The Farewell
To the Brethren of St James's Lodge, Tarbolton. Written in 1786
The Farewell - fact Summary
Dedicated to Fellow Freemasons
This poem is a farewell Burns wrote in 1786 to his fellow members of St James's Lodge in Tarbolton, reflecting his real-life membership in the Freemasons. Addressed to "brethren," it frames his departure as a parting from a fraternal community and invokes Masonic ideals—Freedom, Harmony, Love, and the " ARCHITECT Divine"—as blessings for the lodge. Burns asks for one commemorative toast when they next assemble, combining personal affection, ceremonial language, and the social bonds of the lodge rather than private romantic or political themes.
Read Complete AnalysesAdieu! a heart-warm, fond adieu! Dear brothers of the mystic tye! Ye favour'd, ye enlighten'd Few, Companions of my social joy! Tho' I to foreign lands must hie, Pursuing Fortune's slidd'ry ba', With melting heart, and brimful eye, I'll mind you still, tho' far awa'. Oft have I met your social Band, And spent the cheerful, festive night; Oft, honor'd with supreme command, Presided o'er the Sons of light: And by that Hieroglyphic bright, Which none but Craftsmen ever saw! Strong Mem'ry on my heart shall write Those happy scenes when far awa'! May Freedom, Harmony and Love Unite you in the grand Design, Beneath th' Omniscient Eye above, The glorious ARCHITECT Divine! That you may keep th' unerring line, Still rising by the plummet's law, Till Order bright, completely shine, Shall be my Pray'r when far awa'. And YOU, farewell! whose merits claim, Justly that highest badge to wear! Heav'n bless you honor'd, noble Name, To MASONRY and SCOTIA dear! A last request, permit me here, When yearly ye assemble a', When yearly ye assemble a', One round, I ask it with a tear, To him, the Bard, that's far awa'.
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