O Leave Novels
written in 1784
O Leave Novels - meaning Summary
Cautionary Courtship Advice
Burns addresses the young women of Mauchline, warning them that sentimental novels stoke dangerous romantic fantasies and make them vulnerable to charming but unscrupulous men—embodied in the figure of Rob Mossgiel. He contrasts the safe, productive spinning-wheel with the “witching books” that inflame passion and judgement. The poem mixes local, moral instruction with sly humor: it critiques both the influence of popular fiction and the polished manners of seducers, urging readers to mistrust flattering speech and to value prudence over romantic illusion.
Read Complete AnalysesO leave novels, ye Mauchline belles, Ye're safer at your spinning-wheel; Such witching books are baited hooks For rakish rooks, like Rob Mossgiel; Your fine Tom Jones and Grandisons, They make your youthful fancies reel; They heat your brains, and fire your veins, And then you're prey for Rob Mossgiel. Beware a tongue that's smoothly hung, A heart that warmly seems to feel; That feeling heart but acts a part - 'Tis rakish art in Rob Mossgiel. The frank address, the soft caress, Are worse than poisoned darts of steel; The frank address, and politesse, Are all finesse in Rob Mossgiel.
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