128. The Farewell. Burns, Robert. 1909-14. Poems and Songs. The Harvard Classics

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Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

128. The Farewell

The valiant, in himself, what can he suffer?
Or what does he regard his single woes?
But when, alas! he multiplies himself,
To dearer serves, to the lov’d tender fair,
To those whose bliss, whose beings hang upon him,
To helpless children,—then, Oh then, he feels
The point of misery festering in his heart,
And weakly weeps his fortunes like a coward:
Such, such am I!—undone!

THOMSON’S Edward and Eleanora.


FAREWELL, old Scotia’s bleak domains,
Far dearer than the torrid plains,
Where rich ananas blow!
Farewell, a mother’s blessing dear!
A borther’s sigh! a sister’s tear!	5
My Jean’s heart-rending throe!
Farewell, my Bess! tho’ thou’rt bereft
Of my paternal care.
A faithful brother I have left,
My part in him thou’lt share!	10
Adieu, too, to you too,
My Smith, my bosom frien’;
When kindly you mind me,
O then befriend my Jean!

What bursting anguish tears my heart;	15
From thee, my Jeany, must I part!
Thou, weeping, answ’rest—“No!”
Alas! misfortune stares my face,
And points to ruin and disgrace,
I for thy sake must go!	20
Thee, Hamilton, and Aiken dear,
A grateful, warm adieu:
I, with a much-indebted tear,
Shall still remember you!
All hail then, the gale then,	25
Wafts me from thee, dear shore!
It rustles, and whistles
I’ll never see thee more!

CONTENTS · BOOK CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD · GLOSSARY

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