To Mr Graham of Fintry, on Being Appointed to My Excise Division
written in 1789
To Mr Graham of Fintry, on Being Appointed to My Excise Division - fact Summary
Appreciation for an Appointment
Written in 1789, Robert Burns's short poem is a personal thank-you to Mr Graham of Fintry for appointing the poet to his excise division. Burns frames his gratitude as heartfelt devotion, addressing Graham as life-friend and likening him to a beneficent giver. Celestial images — sun, moon and stars — are summoned as witnesses to Burns's pledge and to the shame he would feel if he ever betrayed that bounty. The poem closes with a physical gesture of sincerity: hand on breast and an inability to fully voice his thanks.
Read Complete AnalysesI call no goddess to inspire my strains, A fabled Muse may suit a Bard that feigns: 'Friend of my life!' my ardent spirit burns, And all the tribute of my heart returns, For boons accorded, goodness ever new, The Gift still dearer, as the Giver You. Thou Orb of Day! Thou Other Paler Light! And all ye many-sparkling Stars of Night! If aught that Giver from my mind efface; If I that Giver's bounty e'er disgrace; Then roll, to me, along your wandering spheres, Only to number out a Villain's Years! I lay my hand upon my swelling breast, And grateful would - but cannot speak the rest.
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