On Captain William Roddirk of Corbiston
written in 1794
On Captain William Roddirk of Corbiston - meaning Summary
Tender Heart, Empty Head
This short satirical poem sketches a character named Billy whose gentle, "chicken" heart contrasts with a foolish vanity. Burns uses a compact, ironic image: the earth lies light on Billy’s breast, suggesting kindness or timidity, yet if he builds a figurative castle on his head his skull will merely prop it up. The poem warns that self‑important airs and pretensions are shallow and poorly founded. In plain terms it ridicules ostentation and the gap between inner meekness and outward boasting.
Read Complete AnalysesLight lay the earth on Billy's breast, His chicken heart so tender: But build a castle on his head, His scull will prop it under.
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