Lines Sent to John Syme of Ryedale

Lines Sent to John Syme of Ryedale - context Summary

Address to a Friend, 1795

Composed in 1795 and addressed to his friend John Syme of Ryedale, this brief piece functions as a convivial compliment rather than a public lyric. Burns imagines malt and hops possessing Syme’s qualities, turning ordinary drink ingredients into metaphors for strength of mind and lively wit. The tone is playful and intimate, suited to private exchange among acquaintances. Its brevity and direct address signal a personal social context: a friendly toast or epistolary jest that affirms friendship through humor and domestic imagery.