Poor Mailies Elegy

By Robert Burns

Elegy
        Lament in rhyme, lament in prose,         Wi' saut tears trickling down your nose;         Our bardie's fate is at a close,             Past a' remead;         The last sad cape-stane of his woes;             Poor Mailie's dead.         It's no the loss o' warl's gear,         That could sae bitter draw the tear,         Or mak our bardie, dowie, wear             The mourning weed;         He's lost a friend and neebor dear,             In Mailie dead.         Thro' a' the toun she trotted by him;         A long half-mile she could descry him;         Wi' kindly bleat, when she did spy him,             She run wi' speed:         A friend mair faithfu' ne'er cam nigh him,             Than Mailie dead.         I wat she was a sheep o' sense,         An' could behave hersel wi' mense:         I'll say't, she never brak a fence,             Thro' thievish greed.         Our bardie, tamely, keeps the spence             Sin' Mailie's dead.         Or, if he wonders up the howe,         Her living image in her yowe         Comes bleating to him, owre the knowe,             For bits o' bread;         An' down the briny pearls rowe             For Mailie dead.         She was nae get o' moorland tips,[1]         Wi' tawted ket, an hairy hips;         For her forbears were brought in ships             Frae yont the Tweed:         A bonnier fleesh ne'er cross'd the clips             Than Mailie dead.         Wae worth the man wha first did shape         That vile, wanchancie thing--a rape!         It maks guid fellows girn an' gape,             Wi' chokin dread;         An' Robin's bonnet wave wi' crape,             For Mailie dead.         O, a' ye bards on bonnie Doon!         An' wha on Ayr your chanters tune!         Come, join the melancholious croon             O' Robin's reed!         His heart will never get aboon!             His Mailie's dead!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a poignant exploration of grief and loss, employing a rural setting and the death of a beloved sheep, Mailie, to convey the universality and depth of such emotions. The poet's use of rustic dialect and vivid imagery enhances the sense of authenticity and rawness in the expression of sorrow.

The poem is structured in consistent four-line stanzas, with a regular rhyming scheme, which lends a rhythmic, almost hypnotic quality to the narrative. This steady rhythm contrasts with the chaotic emotions conveyed, emphasizing the enduring nature of grief.

One of the central themes of the poem is the profound bond between humans and animals, represented in the relationship between the bard and Mailie. Mailie is depicted not merely as a farm animal, but as a friend and companion whose loss is deeply felt. The poet's grief is conveyed through powerful, emotive language and the repetition of "Mailie's dead," which echoes like a refrain throughout the poem, underscoring the permanence of loss.

The tone of the poem is one of deep melancholy, conveyed through the use of strong, emotive words such as "lament," "saut tears," "woes," and "mourning weed." The poet employs personification, attributing human characteristics to Mailie, which helps to emphasize her importance and the depth of the bond between her and the bard.

In its exploration of death and mourning, the poem showcases the poet's ability to convey universal human emotions through the lens of a specific, personal experience. The death of a sheep becomes a metaphor for all loss, making the poem relatable to a wide audience. Despite its rustic setting and particular circumstances, the poem speaks to the shared experience of grief and loss, making it a powerful and moving piece of literature.

Understanding Elegy

An elegy is a form of poetry that expresses sorrow or lamentation, often for someone who has died. This type of poetry serves as a tribute to the deceased, reflecting on their life and the grief left behind.

Elegies are deeply emotional and personal, exploring themes of loss, mourning, and remembrance. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Mournful Tone: Elegies are characterized by a tone of sadness and reflection, as the poet grapples with the pain of loss.
  • Tribute to the Deceased: The subject of an elegy is often someone who has passed away, with the poem serving as a memorial that honors their life and legacy.
  • Personal Reflection: Elegies often include personal reflections on the impact of the deceased on the poet's life, as well as broader musings on mortality and the human condition.
  • Structure and Form: While elegies can vary in form, they often follow a traditional structure that includes an expression of grief, praise for the deceased, and a sense of consolation or acceptance.

From ancient times to the present, elegies have provided a way for poets to navigate the complexities of grief and loss, offering solace and a means of preserving the memory of those who have passed.