Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| 529. Song—How cruel are the parents |
| | | | Altered from an old English song.
Tune—“John Anderson, my jo.” |
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| HOW cruel are the parents | |
| Who riches only prize, | |
| And to the wealthy booby | |
| Poor Woman sacrifice! | |
| Meanwhile, the hapless Daughter | 5 |
| Has but a choice of strife; | |
| To shun a tyrant Father’s hate— | |
| Become a wretched Wife. | |
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| The ravening hawk pursuing, | |
| The trembling dove thus flies, | 10 |
| To shun impelling ruin, | |
| Awhile her pinions tries; | |
| Till, of escape despairing, | |
| No shelter or retreat, | |
| She trusts the ruthless Falconer, | 15 |
| And drops beneath his feet. | |
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