Poem Addressed to Mr Mitchell, Dumfries
written in 1795
Poem Addressed to Mr Mitchell, Dumfries - context Summary
Hogmanay 1795 Plea
Written for Hogmanay 1795 and addressed to his friend Mr. Mitchell, Burns mixes comic self-deprecation and earnest appeal. He asks modestly for "One Pound, One" to relieve his empty pockets, casts his debts as a riot of devils and witches, and offers good wishes of domestic comfort for the recipient. A postscript recounts a recent near-death experience and his fortunate escape, which prompts a promise to mend his ways and take better care of his health and life.
Read Complete AnalysesFriend o' the Poet, tried and leal, Wha, wanting thee, might beg, or steal: Alake! Alake! The meikle Deil Wi' a' his witches Are at it, skelpin! jig and reel, In my poor pouches. Fu' fain I, modestly, would hint it, That One Pound, One, I sairly want it; If wi' the hizzie down ye sent it, It would be kind; And while my heart wi' life-blood dunted, I'd bear 't in mind. So may the Auld Year gang out moaning, To see the New come, laden, groaning, With double plenty, o'er the loaning, To Thee and Thine; Domestic Peace and Comfort crowning The hail Design. Hogmanai eve: 1795 R. Burns. Postscript. Ye've heard this while how I've been licket, And by fell Death 'maist nearly nicket; Grim loon! he gat me by the fecket, And sair he sheuk; But by good luck, I lap a wicket, And turn'd a neuk. But by that Health, I've got a share o't! And by that Life, I'm promis'd mair o't! My hale and weel I'll take a care o't A tentier way: So fareweel, Folly, hilt and hair o't, For ance and ay!
Feel free to be first to leave comment.