Blooming Nelly.

Author: Robert Burns

    Tune - "On a bank of flowers."


I.

        On a bank of flowers, in a summer day,
            For summer lightly drest,
        The youthful blooming Nelly lay,
            With love and sleep opprest;
        When Willie wand'ring thro' the wood,
            Who for her favour oft had sued,
        He gaz'd, he wish'd, he fear'd, he blush'd,
            And trembled where he stood.

II.

        Her closed eyes like weapons sheath'd,
            Were seal'd in soft repose;
        Her lips still as she fragrant breath'd,
            It richer dy'd the rose.
        The springing lilies sweetly prest,
            Wild. wanton, kiss'd her rival breast;
        He gaz'd, he wish'd, he fear'd, he blush'd,
            His bosom ill at rest.

III.

        Her robes light waving in the breeze
            Her tender limbs embrace;
        Her lovely form, her native ease,
            All harmony and grace:
        Tumultuous tides his pulses roll,
            A faltering, ardent kiss he stole;
        He gaz'd, he wish'd, he fear'd, he blush'd,
            And sigh'd his very soul.

IV.

        As flies the partridge from the brake,
            On fear-inspired wings,
        So Nelly, starting, half awake,
            Away affrighted springs:
        But Willie follow'd, as he should,
            He overtook her in a wood;
        He vow'd, he pray'd, he found the maid
            Forgiving all and good.
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem, structured in an ABABCDDC rhyme scheme, explores the universal themes of love and desire, set against the backdrop of the natural world. The use of nature as a metaphor for human emotion is a recurring motif throughout the piece. The poet portrays the main character, Nelly, in harmonious coexistence with the flora around her, emphasizing her youthful beauty and innocence.

The tone of the poem is initially one of unrequited love and hesitation, embodied in Willie's repeated actions of gazing, wishing, fearing, and blushing. The repetition of these phrases throughout the stanzas underscores Willie's deep longing and anxiety. In the final stanza, however, the tone shifts to one of relief and satisfaction as Willie finally declares his love and is accepted by Nelly. The narrative arc of the poem follows the classic "pursuit and capture" trope, culminating in a satisfying resolution of mutual understanding and forgiveness.

The poem makes effective use of imagery, personification, and similes. For instance, Nelly's closed eyes are likened to "weapons sheath'd," conveying the power of her allure while asleep. Similarly, her startled awakening is compared to a partridge flying away, symbolizing her initial fear and surprise. These vivid depictions serve to heighten the emotional resonance of the poem, drawing the reader into the narrative. Overall, the poem is a charming exploration of youthful love, fear of rejection, and ultimate acceptance, beautifully rendered through the lens of the natural world.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.