Robert Burns

I Love My Love in Secret

written in 1789

I Love My Love in Secret - fact Summary

Written in Mauchline for Bess

This short lyric presents a speaker who reciprocates a lover called Sandy with a heart pledged to his ring and who keeps a broken piece of gold and his tears as lasting tokens. It centers on secret, unshown love and private exchange of mementos rather than public declaration. The straightforward, songlike stanza form and repeated address create an intimate, longing mood that frames the relationship as tender and concealed.

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My Sandy gied to me a ring, Was a' beset wi' diamonds fine; But I gied him a far better thing, I gied my heart in pledge o' his ring. My Sandy O, my Sandy O, My bonie , bonie Sandy O; Tho' the love that I owe To thee I dare na show, Yet I love my love in secret, my Sandy O. My Sandy brak a piece o' gowd , While down his cheeks the saut tears row'd; He took a hauf , and gied it to me, And I'll keep it till the hour I die. My Sandy O, my Sandy O, My bonie , bonie Sandy O; Tho' the love that I owe To thee I dare na show, Yet I love my love in secret, My Sandy O, &c.

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