Peg Nicholson (Poem by Robert Burns)

Peg Nicholson

By Robert Burns

Peg Nicholson was a good bay mare,

    As ever trode on airn;

But now she’s floating down the Nith,

    And past the mouth o’ Cairn.

Peg Nicholson was a good bay mare,

    And rode thro’ thick an’ thin;

But now she’s floating down the Nith,

    And wanting even the skin.

Peg Nicholson was a good bay mare,

    And ance she bore a priest;

But now she’s flouting down the Nith,

    For Solway fish a feast.

Peg Nicholson was a good bay mare,

    And the priest he rode her sair;

And much oppress’d and bruis’d she was;

    As priest-rid cattle are, &c. &c.

Poem Analysis:

Robert Burns, known for his lyrical poetry and vivid storytelling, crafted the poem "Peg Nicholson" as an elegy for a faithful mare. While this poem may appear simple on the surface, it carries deeper themes of loyalty, hardship, and the passage of time. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's structure, themes, and the emotions it evokes.

Themes:

1. Loyalty and Dedication: The central theme of the poem is the loyalty and dedication of Peg Nicholson, the bay mare. Peg's unwavering service is highlighted throughout the poem, emphasizing her role as a trusted companion.
2. Mortality and Loss: The poem also touches upon mortality and loss, as Peg's journey down the Nith River signifies her passing. It reflects on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death.

Structure:

"Peg Nicholson" consists of four quatrains (four-line stanzas), each with an ABCB rhyme scheme. The poem maintains a consistent meter and rhythm, which contribute to its lyrical quality.

Analysis:

1. "Peg Nicholson was a good bay mare, / As ever trode on airn; / But now she’s floating down the Nith, / And past the mouth o’ Cairn.": The poem opens by introducing Peg Nicholson as a reliable bay mare. The phrase "trod on airn" suggests her strength and durability. However, the melancholic tone is set as Peg's journey down the Nith River signifies her passing.
2. "Peg Nicholson was a good bay mare, / And rode thro’ thick an’ thin; / But now she’s floating down the Nith, / And wanting even the skin.": These lines emphasize Peg's loyal service, as she carried her rider "thro' thick an' thin." The mention of her skin being lost during her journey alludes to her vulnerability in death.
3. "Peg Nicholson was a good bay mare, / And ance she bore a priest; / But now she’s flouting down the Nith, / For Solway fish a feast.": The poem briefly recounts Peg's role in carrying a priest. This reference may symbolize the importance of her service in the community. Her fate, floating down the Nith to become food for Solway fish, underscores the cycle of life and death.
4. "Peg Nicholson was a good bay mare, / And the priest he rode her sair; / And much oppress’d and bruis’d she was; / As priest-rid cattle are, &c. &c.": In these lines, the poem highlights the physical toll of carrying the priest. Peg's oppression and bruises are likened to "priest-rid cattle," suggesting the heavy burden she bore.

"Peg Nicholson" by Robert Burns pays tribute to a loyal and dedicated bay mare. Through its simple yet poignant verses, the poem captures the essence of Peg's service and her eventual passing. It reflects on themes of loyalty, mortality, and the enduring bond between humans and animals. In doing so, the poem invites readers to contemplate the significance of those who serve us faithfully, even in the face of hardship and the passage of time.