Young Peggy

By Robert Burns

Lyric Poem
    Tune - "Last time I cam o'er the muir." I.         Young Peggy blooms our bonniest lass,             Her blush is like the morning,         The rosy dawn, the springing grass,             With early gems adorning:         Her eyes outshone the radiant beams             That gild the passing shower,         And glitter o'er the crystal streams,             And cheer each fresh'ning flower. II.         Her lips, more than the cherries bright,             A richer dye has graced them;         They charm th' admiring gazer's sight,             And sweetly tempt to taste them:         Her smile is, as the evening mild,             When feather'd tribes are courting,         And little lambkins wanton wild,             In playful bands disporting. III.         Were fortune lovely Peggy's foe,             Such sweetness would relent her,         As blooming spring unbends the brow             Of surly, savage winter.         Detraction's eye no aim can gain,             Her winning powers to lessen;         And fretful envy grins in vain             The poison'd tooth to fasten. IV.         Ye powers of honour, love, and truth,             From every ill defend her;         Inspire the highly-favour'd youth,             The destinies intend her:         Still fan the sweet connubial flame             Responsive in each bosom,         And bless the dear parental name             With many a filial blossom.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, written in a traditional stanzaic form, is a vivid and romantic tribute to a young woman named Peggy. The poet uses rich, evocative language and imagery to celebrate her beauty and goodness. The poem is suffused with natural imagery, comparing Peggy to the morning blush, radiant beams, fresh flowers, and playful lambkins. Such comparisons not only elevate Peggy's beauty but place her within the realm of nature, suggesting an organic, wholesome, and pure aspect to her allure.

The themes of the poem chiefly revolve around love, beauty, and virtue. Peggy is depicted as a paragon of virtue, so much so that even 'fortune's foe' and 'detracting eyes' would be disarmed by her sweetness. The poet also appeals to 'powers of honour, love, and truth' to protect and bless her, further emphasizing her moral standing. The tone is reverent and adoring, imbued with a sense of awe for Peggy's captivating presence.

As for literary devices, the poet uses simile, metaphor, and personification effectively to enhance the vividness of the imagery and emotional resonance of the poem. The use of personification ("fortune lovely Peggy's foe", "Detraction's eye no aim can gain") adds a dramatic flair to the text, presenting abstract concepts as characters in their own right. The poem's structure, with its consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm, adds a musical quality that complements the traditional and romantic nature of the content. Overall, this poem is an ode to the enchanting beauty and virtue of a young woman, skillfully rendered through vibrant natural imagery and rich, emotive language.

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.