To John Maxwell Of Terraughty, On His Birthday.

Author: Robert Burns

        Health to the Maxwell's vet'ran chief!
        Health, ay unsour'd by care or grief:
        Inspir'd, I turn'd Fate's sybil leaf
            This natal morn;
        I see thy life is stuff o' prief,
            Scarce quite half worn.

        This day thou metes three score eleven,
        And I can tell that bounteous Heaven
        (The second sight, ye ken, is given
            To ilka Poet)
        On thee a tack o' seven times seven
            Will yet bestow it.

        If envious buckies view wi' sorrow
        Thy lengthen'd days on this blest morrow,
        May desolation's lang teeth'd harrow,
            Nine miles an hour,
        Rake them like Sodom and Gomorrah,
            In brunstane stoure!

        But for thy friends, and they are mony,
        Baith honest men and lasses bonnie,
        May couthie fortune, kind and cannie,
            In social glee,
        Wi' mornings blythe and e'enings funny
            Bless them and thee!

        Fareweel, auld birkie! Lord be near ye,
        And then the Deil he daur na steer ye;
        Your friends ay love, your faes ay fear ye;
            For me, shame fa' me,
        If neist my heart I dinna wear ye
            While BURNS they ca' me!

    Dumfries, 18 Feb. 1792.
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a tribute to an elder figure, employing tones of reverence and humor to paint a portrait of enduring strength and vitality. The poet's use of Scottish dialect lends authenticity and a certain charm, adding a layer of cultural context to the piece. The theme centers around the celebration of life's longevity and the appreciation of shared experiences, with a clear intention to honor the subject's resilience and influence.

The structure of the poem, comprised of five stanzas, follows a rhythmic and rhyming scheme that provides a steady, lilting flow. This harmony is disrupted only to emphasize dramatic moments, such as the comparison of naysayers to the biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which is a striking use of an allusion to convey the poet's disdain for those who begrudge the subject's prolonged life. The poem concludes with a personal note from the author, a farewell filled with affection and respect, strengthening the bond between the writer, the subject, and the reader.

The language used throughout is rich with imagery and metaphor, which collectively serve to create a vivid, tangible sense of the subject's life and the community surrounding them. The poet's use of 'second sight' is a notable device, linking the poet's creative vision to the divine and prophetic, while also suggesting a deep, personal connection to the subject. The final line, where the poet refers to himself by his last name, is a powerful and assertive ending, grounding the sentiments expressed in the poem in the reality of the poet's own identity.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.