Tam Glen
written in 1788
Tam Glen - meaning Summary
Choosing Love Over Wealth
A young woman speaks in Scots about her distress over whether to marry Tam Glen. She faces pressure from family and community—wealthy suitors, cautionary friends, and her father’s offer—but she repeatedly defends Tam Glen’s virtues and recalls supernatural and luck-based signs (Valentine draws, a Halloween vision) that seem to confirm her preference. The poem concentrates on the conflict between practical concerns and passionate attachment, ending with the speaker seeking private counsel while clearly favoring love over money and social advantage.
Read Complete AnalysesMy heart is a breaking, dear Tittie, Some counsel unto me come len'; To anger them a' is a pity, But what will I do wi' Tam Glen? I'm thinking, wi' sic a braw fellow, In poortith I might mak a fen': What care I in riches to wallow, If I mauna marry Tam Glen. There's Lowrie the laird o' Dumeller, 'Gude day to you brute' he comes ben: He brags and blaws o' his siller, But when will he dance like Tam Glen. My Minnie does constantly deave me, And bids me beware o' young men; They flatter, she says, to deceive me, But wha can think sae o' Tam Glen. My Daddie says, gin I'll forsake him, He'll gie me gude hunder marks ten: But, if it's ordain'd I maun take him, O wha will I get but Tam Glen? Yestreen at the Valentine's dealing, My heart to my mou gied a sten; For thrice I drew ane without failing, And thrice it was written, Tam Glen. The last Halloween I was waukin My droukit sark-sleeve, as ya ken; His likeness cam up the house staukin, And the very grey breeks o' Tam Glen! Come counsel, dear Tittie, don't Tarry; I'll gie you my bonie black hen, Gif ye will advise me to Marry The lad I lo'e dearly, Tam Glen.
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