On Willie Chalmers
written in 1786
On Willie Chalmers - fact Summary
Celebrating Willie Chalmers' Courtship
Written in 1786, this poem is Robert Burns s celebratory address supporting his friend Willie Chalmers s courtship. The speaker directly praises the woman s beauty and virtue, reassures her that Willie s affection is sincere, and dismisses rivals whose learning or status cannot match a feeling heart. The tone is jocular, affectionate, and protective; the poet asks the woman to favor Willie, warns against unsuitable suitors, and offers a blessing for their union. It functions as a public, good-humored endorsement of a real romantic match in Burns s circle.
Read Complete AnalysesMadam, Wi' braw new branks in mickle pride, And eke a braw new brechan, My Pegasus I'm got astride, And up Parnassus pechin; Whiles owre a bush wi' donwward crush, The doited beastie stammers; Then up he gets, and off he sets, For sake o' Willie Chalmers. I doubt na, lass, that weel kenned name May cost a pair o' blushes; I am nae stranger to your fame, Nor his warm-urged wishes. Your bonie face sae mild and sweet, His honest heart enamours, And faith ye'll no be lost a whit, Tho' waired on Willie Chalmers. Auld Truth hersel' might swear yer'e fair, And Honour safely back her; And Modesty assume your air, And ne'er a ane mistak her: And sic twa love-inspiring e'en, Might fire even holy Palmers; Nae wonder then they've fatal been To honest Willie Chalmers. I doubt na Fortune may you shore Some mim-mou'd pouthered priestie, Fu' lifted up wi' Hebrew lore, And band upon his breastie : But oh! what signifies to you His lexicons and grammars; The feeling heart's the royal blue, And that's wi' Willie Chalmers. Some gapin', glowrin' countra laird May warsle for your favour; May claw his lug, and straik his beard, And hoast up some palaver. My bonie maid, before ye wed Sic clumsy-witted hammers, Seek Heaven for help, and barefit skelp Awa wi' Willie Chalmers. Forgive the Bard! my fond regard For ane that shares my bosom, Inspires my Muse to gie 'm his dues, For de'il a hair I roose him. May powers aboon unite you soon, And fructify your amours, - And every year come in mair dear To you and Willie Chalmers.
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