Mark Yonder Pomp
written in 1795
Mark Yonder Pomp - fact Summary
Admiration for Chloris
Burns contrasts outward luxury and courtly display with genuine feeling, arguing that princely pomp and sparkling jewels cannot touch the heart. He presents Chloris, dressed in simple attire, as the antithesis of gaudy vanity: her modest beauty and shy openness compel affection and bind the speaker willingly. The poem elevates humble, sincere love above social ambition and material desire, claiming that true passion would make even ambition and avarice renounce their goals.
Read Complete AnalysesMark yonder pomp of costly fashion Round the wealthy, titled bride: But when compar'd with real passion, Poor is all that princely pride. Mark yonder pomp of costly fashion Round the wealthy, titled bride: But when compar'd with real passion, Poor is all that princely pride What are the showy treasures, What are the noisy pleasures? The gay, gaudy glare of vanity and art: The polish'd jewels' blaze May draw the wond'ring gaze; And courtly grandeur bright The fancy may delight, But never, never can come near the heart. But did you see my dearest Chloris, In simplicity's array; Lovely as yonder sweet opening flower is, Shrinking from the gaze of day, O then, the heart alarming, And all resistless charming, In Love's delightful fetters she chains the willing soul! Ambition would disown The world's imperial crown, Ev'n Avarice would deny, His worshipp'd deity, And feel thro' every vein Love's raptures roll.
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