Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| 281. Sonnet to R. Graham, Esq., on Receiving a Favour |
| | | | 10 Aug., 1789.
Addressed to ROBERT GRAHAM, Esq. of Fintry. |
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| I CALL no Goddess to inspire my strains, | |
| A fabled Muse may suit a bard that feigns: | |
| Friend of my life! my ardent spirit burns, | |
| And all the tribute of my heart returns, | |
| For boons accorded, goodness ever new, | 5 |
| The gifts still dearer, as the giver you. | |
| Thou orb of day! thou other paler light! | |
| And all ye many sparkling stars of night! | |
| If aught that giver from my mind efface, | |
| If I that giver’s bounty e’er disgrace, | 10 |
| Then roll to me along your wand’rig spheres, | |
| Only to number out a villain’s years! | |
| I lay my hand upon my swelling breast, | |
| And grateful would, but cannot speak the rest. | |
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