Elegy on the Death of Robert Ruisseaux (Poem by Robert Burns)

Elegy on the Death of Robert Ruisseaux

By Robert Burns

Now Robin lies in his last lair,

He’ll gabble rhyme, nor sing nae mair,

Cauld poverty, wi’ hungry stare,

                Nae mair shall fear him;

Nor anxious fear, nor cankert care,

                E’er mair come near him.

To tell the truth, they seldom fash’t him,

Except the moment that they crush’t him;

For sune as chance or fate had hush’t ‘em,

                Tho’ e’er sae short,

Then wi’ a rhyme or song he lash’t ‘em,

                And thought it sport.

Tho’ he was bred to kintra wark,

And counted was baith wight and stark.

Yet that was never Robin’s mark

                To mak a man;

But tell him he was learned and clark,

                Ye roos’d him than!

Poem Analysis:

Robert Burns, the celebrated Scottish poet, often drew inspiration from the lives of common folk and the struggles they faced. In his "Elegy on the Death of Robert Ruisseaux," Burns pays homage to a fellow poet and friend, Robert Ruisseaux. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, emotions, and stylistic elements within this elegy, shedding light on the life and legacy of the titular character.

1. A Farewell to Robin: The poem opens with a solemn tone, as Burns laments the passing of Robert Ruisseaux, affectionately referred to as "Robin." The very act of composing an elegy for a fellow poet speaks to the deep sense of camaraderie and respect Burns held for his friend. The elegy serves as both a tribute and an expression of grief.
2. Escape from Poverty and Care: Burns portrays Robin's life as one filled with the harsh realities of poverty and the relentless pursuit of sustenance. Robin's days were marked by "cauld poverty" and the "hungry stare" of want. Yet, the elegy suggests that Robin's poetic talent was a refuge from these hardships. When he was engrossed in crafting verse, the anxieties of life could not touch him. Burns conveys the idea that art and creativity offer a sanctuary from the world's troubles.
3. A Defiant Spirit: The poem captures Robin's resilient and defiant spirit. Despite his humble origins and the challenges he faced, Robin had a remarkable talent for rhyme and song. Burns portrays him as someone who relished the act of "lashin' 'em" with his verses, finding joy and satisfaction in his poetic skill. This suggests that Robin used his art not only as an escape but also as a means of asserting his identity and strength.
4. The Bard's Ambition: Although Robin was "bred to kintra wark" and had the physical qualities of "wight and stark," he aspired to be known as "learned and clark." Burns acknowledges Robin's desire to be recognized for his intellectual prowess and creativity. This ambition to rise above one's station in life is a recurring theme in Burns' poetry, reflecting his own aspirations and experiences.

"Elegy on the Death of Robert Ruisseaux" by Robert Burns is a heartfelt tribute to a fellow poet who faced the challenges of poverty and adversity with resilience and creativity. Burns' elegy captures the essence of Robin's character, portraying him as someone who found solace in the world of rhyme and song, using it to both escape from life's hardships and assert his identity. Through this elegy, Burns pays homage not only to a friend but also to the enduring spirit of poets who use their art to transcend their circumstances and leave a lasting legacy.