To Mrs C
written in 1786
To Mrs C - meaning Summary
Gratitude Toward a Friend
This short poem is an address to Mrs C., thanking her for a gifted book or manuscript whose pages recall her kindness. The speaker praises the donor’s beauty and, importantly, her intellect and taste—her selection reflects refined judgement. Though the speaker admits some self-conscious deviation (acknowledging the gift flatters him), he emphasizes gratitude: the giver is present in the gift, and he vows to bless and wish her well. The closing uses Scots diction to convey a warm, familiar benediction that endures beyond the physical present.
Read Complete AnalysesThou flattering mark of friendship kind Still may thy pages call to mind The dear, the beauteous donor: Though sweetly female every part Yet such a head, and more the heart, Does both the sexes honor. She showed her taste refined and just When she selected thee, Yet deviating own I must, For so approving me. But kind still, I mind still, The giver in the gift; I'll bless her and wiss her A Friend aboon the Lift.
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