns with A Burns’ Night Supper.

Sparkle’s Poetry on Friday spot is a perfect opportunity to share some of his wonderful poems.

The first Burns poem I read was Tam o’Shanter, at school in an English Literature class. I’ve loved it ever since. Follow this link to hear actor Brian Cox (Tam o’Shanter) narrating this rich, terrifying and amusing tale.

I like the following ‘song’ because of how well it captures the beauty of the Scottish countryside…enjoy

Yon Wild Mossy Mountains

Yon wild mossy mountains sae lofty and wide,
That nurse in their bosom the youth o’ the Clyde,
Where the grouse lead their coveys thro’ the heather to feed,
And the shepherd tends his flock as he pipes on his reed.

Not Gowrie’s rich valley, nor Forth’s sunny shores,
To me hae the charms o’yon wild, mossy moors;
For there, by a lanely, sequestered stream,
Besides a sweet lassie, my thought and my dream.

Amang thae wild mountains shall still be my path,
Ilk stream foaming down its ain green, narrow strath;
For there, wi’ my lassie, the day lang I rove,
While o’er us unheeded flie the swift hours o’love.

She is not the fairest, altho’ she is fair;
O’ nice education but sma’ is her share;
Her parentage humble as humble can be;
But I lo’e the dear lassie because she lo’es me.

To Beauty what man but maun yield him a prize,
In her armour of glances, and blushes, and sighs?
And when wit and refinement hae polish’d her darts,
They dazzle our een, as they flie to our hearts.

But kindness, sweet kindness, in the fond-sparkling e’e,
Has lustre outshining the diamond to me;
And the heart beating love as I’m clasp’d in her arms,
O, these are my lassie’s all-conquering charms!

As Sparkle’s resident ‘bookie’ the following poem really amused me. Bearing in mind his reputation as a womaniser Burns, ironically, warns women against reading raunchy novels. He mentions Tom Jones by Fielding and Richardson’s Sir Charles Grandison. He refers to himself as “Rob Mossgiel”, and apparently reading these books will make their “youthful fancies reel…then you’re prey for Rob Mossgiel”. The very gorgeous Robert Carlyle narrates this for the BBC, to listen to it click here.

O Leave Novels

O leave novels, ye Mauchline belles,
Ye’re safer at your spinning-wheel;
Such witching books are baited hooks
For rakish rooks, like Rob Mossgiel;
Your fine Tom Jones and Grandisons,
They make your youthful fancies reel;
They heat your brains, and fire your veins,
And then you’re prey for Rob Mossgiel.

Beware a tongue that’s smoothly hung,
A heart that warmly seems to feel;
That feeling heart but acts a part -
‘Tis rakish art in Rob Mossgiel.
The frank address, the soft caress,
Are worse than poisoned darts of steel;
The frank address, and politesse,
Are all finesse in Rob Mossgiel.

Tags: Burn's Night suppers, love, poetry, poetry on Friday, sparkle

Rachael Holden

Author for the online friendship and dating site Sparkle

Rachael - has written 29 posts on Sparkle in my life. Contact the author

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