A Portrait of Robert Burns Robert Burns

1788 · Poem

To Alex. Cunningham, ESQ., Writer

Ellisland, Nithsdale, July 27th, 1788


My godlike friend—nay, do not stare,You think the phrase is odd-like;But God is love, the saints declare,Then surely thou art god-like.4
And is thy ardour still the same?And kindled still at Anna?Others may boast a partial flame,But thou art a volcano!8
Ev’n Wedlock asks not love beyondDeath’s tie-dissolving portal;But thou, omnipotently fond,May’st promise love immortal!12
Thy wounds such healing powers defy,Such symptoms dire attend them,That last great antihectic try—Marriage perhaps may mend them.16
Sweet Anna has an air—a grace,Divine, magnetic, touching:She talks, she charms—but who can traceThe process of bewitching?20
Year
1788
Form
Poem
Location
Mossgiel
Source
Project Gutenberg #1279 — Poems and Songs of Robert Burns