Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

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

529 . Song—How cruel are the parents

HOW cruel are the parents

Who riches only prize,

And to the wealthy booby

Poor Woman sacrifice!

Meanwhile, the hapless Daughter

Has but a choice of strife;

To shun a tyrant Father’s hate—

Become a wretched Wife.

The ravening hawk pursuing,

The trembling dove thus flies,

To shun impelling ruin,

Awhile her pinions tries;

Till, of escape despairing,

No shelter or retreat,

She trusts the ruthless Falconer,

And drops beneath his feet.