Altered from an Old English Song
written in 1795
Altered from an Old English Song - context Summary
Composed in 1795
Robert Burns’s poem, titled as an alteration of an older English song and dated 1795, is best read as a conscious adaptation of folk material rather than a wholly original lyric. That contextual fact frames its plain narrative voice and moral focus: it reproaches parents who marry daughters for money and uses stark predator–prey imagery to represent forced unions. Knowing the poem is an intentional reshaping of a traditional song helps readers expect a didactic, communal perspective and situates the piece within Burns’s broader engagement with folk sources.
Read Complete AnalysesHow 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.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.