To Mary Campbell

By Robert Burns

Ballad
I.         Will ye go to the Indies, my Mary,             And leave old Scotia's shore?         Will ye go to the Indies, my Mary,             Across th' Atlantic's roar? II.         O sweet grows the lime and the orange,             And the apple on the pine;         But a' the charms o' the Indies             Can never equal thine. III.         I hae sworn by the Heavens to my Mary,             I hae sworn by the Heavens to be true;         And sae may the Heavens forget me             When I forget my vow! IV.         O plight me your faith, my Mary,             And plight me your lily white hand;         O plight me your faith, my Mary,             Before I leave Scotia's strand. V.         We hae plighted our troth, my Mary,             In mutual affection to join;         And curst be the cause that shall part us!             The hour and the moment o' time!

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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 love, loyalty, and longing, set against the backdrop of an imminent voyage. The structure of the piece, divided into five stanzas, follows a clear narrative progression, moving from the initial proposal of the journey, through the speaker's vow of fidelity, to the mutual pledge of faith.

The theme of romantic devotion is strikingly framed within an impending separation. The repeated question, "Will ye go to the Indies, my Mary?", sets the tone of deep anxiety and uncertainty that pervades the poem. The speaker's commitment to his beloved Mary is unwavering, as he swears by the Heavens to remain true, a profound vow that underscores the depth of his feelings.

The poem's imagery further enhances the emotional impact. The speaker contrasts the exotic beauty of the Indies (lime, orange, apple on the pine) with the charm of his beloved, which he declares superior, thus emphasizing the strength of his love and the sacrifices he is willing to make for it.

The use of archaic language, especially in the vows and curses, lends an air of timeless, universal human experience to the piece. The repeated use of the phrase "my Mary" adds a personal, intimate layer to the poem, making it seem like a heartfelt plea from the speaker to his beloved.

Overall, the poem masterfully intertwines themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice, using evocative imagery and a compelling narrative structure to deliver a powerful exploration of romantic devotion in the face of impending separation.

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.