On the Death of Sir James Hunter Blair (Poem by Robert Burns)

On the Death of Sir James Hunter Blair

By Robert Burns

The lamp of day, with ill-presaging glare,

    Dim, cloudy, sunk beneath the western wave;

Th’ inconstant blast howl’d thro’ the darkening air,

    And hollow whistled in the rocky cave.

Lone as I wander’d by each cliff and dell,

    Once the lov’d haunts of Scotia’s royal train; [1]

Or mus’d where limpid streams once hallow’d well, [2]

    Or mould’ring ruins mark the sacred fane. [3]

Th’ increasing blast roared round the beetling rocks,

    The clouds, swift-wing’d, flew o’er the starry sky,

The groaning trees untimely shed their locks,

    And shooting meteors caught the startled eye.

The paly moon rose in the livid east,

    And ‘mong the cliffs disclos’d a stately form,

In weeds of woe that frantic beat her breast,

    And mix’d her wailings with the raving storm.

Wild to my heart the filial pulses glow,

    ’Twas Caledonia’s trophied shield I view’d:

Her form majestic droop’d in pensive woe,

    The lightning of her eye in tears imbued.

Revers’d that spear, redoubtable in war,

    Reclined that banner, erst in fields unfurl’d,

That like a deathful meteor gleam’d afar,

    And brav’d the mighty monarchs of the world. — 

“My patriot son fills an untimely grave!”

    With accents wild and lifted arms — she cried;

“Low lies the hand that oft was stretch’d to save,

    Low lies the heart that swell’d with honest pride.

“A weeping country joins a widow’s tear,

    The helpless poor mix with the orphan’s cry;

The drooping arts surround their patron’s bier,

    And grateful science heaves the heart-felt sigh!

“I saw my sons resume their ancient fire;

    I saw fair freedom’s blossoms richly blow:

But ah! how hope is born but to expire!

    Relentless fate has laid their guardian low.

“My patriot falls, but shall he lie unsung,

    While empty greatness saves a worthless name!

No; every muse shall join her tuneful tongue,

    And future ages hear his growing fame.

“And I will join a mother’s tender cares,

    Thro’ future times to make his virtues last;

That distant years may boast of other Blairs!” — 

    She said, and vanish’d with the sweeping blast.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] The King’s Park, at Holyrood-house.

[2] St. Anthony’s Well.

[3] St. Anthony’s Chapel.

Poem Analysis:

Robert Burns, a poetic voice of 18th-century Scotland, pens a poignant and emotive elegy in "On the Death of Sir James Hunter Blair." This ode mourns the untimely demise of a patriot, Sir James Hunter Blair, against the backdrop of a dark and foreboding natural setting. The poem delves into themes of loss, patriotism, and the fleeting nature of human accomplishments. In this analysis, we will unravel the layers of Burns' elegy and explore the emotional depth it brings to the lamentation of a fallen hero.

1. Setting the Scene: The poem opens with a vivid portrayal of a desolate landscape. The sinking sun, ominous clouds, and the howling wind create an atmosphere of gloom and impending doom. Burns masterfully employs nature as a mirror to reflect the somber mood, setting the stage for the elegy's mournful tone.
2. Reflecting on the Past: As the narrator wanders through landscapes once graced by "Scotia’s royal train," Burns draws attention to the historical significance of the setting. The mention of limpid streams, hallowed wells, and "mould’ring ruins" evokes a sense of nostalgia, emphasizing the connection between the fallen patriot and the storied past of Scotland.
3. Symbolism and Imagery: Burns skillfully utilizes symbolism to convey the depth of his grief. The increasing blast, roaring rocks, and untimely-shedding trees become metaphors for the tumultuous emotions surrounding Sir James Hunter Blair's death. The paly moon reveals a spectral figure, draped in mourning, adding a supernatural element to the elegy.
4. Caledonia's Grief: The heart of the elegy lies in Caledonia's grief, personified as a mourning mother. The imagery of her drooping form and tearful eyes paints a vivid picture of sorrow. The reversal of the trophied shield and reclined banner symbolizes the extinguishing of a valiant spirit that once stood defiant against powerful foes.
5. The Patriot's Legacy: As Caledonia bemoans the loss of her patriot son, Burns underscores the importance of immortalizing Sir James Hunter Blair's legacy. The fallen hero is praised for his efforts in advancing freedom, and his untimely demise is portrayed as a blow to the hopeful resurgence of Scotland's spirit.
6. The Poet's Promise: Burns concludes the elegy with a promise to keep the memory of Sir James Hunter Blair alive. The poet vows that "every muse shall join her tuneful tongue," ensuring that the patriot's virtues are celebrated by future generations. This commitment to preserving Blair's legacy adds a hopeful note to the elegy's mournful theme.

"On the Death of Sir James Hunter Blair" stands as a testament to Robert Burns' ability to weave powerful emotions into poetic tapestries. Through evocative language, rich symbolism, and an exploration of nature, history, and human emotion, Burns immortalizes the memory of a fallen patriot. The elegy serves as both a tribute to Sir James Hunter Blair and a reflection on the fragility of life and the enduring impact of those who champion the cause of freedom and justice.