To Miss Ferrier
written in 1787
To Miss Ferrier - fact Summary
Dedicated to Miss Ferrier
This short poem, written in 1787 and addressed to Miss Ferrier, is a playful, admiring address in which Burns privileges a contemporary Scottish woman over classical poetic authorities. He opens by dismissing famed muse-names in favor of local inspiration, claims that Ferrier outshines legendary sources of poetry, recounts a momentary gloom lifted by seeing her eye, and closes by sending the enclosed song and wishing her well. The tone mixes humor, gratitude, and flirtatious praise rather than formal homage.
Read Complete AnalysesNae Heathen Name shall I prefix, Frae Pindus or Parnassus; Auld Reekie dings them a' to sticks, For rhyme-inspiring Lasses. Jove's tunefu' Dochters three times three Made Homer deep their debtor; But gien the body half an e'e, Nine Ferriers wad done better! Last day my mind was in a bog, Down George's Street I stoited; A creeping, cauld prosaic fog My vera senses doited. Do what I dought to set her free, My Muse lay in the mire; Ye turn'd a neuk - I saw your e'e She took the wing like fire. The mournfu' Sang I here inclose, In gratitude I send you; And pray in rhyme, sincere as prose, A' gude things may attend you. Robert Burns St James' Square Saturday even:
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