Lying At A Reverend Friend's House On Night (Poem by Robert Burns)

Lying at A Reverend Friend's House on Night, the Author Left the Following Verses in the Room Where He Slept

By Robert Burns

(1)

O thou dread Power, who reign’st above!

    I know thou wilt me hear,

When for this scene of peace and love

    I make my prayer sincere.

(2)

The hoary sire — the mortal stroke,

    Long, long, be pleased to spare;

To bless his filial little flock

    And show what good men are.

(3)

She who her lovely offspring eyes

    With tender hopes and fears,

O, bless her with a mother’s joys,

    But spare a mother’s tears!

(4)

Their hope — their stay — their darling youth,

    In manhood’s dawning blush — 

Bless him, thou God of love and truth,

    Up to a parent’s wish!

(5)

The beauteous, seraph sister-band,

    With earnest tears I pray,

Thous know’st the snares on ev’ry hand — 

    Guide Thou their steps alway.

(6)

When soon or late they reach that coast,

    O’er life’s rough ocean driven,

May they rejoice, no wanderer lost,

    A family in Heaven!

Poem Analysis:

"Lying At A Reverend Friend's House On Night" by Robert Burns is a poignant and heartfelt prayer that reflects the poet's deep reverence for divine power and his sincere wishes for the well-being of his friend's family. Through six stanzas, Burns articulates his hopes and aspirations, invoking blessings upon different members of the household and expressing his faith in God's guidance and protection.

Invocation of Divine Power: The poem begins with an invocation to the divine power, addressed as the "dread Power" who reigns above. Burns expresses confidence that his prayer will be heard as he seeks solace and peace in the presence of God.

Protection for the Elderly Father: In the second stanza, Burns petitions for the sparing of the elderly father from the mortal stroke, wishing for his continued presence to bless his "filial little flock." This reflects the poet's concern for the patriarch's well-being and his recognition of the importance of his guidance and wisdom within the family.

Blessings for the Mother: Burns extends his prayer to the mother of the household in the third stanza, expressing a desire for her to experience the joys of motherhood without the sorrow of tears. This stanza underscores the poet's empathy and compassion for the maternal figure and his wish for her happiness and fulfillment.

Wishes for the Young Son: The fourth stanza focuses on the young son of the family, described as their "hope," "stay," and "darling youth." Burns invokes God's blessings upon the son, praying for his growth into manhood guided by love and truth, and aligned with the aspirations of his parents.

Protection for the Sisters: In the fifth stanza, Burns turns his attention to the sisters of the household, referred to as the "beauteous, seraph sister-band." He implores divine guidance to protect them from the snares and challenges that they may encounter in life, emphasizing the importance of their spiritual and moral well-being.

Hope for Eternal Reunion: The final stanza of the poem expresses Burns' ultimate wish for the family's eternal reunion in heaven. He hopes that, despite life's challenges and uncertainties, they will find joy and solace as a united family in the afterlife, symbolizing his belief in the power of faith and divine providence.

In summary, "Lying At A Reverend Friend's House On Night" is a prayerful meditation that encapsulates Robert Burns' sentiments of care, compassion, and faith. Through his verses, Burns articulates his hopes and aspirations for the well-being and happiness of his friend's family, while also acknowledging the transcendent power of divine grace and guidance in their lives.