It Is Na, Jean, Thy Bonie Face
written in 1792
It Is Na, Jean, Thy Bonie Face - fact Summary
Addressed to Jean Armour
Burns rejects praise of external beauty in favor of inner worth. The speaker admires Jean’s face and form but insists that her mind and character are more cherished. He expresses a modest, selfless devotion: he wants her happiness even if he cannot make her his, and would live for her or die for her. The tone is affectionate and resigned, balancing admiration with moral depth. The poem frames love as esteem for the beloved’s inner qualities rather than mere physical attraction.
Read Complete AnalysesIt is na, Jean, thy bonie face, Nor shape that I admire, Altho' thy beauty and thy grace Might weel awauk desire. Something in ilka part o' thee To praise, to love, I find, But dear as is thy form to me, Still dearer is thy mind. Nae mair ungen'rous wish I hae, Nor stronger in my breast, Than, if I canna mak thee sae, At least to see thee blest. Content am I, if Heaven shall give But happiness to thee: And as wi' thee I'd wish to live, For thee I'd bear to die.
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