To Alexander Cunningham
written in 1787
To Alexander Cunningham - context Summary
Written in 1787
Composed in 1787 and addressed to Robert Burns's friend Alexander Cunningham, the poem teases Cunningham’s ardent infatuation with a woman named Anna. Burns lampoons the strength and irrationality of this passion, calling it volcanic and immune to typical cures—prudence, drink, or prostitution—and only half-jokingly proposing marriage as a potential remedy. The tone is playful and ironic, mixing affectionate mockery with vivid metaphors to underline how overpowering and inexplicable romantic obsession appears from an outside perspective.
Read Complete AnalysesMy godlike Friend - nay do not stare, You think the phrase is odd like; But 'God is love', the Saints declare, Then surely thou art Godlike. And is thy Ardour still the same? And kindled still at Anna? Others may boast a partial flame, But thou art a Volcano. Even Wedlock asks not Love beyond Death's tie-dissolving Portal; But thou, omnipotently fond, May'st promise Love Immortal. Prudence, the Bottle and the Stew Are fam'd for Lovers curing: Thy Passion nothing can subdue, Nor Wisdom, Wine nor Whoring. Thy Wounds such healing powers defy; Such Symptoms dire attend them, That last great Antihectic try, Marriage, perhaps, may mend them. Sweet Anna has an air, a grace, Divine magnetic touching! She takes, she charms - but who can trace The process of bewitching?
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