Author: Robert Burns

---

I.

        O saw ye bonnie Lesley
            As she ga'ed o'er the border?
        She's gane, like Alexander,
            To spread her conquests farther.

II.

        To see her is to love her,
            And love but her for ever;
        For Nature made her what she is,
            And never made anither!

III.

        Thou art a queen, fair Lesley,
            Thy subjects we, before thee:
        Thou art divine, fair Lesley,
            The hearts o' men adore thee.

IV.

        The deil he could na scaith thee,
            Or aught that wad belang thee;
        He'd look into thy bonnie face,
            And say, "I canna wrang thee."

V.

        The powers aboon will tent thee;
            Misfortune sha' na steer thee:
        Thou'rt like themselves so lovely,
            That ill they'll ne'er let near thee.

VI.

        Return again, fair Lesley,
            Return to Caledonie;
        That we may brag, we hae a lass
            There's nane again sae bonnie.

---

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 is a romantic ode to a woman named Lesley. It’s a blend of admiration, love, and a certain amount of national pride, rooted in a distinctly Scottish dialect that adds a touch of cultural specificity and authenticity.

The speaker's profound admiration for Lesley is evident from the very start, comparing her to Alexander the Great in her ability to 'spread her conquests farther'. This metaphor not only places Lesley on a high pedestal, but it also suggests a sense of loss, as if her leaving has a profound impact, perhaps on the speaker or the community she has left behind.

In the subsequent stanzas, the poet uses hyperbolic language to emphasize Lesley's divine beauty and virtue. She is described as a 'queen', 'divine', and so lovely that even the devil cannot harm her. This hyperbole serves to elevate Lesley to an almost mythic status, beyond mortal reach.

The poem follows a consistent structure throughout, with each stanza containing four lines and a clear AABB rhyme scheme. This regularity adds a rhythmic, song-like quality to the poem, enhancing its emotive appeal.

Finally, the poem circles back to its initial theme of loss and longing in the last stanza, with a plea for Lesley's return. This return is not just wished for personal reasons, but also for a sense of national pride – Lesley is seen as a treasure of Caledonia, or Scotland, and her absence is deeply felt.

Overall, this poem is a passionate tribute to a beloved woman, as well as a reflection of national identity and pride. The use of dialect, along with the consistent structure and emotive language, creates a rich, evocative piece that captures a deep sense of longing and admiration.