To Miss Graham of Fintry
written in 1794
To Miss Graham of Fintry - meaning Summary
Tribute and Moral Blessing
Burns addresses Miss Graham as he offers a humble poetic gift and frames it as a heartfelt tribute. He urges that no harsh or ruffian feeling disturb her inner harmony, wishing her peace or the uplifting power of love. The speaker also envisions compassionate response to suffering—pity and modest charity—and celebrates conscious virtue and piety as the moral forces that ennoble the song. Overall the poem functions as a gracious dedication that links personal sentiment with broader moral and spiritual ideals.
Read Complete AnalysesHere, where the Scotish Muse immortal lives, In sacred strains and tuneful numbers join'd, Accept the gift; though humble he who gives, Rich is the tribute of the grateful mind . So may no ruffian feeling in thy breast Discordant jar thy bosom-chords among; But Peace attune thy gentle soul to rest, Or Love ecstatic wake his seraph song. Or Pity's notes, in luxury of tears, As modest want the tale of woe reveals; While conscious Virtue all the strain endears, And heaven-born Piety her sanction seals.
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