Address, to the Shade of Thomson
written in 1791
Address, to the Shade of Thomson - context Summary
Tribute to James Thomson
Written in 1791 and dedicated to James Thomson, this short poem is Robert Burns’s public tribute to the earlier Scottish poet. Burns praises Thomson’s lasting reputation by mapping the cycle of seasons across Scottish places — Eden, Dryburgh, Tweed, Yarrow — so that nature’s yearly round mirrors the poet’s enduring fame. The poem names Thomson “Poet of the Year” and presents his wreath as perpetually blooming. Its primary purpose is commemorative: to celebrate Thomson’s achievement and assert him as a beloved son of Scotland whose renown survives change.
Read Complete AnalysesWhile virgin Spring, by Eden's flood, Unfolds her tender mantle green, Or pranks the sod in frolic mood, Or tunes Eolian strains between. While Summer with a matron grace Retreats to Dryburgh's cooling shade, Yet oft, delighted, stops to trace The progress of the spiky blade. While Autumn, benefactor kind, By Tweed erects his aged head, And sees, with self-approving mind, Each creature on his bounty fed. While maniac Winter rages o'er The hills whence classic Yarrow flows, Rousing the turbid torrent's roar, Or sweeping, wild, a waste of snows. So long, sweet Poet of the Year, Shall bloom that wreath thou well hast won; While Scotia, with exulting tear, Proclaims that Thomson was her son.
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