To Captain Riddell
written in 1789
To Captain Riddell - fact Summary
Addressed to a Patron
This short poem is a personal address from Burns to Captain Riddell, a friend and patron. Burns says he has read Riddell’s review and finds newspapers and critics offering little real judgment. He gently satirizes reviewers as concerned with surface matters while lacking sense of true worth. Turning to Riddell, the poet modestly confesses his own limited expression and gratitude, wishing he had a brighter pen to make Riddell’s generosity known to the world. The piece combines praise, irony, and self-deprecation.
Read Complete AnalysesYour News and Review, Sir, I've read through and through, Sir, With little admiring or blaming: The Papers are barren of home-news or foreign, No murders or rapes worth the naming. Our friends the Reviewers, those Chippers and Hewers, Are judges of Mortar and Stone, Sir; But of meet or unmeet, in a Fabric complete, I'll boldly pronounce they are none, Sir. My Goose-quill too rude is to tell all your goodness Bestow'd on your servant, the Poet; Would to God I had one like a beam of the Sun, And then all the World, should know it! Robert Burns
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