Written In A Wrapper, Enclosing A Letter To Captain Grose

By Robert Burns

Ballad
        Ken ye ought o' Captain Grose?             Igo and ago,         If he's amang his friends or foes?             Iram, coram, dago.         Is he south or is he north?             Igo and ago,         Or drowned in the river Forth?             Iram, coram, dago.         Is he slain by Highlan' bodies?             Igo and ago,         And eaten like a wether-haggis?             Iram, coram, dago.         Is he to Abram's bosom gane?             Igo and ago,         Or haudin' Sarah by the wame?             Iram, coram, dago.         Where'er he be, the L--d be near him!             Igo and ago,         As for the deil, he daur na steer him!             Iram, coram, dago.         But please transmit the enclosed letter,             Igo and ago,         Which will oblige your humble debtor,             Iram, coram, dago.         So may he hae auld stanes in store,             Igo and ago,         The very stanes that Adam bore,             Iram, coram, dago.         So may ye get in glad possession,             Igo and ago,         The coins o' Satan's coronation!             Iram, coram, dago.

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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 fascinating blend of humor, mystery, and irreverence, filled with vivid and somewhat grotesque imagery. The central concern revolves around the whereabouts and fate of the character, Captain Grose, which is explored through a series of speculative questions. The repetition of the phrases 'Igo and ago' and 'Iram, coram, dago' add a rhythmic quality to the poem, giving it an almost chant-like feel, and contributing to the air of mystery.

The use of colloquial and old Scottish language evokes a sense of the local color and customs, adding an authentic feel to the narrative. This is further enhanced by the vivid, often humorous imagery – such as the idea of someone being eaten like a 'wether-haggis'. The poem also makes several religious and biblical allusions, such as 'Abram's bosom' and 'the deil', which add a layer of spiritual contemplation to the otherwise light-hearted speculation about Captain Grose's fate. The final wish for the recipient to come into 'glad possession' of 'the coins of Satan's coronation' presents an ironic blessing, suggesting a playful, subversive tone. Overall, the poem is a lively and engaging exploration of uncertainty, local culture, and the human tendency to speculate and create stories around the unknown.

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.